Five ways to stand out at trade shows

Trade shows are a fantastic opportunity to grab your customers’ and prospects’ attention – but if you give away the same generic items as the stands on either side of yours, you probably won’t make the impact you hoped. We have a few ideas to put the spotlight firmly on your brand.

The majority of enquiries we receive for trade show giveaways are for the cheapest items. We always try to steer clients towards something more useful, more unique, newer or cooler.

This doesn’t always have to mean spending more, but it does mean spending smarter.

The result is worth it because when you give away promotional items that customers actually want, it reflects well on your brand and the items will be kept and used.

Here are five ways to stand out at trade shows.

1. If you’re going to buy a pen, make it a good one!

Pens are a bestselling promotional merchandise item for a reason, but there is a world of difference between a cheap pen that will fall apart and a pen that your customers will covet (the one pen they won’t lend to their colleagues).

For a funky, tactile pen take a look at our Promotional Fidget Flip and Click Ballpoint Pen. For a budget pen with a high perceived value, try our Promotional Cygnet Value Metal Pen. And if you can spend a little more for a boxed pen that looks and feels special (but is still well under the £5 mark) we have the Promotional Luxe Cepheus Ballpoint Pen.

2. For lower budgets, go for cool and useful tech…

For the same budget as a pen, you can give away something more unique. Silicone phone card wallets are a great way to promote your brand as they sit on customers’ phones all day, and the same goes for Pop Sockets and Smart Pop Stands & Grips. Charging cables are always appreciated, and you can get power banks for well under £5.

3. … or tap into eco trends

Reusable drinkware and straws are huge trends at the moment, as consumers turn their attention to environmental issues. You don’t have to spend much to give away bamboo coffee cups or reusable straws to help customers live a more sustainable lifestyle.

We also have sustainable, environmentally-friendly pens from Prodir and Senator. These are exceptionally high-quality pens which are manufactured responsibly – and the ranges include recycled and biodegradable pens.

4. If you can go big, give tech-lovers what they want

If you are targeting high-value prospects and you have the budget to match, tech is a great way to go.

We suggest wireless charging stands, a bamboo charging stand, solar power banks and wireless power banks. We also recommend mini / Bluetooth speakers, Bamboo speakers, and for something different, a Promotional Ace Sports Bottle with Bluetooth Speaker.

5. Order early!

Ordering early is one of the most overlooked ways of getting better value for money. If you leave an order until a couple of weeks before your event, a good proportion of items simply won’t be available – cutting out some of the best deals.

If you order early enough you also have more customisation options, and access to more print areas such as outer packaging. This way you can make your item stand out with some lovely finishing touches, without necessarily having to spend more.

And you have the option of reducing costs by ordering items from the Far East.

Get in touch to find out more

For bespoke advice on how to stand out at trade shows, get in touch with one of our Promotional Merchandise Consultants who will be happy to help. You can reach us on sales@promo-brand.co.uk or 0208 318 9603.