Freebies are an excellent way to boost return on investment at exhibitions, trade shows and conferences! A good freebie can attract more visitors, build brand awareness, leave a lasting impression and create excitement around your brand. However, freebies with little purpose can easily become wasteful. The exhibition industry already has a deep-rooted issue with waste, especially from traditional custom-built stands, thrown in landfills after two to three days. To avoid adding to this problem, ensure that your freebies are genuinely useful to your target audience or use sustainable materials.
We spoke to Quadrant2Design, a UK-based exhibition stand design and build contractor with over 20 years of experience in sustainable modular stands. They gave us some fantastic ideas for sustainable freebies.
Coffee Cups, Bottles and Flasks
Everybody loves a free bottle. These come in many designs and styles that are useful and practical for all guests. Not to mention, their use in public spaces can help you gain brand awareness.
- Glass coffee travel cup: You’ll be sure to impress with a unique and trendy glass travel mug! These freebies are perfect for companies at smaller exhibitions with a targeted group of clients to impress.
- Bamboo Travel Mugs: An alternative option is a bamboo travel mug! These are made using sustainable materials but have a classy finish.
- Reusable Flasks: Reusable flasks are always useful! For a unique touch, you can partner with Ocean Bottle, a sustainable company that cleans up around 1000 bottles for every reusable bottle sold.
- Classic Recycled Travel Mug: There is no harm in using a classic design. If you’re planning to supply a lot of freebies, a classic travel mug is a perfect choice.
- Foldable Cup: Don’t forget the pop-up and foldable cups. These are perfect travel items for guests as they are easy to carry!
Utensils, Tupperware, and More
Consider branded utensils as your merchandise if you’re exhibiting at a food and beverage trade show.
- Branded Utensil kits: Many visitors work in offices where they bring lunch. These kits are perfect for handbags and eating on the go!
- Branded Lunch Boxes: Likewise branded eco lunch boxes are a great freebie to hand out, and they’ll likely get a lot of use.
If these ideas aren’t for you, look into branded bottle openers, wine openers, metal straws or can crushers!
Clothing and Other Merchandise
- Tote Bags: These are a classic trade show giveaway! Tote bags can be useful, but their overuse in shows can make them less interesting. Consider using an interesting design if you want your merchandise to stand out!
- Clothing: Branded merchandise like hats, sunglasses, socks and t-shirts seem like odd giveaways. However, they can be successful if done properly! Think of brands like MacDonald, Lidl and Ikea, and how well their merchandise was received. This giveaway might not work effectively for every brand, but it’s worth looking into.
Useful Tech and gadgets
Because smartphone usage is at an all-time high, phone-related technology, gadgets and accessories are very popular. These products are great for all industries and there are plenty of sustainable versions to choose from.
- USB Hard Drive: This is a classic trade show freebie, but it’s an all-time favourite as it’s practical and useful. Customise the USB with your branding to remind the user of your company.
- Wireless Charger: Wireless Chargers are among the most useful freebies you can offer. These can be purchased in various styles, including a bamboo finish!
- Three-in-one Charging Cable: You can’t go wrong with a three-in-one cable. This is the type of freebie that people will never throw away. They are perfect for travel, office use and handbags.
- Power Bank: At trade shows nowadays, lots of processes and detail swapping involve the use of phones, so sufficient charge is important. If you can supply a key decision-maker with something useful like a power bank, you will be much more memorable!
- Lightning Charger Fan: For a little more fun, try mini fans, powered by smartphones. Exhibition halls get very hot, and these fans are a great way to keep guests cool.
- Phone Holder: Our final gadget suggestion is a phone holder. These come in sustainable wooden and bamboo finishes and are great for guests to keep on their work desks!
Subscriptions
The suggestions for freebies have all been practical or utilised sustainable materials. A more sustainable alternative to these physical giveaways is to offer discounts or free trials for your services!
Consider offering free trials, discounted subscription rates, or loyalty points to trade show visitors. This will encourage visitors to try your products and services and make you more memorable following the show!
To Sum Up
When planning your sustainable giveaway, the best thing you can do is choose something that is genuinely useful and will not be binned. Next, look for sustainable materials and ethical sourcing! Finally, consider subscriptions and discounts that could draw new users to try your products!
