Conference giveaways - 17 swag gifts

Attending conferences, trade shows or a trade fair can be an exciting experience, where attendees have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, network with like-minded professionals, and gain insights into the latest trends and innovations.

However, one of the most anticipated aspects of attending a conference is the free goodies, known as conference giveaways or conference swag, that participants get to take home with them. These can range from branded pens and notepads to tote bags and t-shirts, all designed to help conference goers remember the event and the companies or organizations that sponsored it.

Conference swag not only serves as brand exposure for the companies involved but also as a way to show appreciation to the attendees for their participation. In addition, offering promotional products as conference gifts can also attract potential clients or partner. That's why it's important to target audience the right way by offering the best conference swag.

In this article, we will explore the importance of conference giveaways and the different types of swag that are commonly offered at conferences. Giving conference gifts has never been easier with this list of 17 sustainable and quality products featured in our catalog.

Conference giveaways:

The classic conference swag - Tote bags

Tote bags are a classic conference giveaways that has stood the test of time. These versatile bags are not only practical but also stylish and eco-friendly. Event guests can use them to carry around important papers, conference materials, and personal items, making it easy to keep everything they need in one place. Bags can also be customized with the conference logo or other branding elements, providing a long-lasting marketing opportunity for the sponsoring organization.

Moreover, since tote are reusable and durable, they can serve as a reminder of the conference and the positive impact that the organization is making in promoting sustainability and that free stuff are not always ending up in the trash.

On merchery.co, you will find many options of recycled cotton bags, but also some cool alternatives that changes from what we are used to see such as the square tote bag or the Rpet tote made from recycled PET.

Take a look at our wide selection of tote bags and any other unique client gift ideas for more giveaway ideas.

Another classic, but make it stylish - Textile giveaway ideas

At Merchery, we know that conference gifts can sometimes be uninspiring. Let's be honest, who needs another boring t-shirt that'll only be worn as a pyjama? That's why we take a different approach when it comes to textile gifts. We believe that conference attendees deserve quality garments that they can wear with pride long after the event has ended.

Our t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodie are made from the highest quality materials, with the best fits, so they're not only comfortable, but they'll also last.

Plus, with a cool design, your conference t-shirt will be the next trendy item everyone wants to wear. Whether it's a fun graphic or a sleek logo, we work with you to create a design that captures the spirit of your event and makes a statement.

So, let's ditch the boring t-shirts and elevate your conference gift game with Merchery.

Have a look at our selection of stylish textile.

Everything needed to take notes - 8 Personalized Pens

When it comes to conference swag, branded pens are one of the most popular and enduring gifts that are given to attendees making them good in person conferences giveaways. They are practical, cost-effective, and easy to customize with company's logo, slogans, or contact information. Participants can use them to take notes during sessions on the conference table, sign important documents, or simply jot down ideas.

Additionally, pens are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around in a pocket or bag during a conference event. Branded pens come in a variety of styles, from basic ballpoint pens to high-end fountain pens, allowing organizations to choose the option that best suits their budget and branding needs.

We have a wide variety of pens on our site but we have selected here 8 options that we think are the best conference swag giveaways.

• Swiss know-how - Caran d'Ache With its hexagonal shape, its aluminium body and its 100% Swiss Made manufacture, this emblematic ballpoint pen from Caran d’Ache guarantees unique writing comfort. A perfect event giveaways item.

• The practical one - Kaweco pocket fountain pen The iconic Kaweco pocket fountain pen can proudly be put on your desk but also fits perfectly in a pocket. The perfect event swag.

• The greenest option - Natural grass pen This pen is complex in its simplicity. It is made of grass and recycled plastic in a factory at the top of the sustainability game.

• The stylish one - Krama pens The pens from Krama Studio are pieces of art. They are precise, long lasting, durable, and will get their own character over time and use. They are highly functional writing tools, they are technically accomplished and finely crafted. The design, production, and finishing processes are all done in Greece.

• The qualitative and timeless one - Parker jotter A legendary pen made in France. For many of us it represents good memories. For others less so.

• The recycled one - Recycled PCP pen Made in Germany, this writing instrument is 100% made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Deutsche Qualitat.

• VIP event giveaway swag - MontBlanc ballpoint pen Luxury at its best. This ballpoint is crafted in polished precious resin and features platinum coated fittings. The cap top is crowned with the iconic white Montblanc emblem. Have a look at our curation of gift ideas for vip clients .

• Give it a second life - [Sprout pencils](https://merchery.co/shop/sprout-pencil Plants from pencils? That’s right – once you’ve finished with your Sprout pencil, plant it and watch it grow into fragrant herbs, luscious flowers or even fresh vegetables.

Check out our complete range of pens and corporate gifting.

Notebooks - Bring your notes back home

The perfect trade show swag ideas are notebooks.

Notebooks are a classic and practical conference gift that your guests can use long after the event is over. From our catalog, we have a wide range of sustainable and high-quality notebooks that are both functional and eco-friendly. For example the one from Karst made from recycled stone or the one from Mishmash. Those are made with sustainable materials and feature a durable design that can withstand daily wear and tear.

For a quality and timeless notebook, prefer one with a leather cover like the Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 notebooks. With plenty of pages for note-taking, participants can use them during the conference and beyond, making them a practical and useful item that they won't throw away.

In addition to their functionality, our notebooks can be customized with your company logo or branding. Whether used for work or personal use, our notebooks will remind participants of your conference and the value they received from attending.

Have a look at our selection of notebooks.

Stay energized - coffee mug for on-the-go

One popular conference giveaway that is both practical and appreciated by conference attendees is a coffee mug for on-the-go. With conferences often spanning multiple days and people needing a caffeine boost to power through sessions and networking events, having a reliable coffee mug can make all the difference.

These mugs or tumblers can be made of durable materials like stainless steel or ceramic, and may feature insulated walls to keep beverages hot or cold for longer periods. Offering branded on-the-go coffee mugs not only provides participants with a useful tool to keep them going throughout the event, but it also serves as a long-lasting marketing opportunity for the sponsoring company.

So, whether a person prefer to sip on hot morning coffee, iced tea, or a refreshing smoothie, a branded on-the-go coffee mug is a practical and appreciated conference giveaway.

Check out our selection of mugs & tumblers.

Swag items that won't break the bank

If you're looking for budget-friendly as well as eco-friendly swag ideas for your conference or event, on our website there are plenty of options that won't break the bank. Some ideas include branded matches, teabags, sprout pencils, erasers, and more.

Branded matches are the most inexpensive conference swag from our catalogue and also a practical item.

Teabags are another low-cost option that can be customized with your brand logo or branding (or even a nice phrase), and can be a welcome treat for guests during long days of presentations and workshops.

Sprout pencils are a unique and eco-friendly giveaway. These pencils contain seeds that can be planted after use, allowing attendees to grow their own plants as a reminder of your event.

Erasers are a practical and useful item that can be customized with your branding, providing a constant reminder of your conference. They are also lightweight and easy to ship, making them a cost-effective option.

By offering these eco and budget-friendly swag ideas, you can still provide participants of your event with practical and memorable promotional items while staying within your budget.

For the smokers - light the fire

For conference participants who smoke, having a designated smoking area can be a welcome relief during a long day of sessions and networking. However, it's important to ensure that smoking-related waste is disposed of properly, and that's where conference swag for smokers comes in handy.

Pocket ashtrays and matches are practical giveaways that can help smokers keep their smoking areas clean and free of litter. Pocket ashtrays, for instance, are small, portable ashtrays that can fit easily in a pocket or bag, making it easy for smokers to carry them around during the conference.

Giving out branded swag for smokers is not only a cool way to promote responsible smoking, but it also shows that conference organizers care about all attendees, whether they smoke or not. It's a friendly gesture that makes everyone feel included and appreciated. So, why not spread some love (and some cool swag) at your next conference?

Hungry people - Treats to leave on conference table

Who doesn't love a sweet treat during a conference break? At our catalog, we have some delicious options of healthy snacks that not only taste amazing but also support sustainable and ethical practices.

Take the Tony Chocolonely chocolate, for example. Not only is it made with the finest cocoa beans, but it's also 100% slave-free, so you can indulge guilt-free.

Or how about some artisanal cookies that are baked to perfection with the finest ingredients?

Leaving these treats on the conference tables is sure to make the participants of your event happy and energized for the rest of the day. And who knows, it might even inspire them to make more conscious choices when it comes to their snacks and treats.

Have a look at our selection of customized treats here.

Keep your computer safe - Laptop bags

With technology being such a big part of conferences these days, giving out laptop cases or bags as swag giveaway is becoming increasingly popular and often considered as one of the best conference swag these years. And it's not hard to see why - a good quality computer sleeve not only protects your precious device but also makes it easier to lug around from session to session. With conference goers often having to walk long distances between sessions or to networking events, having a reliable laptop sleeve can make all the difference in terms of comfort and convenience.

They can be made of various materials, from durable nylon to stylish leather, and can feature multiple compartments for accessories like tech item, chargers, power bank, usb flash drives.

Additionally, customized sleeves offer a great brand recognition for the sponsoring organization, as they will be seen by attendees and others in their workplace, further promoting the conference and the organization behind it.

Check out the Rpet laptop case made from recycled PET or the stylish & minimalist one from Urth.

Go for the laptop sleeve and protect all the computer screens!

Protecting oneself from the bad weather - branded umbrellas

Umbrellas can be a practical and useful conference gift, but we all know the frustration of a cheap umbrella that falls apart at the first sign of wind or rain. From our catalog, meet the Stormproof umbrella. Built to last and withstand even the harshest weather conditions. This one will also be the perfect gift if you are organizing outdoor activities.

Our stormproof umbrella feature a unique aerodynamic design that can withstand wind speeds up to 100km/h. This means that event guests can rely on their umbrella to keep them dry and protected, even in the worst of storms.

In addition to its durability, this item is also stylish and customizable with your conference branding. By offering high-quality stormproof umbrellas as a conference gift, you're also showing your commitment to quality and excellence. Attendees will appreciate the thoughtful gift and will be more likely to remember your conference in the future.

Easy and practical conference giveaway - Custom Branded Water Bottles

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, especially during conferences when you're running around from one session to another. And what better way to stay hydrated than with a fancy drinkware that you can refill throughout the day?

Not only are water bottles practical and stylish, but they're also a sustainable choice. By giving out reusable water bottles as swag giveaway, conference organizers can help reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste generated.

And the best part? From our catalog, there are so many different types of bottles to choose from - from stainless steel to glass to BPA-free plastic - so you can find one that fits your budget and style. And if you really want to make an impact, customize it with your company logo or message.

So, if you want to keep your guests hydrated and the planet happy, water bottles are a no-brainer as sustainable conference swag ideas.

Always look good - Travel pouch

Attending a conference abroad? It can be exciting, but it also means packing and organizing everything you need for the trip. That's where pouches come in as a thoughtful and practical swag gift. Pouches can be customized with a company logo or event name and can include a variety of items such pens, hygiene gel or travel-sized toiletries. You can even offer a branded toothbrush or hair brush to put inside. These items can be especially useful for attendees who are traveling from out of town and may have forgotten to pack something.

The pouches can be made of different materials, from sustainable cotton to durable nylon or recycled polyester. Plus, the pouch itself can be reused for future trips, serving as a useful reminder of the conference and the company or event that provided it.

By offering pouches as swag gifts, conference organizers can not only give a useful item but also provide brand exposure in a subtle and practical way.

Have a look at our selection of customizable pouches.

Small Carabiner or Key Ring with your company logo 

Are you looking for a practical and affordable conference giveaway that your guests will love? Consider carabiners and key rings! These small but mighty items are perfect for holding keys, badges, and even small items like flash drives or bottles. And way better than cheap lanyards if you ask us.

They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose one that matches your branding or theme. And since they're so useful, attendees are sure to keep them long after the conference is over.

Plus, every time they use the carabiner or key ring, they'll be reminded of your conference and your organization. It's a win-win!

So if you're looking for a not too expensive swag option that still packs a punch, consider carabiners and key rings.

An original flyer or business card?

Using a seeds bag as a business card is a unique and eco-friendly way to make an impression on potential customers or partners. Instead of a traditional business card, you can provide people with a small bag containing seeds that they can plant after the event. Just put your business info on it and you're good to go. Not only is this a sustainable option, but it also provides with a tangible and fun item.

Seeds bags can contain a variety of seeds, from flowers to herbs such as basil, chives, calendula, love-in-a-mist, poppies, borage, wildflower or cosmos. Choose one depending on your industry or preferences. They're also lightweight and easy to distribute, making them a convenient option for conferences or events.

By using seeds bags as a business card, you're showing your commitment to sustainability and creativity. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful gesture and will be more likely to remember your business in the future.

Keep your phone safe - Phone cases

Looking for a unique and sustainable conference swag item? Look no further than Pela phone cases! These eco-friendly cases are made from plant-based materials and are biodegradable, making them the perfect choice for your event guests who care about the environment. Not only do these cases offer stylish protection for their mobile device, but they also showcase the organization's commitment to sustainability.

With a range of colors and designs to choose from, there's a Pela case to suit every style. Check it out here.

Hands-free network - Backpacks

When it comes to selecting a conference gift idea, backpacks are an excellent option that provides both practicality and style.

On our website, you can find backpacks in a range of materials, sizes, and styles, making it easy to find one that fits your budget and matches your brand's aesthetic.

From sleek leather designs to eco-friendly options made from recycled materials, there's a backpack for every attendee's preference. We love the ones from Ucon Acrobatics for their minimalist design or the eco-friendly options like the Patagonia backpack or the Recycled PET backpack. With the added bonus of being a reusable item, a backpack is a thoughtful and practical gift that will be appreciated by all.

Have a look at our selection of backpacks.

Best items for virtual conferences

As more conferences move to a virtual format, it's important to adjust the conference swag to reflect the changing needs of attendees. The good news is that the gift ideas presented above can easily be adapted for virtual events. Pens, notebooks, laptop cases, key holders or any textile will do the job.

Create a small package for the people attending your virtual event and send it out beforehand.

By offering practical and customized swag items for virtual events, conference organizers can show appreciation for attendees, while also promoting their organization in a unique and memorable way. These classic items like desk accessories, pens, and computer sleeves still have a place in virtual events and can be made even more valuable with customization and practicality.

Think about it for your next virtual event.

Conference swag gifts are a great way to show appreciation to participants and promote brand recognition for sponsoring organizations. From practical items like laptop sleeves and water bottles to more unique and sustainable gifts like seed bags and Pela phone cases, there are many event swag options to choose from to fit any budget and event theme. By selecting high-quality, sustainable and useful gifts, conference organizers can ensure that attendees will remember their experience and continue to use the branded gifts long after the conference has ended. Additionally, conference swag gifts can contribute to a more eco-friendly and responsible event by promoting sustainable and long lasting branded products. With the right selection, conference swag gifts can be a memorable and positive aspect of any event, conference or trade show.

All the awesome promotional product we've mentioned in this article aren't just perfect for conferences or trade show but also for a range of company events, including office parties, holiday gatherings, and team-building activities. Discover more about corporate gifting programs and get inspired.

Think about it for your next event or your next conference and choose the right gift. Your event attendees will thank you.

At Merchery, as a sustainable corporate gift supplier, we look for the best possible products for you. Discover our offer in our catalog.