Anyone who has ever been to a tradeshow or conference knows that one of the best things about them is the free swag. Companies go all out to try and one-up each other with the most innovative and interesting promotional items in hopes that attendees will remember them long after the event is over.

What Makes Swag Work at Conferences or Tradeshows?

How well swag works for you depends on what your goals are. Do you want your brand to be seen all over the exhibit hall (give them something they will wear or use right away) or once delegates get back to their office (give them something they will use every day at work)?

Do you mind if a lot of your gifts end up at the homes of delegates and in the hands of their kids? Do you want to make a statement about your product’s features and quality (by giving away related, high-quality items) or just make a lot of people aware of your brand (by giving away a lot of cheap, eye-catching things)? Do you want to be remembered for giving something different than everyone else, or do you just want to make sure people don’t leave without something? By understanding your objectives, you’ll be sure to know what to order.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the swag trends we can expect to see in 2022.

Retro Swag

Remember those cool retro t-shirts, backpacks, and pins that were all the rage a few years ago? Well, they’re back and they’re cooler than ever. This throwback trend is perfect for companies looking to appeal to a younger demographic. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your brand’s sense of style while still getting your message across

Gadget Swag

Gadgets are always popular, but we expect to see even more high-tech swag in 2022 as companies look for ways to stand out from the competition. Everything from Bluetooth speakers to smartwatches will be up for grabs, so start thinking about which gadgets your company could use to promote itself.

Sustainably Sourced Swag

As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers, we expect to see more companies incorporating sustainable practices into their swag offerings. This could include anything from using recycled materials to sourcing items from local vendors. No matter what form it takes, sustainable, eco-friendly swag is sure to be a hit with eco-conscious attendees.

Travel Swag

Instead of the typical keychains, bottle openers, lanyards, and badge holders, travel swag can be more fun and specific. Items such as backpacks, or essential travel bundles, are sure to be put to good use, especially for those on the road often.

Wellness Swag

Our selection of sanitizers, yoga mats, and other health and wellness gifts are guaranteed to the type of swag used by those who receive it!

Drinkware Swag

Many of us marketers may not think much about the value of drinkware swag. But give it some thought. Who here drinks out of a mug? A bottle you can reuse? How about a glass of beer or wine? Who wants a tumbler? If more people were here, they’d all raise their hands. So, why not take advantage of this? Why not find that perfect mug, pint, or a wine glass that no one would dare drink out of without?

How to know how much to order

Now that you know why you need to order promotional items for a trade show and have some ideas of what’s hot, you can figure out what to order. In the end, the answer depends on how much money you have and how much you need.

These are just a few of the swag trends we can expect to see in 2022. So if you’re planning on attending any tradeshows or conferences next year, make sure to keep an eye out for these must-have items. And if you’re a company looking to make a big impression, don’t forget that swag is always a great way to get your brand noticed.