Guide to Trade-Show Giveaways

Find those freebies that will get your brand noticed on the show floor

By Traci Purdum

1. Choose a target audience and aim your giveaways at these customers
2. Decide whether your main goal is to introduce a new product or remind customers whom to call
3. Set a budget and stick with it

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

You can't beat a bag or a pen

Let's start with the basics. Everyone at a show has to write and tote their other handouts.

I recommend: Try Branders for bags and PensRUs for pens.

Get more choice online

Mints, badge-holders, fans: Online marketplaces give you lots of choices and good prices

I recommend: Try 4imprint, Empire Promotional Products, Silver Star Promotions, Superior Promos Inc.

Get advice from the pros

If the wealth of options confuses you, turn to trade-show gurus for suggestions on promo products that will make your company stand out from the crowd.

I recommend: Try ePromos, FrugalMarketing.com, ExhibitorOnline.com, Trade Show Marketing Mistakes.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Prior to a trade show, send out tickets to key customers or suppliers and request that they visit your booth for a special gift. You can keep costs down by buying big-ticket items for a select few, who will then walk around the trade show with your message. For other booth attendees, you can give away more cost-effective items.
• •  Engage attendees. If you don't have a large budget for giveaways, only give away items to folks who actually do something at your booth. For example, participate in a demonstration or presentation.
• •  Have fun. Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd. Why not go the way of the carnival barker and ask attendees to try their luck by spinning a wheel for prizes? Or start a beach-ball war with the booth across from you? If you look like you're having fun, people will be drawn to you.