When beginning to build your event's swag bag, you may be wondering "Where do I even start?". Here is a checklist to get you started so you can create a swag bag your attendees won't forget.
#1: Determine your budget for each swag bag. Allocating a budget for your swag bags will narrow down your options and make your swag bag creating process easier.
While creating your budget, consider all costs that will go into creating your swag bags such as production, printing, delivery, and packaging.
If your event is ticketed, we suggest matching the cost of the swag bag to 5-10% of the ticket price.
#2: Determine the theme of your event. The purpose of every event is different. For example, team building events are held to motivate employees and co-workers while product launches are centered around the introduction of new products into the market.
Consider the kind of event you are hosting and choose the items for your swag bag accordingly. Is your event an executive retreat? Then an xecutive desk lamp, luetooth wireless airbuds, and/or ersonal organizer, are great options for your swag bag.
Is your event's audience environmentally conscious? Consider gifting your attendees with sustainable items like a amboo wireless desktop charging pad.
#3: Determine the timeframe for delivery. Allow at least 2-3 weeks for production and delivery in order to avoid rush production, expedited shipping fees, or even worse, the possibility of not getting your items on time.
#4: Make sure you have your logo in the proper format for branding promotional items. We suggest that you provide files in true vector format - .ai or .eps file
#5: Have brand identity information available for your vendor. Logotype, logotype color options, color palette, typography, etc. are all very helpful to ensure that your branding is consistent on all your swag items.
Note: Download our free, swag bag reference sheet to build and create praiseworthy swag bags for any and every event, making your's one to remember.
#6: Consider attendee interests and characteristics. Swag bags are meant to generate engagement with your brand and what better way to do that than to give your attendees something that fits within their interests.
Consider your audiences' likes and dislikes and then research promotional items that they'd enjoy and use. One way to discover their interests is to ask your attendees through a pre-event survey.
Here are five questions to ask in your survey:
1. Where are you traveling from?
2. What is your job role/title?
3. What industry do you work in?
4. What are your hobbies outside of work?
5. What was your favorite event that you've attended?
The answers to these questions will give you insight on what items they'd find useful. For example, if the majority of your guests are traveling long distances to attend your event, include promotional items that are great for traveling such as luggage tags or portable umbrellas.
#7: Consider ticket prices and costs to attend. If your event has a high-ticket price, then the swag bag should reflect this (see our cost suggestion in tip #1). For massive events where the budgets are high and event attendees pay a high-ticket price, the swag bags should be of high value. One high-ticket swag item that always works is a nice, branded bottle of wine.
#8: Consider quality over quantity. When it comes to creating the perfect swag bag always, always concentrate on the quality of your items and their packaging. Even small budget events with few swag items can achieve a highly praised swag bag when the items are of premium quality, unique, and share-worthy.
And there you have it, 8 key factors to keep in mind when building a swag bag that will create a memorable experience for guests every time.
Note: Download our free, swag bag reference sheet to build and create praiseworthy swag bags for any and every event, making your's one to remember