Swapping a plastic tote for a recycled one helps. Still, most of the waste from conference giveaways comes from other places. Businesses order more than they need, every item comes wrapped in plastic, and a lot of it goes to people who walked straight past the stand. Planning the order properly is just as important as choosing good eco friendly swag.
Work Out How Many You Actually Need
Don’t base your order on the total number of people at the event. Base it on how many you expect to actually talk to. At a conference with 2,000 attendees, a stand might have proper conversations with a few hundred people over two days. If you were at the same event last year, look back at those numbers.
Splitting your order into two parts can help. Order a bigger batch of something simple, like the Matakana Foldaway Tote or SPICE pens. Then order a small number of something better, such as the Patrick Cork Notebook Set or the Zoya Recycled Bottle Cap Speaker, for the contacts you most want to follow up with.
Eco Friendly Swag Ideas That Still Work After the Event
You’ll almost always have some items left over. So it makes sense to choose things you can still use once you’re back at the office. Put your logo on them, but leave off the event name and date. Spare Irvinson Recycled Alu Bottles or Bryce Recycled Trucker caps can then go into welcome packs for new staff or be saved for your next event.
Ask About Packaging
Plenty of promotional products are shipped in their own little plastic bags. If you’re handing out environmentally friendly swag, having people unwrap plastic at your stand sends a mixed message. Ask your supplier if they can pack items in bulk or use cardboard instead. Attendees do pick up on details like this.
Hand Things Out at the Right Moment
If you leave a pile of giveaways on the table, people will grab them as they walk by, and most won’t remember who you are. Try handing an item over once you’ve finished chatting with someone. They’re more likely to connect it with your business, and you’ll go through fewer items.
Quick Answers
What should I do with leftover eco friendly swag?
As long as there’s no event date printed on it, you can use it in staff welcome packs, at client meetings or at your next event.
How far ahead should I order conference swag?
Try to allow several weeks, particularly for branded items. That gives you time to sign off on the artwork and sort out the packaging.
Is cheap swag ever worth it?
It is if people will actually use it. Usually, though, a smaller number of good items does more for your brand than a big pile of stuff that ends up in the bin.
Get Help With Your Next Event
Give us a call on 0434 141 528 or send an email to hello@evergreenmerch.com.au. Let us know about the conference, roughly how many people will be there and who you want to reach, and we’ll help you work out a sensible order.
