Modern printing technology can be used to brand nearly anything, including memorable, high quality corporate gifts and useful tradeshow swag. Some of the most popular items to brand with a company logo for corporate gifts and swag include:
- Apparel, like shirts, hats and outerwear
- Drinkware, like mugs and water bottles
- Pens
- Bags
- Calendars
- Watches
- Clocks
- Computer accessories
- Office supplies, like staplers and paperweights
- Tools
- Kitchen utensils
Some of these are obviously a better choice for corporate gifts, while others are better suited for conventions, tradeshows and other industry events. As the impression-making brand, your organization should come prepared with the right promotional items for the event. A trusted commercial printer can provide quality swag and gifts, so many companies partner with a print expert for their promotional needs.
Corporate Gifts: What They Are Used for and Common Examples
Corporate gifts are distinguished by their quality and are meant as an expression of appreciation or recognition of service. Unlike tradeshow swag, which is handed out in large quantities to groups of people, corporate gifts are often individualized and delivered directly to the recipient.
Examples of high-quality corporate gifts include:
- High end apparel like a jacket or other outerwear
- Awards like a plaque or desktop clock
- Small appliances, like a mixer or air fryer
- Photography equipment
- Golf items and accessories
- Watches
- Executive planners
- Briefcases and computer bags
As you can see, many of these gifts are available as luxury items that can add a touch of class to employee recognition. Corporate gifts can also be branded using laser engraving or other processes, so your company’s name and logo can be featured. Alternatively, corporate gifts can be customized with the employee’s name, their dates of service and other worthwhile details.
Although corporate gifts aren’t a promotional marketing technique, per se, they do support better employee morale. This can boost the brand’s reputation indirectly and improve employee retention.
Tradeshow Swag: How Promotional Items Can Make an Impact at Industry Events
Corporate gifts are typically delivered to people inside the organization and are used to recognize standout employees. Tradeshow swag is different. Instead, it’s handed out at company events, industry conventions or other major events – and it’s handed out to anyone who is willing to stop by the company booth and hear a pitch.
Promotional items are a proven, relatively inexpensive way for businesses to make a positive first impression – and they can deliver ongoing branding benefits long after the swag goes home with everyone. That’s because tradeshow swag can be customized with your company’s name, logo and contact information. By distributing swag, you’re distributing your company’s information to hundreds of potential leads.
The goal with tradeshow items is to pick something that’s cost effective and useful at the same time. You don’t want to hand out generic items that will produce a negative reaction or will be tossed away immediately. Instead, focus on affordable items that still deliver consistent value, such as:
- Shirts and hats
- Tote bags
- Calendars
- Computer accessories, like USB drives and chargers
- Desk and office items, like notepads and business card holders
- Pens
- Mugs and water bottles
- Stress balls
- Simple tools, like gardening tools or a screwdriver kit
- Phone cases
Commercial printers can brand any type of material, so your tradeshow swag can be customized as you see fit.
A Commercial Printer Can Provide High Quality Branded Items for Corporate Gifts and Tradeshow Swag
Promotional marketing is a proven way to improve brand recall and trust, but only if it’s properly executed. That’s where an experienced commercial printer can make all the difference, as they can provide the following benefits:
- Branding versatility – Commercial printers have access to advanced printing and branding technologies, like laser engraving. Corporate gifts and tradeshow swag are typically branded, so you’ll need special printing technology to manage that – technology that expert commercial printers are equipped with.
- Scalable output – Commercial printers also have access to additional printing resources that allow for expanded output volumes. If you’ve got a tradeshow or another industry event coming up, your commercial printing expert can meet your volume and timeline requirements.
- Responsive customer service – Commercial printers prioritize customer service, as they know quality is everything when it comes to promotional marketing. As such, your commercial printing expert will help you select the right material or promotional items for your event. They will provide samples to verify that you’re happy with the product and can make any adjustments as necessary. As your printing or marketing needs change, your commercial printer will adjust along with them.
Partner with a Commercial Printing Expert and Impress with Your Promotional Marketing
Corporate gifts and tradeshow swag have one important thing in common – they represent your brand. For that reason, organizations should only trust their promotional marketing to an experienced printer. Reputable commercial printers can provide a greater array of promotional products, brand them clearly and deliver any volume to support your marketing efforts.
