Trade show booths are great places to connect with people and introduce your brand to potential customers. One of the easiest ways to attract people is by handing out unique swag at your booth. Before deciding which promotional items you will be giving away at the trade show, ask yourself — why are you giving them away? Is it to encourage app downloads or to have engineers sign service contracts?

Once you’ve answered that question, consider what products align with those goals. Unfortunately, companies tend to give out generic items such as pens or mugs with a hastily slapped-on logo just to “have something”.

The best trade show giveaway items depend on your customer

Think about all the cheap items you’ve received from trade shows that end up in the dustbin or even left behind at the venue because… why would you take up valuable carry-on space for a tacky protein shaker with a terribly distorted logo? Promo items that are both cheap and poorly executed should be called “brand fill” because they make your brand finally end up in the landfill. The key is to offer items that people genuinely want — you need to know your customer. 

Additionally, the way you present your swag can make a significant difference. Have you considered having a sizeable freestanding prize wheel? Not one of the cheap plastic tabletop ones. This will do more for your events than any other item. These can easily be seen from 50 metres away, and people just enjoy spinning them regardless of the quality of the prizes

Here are a few tradeshow giveaway ideas: 

1. Mouse pad with keyboard shortcuts for your software

This is the perfect swag for any company that sells hardware, software, and services to developers and the tech community.

2. Square USB wall charger 

Basic, low cost and practical. Even better if the charger is universal! 

3. High-quality bag 

Everyone will be giving out thumb drives and pens, and they might be given a low-quality plastic bag to carry all of these things around all day. You can brand the entire bag with your logo and give it to people when you talk to them at your stand — but have them put their other bags in it. Put a brochure in the bag and maybe a cheap keychain. These can be the type of bags the grocery store pushes to get you away from plastic bags. 

Everyone will see your logo. They will also be in the background of countless photos. They will use something while providing you with advertising to the market you’re trying to attract. 

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4. Professional headshots 

You need a high-quality camera and backdrop to take professional headshots. You can give them a company-branded thumb drive with the photos, including PDF copies of the company’s product info. People love the idea of a nice professional photo to use on their profiles, it's a crowd-pleaser. 

5. Mini tools/Tool cards

Credit card tools with your logo on them are helpful in many circumstances. Mini tools such as a screwdriver key ring with interchangeable heads are also great. 

6. Mini-torch

Carrying a mini torch proves far more practical than relying on your phone, as it lasts longer when used for long periods. Even in the middle of the day, if you need to peer into a bag or look for something in a tight spot in your car that you can't reach with your phone, the extra illumination is incredibly helpful.

7. Portable power banks 

You’ll never know where the sockets will be and if your cables will reach. A long delay at a bus station lacking power outlets, overnight trips, or finding yourself in a room with insufficient sockets for everyone, having your phone go dead at the wrong time is a real disappointment. However, there’s no need to worry if you’ve got a power bank in your bag.

8. Phone cardholder 

Easy way to get people to see your brand.

9. Touchscreen gloves 

Perfect for giving out during shows in cold places, but are helpful for many and are rare as trade show swag. 

10. Fridge magnet bottle opener 

You could also give out letter opener magnets. Just two very useful items for every household. Instead of searching through drawers, having them on your fridge makes them easily accessible. They also save up drawer or counter space, and everyone who enters the kitchen will see your logo! 

Which one will you choose?

Ultimately, the way to go is to give away what you'd appreciate receiving at a trade show. If you’re going to associate your brand with a giveaway, make sure it’s decent quality. Many of the ideas mentioned earlier came from the WeAreDevelopers World Congress, one of the leading events for developers worldwide. Whether you’re in the industry or just passionate about tech, consider joining thousands of tech companies and tens of thousands of other developers there.