What’s the point of trade show promotional items? Like any marketing effort it’s all about exposure – getting your business name and brand out there so the next time someone is in need of what you offer your business is the first thing they think of. So no matter what your trade show giveaway item is, as long as it sticks around and reminds people of your existence it is well worth the investment.

The best type of trade show giveaway is on that is geared towards the workplace, as it will serve as a consistent reminder to those who encounter it of your presence. Also, at the workplace your item has a better chance of influencing the person in charge of purchases.

So what’s the ideal type of promotional item? One that gets used regularly. While calendars used to be a popular item, now so many businesses give them away that if you follow suit your investment may end up in a janitorial closet (which is fine if you sell janitorial supplies) or the garbage bin. Mugs have been a bit overdone as well.

Items that have a purpose usually receive a better response than items that don’t. Examples of trade show promotional items in this category include pens, notepads, stress balls, travel mugs, and reusable water bottles. It can also pay to invest a little more in offering environmentally-friendly trade show giveaways, as it will create a positive image for your company.

Need ideas? A few neat promotional giveaways include packs of gum, tote bags, magnetic memo clips, chocolate bars, lozenge boxes, pen lights, hand sanitizer, and lip balm. While not all of these items will “stick around” in the office for months, they do have the benefit of being different than traditional trade show giveaways, which means they will have more of an impact.

Finally, make sure the contact information on your promotional item is legible – otherwise you may not get much of a response. Include your business / brand name, logo, phone number, website and e-mail address if possible.