Branding your event helps you distinguish it and begins long before your attendees arrive. An effective event brand will make your gathering memorable, help you connect with your attendees, provide information, and even motivation for attending the event itself.
Begin the branding process.
Start by defining what makes your event unique. Usually, that begins with your company or organization’s brand. Do you have a logo? Specific colors or a spokesperson/mascot that is recognizable and is associated with your brand? Is your brand’s tone formal, professional, or casual? Are there specific fonts or images that help define your brand? You’ll want to refer to all these elements when creating ways to brand your event.
Combine both online and print.
While an online presence is crucial to branding your event, don’t overlook incorporating print materials into your event branding efforts. Poster, flyers, banners, and other signage should be prominently displayed at your event. Don’t forget to set up a Twitter account, Facebook page, Instagram account, or Pinterest account specifically related to your event. And finally, create a hashtag and use it across all your social media.
Trending branded merchandise.
Ever return from an event and thrown most of the materials in your swag bag away? Now’s your chance to go beyond lanyards and pens and really infuse some creativity into your swag, so that attendees will not only keep what you give them but find it useful too. Start by brainstorming ideas that your attendees will appreciate. For example, attendees at a conference focused on eco-initiatives will greatly appreciate something earth-friendly, like a reusable water bottle. It’s also important to remember that these items should be imprintable with your brand or event logo and/or tagline. Some ideas to consider:
• Canvas tote bags. Reusable canvas bags imprinted with your logo are eco-friendly, will get repeated use, and act as a walking ad for your business or event. Best of all, they’re ideal for filling with other swag items.
• USB Chargers. Who couldn’t use an extra charger or adapter for their electronics?
• T-shirts. What a great way to get your name and event out in front of the public eye.
• Beer mugs. Brew pubs and micro brews have made beer drinking more popular than ever. Every time they take a swig, they’ll remember your event.
• Vouchers or passes. Give your attendees an experience at a water park, zip line, local theater, or club.
• Adult Coloring Books. This popular trend is perfect for relieving stress. It’s great for attendees who might enjoy something a bit more creative, such as designers, writers, or photographers.
• Virtual Swag. These come in the form of helpful apps, e-gift cards, online games and more. Of course, they should all relate to your event or feature a tie-in with event sponsors.
• Caffeine and a Mug. Tea bags and quality instant coffee along with a branded mug will be greatly appreciated when attendees need a boost. Don’t forget to make sure there’s hot water available.
• Think Local. Consider branded sunglasses if you’re in a sunny locale or mitten and boot warmers if the weather where you are is cold. And an umbrella will go over big if you’re in a typically rainy environment.
• Coupons and discounts. Make sure to include coupons or discounts to event-sponsored businesses with attractive deals that attendees will want to use.
