You want to elevate your event marketing campaigns with fresh, exciting materials that captivate and engage your target audience. You need unique branded merch, box kits, and swag bags to standout. But, where to start?

Enter Almaden’s 2024 Event Lookbook. It may not solve all your problems, but it will strengthen the engagement at your next event!

The State of Event Marketing

Before we dive into the top trends that will help you this year, let’s get some context.

Did you know that 63% of event marketing professionals predict that attendee numbers will return to pre-pandemic levels in the next one to two years. If you’re running events in 2024 and looking ahead to 2025, you’re in the right place.

Perhaps more importantly, 80% of attendees say in-person events are the most trusted way to discover new products and services.

Events empower marketers to connect with people one-on-one. Rarely, do marketers have the opportunity to speak directly with prospects or customers, but at events, they can meet, hand them a gift, and provide them a memorable experience.

Branded Merch that Inspires

It’s a challenge, especially in the B2B world, to know what will resonate with your audience. So, get inspired by these top trends that will help you create a lasting impression with your audience.

Leverage Almaden’s 2024 Event Lookbook as a visual and conceptual guide to spark creativity and provide tangible solutions to enhance your events. For event marketers, lookbooks offer a curated selection of items that can significantly improve event engagement and brand awareness.

1. Branded Kits

Also commonly known as merch boxes, or brand packages are a fantastic way to add that extra flair to your gift. Wrap your branded items in a customized box with your logo and brand colors.

How to leverage Branded Kits at your next event:

• Welcome Gifts – Set the tone for the event by making your event attendees feel appreciated the minute they arrive.
• VIP (or Account-Based Marketing) Gift Packages – These may include premium items like luxury skincare products, gourmet treats, exclusive event access, or limited release merchandise.
• Survival Kits – Give those event essentials like pens, tape, snacks, multi-tools, water bottles, or notebooks.

Pro tips for branded kits: Consider choosing a sustainable item or one partnered with a give back to positively align your brand with meaningful initiatives. Include a personalized note. Distribute your kits at registration or deliver in advance to attendee hotel rooms. Send in advance of the event to ensure attendees visit your booth. Send as a memento after your event to lock in a meeting.

2. Gifts

Corporate gifting is a powerful way to create lasting memories. Thoughtful and well-chosen gifts can leave a lasting impression and enhance the overall event experience.

Gift ideas for your next event:

• Journal with Custom Tip-In Pages: Tip-in a journal with the event agenda, speaker sessions, or site maps so your attendees have crucial event information right at their finger-tips with a helpful place for note-taking during sessions too.
• Portable Chargers and Charging Cables: A very practical gift that ensures attendees stay powered up and connected throughout the entire event.
• Gourmet Food Baskets: Curate local delicacies or gourmet snacks for a super unique and enjoyable gift.

Pro tips for corporate gifts: Use these gifts as parts of welcome kits, as prizes for interactive sessions, or as thank-you tokens for speakers and VIPs. Ensure the gifts align with the event theme and are of high quality to reflect your brand’s standards.

3. Bags & Totes

Not only practical but very popular among event attendees. They serve as mobile billboards, increasing brand visibility at the event and long after it ends. Plus they are a very helpful place to stash all the goodies you collect throughout the event.

Top Bag and Tote Picks

Eco-Friendly Totes: Made from recycled materials like plastic pulled from the ocean or sustainable cork, these are the perfect gift for companies focused on sustainability.

Stylish Backpacks: Functional with lots of pockets and fashionable with eye-catching colors, zippers, and designs that are ideal for attendees always on the go.

Hip Packs: Great for carrying all your event essentials while keeping your hands totally free.

How to leverage Bags & Totes at your next event:

• Distribute swag bags at registration filled with event materials.
• Use in a scavenger hunt to encourage engagement and exploration.
• Give away at your booth.

Pro tips for bags & totes: Ensure the design of the bag is eye-catching and includes your event branding prominently so not only attendees of the event but those who may see them walking around the hotel, city, or site can catch a glimpse of your brand.

4. Desk and Office Swag Items

Practical and stylish office supplies are always a hit. They offer long-term utility and keep your brand top of mind in the professional lives of attendees.

Top desk and office picks:

• Jotter Pads: Perfect for scribbling down important points in sessions.
• Elegant Pens: Quality pens to add a touch of luxury to everyday tasks.
• Desk Organizers: Attendees keep their workspace tidy and efficient.

How to leverage Desk and Office Swag items at your next event:

• Incorporate into welcome kits or as part of a corporate gift package.
• Use as prizes for interactive games or recognition awards.

5. Seasonal Swag

Adds a fun and relevant twist to your events. Seasonal swag helps create themed experiences that are playful and engaging.

Top seasonal picks:

• Winter Warmers: Branded scarves, gloves, and beanies for cold-weather events.
• Summer Essentials: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and beach towels for summer picnics and outdoor adventures.
• Holiday Specials: Festive ornaments, candles, and treats for holiday-themed events.

How to leverage Seasonal Swag at your next event:

• Use seasonal swag to create a themed event atmosphere.
• Incorporate in promotional campaigns leading up to the event.
• Gift as retention plays post-event.

6. Drinkware

Branded drinkware is both popular and practical, making it a staple in event giveaways. It offers daily utility and keeps your brand visible.

Top drinkware picks:

• Reusable Water Bottles: Encourage sustainability with stylish and durable bottles.
• Coffee Tumblers: Perfect for morning events or part of a corporate gift.
• Wine Glasses: Elegant and sophisticated, ideal for evening receptions.

How to leverage Drinkware at your next event:

• Use drinkware as part of a welcome kit or as a reward for participating in event activities.
• Consider hosting a branded hydration station where attendees can refill their bottles, promoting both your brand and sustainability.
• Incorporate drinkware or drinkware accessories into morning coffee or post event cocktail hour.

7. Tech Items

In today’s digital age, tech gadgets and accessories are indispensable at events. They add a modern touch and are highly valued by attendees.

Top tech picks:

• Wireless Chargers: Convenient and innovative, keeping devices powered throughout the event.
• Bluetooth Speakers: Great for leisure time or enhancing small group sessions.
• Smart Planners: Integrate tech with traditional planning for an organized and efficient experience.

How to leverage Drinkware at your next event:

• Tech swag can be featured in VIP kits, used as prizes for contests, or offered as exclusive gifts for early registrants.
• Ensure these items are showcased prominently and visibly to highlight their cool factor and utility.

Pro tips for tech items: Don’t cut corners on quality with tech pieces. If you need to stay on a tight-budget, opt for charging cables, webcam covers, or tech accessories. If you’re looking to use it in a VIP kit or contest prize, make sure the technology used is certified and up to standard.

8. Fashion & Apparel

Branded apparel plays a significant role in creating a cohesive and professional event atmosphere. It also provides lasting value as attendees continue to wear the items post-event.

Top fashion and apparel picks:

• T-Shirts: Comfortable and stylish, suitable for booth uniforms or can be handed out as giveaways.
• Branded Hoodies: Cozy and fashionable, perfect for cooler weather or corporate casual events.
• Caps and Hats: Practical and trendy, adding a finishing touch to any event outfit.

How to leverage Fashion & Apparel at your next event:

• Include apparel as part of a staff uniform to create a professional look.
• Use as giveaways to foster a sense of community among attendees.
• Ensure the designs are trendy and comfortable to maximize their appeal and usage.

Pro tips for fashion & apparel: If you’re handing out t-shirts as a giveaway item, opt for rolling shirts then applying a size label or polybagging the pieces individually. It’s a minimal added cost for a much easier distribution and higher perceived value.

9. The Great Outdoors

With the growing popularity of outdoor events, having the right gear is key. Outdoor products enhance the experience and ensure attendees are comfortable and prepared.

Top outdoor picks:

• Portable Chairs: Lightweight and durable, perfect for outdoor seating.
• Blankets: Cozy and practical, ideal for picnics or evening events.
• Sunscreen Kits: Essential for sunny events, promoting both safety and brand visibility.

How to leverage Outdoor Merch at your next event:

• Distribute outdoor items at the start of the event to ensure attendees are equipped for comfort.
• Use these products to enhance the outdoor experience, whether it’s a concert, picnic, or sporting event.

Pro tips for outdoor merch: When giving out skincare products, ensure the item follows all FDA, CDC, AAD standards. You want to align your brand with top-notch quality.

Fun fact: Almaden is green certified by California Green Business Network in Sonoma and Santa Clara Counties.