A great way to incentivize and engage employees, customers, and attendees is with gifts. Studies show that companies with generous gifting programs increase productivity, sales, and loyalty.
Promotional items and gifts saturate the event industry. According to the IRF 2020 Outlook, an estimated 58 percent of respondents used event gifting in 2019. Attendees believe that event gifting is an engaging, experiential option. But, are you gifting the right products?
While some corporations can buy name-brand, high-ticket items for the guests, the vast majority have limited budgets. Picking an event gift that is practical and cool is the key to maximizing your return and satisfying your recipients. Here are our top 5 picks for event gifts in 2020 that will both please your people and your P&L.
Multi-use drinkware + technology
With the active push to reduce single-use plastics, including water bottles, multi-use drinkware is a trend that shows no sign of slowing. There are many brands on the market, and you can pick up a reusable bottle at any big-box store. But we found something different. Introducing HydrateSpark Smart Water Bottle. This is an environmentally sound drinking option accompanied by an app that tracks your water intake and sends reminders to hydrate. Keeping hydrated at busy events is a challenging task. This water bottle keeps guests in check, both at events and back home in their daily lives.
Why we love it:
- BPA-free durable, multi-use plastic bottle
- 6 different colors to choose from
- Bluetooth connection to their Hydrate app to inspire a healthier lifestyle
- Glowing bottle reminders and text notifications to keep you on track
- Connect with friends within the app for extra motivation
- Map your progress daily, weekly, and monthly
- Customizable with logo
Cost: $59.95
Contact directly for corporate pricing with quantity
The Weekender Bag
Often when you attend events, you go back to your home with more “stuff” than you when you left. Especially true for when you are traveling, bringing back promotional items or souvenirs are challenging to pack in luggage that is probably over-filled. The weekender bag is a perfect event gift and solution to those extra items, as well as provides a versatile bag for excursions beyond the corporate event. We are currently digging the Field & Co. Vintage Duffel for its economical price combined with a sleek design.
Why we love it:
- Rugged cotton/canvas material with metal hardware and ultrahyde accents
- 3 different colors to choose from
- Debossing logo imprint is so classy
- Snap-down straps to compress or expand the bag
- Shoulder straps and top carrying handles
- Luggage strap that attaches bag to your other suitcase
- Zippered compartments to contain contents
Cost: $29.95 (approximately)
Discounts for quantity purchases
Wireless Ear Pods
AirPods are all the rage right now. Certainly, being wireless at events adds an extra layer of streamlined productivity. For companies who have a larger budget, this high-value event gift is sure to please your crowd. AirPods help guests stay connected and prove you consider them VIP customers. We found this AirPod option that allows you to imprint your logo – you can’t go wrong!
Why we love it:
- They’re AirPods!
- Wireless connectivity
- Logo imprinted in full-color UV 4 color process digital printing
- High-value gift idea
Cost: $199 (approximately)
Activity Trackers
Nothing is more challenging while traveling for or attending events than getting in regularly scheduled gym time. However, it’s not uncommon to do a considerable amount of moving during events, especially if you are in a large or multi-location venue. Fitness or activity trackers are a great event gift to track your movement and put your mind at ease about missing some of your higher intensity workouts. It’s also a great way to execute team building activities by setting up fitness challenges around this event gift. You don’t have to give FitBits. There are many economical options on the market that serve the same purpose. We like this activity tracker because of its device compatibility and affordability.
Why we love it:
- Economical price
- Sleek wristband design, available in 4 bold colors
- 10-function capability
- Compatible with iOS and Android
- Single-color logo imprint
Cost: $24.95 (approximately)
Webcam Security Covers
Not every event gift has to be expensive to be valuable and likable. Our last item is just that description. Security risk accompanies events with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of guests in attendance. For example, using your computers, phones, and laptops on public and unsecured Wi-Fi can decrease your privacy and put your information, and your webcam, at risk. These webcam covers are a great way to add security to your event – even at home or in your office.
Why we love it:
- Smooth sliding mechanism
- Easy adhesive backing for installation
- Added security
- Perfect for events
- Available printed webcam card or magnet box for marketing
- Precise color matching for logo imprints
- 10 different colors, or Pantone match to your brand
Cost: Varies
Gone are the days of promotional chapstick, pens, and branded cookies. Learning the preferences of your audience before your event, however, will help you to select the appropriate event gift. We work with many of our clients to identify the right incentives to deliver to their event attendees. Contact us today for a customized proposal for your next event.