Your Trade Show Promotional Item

It is hard to find money in the budget for marketing. Furthermore, it hard to find money in the marketing budget for trade show exhibits. Even beyond that, it is hard to justify the additional funds for a promotional giveaway at the trade show. So, why do it? What is the point, and more importantly, is there a return on your investment?

It all really depends on the quality and originality of your giveaway. It is hard to measure what people will consider valuable, and it is hard to gauge the public’s reaction to a new item. That is why, often, the tried and true promotional giveaways are best. Think about your own experience. How many stress balls have your thrown away? How many pens have you left sitting on countertops, or at restaurants? How many business card magnets have you thrown away?

Then, take a look at the things you’ve kept, like the mini flashlight that is still attached to your keychain. The small vanity mirror you keep in your desk drawer to check for bits of lunch in your teeth. The yo yo you picked up thirteen years ago that still gets played with at least once per day – these are the items that stuck with you for one reason or another. You remember where you got it, you can still read the logo on it, and you will always, always remember that company.