Tote Bags are the Best Tradeshow Giveaway

Survey Says Bags Are Top Trade Show Branding Tool

When it comes to promoting a business at a conference or event, tote bags are the best way to get a brand name across, according to a new survey. The study, released by Nexus Collections, found that 23% of respondents selected conference bags as the most effective branding option. “What people are looking for is exposure at the show – not necessarily that people are going to be using these tote bags afterwards,” says Mark Klang, a tote bag supplier, who says he is not surprised at the strong showing by bags. “Even if it’s nothing wild that’s really going to get a lot of interest, at least they have people walking around the trade show or the conference with those bags and you’ve got a nice imprint there.”

Pens, conference notepads and lanyards followed on the rankings, with 13%, 12% and 10%, respectively. “Like the conference bags, both the pens and notepads have longevity with many delegates taking them away and using them on into the future,” said Nick Jones, Nexus Collections managing director, in a statement. “I can also appreciate the popularity of lanyards as they are so visible at events, every delegate and member of the team sees not just their own, but the hundreds around them as well.”

Among the lowest ranked branding efforts at trade shows were the less tangible ones. Sponsorships of educational sessions, programs and catering events held the bottom three spots, with 7%, 6% and 4% of respondents citing them. Advertising posters had only a slightly better showing.