Five Brochure Alternatives For Your Next Trade Show Event

Are you planning to attend or host a business trade show in the coming months? The summer is a popular time for these types of events, as the warmer weather allows for comfortable outdoor booth setup and encourages networking. If you’re like most business leaders, however, you’re likely unsure which swag products to bring to the show. You might have tons of t-shirts, koozies, pens and pencils at your disposal, but you want a little something extra that will stand out. You may realize that a majority of the handouts distributed at trade shows eventually end up in the back of an executive’s drawer or worse, in the garbage can.

Here are five alternatives to your standard brochure handout that can ensure your brand stays top-of-mind to trade show attendees and that your product investment isn’t going to waste:

1. Magnets. Everyone loves a good magnet, and you can’t go wrong with slapping your logo or tagline on one and distributing them at your next show. They’re practical and make excellent additions to an office space, as many conference rooms now include magnetic whiteboards. Moreover, their thin size ensures that you can order a bulk load of these without breaking the bank. They’re also textured differently than most of the collateral handed out at these types of events, which means they’re more likely to be picked up and remembered, long after the tents are torn down.

2. Lanyards. Lanyards have become a trade show staple, as most attendees need a way to display their name tags prominently while they’re there. Though some companies will supply their employees with these accessories, many will not, leaving them to find somewhere strategic to clip their tags on. A custom lanyard therefore makes a great handout that’s also practical. Moreover, recipients can also use them once the event is over, to hold other professional or personal badges.

3. Stress balls. Ask someone walking the grounds of the event what one of his or her greatest professional woes is, and it won’t take long until you find someone who answers “stress.” Americans are more stressed now than ever before, thanks to the pace at which technology and innovation are proliferating, which encourages us to work ourselves like crazy in order to keep up and stay relevant. Thus, stress balls are both useful and humorous additions to your swag pack. They tell attendees that you understand how chaotic and complicated the professional world can be, and you’re there to alleviate a little of that burden.

4. Tool keychains. Everyone loves a practical tool keychain, whether it’s a standard pocket knife-type one or a more unique tool that includes other features. Multi-functional tools are handy for both male and female employees and branded with your color scheme and logo, they’re hard to miss. From pens and LED lights to bottle openers and screwdrivers, you can include myriad tools onto your keychain to fit your industry or audience type. Most come with carabiners, so they can easily be attached to your canvas bags or other trade show totes.

5. Mobile accessories. From phone stands to charging banks, there are many inexpensive phone accessories you can buy to take your promotional game to the next level. As a society, we’re tech-obsessed and always on our smart devices, using tons of different gadgets to make the experience easier and more enjoyable. These include our chargers, headphones, Bluetooth, phone cases, protective screens, stands, and more. Do a little research and determine which accessories are best matched with your ideal user, and personalize them with your colors and business name. As its an electronic gadget and not just another piece of paper, recipients will think twice about disposing it along with the rest of the gear they picked up that day.

Ultimately, trade shows offer an opportunity to connect with new prospects and cultivate your relationship with existing clients. They’re also a great way to introduce a new service or product line and introduce your brand to a new community. Don’t waste your opportunity to connect in this way, and spend a ton of time and money creating paper-based collateral. Focus on the tools, gadgets and accessories that your audience really wants to use, and you’ll stay on their mind even months later.