Trade shows are fast, loud, and packed with people. Everyone’s trying to make a good impression — and that includes your brand. The good news? The right branded merchandise can help you stand out without saying a word.
You don’t need to hand out promotional merchandise that you have. You just need promotional items that people will actually use, take home, and remember you by. Here are smart, crowd-friendly promotional merchandise ideas that work well at any trade show.
Custom keychains and lanyards are lightweight, easy to hand out, and often end up on keys, bags, or ID holders. They’re especially useful at trade shows where badges and passes are required. Design them with a bit of color or a creative twist to catch the eye.
It might sound basic, but a pen that writes smoothly and looks chic gets noticed and kept. At trade shows, attendees are constantly scribbling notes and filling out forms. A high-quality branded pen gives your brand visibility long after the event ends. It would be a big plus to showcase sustainable pens to show that your brand promotes sustainable solutions.
Pro tip: Pair it with a branded notepad or sticky notes to make it a set.
One of the most effective (and underrated) trade show items is a branded tote bag. People love a tote bag that holds everything they collect during the event, like brochures, pens, foldable fans, and water bottles. They can even use it when they go to the farmer’s market or when they run errands all day.
Tip: Go for sturdy materials and eye-catching colors, and print designs. If your bag is more durable than others, it becomes the go-to bag on the floor.
Water bottles, travel mugs, or even collapsible cups are a hit at events. They’re handy on the day and continue to get used to the gym, in the office, or at home. That’s repeated exposure and smart branding.
Try this: Offer to fill their new bottle with cold water or coffee before they leave your booth. That little gesture builds positive brand vibes on the spot and creates a positive first brand experience.
People love things that make life easier, and that’s what makes branded tech accessories a win during trade shows. Consider showcasing or giving away charging cables, phone stands, webcam covers, or screen wipes. They’re small, useful, and perfect for slipping into pockets or tote bags.
The bonus part is that your logo will be sitting right on their desk by the next workday, which makes them remember you.
At the end of the day, trade show merchandise should do more than just sit in a bag and be hidden away in office cabinets. It should remind people of your brand, your message, and the good experience they had with you.
Focus on items that are:
Looking for high-impact, low-stress merchandise options for your next event?
👉 Browse our curated range of branded trade show products here.
Let’s make your booth the one they remember.