Event Swag: the Good, the Bad, and the Hotel Trash Can

Event swag can make your event or booth really fun — or your swag can be something people take to be polite … and then deposit in their hotel room’s trash can. With in-person events starting back up, let’s talk about what makes “good” swag.

One of the really fun things about WordCamps and other conferences is the different swag you can collect as an attendee. People LOVE swag. I’m people. I love swag, too.

I love swag that has a purpose, is inclusive, reminds me of something (an event, people, or a brand), is well made, and surprises me.

So let’s look at event swag: the good, the bad, and what might be destined for the trash.

Event swag chosen by event organizers

When you’re choosing swag for your WordCamp or event, please, please, please keep the following in mind:

T-shirts aren’t really inclusive or accessible.

T-shirts are great for most men. Well, for most men of average size, that is.

Oftentimes T-shirts don’t fit a woman’s body well. And usually they aren’t available in all sizes for all people. As someone who attends a lot of WordCamps and events, I have a collection of T-shirts that don’t fit me. (I usually get a size that will fit a friend and pass them along.) That makes me feel sad and, worse, excluded from the fun of swag and from full participation in the camp.

Imagine being the only one in the group photo without a matching T-shirt, or being forced to wear one that fits your body poorly. It’s demoralizing.

What to do instead of T-shirts? Here are some great from-the-event swag I’ve received:

• Notebooks
• Drinkware (insulated or not, I use these in my office and at home)
  • Mugs
  • Water bottles
  • Cups
• Coasters
• Stickers
• Battery packs
• Pens
• Pins
• Tech or office packs
• Hats
• Tech bags

Think about a one-size-truly-fits-all solution, and you’ll hit the mark for sure.

Remember, there’s a difference between someone not wanting what you’re giving away versus not being able to wear or use it.

Sponsors, this one is for you

Some of my favorite sponsor swag shows me why I should love your company, and it also pertains to your company. Your swag shouldn’t be disconnected from who you are and your mission.

First, let’s look at some not-so-great swag:

• Environmentally negligent items. Please don’t package your swag with a lot of waste, even if it’s recyclable. Many of us travel by plane or train to WordCamps and events. We will remove packaging to make travel home lighter and easier, which means that we leave all that packaging behind in the hotel. Most hotels don’t have recycle bins in the rooms. This means a lot more material in a landfill.
• Edible swag. I may enjoy your chocolates, gum, or s’mores kit for a moment, but rest assured that once it’s gone I won’t see it or remember it again, for the most part. Swag should live on someone’s desk or in their office/work space so they are reminded about you on a continual basis.
• Stress balls or anything else that has been overdone. Most attendees have a drawer full of these already.
• T-Shirts (See above.)
• Perishables. The tulip bulbs I received at one WordCamp were moldy by the time I could plant them in my climate. Another seed kit I received was missing the seeds.
• Poor quality items. Countless items I have received have broken or not functioned well (i.e. pens that don’t write, hats whose lettering fell off, etc.)

Some great sponsor swag I’ve received includes:

• Wireless chargers
• Reusable drinking straws
• Reusable flatware packs
• Drinkware
• A hammock
• Keychains
• Pens
• Hats
• Bags (great for collecting more swag!)
• Notebooks
• Passport cover
• Stickers
• Wapuu pins
• Anything coffee-related 😉

Spend some time looking for quality items that both fit your budget and your brand. The more unique your swag is (and useful and well-made), the more impressed your potential customers are.

And finally, a note to attendees

Swag is a ton of fun to collect, but please be mindful of the environment. Take what you will use. Leave what you won’t. If it will end up in a landfill without being used, please leave it for someone else to enjoy.

Enjoy your next event!