Blog How Many Giveaways to Order for Trade Show Success!

Preparing for trade shows involves making sure you have all your giveaways and freebies in time for the show, but knowing how many giveaways to order can be tricky, especially if you haven't planned a booth before!

While there isn't a set formula for determining the exact number of freebies you'll need for a trade show, you absolutely want to make sure you don’t run short (or end up with much too many items left over at the end of the show).

So how do you find the perfect balance? We've provided a general guide to help you order an appropriate amount of promotional items while sticking to your budget.

Trade Show Giveaways General Guide

1. Small shows: If you're expecting around 400 attendees, having about 300 promotional items should do the trick. At these smaller events, people can easily check out most booths without getting overwhelmed or running out of time, so you'll likely see more visitors stopping by.


2. Large shows: For big events with, say, 2,000 attendees, bringing roughly 500 promo items is a smart move. Connecting with 25% of the crowd might not sound huge, but with so many people and booths, getting 1 in 4 to stop by is a major win.


3. VIP Prospective Customers: To get the best bang for your buck, consider bringing a ton of smaller swag items for everyone who swings by your booth. And don’t forget a select few premium gifts for your top prospects—especially those you’ve scheduled special meetings with in advance.

If you're still unsure, reach out for a FREE quote! A dedicated account manager can guide you through the process of getting the best branded promotional products to create a successful trade show.

How Many Giveaway Promotional Items to Order for Your Booth

The amount of giveaway promotional items you should order for your trade show booth directly corresponds to the size of the show you'll be attending. Here's our general guide to how many units you should order for your next show.

These numbers are guidelines, and it's hard to know the exact number of freebies you should take. However, it's okay to run out or have some leftovers; just make sure your booth is engaging!

Number of Giveaway Products for Small Events

When preparing for small trade show events, it's important to have enough giveaway products to engage most attendees but not so many that you end up with excess inventory.

For shows with around 400 attendees, bringing about 300 giveaway items is strategic.

This lets you offer a token of appreciation to most visitors, considering that not everyone will stop by your booth.

Participants can more easily engage with multiple booths at these smaller events, so having a memorable giveaway helps keep your brand in their minds. Choose items that are cost-effective and attractive to ensure they resonate with your audience and make a lasting impression.

At Flashbay, we offer a range of low-quantity marketing items that are ideal for smaller events!

Explore Our Branded USB Memory Sticks

Number of Giveaway Promotions for Large Conventions

When preparing for large convention shows, it's important to balance the quantity and quality of your giveaways to maximise impact.

For events with about 2,000 attendees, bring around 500 promotional items.

This aims to reach about 25% of the audience, which is good considering the high competition among booths.

Choose items that stand out and match your brand to attract potential leads. We think standout items like branded gadgets, water bottles, and clothing are fantastic for larger conventions and grabbing the attention of visitors.

Tech like branded drones are a top choice, such as our Bee Drone with its unique design and customisation options.

Get Branded Tech Gadgets for Your Next Show



Customisable t-shirts and hats are also effective and can be worn by attendees, acting as additional walking advertisements for your brand.

Customise Your T-Shirts & Hats Today



Also, have a few premium items ready for special presentations or meetings with key prospects. These items can leave a lasting impression and help build strong relationships with potential high-value clients.

Trade Show Giveaways for Expo VIPs

When preparing giveaways for VIP prospects, focus on maximising ROI with a tailored approach. Prioritise quality over quantity for this select group.

Offer smaller swag items to general booth visitors but reserve high-end promotional gifts for top-tier prospects. These premium items should align with their preferences and your brand.

Our promotional Merch Packs are ideal for this, including a bundle of bottles, clothing, stationery, USBs, and more. We can customise these with your company logo and messaging, making them a practical and memorable gift for VIP prospects.

View Our New Expo Merch Packs

Consider the number of special meetings you've scheduled with key prospects at the expo and bring enough premium giveaways to leave a lasting impression.

What to Do With Leftover Trade Show Giveaways Swag

Finding yourself with leftover trade show giveaways is an excellent opportunity to further extend your brand's reach.

Firstly, consider integrating these promotional items into your everyday business practices. Distributing customisable merchandise to clients during meetings or sales pitches can serve as a thoughtful gesture, reinforcing brand recognition and appreciation.

These items can also play a motivating role within your team; providing employees with branded gifts fosters company loyalty and makes them feel valued.

Additionally, consider utilising the excess swag for things like:

• Corporate events
• Customer appreciation campaigns
• Contests to boost online engagement

Lastly, donate any surplus items to local charities or community events, where they can promote your brand while simultaneously contributing to a good cause. This strategic approach ensures that your investment continues to generate value long after the trade show has concluded.

Summary: Optimising Trade Show Success

Really, when it comes down to it, the main aim of giving out items at a trade show is to see a return on your campaign spend.

By following these tips, your team can maximise the potential of trade show swag and create a lasting impact on both current and potential customers.

Flashbay's extensive range of custom promotional items is the perfect way to increase engagement at your booth for your next trade show!

Get a FREE Quote for Your Trade Show Giveaways Today!

FAQs

How Much Should You Spend on a Trade Show?

The budget for a trade show depends on your goals, booth size, and desired impact. Typically, businesses allocate around 5-10% of their marketing budget for trade shows, ensuring alignment with overall marketing strategies and anticipated return on investment.

Should You Have Giveaways at Trade Shows?

Yes, giveaways at trade shows are essential. They attract attention, enhance brand visibility, and offer a memorable takeaway for attendees, increasing the potential for engagement and lead generation. Choose meaningful and practical items that align with your brand's message.

What is the ROI of a Trade Show?

The ROI of a trade show is determined by factors like lead quality, brand visibility, and sales conversions. Effective strategies and follow-up actions can enhance ROI, making it a valuable investment for your expanding customer base and building brand credibility.