A
successful conference is resulted from knowledgeable sessions, interesting
keynote speeches, comfortable stay, amazing decoration or thoughtful service. Yet,
the little free giveaway would go an extra mile to impress your attendee. It
may not be very costly or luxury but it truly says something to the receivers itself.
What kind of swag ever made you feel touched? What would amaze the conference
goers? And, what is good to thank speakers? Here are some ideas for the
conference organizers!
For All Conference
Attendee
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the whole journey a conference participant would take: prepare for leaving à
get ready for conference à long flight à
arrival with exhaustion à join conference. Standing in their
shoes, the first thing they would need is something to refresh themselves and
then would need handy stuff for conference and the following few days.
Therefore, when we prepare the free gift for the guests, we should consider not
only budget, although it leads the way, but also their needs. So, here are some
ideas for you.
1. Upon Arrival
To
hand in a care package will give a sweeter welcome message
than a Hawaiian Lei. A care package gives a small bottle of water, a quick snack
(vegetarian in favor), wet tissue, comb, bandages, and maybe aspirin. Your
company / conference logo is to be printed on the bag and to better put in the
hotel information card. They would keep it with them throughout the conference
and keep it mind afterwards.
If you are receiving a small group or your reception team is able to assist, a welcome gift on the bedroom would definitely surprise them. You can be very creative on welcome gifts, simple as local specialty, thoughtful as overnight amenities kit, or useful as travel charger.
2. At Registration
If
registration is on the same day with arrival, a conference kit
is a better choice to offer at registration desk, complete with pen, notepad, USB
with session slides, map of the neighborhood, and of course the program
booklet. To think about the topic / theme of your conference, you can also put
in relevant products to smile your guests. For
example, a new launched snack can be offered in a safe food conference yet
remember to take the food
preference in consideration.
3. Before Closing
A
farewell gift is similar to welcome gift but suggested to contain the
conference minutes, like photos. Because the conference goers would get it
before leaving, the size is better to be small and light that he/she can easily
put in to luggage or carry on hand.
For Speakers /
Special Guests
As
speakers or special guests only stay for one session time, a thank gift to give
at the stage or right after stage would be nice. Also he/she might not carry
heavy luggage so a valuable and slightly bigger gift is accepted, especially
when you need the size to show your appreciation on his/her presence. Plaque with appreciation is common and easy to prepare. Yet, to impress your
speakers/guests, some creation is needed, so do some research on his/her
favorite or habit. A box of golf ball with his/her name would catch him/her
right away if he/she loves golf.
All
in all, people love free gift as well as new stuff. So, a Pen is not good
enough, a Keychain is definitely out of date, an USB is not interesting
anymore, Paper Weight is too much weight, and no one wants a T-shirt not in
right size. If you mean to impress them instead of just a routine gift,
understand your attendee and be more creative & customized.
◎ Reference
