Swag Bag Ideas: What to Put in the Bag + Best Practices

As an event planner, you know that a well-curated swag bag not only delights participants, it serves as a lasting reminder of your event. While branded swag is a crucial component of these bags, you also have room to get creative with items that reach the status of “thrilling gift.” 

Everyone, afterall, has received branded pens and lanyards, but a thoughtfully constructed bag can really  get attendees talking, even rising to the rank of “benefit of membership” or a glamorous perk of attending your event. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore creative and practical swag bag ideas for a variety of different conferences and events that will leave a lasting impression on attendees while enhancing their overall event experience.

The Importance of a Great Swag Bag

Before diving into specific ideas, let’s consider why swag bags matter:

1. Brand Awareness: Branded items keep your event and sponsors top-of-mind.
2. Attendee Appreciation: Quality swag shows you value your participants.
3. Engagement: Useful items can enhance the event experience.
4. Marketing Opportunity: Memorable swag can lead to social media shares and word-of-mouth promotion.

Swag Bag Best Practices

Furthermore, let’s establish some fundamental best practices when it comes to assembling your swag bags: 

1. Collaborate with Sponsors – Your sponsors, depending on what kind of product they offer, could be a rich source of swag. This is a mutual benefit, as they get additional brand exposure, and you get free items to gift attendees. 
2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity – Instead of filling bags with numerous low-quality items, prioritize a few high-quality, useful products. Attendees are more likely to appreciate and use items that are well-made, practical, and hopefully, exciting!
3. Personalize When Possible – If your budget allows, consider personalizing swag bags based on attendee preferences or roles within the association. This can create a more meaningful connection and enhance the attendee experience.
4. Create a Theme: Although not a necessity, it may be fun to create a cohesive theme for your swag bags that aligns with the conference’s goals or topics. This can make the bags more visually appealing and relevant to attendees.
5. Engage Attendees in Swag Selection: Prior to the event, consider conducting a survey to find out what types of swag attendees would appreciate most. This can help ensure that you provide items they genuinely want.
6. Utilize Local Products: Support local businesses by including products or snacks from the host city or region in your swag bags. This adds a unique touch and promotes local commerce.
7. Plan for Distribution Logistics: Ensure you have a clear plan for how swag bags will be distributed at the event. Consider offering them at registration or during specific sessions to maximize visibility and engagement.

Now, without further ado, let’s explore some innovative swag bag ideas that will set your event apart. The content of a bag can depend heavily on the nature of the event and your organization as a whole. We’ve crafted this list of ideas in hopes that they can be applied to a wide breadth of industries/organizations. 

1. Tech-Savvy Swag Bag Ideas

In our digital age, tech accessories are always useful and ever appreciated. Consider including:

1. Portable Charger: A compact wireless power bank is perfect for busy professionals on the go. Ensure they’re fully charged before distribution.
2. Dash 20W Fast Charger: High-speed charging blocks compatible with USB-C cables are practical and appreciated.
3. Blue Light Glasses: Help attendees protect their eyes during the conference and beyond.
4. Screen Cleaning Kit: A high-quality screen cleaner and microfiber cloth are always useful.
5. Pop Socket or Phone Grip: Useful for holding phones throughout the conference.
6. Tech Gadgets: Wireless earbuds or smart home devices.

Pro Tip: To enhance the technological experience of your event, consider incorporating a mobile event app like MobileUp. This app can provide attendees with real-time updates, interactive schedules, and networking opportunities, complementing your tech-focused swag items.

2. Wellness and Self-Care Swag Bag Ideas

Help attendees stay refreshed and energized throughout your event:

1. Compact Massage Ball: Great for relieving tension during long meetings.
2. Hydration Powder Packets: Individual servings of electrolyte mixes to keep attendees hydrated.
3. Aromatherapy Rollers: Small, portable essential oil blends for stress relief or energy boosts.
4. Hand or Body Lotion: Consider luxurious or local brands to supply small tubes.

3. Practical and Functional Swag Bag Ideas

Items that serve a purpose during and after the event are always a hit:

1. Custom Lanyard: A staple for conferences, serving as both a practical item and a branding opportunity.
2. High-Quality Notebook and Pen: Opt for high-quality-friendly materials and ensure the pen writes smoothly.
3. Compact Umbrella: Unexpected weather won’t catch your attendees off guard.
4. Foldable Backpack: A lightweight, packable bag for carrying event materials and other swag.
5. High-Quality T-Shirt: Choose soft, comfortable fabrics and trendy designs.

4. Locally Sourced Swag Bag Ideas

Showcase your event’s location with locally-sourced items:

1. Artisanal Snacks: Partner with local food producers for unique treats.
2. Local Artwork: Small prints or postcards featuring local scenes or artists.
3. Regional Specialty Products: Think local honey, spice blends, or coffee beans.
4. Handcrafted Items: Support local artisans with small, handmade goods.

6. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Swag Bag Ideas

Sustainability is more than a trend; it’s a necessity. Show your commitment to the environment with these ideas:

1. Reusable Water Bottles: Opt for insulated, stainless steel bottles in vibrant colors with your event branding.
2. Organic Cotton Tote: Choose a high-quality, reusable bag that attendees will use long after the event.

Don’t Forget Digital Swag from an Event Mobile App

While physical swag is important, don’t overlook the power of digital offerings. This is where an event app like MobileUp can truly shine. By incorporating a mobile app into your event strategy, you can:

1. Provide digital swag like e-books or exclusive content.
2. Offer virtual networking opportunities that extend beyond the event.
3. Gather valuable data on attendee preferences to inform future swag selections.

Final Tips for Swag Bag Success

• For out-of-town attendees, ensure items are easy to pack and transport.
• Create Instagram/LinkedIn-worthy moments; design visually appealing swag that attendees will want to share on social media.
• Ensure your branding is present but not overwhelming.

Creating the perfect swag bag combines creativity, practicality, and an understanding of your audience. By thoughtfully curating a mix of useful, memorable, and engaging items, you can elevate your event experience and leave a lasting impression on attendees.

Remember, the best swag bags are those that attendees continue to use and appreciate long after the event has ended. By combining awesome physical swag with a strong, seamless digital experience through platforms like MobileUp, you can create a holistic event experience that resonates with attendees on multiple levels.