If you'd rather watch blockbuster movies on the big screen than on your television or visit a real bookstore instead of ordering a book online, then you know the power of in-person experiences. The sights, sounds, and energy of other people and places combine to create a memorable time you simply can't achieve from your sofa at home. There's no substitute for the smell of buttered popcorn or the heft of a freshly released bestseller in your hands.
This impact is the idea behind experiential gifting, a strategy many brands leverage to build stronger connections with their audiences. By gifting experiences, you can build on the popularity of live events by making your promotional products an unforgettable part of the event and making your brand even more memorable.
With experiential gifting at events, the emphasis isn't just on the branded gift but the entire experience of getting it. Instead of simply receiving something in a swag bag they might not even look at until later, attendees engage with unique gifts as part of the event.
While the products are as important as ever, onsite gift activations allow brands to engage their communities with memorable, interactive moments. Examples of experiential gifting at events include:
This form of event marketing lets you Cultivate Brand Love™ in ways that branded merchandise alone cannot. Onsite gifting gives your guests a reason to remember you long after events end, helping you drive lasting connections and loyalty.
16% of marketing professionals said they planned to start using experiential marketing in 2024. Meanwhile, 80% of customers say a brand's immersive experiences are just as meaningful as its products and services. What makes experiential gifting so effective?
Imagine letting your guests shop for personalized golf gear, electronics, or clothing. When you integrate premium gifting options into your events, your brand can make an unforgettable impression.
Gifting experiences lets you demonstrate your company's mission, vision, and values. For example, if your brand strives for sustainability, arrange a brand experience at an eco-friendly venue, partnering with sustainable vendors and handing out eco-friendly tradeshow giveaways.
Unlike one-size-fits-all, personalized gifts demonstrate thoughtfulness and elevate your brand. From in-person monogramming of leather goods to posh gift lounges complete with decor and displays, onsite personalizing experiences make attendees feel special.
Your promotional products can become tradeshow marketing gold when combined with a well-executed experience. Whether you want to capitalize on world events like the Super Bowl or plan a one-of-a-kind experience for employees or clients, the following tips will help you design events to remember.
Consider ways to offer interactive experiences that engage in the moment. For instance, set up a customization booth where attendees can personalize tumblers, tote bags, hats, luggage tags, and other thoughtful gifts.
Every audience has different interests and preferences. If you're targeting wellness enthusiasts, you can offer onsite yoga classes at your event combined with high-quality gifts such as branded yoga mats or athleisure clothing. For a more tech-savvy crowd, you could offer augmented and virtual reality experiences with a cutting-edge tech gadget as a unique gift.
There's no reason to confine experiential gifting to the walls of your event. When you design your gifting experiences with shareability in mind, you build brand awareness and maximize your reach. How about setting up photo booths and unboxing stations to encourage social media sharing? Throw in some branded hashtags with opportunities for bigger prizes, and you'll take your gifts from simple swag to swoon-worthy moments.
Even if large-scale in-person events are off the table, you can throw memorable events virtually. Whether you have a remote workforce, a global customer base, or a limited budget, you can include experiential gifting in your event marketing strategy.
For example, when hosting a virtual event, give attendees access to an online portal with a range of unique gift options to choose from. Or, if you're holding a virtual conference, assemble a boxed experience with products that relate to the event's theme, such as do-it-yourself cocktail kits with personalized highball glasses for a virtual cocktail hour. This type of gift is sure to get attendees tuning in!
Giving high-end gifts your guests wouldn't normally buy for themselves can become an experience in itself. Name-brand sunglasses, handbags, outerwear, or other luxury items go a long way toward winning over attendees and building excitement. To complete the experience, add an interactive element, such as a relaxation lounge or a QR code linked to contest entries, and your gifts won't soon be forgotten.
Experiential gifting is a more significant investment than branded tote bags or pens. You won't necessarily have the budget to create exclusive events with premium gifts for every person in your target audience. However, you can opt for tiered promos. For example, give memorable but more cost-effective gifts to the majority of guests and save high-end gifting experiences for promising prospects who need an extra nudge.
Experiential gifting isn't just about offering branded merchandise. It's about generating magical moments that excite and delight event attendees so they remember your brand long after the event is over. Pairing top-quality promotional items with engaging experiences can drive long-term success.
If you want to get started with experiential gifting and expand your brand strategy, we'd love to chat. Boundless's brand consultants are here to help businesses of all sizes design gifting experiences that get audiences talking. To learn more and get the support you need for your 2025 event marketing strategy, reach out to Boundless today.