Businesses are gearing up for another season of conferences, and that means many event planners are trying to bridge the gap between virtual and in-person events.
A new reality comes with the complicated logistics of and weariness associated with large gatherings. Hybrid formats could become the everyday standard for industry conferences and meetups.
But many planners fear virtual attendees may miss out. They’ll have no opportunity to shake up the workday, mingle in auditoriums of like-minded professionals or collect conference materials to peruse once the event ends.
Although virtual conferences present a unique set of challenges, they also provide organizers with a wealth of opportunities to think creatively. That’s especially true when it comes to choosing the best gifts for conference attendees.
Draw Connections With Gifts
At Packed with Purpose, we often speak with event organizers who seek to recreate those connections in their online events. And we’ve seen the successes when they get it really right!
Ever the creators, event organizers are finding innovative ways to replicate the in-person experience in the homes of attendees, speakers and sponsors. And they’re using the simple power of meaningful gift-giving to do it.
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1. Recreate the Lobby Experience
Anyone who’s attended a conference can attest that it all begins in the lobby. It’s a launchpad — a space to catch up, make new connections and idly chat. It’s the human entry point missing from most online conferences.
So, how do you recreate that bonding experience?
One idea that we love comes from a client who opted to send boxes with a “Do not open until X day” note attached. It not only created excitement for attendees leading up to the event but also gave participants the sense of a shared, tangible experience and conversation-starter.
Send a gift before your conference to build anticipation and get attendees excited to participate. You can customize and design these early gifts as some of the best conference gifts to create a unified kickoff moment.
Send a gift before your conference to build anticipation and get attendees excited to participate.
Some take it a step further and build in a “box-opening” event on their agendas, where attendees unbox their gifts together.
Because each item comes from an impact-minded company, it creates an opportunity to talk about something values-based other than professional development. If timed just right, the experience can also increase the day’s overall engagement.
And don’t forget the advantage of swag as an added benefit for the cost of attending.
[Related: Your Guide to Sustainable Corporate Gifts]
2. Engage Attendees During Break Time
Recreate session breaks — it’s another way to improve the virtual conference experience through gifts.
Among the ways our clients have gotten creative with this, one sent separate boxes of coffee and cookies to attendees to encourage them to take a break, recharge and rejoin online sessions.
Another client sent a happy-hour box for a post-event online hangout session to mimic traditional after-hours networking sessions. The packages served as an interesting centerpiece for conversation during unstructured time.
These small gestures go a long way in making attendees feel valued. They certainly qualify as some of the best gifts for conference attendees, especially when they’re useful, fun and aligned with your event’s tone.
[Related: Incorporating Company Values Into Your Events]
3. Spotlight Your Sponsors
Any event organizer recognizes that sponsorship exposure is a critical part of funding events and strengthening relationships with those people or companies.
Event gifts can also serve as a creative way to show thanks and bolster sponsor partnerships.
For fundraising events or galas, we’ve had clients create special gift boxes featuring donors’ names and logos. You can also seize the opportunity to customize packages for your donors as an extra-special gesture.
People often ask us whether we can customize gifts to reflect conference sponsors both in person and online. Yes, we customize!
We’ve had lots of clients request a sponsor’s logo on a particular item in their custom orders or on the box itself. It’s a long-lasting way to keep your sponsors’ names in front of attendees long after the event ends.
[Related: How Much Should You Spend on a Client Gift?]
4. Say Thank You With Swag
The most critical aspect of conference gifts may be the tangible connection that a physical item creates between you and your prospects, speakers and attendees.
If you have the opportunity to engage with your attendees personally, it should be memorable and meaningful. That’s doubly true when it comes to gifts for speakers at a conference.
There are countless opportunities to do this:
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Send a thoughtful, branded item to a guest speaker or panelist to show appreciation. When it comes to speaker gifts, conference organizers often overlook this option. But it makes a lasting impression.
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Offer a small gift to new prospects you meet through the event. After all, what’s a great gift for being invited to a conference? One that builds a relationship.
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Reward attendees who provide feedback with a post-event surprise. It’s a great way to increase engagement and collect valuable insights.
Increase engagement and showcase your organization’s values by choosing impactful and useful gifts.
We may have grown more accustomed to a digital life in past years. But real and lasting value for you and your guests lies in providing them with takeaways they’ll continue to use after an event.
Giving your gifting options real thought can result in a tangible difference in your event’s overall feel, enjoyment and long-term growth.
[Related: Your Guide to Gift Ideas for Prospective Clients]
Get in Touch for Unforgettable Event Gifts
Have an idea for a unique way to engage your attendees? We can help.
Whether you’re searching for speaker gifts conference planners recommend or simply want to explore the best conference gifts, Packed with Purpose is ready to partner with you to create meaningful, lasting impact.
Contact us to get started, or speak with a Gift Concierge about unique customization.
