Leave a Lasting Impression with Virtual Event Merchandising

Thanks to our dear friend COVID-19, many in-person events are now being replaced by virtual alternatives, leaving marketing teams and event planners scrambling to adjust. While the pivot to hosting an online event may be new and intimidating to many companies, a virtual event can actually be more profitable than a live event. When you take out the costs of a venue, food and beverage for attendees, and audio/visual needs, a virtual event may not sound so bad after all.

The goal of a virtual event remains the same, even if the venue is now from the comfort of your own desk. A successful virtual event must still deliver meaningful content, keep attendees engaged, build relationships, and keep sponsors happy.  So, if you are planning an event this year – whether it is a virtual conference, meeting, expo, or workshop – there are plenty of ways to make a lasting impression on your event participants.

Virtual Event Boxes

Virtual event boxes are a great way to create buzz-worthy excitement that helps drive registrations for your event.  Who doesn’t want to receive a box of goodies to open up at the beginning of the event?  Attendees are likely to post on social media and show others the cool swag – which means that  event sponsor logos are showcased in a whole new way! These boxes can be loaded with items that attendees can use during the event such as journals or notepads, coffee mugs, t-shirts, earbuds, and more!

Attendee Collection

Whether you are looking to send some event swag to a few early registrants or your entire registration list, an attendee box provides the perfect opportunity to build meaningful connections, no matter where your attendees are! Fill your event boxes with traditional credentials that attendees would receive at an in-person event like lanyards and ID tags. Include some fun yet useful items like blue light blocking glasses and branded socks (as shoes are optional for this year’s event).

Presenter Collection

Don’t forget about your presenters! From branded backdrops and rechargeable ring lights to branded apparel and drinkware, equip your speakers with a few items they need to consistently and confidently deliver a high-quality on-screen impact. Showcase your event or sponsorship logos with an easy-to-assemble double-sided standing backdrop. The 5’ x 6’ design makes it the ideal size for video conference calls. Add a green screen to the opposite side of the slipcover and let the virtual background fun begin!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Whether in-person or on-screen, sponsors are an integral part of every event. That’s why we want to make sure your virtual environment is equipped with the right products to deliver sponsorship visibility to all attendees. Here are a few merchandising recommendations that can provide sponsor value and a variety of opportunities as you transition to the digital event space:

• Coffee Break Sponsor – Whether you opt for a sleek double-walled tumbler, a Starbucks gift card, or a k-cup, there is plenty of potential to create valuable brand impressions for a sponsorship at multiple price points.
• Lunch Sponsor – Send meals directly to participants’ homes through partnerships with Postmates, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and others, or send a branded lunchtime accessory such as reusable straws or lunch kits.
• Snack Break Sponsor – Encourage folks to stand up, stretch and grab a sponsor-provided snack.  Whether sweet or savory, there are many options to satisfy those snacking palettes.
• Happy Hour Sponsor – Provide a virtual happy  hour with Zoom social networking and cocktail kits!  From signature cocktail/mocktail recipes printed on napkins to a bartender’s tool set, there are lots of ways to keep this sponsorship alive at your next virtual event.
• Dessert Sponsor – Brownies. Ice Cream. Cake pops.  Enough said.  Let these goodies speak for themselves!

Think Outside the Box for Your Next Virtual Event

We are here to help! Get creative and send your attendees something memorable. Whether you are looking for branded swag or just some extra guidance and expertise to help your team pull off a successful online event, we would love to work with you. Contact us today! Don’t forget to check out our Virtual Event Merchandising presentation for more helpful tips and tricks!