Stand Out This Trade Show Season –
Top Promotional Product Strategies That Sell
– by Linsey Hardy
Trade show season is here, and for distributors and marketing directors, it’s a prime opportunity to amplify brand visibility, generate leads, and drive lasting engagement. But in a sea of booths and banners, how do you make your brand the one attendees remember? The answer: high-quality promotional products with a purpose.
Let’s break down the top promotional strategies that convert interest into impact at trade shows and conferences.
1. Giveaways with Staying Power: Practical Promotional Products
People love free stuff, but they keep what they actually use. Promotional items that serve a daily function don’t just sit on a shelf; they travel with your audience, keeping your brand top-of-mind.
Top-performing products include:
Custom-branded notebooks and journals – like CardNoter’s full-color, branded options that attendees actually want to write in. Tech giveaways – Think USB drives, wireless chargers, or earbuds with your logo front and center.
Eco-friendly promo items – Reusable bags, stainless steel straws, or plantable pens show your brand supports sustainability.
2. Branded Journals: Personalized = Memorable
Generic swag gets tossed. Personalized, thoughtfully designed promo items? Those get used—and appreciated.
CardNoter’s branded notebooks and themed journals offer a polished, premium way to promote your business. Add your full-color logo, choose a theme (wine tasting, fitness, travel, etc.), and even customize interior pages. It’s more than a notebook—it’s a brand experience.
3. Themed Trade Show Giveaways That Tell a Story
Marketing is storytelling, and the best promotional items reflect the story your brand is telling at the event.
Whether your booth focuses on wellness, travel, creativity, or tech innovation, CardNoter has event-specific journals that align with your message. It’s the ultimate in thoughtful swag that feels tailored, not tossed together.
4. Fast Turnaround, Zero Compromise
Let’s face it—trade show planning can get chaotic. Look for suppliers who can deliver high-quality branded merchandise quickly.
CardNoter offers quick-turn custom journals, meaning you can meet tight deadlines without sacrificing design or quality and they’re proudly made in Ohio.
5. Strategic Swag Distribution for Maximum ROI
It’s not just what you give—it’s how and when you give it:
Before the event: Send VIPs a teaser item with your logo to build anticipation.
During the show: Use giveaways as incentives to enter a raffle, demo a product, or scan a QR code.
Post-event: Mail a branded thank-you journal to your hottest leads.
6. Use Journals to Collect Business Cards and Capture Lead Notes
Trade shows are fast-paced, and keeping track of promising conversations can be a challenge. Providing a branded journalat your booth isn’t just a giveaway—it becomes a powerful lead management tool. Encourage attendees to tuck their business cards inside the front cover and jot down quick notes about your conversation. You can even include pre-designed lead tracking pages that help your team follow up efficiently post-show. It’s a functional gift that keeps your brand in hand while helping you stay organized and follow through.
7. Turn Booth Traffic into Brand Loyalty
As trade show season kicks into high gear, now is the time to rethink your promotional product strategy. Whether you’re selling promo products or managing marketing for
a brand, customizable, functional, and themed giveaways are your secret weapon for creating unforgettable impressions. With solutions like CardNoter’s branded journals,
you’re not just handing out swag—you’re handing out value.
Custom-branded CardNoters have been distributed throughout the U.S. at conferences, conventions, and educational forums; and through local businesses, political, logistics, and educational groups.
CardNoter is available through members of the Promotional Products Industry. Contact your local ASI or PPAI representative for pricing and Free Samples.
For Additional Information call 937.645.4600
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