To many people, the benefit and utility of branded merchandise may seem obvious for physical corporate events, but what about virtual events? Is there no place for swag and other promotional products at online conferences, seminars and other business events that are becoming increasingly virtual events? Believe it or not, promotional products can be used in these contexts to great effect and may help your stand out from the crowd. The question is how to successfully integrate virtual event merchandise into your online events. Here is a quick guide to help you maximize the impact of your virtual branding.

Have a Common Theme for Virtual Corporate Events

The most successful in-person events are those that are built around a unifying theme. The same holds true for virtual events. When choosing promotional products for your event, choose a theme and let it inform every part of your event. Look at how the theme can be integrated into all your materials, both physical and virtual. Your theme brings cohesiveness into all your communications, uniting them both visually and conceptually. It should be applied to any physical gifts you send to your attendees and virtual promotional materials that you plan to use during the sessions.

Strategize Logo Placement So It Can Be Seen Onscreen

You will need to rethink your logo placement in line with what your webcam will be able to capture. Remember that, whatever promotional materials you place in your space, none of it matters if it is not visible to your attendees. With this in mind, consider your logo and promotional material placement very carefully. Backdrops and banners can be used to great effect on virtual events as long as you position them properly.

Create Virtual Event Swag Bags to Entice People to Your Event

People tend to register later for online events, perhaps because they feel that there is less reason to rush, since attendance is likely not as limited. There is also a greater tendency for registered attendees not to turn up. Try offering incentives through corporate gifts such as swag bags. These can be given away as rewards for early sign-ups. When the bag is delivered to attendees, it will create an increased sense of excitement and make them more likely to show up and engage.

Encourage Attendees to Have Merchandise Unboxing Videos

Unboxing videos are popular, so why not use them as a tool to promote engagement? Record a video of you unboxing your swag, and then encourage attendees to do the same when they receive theirs. They might get more excited to register for the event, and show up once they catch the excitement of seeing your branded drinkware or tote bags unveiled.

Send Your Attendees a Corporate Thank You Gift

Finally, always ensure that you take the time to thank your attendees for giving you their valuable time and attention. It is easy enough to do this with an e-mail, but why not go one step further and send them a gift that will last and help promote your brand outside of the event? Put together a post-event gift box to delight them while also helping them to implement what they have learned during the course of your event.

The important thing is to personalize your event. Online events can have the effect of distancing people from one another, so it is up to you as the organizer to overcome that and bring your attendees together. Offering them even just a little of that personal touch they would get from interacting with you in person, can go a long way toward enhancing their experience and maximizing the impact of your branding.

Red Iron Brand Solutions is Your Partner in Virtual Event Branding

At Red Iron Brand Solutions, we take pride in handling our clients with special care. Our experience in the industry of 30 years allows us to offer great ideas to our clients. With our expertise, you will be sure to maximize your branding impact, whether through in-person events or virtual event merchandise. Contact us for more information.