Even though things are slowly returning to normal, virtual events are here to stay. While some people groan at the thought of another Zoom meeting, virtual events have plenty to offer. They have shown to have higher registration and attendance rates compared to their face-to-face counterparts, and they offer a flexible environment that anyone can participate in.
Knowing that virtual meetings are staying put, it’s important to prepare for these types of events. In doing so, you can create meaningful connections with your audience while building your brand. Below you’ll find some swag ideas that will help improve engagement for virtual attendees.
Before the Event
Long before your virtual event starts, you should be building excitement. Post on social media and give attendees a glimpse of what to expect. Here are some ideas:
- Mystery item. After people sign up for your event, send them a fun or mysterious item that shows what your virtual experience will be like. For example, you can mail out golden tickets for a chance to spin the virtual prize wheel.
- Swag giveaway. Send attendees a swag giveaway link that will reward them with a special gift. This allows you to gather information about their likes, dislikes, etc. in exchange for a promo item.
- Custom swag box. If you really want to make an impact, send attendees a custom swag pack that includes an assortment of great items related to your event, such as a custom t-shirt, hat and phone charger set.
During the Event
Once your event starts, you’ll want to utilize branded swag to help people feel connected to your brand. Some of the ways you can make your virtual event more engaging are:
- Incorporate swag into your presentation. Since your attendees will not be in the same room, you’ll need to find other ways to bring them together. One way to do this is by incorporating swag into the event. When everyone sees that they have the same item, it will create a sense of community.
- Reward participants with swag. If you plan on having attendees participate in games, reward them with fun prizes – personalized tumblers, lanyards, t-shirts, etc.. If you have a company store, reward participants with redeemable points. This way, they can pick out what they want.
After the Event
Your virtual event doesn’t end when people leave the meeting. Afterwards, follow up with attendees and collect feedback. Here’s how to leverage your swag to keep your brand front and center:
- Send a small thank you gift. Show your attendees that you appreciate their attendance and look forward to a continued relationship.
- Collect information. Gather feedback from your event. Incentivize attendees with a swag item – they’ll be more likely to give you valuable comments.
These are just a few of the ways that you can use branded swag to connect with your audience during virtual events. While there may be some challenges to virtual meetings, they still provide plenty of opportunities to build connections that will last long after the event.