In last week’s post, I wrote about several things NOT to do in a booth when exhibiting. And one of those was giving away cheesy “merch.” I believe that things like pens, mini-frisbees and logo’d post-it notes just don’t deliver lot of value for the exhibitor.
However, I did see one exhibitor at the CASRO Digital Conference a couple of weeks ago with what may have been the best booth giveaway ever… and for a couple of reasons.
Tango Card is in the business of helping companies integrate digital gift cards into their reward, incentive and engagement programs. And do you know what they gave away from their booth? Yup… actual reward cards! So, why was this such a good giveaway? Three reasons, I think…
- It had real value… each card was loaded with $5… OK, not a lot, but certainly more valuable than a pen. Plus, it can be used where you want to use it… like at a Starbucks.
- Everyone who came to their booth to get one of these cards had to give up something… their contact information. What a great way to capture names and build a database.
- Finally, by using the card, their prospects actually got to participate in some level of “user experience” with the company… a trial run with Tango Card, if you will. Pretty smart!
Of course, not all of us have products or services that lend themselves to that kind of effective giveaway. But the fact is, Tango Card could have just as easily given away pens, if they wanted to. But they decided to get creative and invest a little in engaging their sales prospects.
So how about you? Ready to give up the pens and Frisbees? Before you re-order more ineffective booth giveaways out of habit, gather the team together and brainstorm a little to see what you can come up with. Who knows… maybe you can develop the next “best booth giveaway ever!”