With the rise of remote video conferencing due to the Coronavirus, companies are rethinking how they can transform in-person events into new, online experiences. However, it can be challenging to figure out ways to keep attendees engaged. Using gifts for virtual events is a tried and true way to help excite attendees and boost your efforts to connect.
Plus, by providing your guests with gifts, you can also create long-lasting brand awareness well beyond the conference. Every time they use that item afterward, it continues showcasing your brand.
However, this boost in brand recognition is only achievable with the right gift strategy in place. Below we’ll explore how to facilitate virtual gift-giving, as well as some gift ideas for virtual events to help you get started.
Picking the Right Gifts for Virtual Events
There are plenty of gifts for virtual events you could choose from, like snacks or assorted knick-knacks. However, if you go either route, you risk choosing a gift your attendee can’t enjoy because of diet restriction or one they won’t value. The last thing you want is for your brand to be perceived as inconsiderate or cheap.
Customized apparel sends a different message. It’s personalized and flexible. You can choose to offer a variety of items your event guests will appreciate, like professional apparel, outerwear, hats, and bags.
Working with a provider like Custom Threads, you can set up an online ordering site with those apparel options and allow your guests to pick a gift that fits their taste and lifestyle. This ensures that they end up with a gift they value, allowing you to better engage with your virtual audience. Using apparel gifts for virtual events creates a positive experience your guests won’t forget.
Customizing Your Gifts to Brand Your Virtual Events
Aside from choosing the right apparel gifts to offer your guests, it’s important to make sure the customization meets your brand’s standards. As mentioned before, if the branded gift looks cheap or poorly done, it reflects negatively on your company’s image. The virtual gifts you choose to provide need to create positive brand awareness.
As you work to brand your virtual event, consider your messaging and how you want your apparel gifts to embody it. Your customized apparel should be cohesive with the overall tone of the virtual conference.
When customizing your apparel, opt for embroidery over screen printing. Embroidery gives clothes a premium look and feel that your attendees will notice when they receive their garments. Plus, it holds up well over repeated usage.
Setting Up Virtual Ordering & Doorstep Delivery
Using an apparel provider that ships orders to you in a box to distribute simply won’t cut it when you’re hosting a virtual event. It only adds extra work for you and your team, since you have to manage the apparel program and send out the orders yourself.
Instead, choose a partner whose services include online order management and complete support for the distribution process. This will allow you to delegate the creation and logistics of virtual gifts so you can focus on what matters: running the event.
Setting up an online eCommerce store with your event’s branding takes the pressure off of you to coordinate orders and handle granular details. Plus, your attendees will like that they have autonomy over what apparel they receive.
No-hassle delivery is also a key part of successfully incorporating virtual gift-giving into your event. It allows you to meet your guests right where they are, whether that’s at home while they
quarantine or social distance, or on the road while they’re traveling for business.
Make sure the apparel program you set up is with a provider who will take care of delivering the customized items directly to your guests’ preferred addresses. Your attendees will be pleased with the efficiency of the process, and your team will be relieved to have one less task to coordinate on their plate.
Giveaway Ideas for Virtual Events
As you’re researching virtual gift ideas, consider if there’s a way you can implement these giveaway ideas for virtual events as well. Studies have shown that the idea of getting something for free is powerful for consumers. If the free item exceeds expectations, it can turn neutral feelings into a strong, positive response. Keeping that in mind, here are some apparel giveaway ideas you can use for your event.
An Exclusive Electronic Voucher
If you’re using an online store for your apparel, consider covering some of the costs yourself and sending your event participants a voucher or electronic gift certificate they can use towards any item of their choice. This is a great way to ensure the gift you’re paying for isn’t a sunk cost, since guests can choose an item they like that fits their tastes.
A Special BOGO Offer
Encourage people to buy extra apparel by offering an incentive only for attendees, like a second item that’s free or half of its original price. This can help persuade people who are on the fence to buy a few more apparel pieces.
A Limited Edition or Bonus Item
Another great retail strategy you can repurpose for your event includes offering a limited edition or bonus item for your event guests. Having a limited edition or bonus item doesn’t just excite your attendees, it also increases the sense of value your apparel items hold. This, in turn, can spark the demand for your customized, limited edition apparel options.
A Traditional Giveaway Contest
If you want to generate more excitement around your event, consider opting for the classic giveaway contest. Offer an apparel prize or virtual store credit for a few, randomly selected winners. We recommend having at least 2-3 winners, so people feel like they have a better chance of being selected and are more likely to enter.
As people enter the contest, you can take advantage of it to gather data (like demographics, tastes, and preferences) regarding your attendees. This information can be useful while you’re putting together your event, so you can make sure it’s relevant and engaging for participants.