Category: Branding

photo credit: Walnut Studiolo ErinBerzelPhotography-4428 via photopin (license)

The way we network and connect may have massively changed in the past few years thanks to an explosion of social networking tools and apps, all ready to help us collaborate with a single tap, but one staple of old business practices remains: the humble business card. A simple, elegant slip of paper featuring a person or business’ name, branding, and contact information is still a very common tool for making important business contacts and establishing potentially fruitful relationships.

Business cards have evolved in the last few years. On the one hand, there’s a nostalgia for the elegance of old. Lately we’ve noticed a trend in letter press business cards, which have a sophisticated, textured presentation. There are also a wide range of different sizes and formats, and special die cut shapes and effects like foil stamping, or super thick cards made possible with new printing technology. On the other hand, business cards have also gone digital, and some of them offer digital engagement features like QR codes that you can scan with a smartphone to download contact info or visit a website. There are also several apps out there to help you scan and organize the business cards you receive, some of which sync with popular cloud-based contact databases you may already use, and startups are busily creating apps that all hope to become the digital business card of the future.

If you’re looking to shake up how you make business contacts, drop us a line! We also create unique and memorable business cards, and we’re here to help.

The Brand of No Brand

November 30, 2016 Branding / Cool

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A little while back, we covered a DIY fashion trend in which people were customizing their own garments with patches to add a little personal flair. It turns out there’s another trend going on in haute fashion circles: un-branded luxury products have now become chic and desirable to some consumers. Rather than wield their logo-splashed Louis Vuitton bags, these fashionistas are sporting luxury handbags that feature either a minimized logo or none at all.

What to make of this phenomenon? Well, it does seem to indicate that some consumers are striving to express their own personal identity rather than channel it through a major label. Maybe it’s a way to express an even more exclusive affiliation—a sort of secret club or coveted entry into a fashion speakeasy, if you will, where it’s simply gauche to wave the signs of your success—your Coach bag and your Hermès scarf—in front of the have-nots.

It’s also possible that some of these same consumers place a higher premium on the quality of the product rather than the brand name or logo. This brings to mind the popularity of Muji, the popular minimalist Japanese company whose full name Mujirushi Ryohin literally means “no-brand quality goods.” As our ideas of branding change and become more sophisticated, how will this impact your branded your promotional items? We’re on it. Contact us for details.

5 Types of Holiday Gift Sets That Your Clients and Employees Will Enjoy

November 17, 2016 Branding / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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Are you ready for the holiday season? Looking for a great corporate gift or special present for your employees, clients, or business partners? Holiday gift sets are a good choice for this occasion. From trendy Moscow Mule gift sets to tech gift packs for the gadget obsessed, you can find something great that everyone will enjoy.

Here are gift set ideas that are especially popular this time of year, with suggestions on who they’d be a good fit for. If you’re trying to decide which direction to go in, we find that it’s usually most effective to select a gift that matches your company’s messaging or a specific theme you may be working with (for an event like a holiday party, for example). We specialize in helping companies figure out what works best for them, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the contact points listed below for a conversation about your needs and how we can be of help.

#1. Moscow Mule Mug Gift Set

Craft beer and mixology have become very popular in recent years, and the Moscow Mule cocktail features them both. It’s a lovely warming cocktail, perfect for winter, and our gift set has everything needed to for two people to enjoy it while relaxing over the holidays. This would be a great pick for clients or colleagues who have a special interest in spirits or craft beer.

#2. Hot Sauce Gift SetLots of folks, especially but not only people from the South, enjoy having hot sauce on hand to enhance the flavor of a dish. A hot sauce gift set such as this one that includes cayenne hot sauce, spicy salsa, and barbecue sauce will be especially appreciated by someone who prefers their food with a kick. With your logo prominently and tastefully showcased, it’ll be a nice reminder of your company every time they reach for a dash of something spicy.

#3. Moleskine® Writer’s Gift Set

It’s not always about the food and drink—some of your clients or employees may have a special fondness for writing and fine stationery. For those who enjoy the written word, a Moleskine® Writer’s Gift Set is an especially fitting choice. It features a pair of notebooks, one for more extensive journal writing or note-taking and another, smaller version that’s great for jotting down thoughts on the go.

#4. Tech Accessory Gift Set

These days, everybody has a gadget or device they’re keeping charged or synced up while working or going about their daily lives. A tech accessory gift set fully equipped with the tools they need to stay connected is a perfect corporate or promotional gift for the holidays since it’s so useful. This one (above) features retractable ear buds and a handy power bank, but there are plenty of other combinations including power banks and car chargers, power banks and key chains, and complete mobile charging sets.

#5. Gift Baskets

When selecting a corporate gift for a client’s office or team, you may want to pick something that provides a little something for everyone so no one feels left out. A gift basket is good for this kind of situation. You can pick one that includes a pair of mugs, some tasty candy and cookies, and coffee or tea. There are even versions that include travel mugs for sipping a drink while traveling

Wondering if there are other kinds of gift sets that might be a good choice for holiday corporate gifts or a holiday event you have in mind? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you could benefit from some creative and collaborative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

Swag: Dorky and Uncool? Think Again!

September 21, 2016 Branding / Cool / Design / Wearables

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Ok, let’s be honest. When you think of promotional items, does the word “cool” come to mind? If the answer is no, you’re probably not alone. Promotional products were not historically seen as hip, trendy, or fashionable, but a lot has changed in recent years. Now swag, once looked at with more than a whiff of disdain, is cool. Even the meaning of the word ‘swag’ has been updated to mean something cool, a unique personal style, or something you approve of.

Not convinced that swag is in style? Here are a few recent developments in the world of branded merch that may change your mind:

Designers and fashionistas are embracing swag. Maybe it’s nostalgia or maybe it’s just a yearning for a return to the graphic design of old, but when it comes to what’s in style, everything old is new again. Designers are embracing old school graphic t-shirts, and major fashion houses are even elevating the humble embroidered patch to haute status.
Campaign swag has gone from dorky to desirable. Those of us who remember the 70s, 80s, and 90s can immediately call to mind the old school, blocky, and decidedly lame graphic design of political campaigns. You didn’t see Carter-Mondale or Reagan-Bush printed on a great fashion t-shirt, much less see the fashion elite wearing them. But now swag has gone upscale: major fashion designers have released gorgeous branded t-shirts promoting Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid. They’re so chic you almost forget they’re campaign merchandise.
Major brands offer items through promotional products sellers. Yes, swag can be covetable—especially when you have major brands like Victorinox, Lacoste, Nike, Kenneth Cole, Isaac Mizrahi, Moleskine Brookstone, MoMA, Umbra, and Alessi offering their own specially branded items through promotional products sellers. This type of co-branding is big right now, and it means your business can offer premier goods that might not have been available in the past.

The most important take-away to keep in mind is that there are more choices than ever before. Back in the day you might have just been able to offer your customers a not so hip foam can cooler (which, let’s admit it, is ironically cool these days). Now you have a wealth of options to pick from—each with its own unique style and sensibility. At the end of the day, one thing is certain: when it comes to branded and promotional items, this is not your grandparents’ swag!

Are you looking for branded promotional items to help your company stand out from the competition? There are a lot of ways branded goods can draw attention for your business. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

The Power of Branded Apparel

August 18, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Promotional Inspirations

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Apparel items and wearables such as t-shirts, caps, and outerwear are among the most popular promotional products available to companies wanting to reach customers. Each of us has seen a nice t-shirt with a logo on it, and we probably have one at home ourselves (I know I do), but at the end of the day we might still wonder: how effective are they? Well, the research is in. People love promotional products in general and branded items of all types attract new customers to your business, but wearables have a special place in the heart of the American consumer. Here are some data points that show just how powerful t-shirts, caps, hats, and other wearable branded items can be in promoting your brand.

Recall is highest for apparel items. According to a 2014 study, 88% of people recall the advertiser that gave them a t-shirt or hat. 57% of U.S. consumers feel more favorable about the advertiser who gave them a promotional shirt.
Wearables are extremely popular. 48% of Americans own logoed t-shirts. They are the second most popular promotional product in America after writing instruments (56%). 25% of us own logoed caps and headwear as well.
Attractiveness is important. 42% of people who keep promotional hats do so because they are considered attractive, and 54% of people who hold on to outerwear for the same reason.
Outerwear has staying power. On average, U.S. consumers keep outerwear for a year and a half. When asked why they hold on to it, 75% say they do because it is useful while 52% say it’s because they find it attractive. 49% simply say that they enjoy having it.
Certain demographics especially enjoy t-shirts. Interestingly, men (52%) are more likely to own promotional t-shirts than women (46%), while African-Americans (46%) are the most likely of all ethnic groups to keep their t-shirts, citing attractiveness of the t-shirt as a reason for holding onto it.
Even certain regions have specific preferences for wearables. T-shirts are especially popular in the Southeast, where they generate nearly 4,000 impressions over their lifetime. Folks in Minneapolis enjoy logoed hats—they wear them as much as six times per month, creating impressions every time they go out. Outerwear is especially popular in the Midwest, where 15% of consumers report owning an item, likely due to the cold weather in winter.

Everybody loves a good t-shirt, as it turns out, especially if they think it’s attractive or useful. And in a sense, everybody wins: someone gets a new piece of apparel that they’ll enjoy and keep for a long time, and the business knows they’ll remember who gave it to them and look on them a little more favorably, perhaps even think of doing business with them. If you’re thinking of smart ways to get the word out about your company, wearables are a great choice.

We should also mention that there are a lot of different kinds of wearables you can pick from when thinking about a possible campaign or giveaway: t-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, caps & hats, sweatbands, sunglasses, bandannas, flip flops, handkerchiefs, scarves, socks, gloves, jackets, earmuffs, and plenty beyond that. You can get creative with your choices and pick something appropriate for the season, a particular holiday, obviously your brand, or a special event like a trade show or a conference. Promotional products work best when they’re considered useful, attractive, and relevant (to a season or event, for example), so it’s a good idea to keep that in mind when planning your promotion.

Are you looking for branded apparel or other branded promotional items to help your company stand out from the competition? There are a lot of ways they can draw attention for your business. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

At the Rio Olympics, It’s All About That Swag

August 11, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Cool / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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Team USA gear created by Ralph Lauren for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Have you been watching the Olympic Games in Rio this week, cheering on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team and chuckling at #PhelpsFace memes? If so, you’ve no doubt noticed some of the interesting branding stories coming out of Rio too. The Olympics are an incredibly high-profile sporting competition, playing out on just about the biggest stage there is, and the IOC is guarding its branding very carefully. It’s been notoriously strict about use of official Rio 2016 logos and even GIFs (yes, believe it or not, you’re officially not allowed to share animated GIFs of the Olympic Games on social media… though that didn’t stop clips of #PhelpsFace from going viral). Not surprisingly, the IOC has also taken a dim view of unauthorized swag being peddled during the two-week athletic event.

Still, there have been some really interesting and even surprising branding stories coming out of Rio, along with some pretty covetable swag we can all appreciate whether we’re into sports or not. Here are some of the most intriguing types of Olympic branded products—or stories about Olympic swag—that have gotten our attention as the Games have gotten underway:

Custom Nike swag for Olympic athletes. Preparing for the Games takes many years, as Olympic observers know. Tokyo 2020 organizers are already deep into planning for their turn in the Olympic spotlight. Brands are no different. Nike spent three years preparing custom swag for Team USA and Team Brazil, designing individualized gifts tailored to each athlete’s specific schedule and needs. That incredible attention to detail no doubt left a strong impression on the athletes, and it’s smart Olympic branding. When giving promotional branded gifts, it’s always a pro move to make sure that your gifts are useful, helpful, and relevant to the people receiving them.
The IOC is making its own knockoffs. This is fascinating! While actively going after unauthorized vendors for churning out counterfeit merchandise, the IOC itself is getting in on the act, selling cheaper versions of its official Olympic branded goods in downtown Rio. One good aspect of this development is that it makes Olympic gear accessible to Brazilians who might not otherwise be able to afford it, but it’s also an impressive display of chutzpah and branding control at the same time.
Fashion-forward team gear. Swag and high fashion have been converging in an interesting way lately—Justin Bieber’s new line of tour-inspired merchandise is just one example. Not to be outdone, the Olympics are featuring some attention-getting team gear created by famous fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Christian Louboutin. If there’s a particular look you like or a team you want to support, you can buy the same swag online and rock a cool Olympic pose yourself.

We’ve got just over a week to go, with more intriguing examples of Olympic swag and interesting branding stories sure to come out of Rio as the Games continue. They’ll be worth keeping an eye on as you cheer your favorite athletes to victory!

August Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

July 28, 2016 Branding / Cool / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

August is almost here, and with it, the height of summer. A lot of folks are enjoying well-deserved vacations, and many of us are also beginning planning for back to school. The much-anticipated Rio Olympics are also about to kick off as well, sure to thrill sports and athletics observers alike. As we enjoy the remaining weeks of these long, lazy summer days before Labor Day and the beginning of fall, here are some great opportunities to keep your business or organization top of mind with clients and business partners all month long. These are some upcoming holidays, events, and awareness dates coming up that you might want to have on your radar for promotional campaigns and giveaways—from quirky, fun occasions to more serious, meaningful remembrances.

August!

Holidays, Events, and Awareness Days

August 5-21 – Rio Olympics 2016

The 2016 Summer Games are about to kick off in Rio, bringing thrilling athletic events to our Internet feeds and TVs. No doubt, sports fans will be excited to watch their favorite athletes compete on the world stage. Planning on following the Games? Get into the spirit with some Olympic style medals of your own or even a USOC Olympic car flag.

August 7 – Purple Heart Day

First created by General George Washington to recognize soldiers for exceptional military valor, and also considered the first military combat badge of the United States, the Purple Heart is still awarded to those who have served our country with great distinction and honor. If you know someone who has received a Purple Heart, it’s a fitting occasion to thank them for their service.

August 9 – National Book Lovers Day

Making progress on your summer reading list? Know someone who’s a bookworm? This annual observance day gives you carte blanche to find a cozy nook or a comfortable spot under a tree and while away the hours immersed in a good book. Treat the book lovers you know with some thoughtful book accessories including book lights, bookmarks, and bookends.

August 19 – World Humanitarian Day

First created by the United Nations in recognition of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to recognize the bravery of those who put themselves at risk in order to help others. It’s also a fitting occasion to note the importance and transformative impact of humanitarian work across the globe.

August 21 – Senior Citizens Day

Each year on August 21, Senior Citizens Day creates awareness about the importance of supporting America’s senior citizens and recognizing their achievements. Created by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, it is also intended to raise awareness about the social, health, and economic issues affecting senior citizens.

August 26 – Women’s Equality Day

We’ve all heard of International Women’s Day, but Women’s Equality Day is likely less well-known. Created in 1971, it commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, enfranchising women with the right to vote. It’s a great opportunity to recognize the strides women have made in participating in public life.

Awareness Weeks August 2016

August 1-7: Simplify Your Life Week. Have you been getting into the KonMari method of reducing clutter, originally popularized by Marie Kondo? Well then you might be interested in Simplify Your Life Week. Not only is it about eliminating clutter from your life, but in removing the obstacles that keep you from fully enjoying each day.

August 25-31: Be Kind to Humankind Week. These days, we all could use a little kindness in our lives. Be Kind to Humankind Week is an annual global celebration of kindness during which we can take steps to create a kinder world together. Here are our tips on how you can practice kindness and make small contributions of your own.

Awareness Months August 2016

– Family Fun Month

As a lot of families get ready to go on vacation or just spend some quality time together, Family Fun Month is a great occasion to celebrate the fun of being with family and creating some lasting memories—whether that’s exploring the outdoors, hanging out at home, or taking a trip.

Wondering if there are promotional products that might be a good fit for the season or a particular project or campaign you might have on your radar? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you have an idea in mind that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

Campaign Swag at the RNC and DNC

July 22, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Cool / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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It’s convention time! The Republicans have been gathering in Cleveland this week to formally nominate Donald Trump as their candidate for President, and next week the Democrats will officially give their nod to Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia. This has been an unusual campaign season to say the least, and as we’ve talked about before here on the blog, one of the most interesting and unique things about it has been the campaign swag. Promotional branded products are one of the most effective methods that candidates are using to advertise their campaigns, and supporters (or, in some cases, just really clever entrepreneurs with a good sense of humor) are getting in on the act too.

Of course Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hat is the most iconic and readily recognizable piece of campaign swag out there, but there are others worth mentioning. Here are some of the most intriguing types of swag—or stories about swag—that have gotten our attention as the election has heated up this summer:

Make America Great Again spinoffs. One of the most effective things about Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan is that you can spin it off into many different versions. We’re seeing that this week, as the RNC presents a different theme each night (Make America Safe Again, Make America Work Again). Some merchandise sellers are putting an ironic twist on the famous catchphrase with tongue-in-cheek products such as the Make Coffee Great Again coffee mug.
Magical Bernie gear. Although Bernie Sanders may be out of the race, his supporters are still buying up plenty of swag—including really fun, kitschy items like a 80s portrai t style mouse pad showing Bernie holding a cute cat and a Bernie Sanders Is Magical onesie depicting the Bern riding triumphant atop a unicorn graced by a rainbow. Not to be outdone, 90s girls saying #ImWithHer can make a statement with throwback Hillary scrunchies.
Unique, local swag from Philly artists. Conventions such as the RNC and DNC are big opportunities for cities to draw attention to their special attractions and what makes them unique, and Philadelphia is no exception. To welcome the DNC next week, Philly artists have designed a set of exclusive clothing, pins, magnets, and other souvenirs sure to attract visitors to the city of Brotherly Love. This is a nice change of pace from the same-old same-old, ubiquitous Liberty Bell goods you typically see throughout the city.

Whoever you support in this year’s campaign, there’s likely some swag out there with your name on it. Have you seen a piece of swag that has particularly caught your eye lately? Snap a photo of it and share it with us on social at Twitter, Facebook, or @branding_ideas on Instagram! We’re always on the lookout for examples of cool, funky, or interesting swag.

Are you looking for branded promotional items to help your company stand out? There are a lot of ways branded goods can draw attention for your business. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

July Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

June 30, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

Can you believe we’re almost at July? This year is going by so quickly. If you’re here in the States like we are, we hope you have a wonderful 4th of July planned. As we get into the full swing of summer, here are some great opportunities to keep your business or organization top of mind with clients and business partners all month long. These are some upcoming holidays, events, and awareness dates coming up that you might want to have on your radar for promotional campaigns and giveaways—from quirky, fun occasions to more serious, meaningful remembrances.

July!

Holidays and Awareness Days

July 4 – Independence Day

Celebrated each year in the U.S. with fireworks and parades, Independence Day marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, proclaiming the thirteen colonies’ independence from England and establishing the United States as a sovereign country.

July 11 – World Population Day

Observed every year on July 11, World Population Day seeks to draw awareness to global population issues. Established by the United Nations Development Programme in 1989, back when the planet’s population was roughly 5 billion people, it has become a more widespread international observance since then.

July 14 – Bastille Day

This French national holiday, known in France as la fête nationale or le quatorze juillet, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789. That event signaled the start of the French revolution. Celebrations and parades are held throughout the country on this day.

July 18 – Nelson Mandela International Day

Observed each year on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, Nelson Mandela International Day honors the iconic South African leader’s dedication to the service of humanity in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, and many other important issues facing communities around the world.

July 24 – Parents’ Day

Established in the U.S. in 1994, Parents’ Day promotes recognizing and supporting parents in rearing children and contributing to a better world. It’s commonly celebrated here each year on the fourth Sunday of July; in Korea, a similar holiday is observed on May 8.

Awareness Weeks July 2016

July 11-15: National Therapeutic Recreation Week. Established in 1984 by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, National Therapeutic Recreation Week recognizes the importance of “therapeutic recreation”—the use of leisure activities as a way to aid in patient recovery. Benefits include an enhanced sense of well-being as well as teaching and reinforcing everyday behaviors necessary for a good quality of life.

July 20-24: Comic-Con International. Founded in 1970, Comic-Con International is a massively popular yearly entertainment and comic convention held each year in San Diego, California. Known simply as Comic-Con to aficionados, it lasts for four days and draws large crowds of sci-fi, comic book, and pop culture enthusiasts.

July 25-31: World Youth Day. Also known by the acronym WYD, World Youth Day is an international Catholic event centered on faith and how it impacts young people. Celebrated in a different location each year, it will be observed in Kraków, Poland this July.

Awareness Months July 2016

– National Grilling Month

National Grilling Month is pretty much what it sounds like: a month-long celebration of the pleasures of grilling outdoors in the summertime. It’s also a good opportunity for grilling enthusiasts to refresh their safety practices with some helpful grilling safety tips.

– National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

Ever been annoyed by someone treating the local Starbucks like their personal office, yelling loudly into their cell phone while everyone else is trying to enjoy their coffee in peace? Then this awareness month is for you. It’s a good opportunity to brush up on and promote proper cell phone etiquette.

– UV Safety Month

As more of us spend quality time outdoors reveling in the warm summer sun, it’s important to protect our skin and eyes from the harmful impacts of UV rays. Load up on sunscreen, make sure you have a trusty pair of UV sunglasses at your side, and enjoy a cool breeze in the shade of a UV umbrella.

– Social Wellness Month

In our always-on, frenetic world, it’s sometimes hard to pause and take stock of what wellness means to us. Social Wellness Month explores ways in which we can improve our wellness—as well as others’—by connecting better with the people around us.

– National Culinary Arts Month

Anyone who loves food or dining will appreciate National Culinary Arts Month, which exists to celebrate the talents and skills of the chefs and cooks who prepare our food when we go out to enjoy a meal—whether that’s in a fancy restaurant or at the unassuming food truck down the street.

– National Park and Recreation Month

What better way to enjoy the summer months than outdoors at one of our many beautiful local, state, and national parks? National Park and Recreation Month seeks to promote the enjoyment of our local parks and recreation centers and the many ways they contribute to our health and wellness both individually and as a community.

6 Tips for Hosting a Company Gathering That’s Actually Fun

June 16, 2016 Branding / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Sunglasses at a picnic via photopin (license)

Is your company or organization planning a retreat or a picnic this summer? We’ve got some good news and some bad news for you. When the staff finds out that there’s an organization-wide event planned that they have to attend, you’re going to see a couple of people rolling their eyes and muttering about “mandatory fun” while looking for the exit. And it’s understandable—such gatherings can often be pretty boring and feel contrived.

But here’s the good news: they don’t have to be! If you feel like you’re fresh out of ideas for ways to actually make your summer get-together enjoyable for all involved, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are 6 tips for hosting a company gathering that’s actually fun!

6 tips for hosting a fun company gathering:

Let employees have input into the day’s programming. Company-wide events aren’t usually met with much enthusiasm when they’re planned in a top-down or hierarchical manner. You may want to create a planning group to organize the event. That way the responsibility won’t fall solely on one person and you’ll get more creative suggestions for fun things to do that a range of people will actually like.
Allow people to enjoy the event in their own way. Chances are, your company or organization has a mix of personality types in it. Some folks love to be a part of large groups; others are more likely to enjoy themselves in one-to-one conversations with less noise and bustle. Consider these dynamics when planning your event and avoid making it a one size fits all affair.
Offer games and contests with fun prizes. Everybody loves a good contest, especially when they win! If you’ve got a picnic planned, that might be a great opportunity for a softball game or a relay race. Not all contests have to be sports-related, though–you could host a trivia challenge or a game show! Events that are relevant to your company culture and brand values are especially likely to be a success. Whatever you choose, offer meaningful prizes and gifts that your staff will enjoy—a battery pack for gadgets like smartphones is a crowd pleaser, while Bluetooth speakers are also a hit (and may get some great music going later that day!).
Provide branded gifts that the staff will enjoy. Contests are great, but there’s also another opportunity to increase the excitement at your retreat or picnic. Many companies and organizations give out special branded items at these events as a thank you to the staff. Such giveaways include temporary tattoos, caps, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottles, picnic blankets, duffel bags, tote bags, or coolers—all items that come handy during the summer months. As with contest prizes, it’s a good idea to make sure that your branded giveaways are consistent with your brand image and values.
Have entertainment or an educational component. If you’re hosting a picnic, your focus should be on providing a relaxing, fun experience for everyone. Consider providing some entertainment such as live music or a magician. If you’re hosting a retreat, then you might want to have an educational offering. This could be an excellent, inspiring speaker or a presentation on something truly innovative that is happening in your industry. You could also take a moment to recognize staff that have been with the company for many years or that have made remarkable contributions with an award certificate or an award plaque.
Provide good food and beverages. If someone’s been working hard on an important project all week, the last thing they want is to have another task added to their plate. This includes cooking or preparing a dish for a mandatory company get-together. If you’re requiring that everyone at the company or organization attend your event, lighten the load and the atmosphere by providing good food and beverages that they can responsibly enjoy.

Planning a summer gathering? We have protective branded items for summer corporate outings, summer camps, company retreats and picnics. Looking for some ideas for promotional products that might be a good fit for your business this summer? Check out our Fun Promotional Summer Gifts board on Pinterest! Or get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.