People don't always feel the same sense of connection at a virtual event as they do when meeting in person, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries in a shared environment. Promotional merchandise is one strategy that can help to overcome this challenge, encouraging engagement and participation.
How you could use promotional merchandise at virtual events
1. Mystery items.
You can get people excited about attending your virtual event by posting them a mystery item that encourages them to sign up to find out more about what is in store. The item could be in some way linked to the event topic, its main speaker or your long term vision. The important thing is for the item to be functional, high quality and to encourage the recipient to sign up.
Including a QR code on the mystery item is an ideal way to gather the recipient's information, to register them for the event and to expose them to a social media platform that provides more information about what to expect and encourages them to start interacting with other attendees early, building their network and increasing the chances of them attending on the day.
2. Reward sign ups.
Reward every sign up with promotional merchandise that will unite them with fellow attendees on the day. For example, branded clothing that can be worn during the event will help all attendees to feel connected and encourage participation.
You could also send your sign ups a branded notebook, pen or phone charger to help them participate to the fullest extent.
3. Gamify your virtual event.
Encourage participant engagement by offering promotional merchandise as a reward to the greatest contributors, the people whose ideas generated the most excitement and those who sign up immediately for future events.
By turning your virtual event into a competition in which the strongest participants can earn extra rewards, you will encourage participation, concentration and teamwork as well as developing a cohort of new brand ambassadors.
4. Use promotional merchandise to say "thank you".
People who have given up their time to attend your event will be delighted that their participation has been recognised by means of a small thank-you gift. This gift should be relevant and delivered to the attendees in a timely manner. It can help to build on the connection made during the event and enhance the recipient's perception of your brand. A thank you gift can also encourage recipients to remain a part of your virtual community and to sign up for future events.
The world is your oyster
These are just a few ways in which the use of promotional merchandise can engage your attendees before, during and after a virtual event. To discuss your specific needs and plans with an expert, please contact the team at Source Promotional Merchandise today.
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