How to Use Eco-Friendly Tactics to Increase Brand Recognition with Trade Show Giveaways

February 8, 2014

Shane Shirley

Shane Shirley is CMO for SBS Brands, a 90-year-old global brand leader focused on creating digital and print business solutions that offers traditional and eco-friendly customized promotional products to accelerate trade show marketing.

Create a Positive Impact on the Planet, Your Brand and Your Target Market

The takeaways you give out at a trade show may seem like a nice gesture to your customers and a token of your appreciation, but these items can speak volumes about your company as they increase your brand awareness and recognition. When you incorporate eco-friendly elements into your promotional items for marketing at trade shows, you can create a valuable product that will have a positive impact on the planet, your brand and your target market.

Reusable Promotional Items Offer an Amazing ROI

A reusable product is a great way to promote your brand because the durability of the item will allow your customers to use the product again and again. Each and every time your customers or prospects reach for your custom branded item, they will be reminded of your products or the services your company provides. Plus, when your customers or prospects use your product on the go, they will also spread your branding message to their friends, family and everyone else whose path they cross. This endorsement on behalf of your customers will help expand the reach of your brand.

Ultimately the lifespan of the reusable marketing product you select depends on how much your customers use the item, but after your initial investment the product will be reinforcing your brand and raising awareness of your brand for years to come without landing in the landfill.

Find the Product and Eco Qualities That Best Fit Your Brand

When working to select an eco-friendly trade show takeaway, there are many things to consider. You know your demographic, so keep them in mind when brainstorming your promotional product and select an item they will be likely to use and not toss in the trash.

Remember, the more your customers use your branded promo product the more exposure your company will receive, so choose wisely. Make your branded trade show takeaway eco-friendly by using materials that are sustainable or recycled: cotton, bamboo, jute and wood are examples of sustainable materials. Purchasing natural products that are biodegradable means they will safely breakdown when disposed of without harming the planet. When utilizing natural fibers research the growing methods employed; organic, chemical-free growing processes make an already green option even more eco-friendly.

If you opt for a reusable promo product made from recycled materials, there are the tried and true recycled options such as plastic and paper, but there are also a lot of recycled metal, glass and textile options. Recycled products are great as they an usually be tossed into the recycling bin at the end of their usefulness. Do your homework and find the material that aligns with your company’s green goals and is a good fit for your chosen promotional product.

Let Your Branded Eco-Friendly Marketing Product Promote Your Brand for You

Your customized eco-friendly promotional tool will market your brand by essentially turning yours customers into a mobile marketing force of useful and sustainable items. The words and images you have printed on your marketing product will give your customers a clear message about your brand, but a product constructed from eco-friendly materials will also drive home your brand’s eco goals while minimizing the environmental impact of your marketing campaign.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact