Trade Show Articles

What is the most important item at a trade show? Some might say business cards. Some might say a promotional jotter to take notes. Some might even say their badge holder. But in essence, the most important thing that will accompany attendees as they browse aisle after aisle on the trade show floor is their bag.

Trade shows can be extremely overwhelming. There's a wealth of information to be absorbed, as each booth offers attendees a chance to visit with different exhibitors and gain insight into new and exciting products and services. Smart exhibitors have enough info (pamphlets, brochures, promotional giveaways) to attract attendees and provide them with everything they need to know about the company's goods and services. And all that important information ends up in the trade show bag.

Custom imprinted trade show bags are an advertising sponsor's dream. In addition to each attendee being given their own bag, they will be seeing the logo repeatedly as they walk the trade show aisles. Furthermore, in a 2008 study from the Advertising Specialties Institute (ASI), respondents of a survey stated that promotional bags were reported to be used by recipients on average of nine times per month. It was also concluded that bags deliver the most logo impressions, averaging approximately 1,038 per month.

Choosing the Perfect Trade Show Bag
There are several factors to consider when deciding to purchase trade show bags. Cost, imprint location and imprint area size, functionality and features are just a few elements you need to address when choosing your perfect bag.

Cost
If you are going to be responsible for distributing bags to all trade show attendees, get an approximate head count of how many bags you will need for the event. Choose bags that fit within your budget. Do not overspend your marketing dollars on ostentatious bags to impress recipients. The fact of the matter is as long as they are sturdy bags, they should do just fine. Prices range from under a dollar to about ten dollars for a fully customizable trade show bag.

Imprint Location and Imprint Area Size
The size and location of your imprint should also be considered when choosing your trade show bags. You want the logo to be recognizable even from a distance, so make sure that the imprint area is proportionate to the size of the bag. Additionally, certain bags can be imprinted on both sides, which is an added bonus for exposure. Whichever way recipients wear your bag, your logo will still be seen.

Functionality and Features

Promotional bags have advanced so much further than just being plain old cotton tote bags. Trade show bags are now equipped with everything one could possibly need to keep organized. Some of the best selling trade show bags often feature key rings, pen slots, various compartments, and even headphone ports. These bags have been designed by trade show attendees who know how important it is to have a functional bag when walking the aisles. If you have the budget, you can even have the perfect trade show bag custom designed to your company's specific likings. However, creating a custom bag is a costly and lengthy project. Investigate all possible options before deciding on this option, because chances are that you can find a bag with features you need.

Adding your logo to a trade show bag has been proven to be a useful and effective form of advertising. Choose wisely, considering imprint area, functions and features and cost before adding your branding to one of these crucial trade show giveaways.