7 Branded Items That Double as Event Signage

Event signage is hard to spot, especially when every other exhibitor or sponsor has one. That’s why, if you’re sponsoring an event or exhibiting at a trade show, you need more than just signage. Here are the top 7 items I have seen my clients order that helped them boost visibility.

Quick comparison

1. Market umbrellas

If you’re selling or attending an outdoor event, having market umbrellas is a great way to boost your visibility. It’s because it helps people spot your stall from a distance.

• Print on alternate panels so the logo is visible from every direction.
• Choose a colour that stands out from the event’s own branding.
• Keep it after the event for staff areas or the next activation.

2. Fitted table covers

When they reach the booth, the next step is to have table covers customised with your logo. This makes the table look more polished and your brand more visible. If you’re planning to order tablecloths, I suggest you consider these:

• Fitted styles stay neat in the wind, unlike a loose throw.
• Put the logo where brochures or products won’t block it.
• Sublimation gives full-colour, edge-to-edge coverage.

You may read this case study on how The Hotel School Australia was able to boost their visibility by ordering both the signage and the table cover from us.

3. Oversized folding chairs

Folding chairs are another great item that helps boost your visibility. Order 40 units to have chairs for your staff. Because you can custom print them with your logo on the backrest, your logo becomes more visible. If it’s an outdoor event, having chairs in front of your booth invites more people in.

• Print the backrest, not the seat, so the logo shows when someone sits.
• Great for sports days, festivals and community fun runs.
• Can be given away at the end as prizes

4. Staff tees and caps

Your staff is signage that moves. So make sure you order t-shirts for them to wear whenever you’re exhibiting at an event.

• Put the logo on the back as well as the chest so it reads in a crowd.
• Use one bold colour across the whole team.
• Caps are useful outdoors, but the logo needs to be on the front panel to be seen.

5. Tote bags

Tote bags are one of our best-selling giveaways. The reason is that they are practical and can be used right away. Now that you have branded items for the booth, having practical giveaways to give to prospects who will visit the booth is important.

• Use the largest print area available.
• One simple logo works better than a busy design.
• Hand them out at the entrance, not at the end.

6. Golf umbrellas

Golf umbrellas are a more premium giveaway option compared to tote bags. I suggest you give these to clients and leads you were able to secure sales or a meeting with. If you’re ordering golf umbrellas, you can:

• Print on one panel (for minimalism) because clients prefer when a gift has minimal logo branding
• Print on all the panels for visibility during the event

7. Stubby holders and cups

If you’re joining an outdoor event, stubby coolers and cups are the perfect low-cost giveaways. Aside from tote bags, these items work well because they can be used during the event. Plus, they have the option to bring them home and reuse.

• Full-colour sublimation for detailed logos
• Pair with a bar or drinks station
• Reusable cups cut down on waste at council and community events.

Getting artwork right for distance

An item only works as signage if the logo reads quickly. A design that looks fine on a business card often doesn’t hold up on an umbrella seen from 30 metres away.

• Make the logo fill the print area.
• Use strong contrast between the logo and the item colour.
• Skip taglines and small text on anything meant to be seen from far away.
• Ask for a digital proof at actual size before you approve.
• Match your brand colours using PMS references, not screen colours.

What doesn’t work as signage?

Some items are good giveaways but do nothing for visibility. Don’t count on these to help people find you.

• Pens and keyrings
• Lanyards, unless you only need logo visibility up close
• Small stickers or badges
• Anything that goes straight into a bag

If you’re planning a charity day, a market stall or a holiday event, tell us the venue and how people will move through it. That tells us which of these items will actually get seen.