BBT – Big Bag Tactics: Winning Tradeshow Giveaways

Doing an Aussie tradeshow, expo, or conference, one thing’s guaranteed: attendees leave with bags full of stuff. Flyers, brochures, lanyards, snacks, stress balls—you name it. We will share some tactics based on our expertise and experience. You see, only a few brands get remembered. And the ones that do? They don’t just give things away. They play the game smarter.

These are the Charles BBT tactics—not official jargon, but field-tested, Cubic Promote invented event hacks that every organiser should have in their back pocket.

Dive in… here we go:

1. The Oversized Bag Move (aka “The Billboard Tactic”)

Forget small satchels. If you’re giving away branded tote bags, make them bigger than everyone else’s. Why? Because your bag becomes the one where everyone else’s freebies get dumped. You become the default carrier—your logo is everywhere.

My tip: Get a bright, unmistakable colour (think coral, cobalt blue, or even canary yellow). In a sea of navy and black, boldness gets remembered. 

2. The “Use It Now” Principle

You’re not aiming for longevity—you’re aiming for right now. That means giving away items people immediately want at a crowded venue.

Think:

• A portable phone stand for watching keynotes.
• A tin of mints after too many coffee chats.
• A microfibre cloth for smudged glasses or screens.
• A handheld fan at a summer event in Brisbane.

If they use it at the show, they’ll remember who gave it to them.

3. Clip It, Carry It, Show It

Want to ensure your item doesn’t get lost in a backpack? Please give it a clip, a hook, or a strap.

Personalised Water bottle with a carabiner? Visible all day.

Sunglasses pouch with a keyring? Instant mobile branding.

ID wallet with a lanyard? It’s on their chest from 9 to 5. 

You’re not just giving out merch—you’re planting walking signage all over the venue.

4. The Tactile Factor

Here’s a peculiar one: things that make noise or movement tend to get attention. A squishy toy that clicks. A fan that spins. A custom promotional Yo-Yo that rolls up and down. Even a notepad with a bold, magnetic closure. 

It’s not about novelty—it’s about engagement. If people fidget with it while queuing or chatting, your brand’s in the shot when others turn to look.

—

5. Brand Like You Mean It

Don’t go subtle. Small logos tucked in corners are a missed opportunity. You want: 

Full-front branding on bags.

Centre-stage logos on bottles.

Contrasting print colours that don’t blend into the background.

This isn’t minimalism—it’s visibility. No one remembers who gave them the grey pen with grey branding.

—

6. Go Early, Go Loud

If your giveaway is genuinely helpful (e.g., a bag, bottle, or notepad), give it away before the crowd arrives. Early birds often carry fewer things, and if your branded item becomes their first, it usually becomes their only.

That bag you handed out at 8:50 am? It’ll be in every photo taken that day.

—

7. The Pack-Up Advantage

Want to win post-show impressions? Offer a second bag or sleeve at the end of the day. It sounds excessive, but many attendees can’t fit everything into their existing tote.

A collapsible polyester bag or large plastic sleeve marked “Extras” gives people one more reason to carry your branding to the Uber rank.

—

8. The Familiar Twist

Give them something they already know—but improved.

A pen? Make it ultra-grippy or scented.

A notebook? Add a document pocket or elastic closure.

A bottle? Add a built-in tea infuser or removable base.

When the brain says, “Hey, I know this”, but the body says, “Wait, this is better”, that’s where your brand lands.

—

Think Like a Tactician, Not Just a Planner

Every event organiser plans the basics: booths, banners, and product samples. You need to do that, but if you want to win, add thinking like a tactical strategist to the list. It will lead to you winning more attention at shows.

Begin by asking Questions like:

• How can I increase my brand’s visibility in more hands?
• How can I stay visible throughout the day?
• How can I get attendees to engage with my content?

Lasting Thoughts

You don’t need a massive budget to make a lasting impression—just a shift in thinking. Get bigger bags. Provide items that are used immediately. Be bold with branding. Because while others are handing out pens and hoping, you’re out here tactically dominating the tradeshow floor.

Now that’s the BBT Charles Tactics!! Share with us on your social media of choice what your go-to tactic is.

About the Author