Today is the 86th Annual Academy Awards for films in America. Now this needs no introduction of course. All your favourite movie stars will probably be in attendance. What you may not know though is that at the Awards event there is something that Americans like to call a "Swag Bag," It is basically a promotional gift bag, but not just any old promotional gift bag that you would receive at say a conference. There are no thick pamphlets and certainly no regular conference products like promotional stress balls or custom sticky notes. These Swag Oscar bags are given to celebrities and the people who work behind the camera, like directors will all get a free bag. This year the bag is has contents that are valued over $55,000 American dollars. Let's learn more about this pricey swag bag through this post.

What's Inside the Swag Bag?

If you are like me then you must be really curious as to what celebrities get for free? Why is it over $55,000 in value. What exactly is inside the bag that makes it valued at over $55,000? Well here goes the list: 

Free Holidays

• Walk Japan Tour of Japan ($15,000)
• Rocky Mountaineer Train Trip ($4,078.00)
• Best of Vegas Tour Package ($9,000)
• Imanta Mexico Resort Stay ($3,300)
• Koala Landing Resort Stay in Kauai ($2,000)

Fitness & Weight loss Products

• Huntley Drive Fitness Training Sessions ($850)
• Hydroxycut Weight Loss Products ($38.96)
• Polar Loop Activity Tracker ($109.95)
• Steamist Home Spa System ($2,560)
• Epic Pet Health Therapy ($1,571.98)
• Acure Skincare ($300)
• House Call From Nutritionist Heather Lounsbury ($500)

Luxury Products

• Max Martin Shoes ($750)
• Narrative Clip Camera ($279)
• Rouge Maple Syrup ($250)
• Le Petit Cirque Troop ($575)
• Jan Lewis Designs Bracelet ($400)
• Gizara Arts Print ($1,000)
• Halo Natural Pet Food ($6,142.89)
• Chocolatines Savory Wine Flight Pairing ($80)

The Bag Also Includes some more normal everyday products:

• Jitseu Handbags ($279)
• Slimware Dinnerware ($59)
• Aviv 613 Vodka ($30)
• Dosha Tea-Based Pops ($35)
• Blossom Blends Tea ($49.95)
• M3K Beauty Products ($100)

Why Give Out Bags?

The reason why these celebrities get so much free stuff is quite obvious. They are a lot more influential than normal everyday people. With million of fans each and the high chance of them getting photos taken by paparazzi for magazines then it is conceivable that you can generate a huge amount of publicity for your products.

Power of Promotional Swag

An underrated marketing strategy, promotional gifts play a powerful role in getting a brand’s name out there. Here's why they are so potent:

• Brand Recognition: Including your company's products in swag bags, like those at the Oscars, can significantly enhance brand recognition. Seeing celebrities use your product can encourage people to learn more about your brand.
• Longevity: Promotional items aren’t transient adverts which fade away. They stay with recipients, thereby lengthening brand exposure and recall.
• Cost-effective Marketing: Compared to traditional advertising channels, promotional products can reach a wider audience more cost-effectively.
• Customer Loyalty: Promotional items can stimulate loyalty, as customers are more likely to come back to your brand if they constantly see your product in their daily lives.

Summary

The strategic use of promotional gift items, like the Oscars Swag Bag, can have an enormous effect on brand recognition, loyalty, and recall for companies. Tailoring your promotional materials with careful thought can ensure they serve their purpose effectively and demonstrate their power as a marketing tool. As seen in the Oscars, promotional products can create wide-reaching visibility, allowing your brand to shine on the global stage. Remember, the right promotion can make your brand an A-lister.

(Details from http://au.eonline.com)