The celebratory season is upon us. From Thanksgiving and the holidays all the way through New Year’s Day and the Super Bowl, there are all kinds of opportunities for brands to add to the festivities and foster deeper connections with their audience.
Using promo is one of the best ways to make those lasting connections. When people attend parties, they want to feel like they’re part of the event, not just another name on the guest list. Research shows that 64% of people believe immersive experiences are the most important element of an event. In other words, they want to engage with other attendees and create memories that matter.
At a company holiday party, an immersive experience might look like custom mugs at a hot cocoa bar or trivia games with company merch for the winners. At a boutique’s grand opening celebration, it could involve custom tote bags and a selection of branded gear for attendees to choose from. A restaurant hosting a soft-launch party could offer signature cocktails in branded glasses, giving guests something to take home to commemorate the event.
When promo is involved at a party of any kind, 64% of people walk away with a positive impression of the brand, and 77% say they trust the brand even more after this kind of interaction.
From cups to coasters and T-shirts to totes, when brands incorporate promo into parties, they can enhance the overall experience, making the celebration not only memorable but also meaningful.
This is especially true when celebrating achievements, like job promotions or other career milestones. Research published in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing finds that celebrations that involve eating or drinking to intentionally mark a positive life event can boost attendees’ overall well-being.
Whether it’s a corporate holiday party, a classroom celebration or a community festival capped off with a holiday tree lighting, incorporating thoughtful promo can enhance the atmosphere and help brands forge lasting connections with attendees. In the pages ahead, we share a few ideas on how brands can engage partygoers with promo.
’Tis The Season For Company Holiday Parties
Last year, more than half of companies (64%) planned in-person holiday parties. Another 4% hosted a party virtually, likely due to an increase in hybrid and remote work. Most companies maintained their usual party budget, but 33% spent more on the celebration. Many employers also embraced a more-the-merrier approach, with about a third of surveyed companies encouraging employees to invite their significant other or families to the holiday party.
At a company holiday party, branded items become more than just gifts – they become tangible reminders of how much companies truly value their staff. From plush blankets to luxury gift baskets to practical tech tools employees can use at work, thoughtful promo items add to the festive spirit and spread good cheer.
Promo That Captures The Heart
More than half of consumers (52%) say they celebrate Valentine’s Day. To commemorate the holiday, many communities across the country host Valentine’s dances. When partygoers arrive at hotel ballrooms and community centers for an evening of music, dancing and celebration, brands can elevate the experience by providing promo. Items like heart-shaped sunglasses, boxes of chocolate and Valentine-themed temporary tattoos add to the festive atmosphere and help brands connect with local audiences.
Maximize Field Day Fun With Promo
The U.S. is home to more than 64,000 elementary schools, each buzzing with various parties and celebrations throughout the year. One of the standouts? Field Days. Promos like custom T-shirts for different grade levels, water bottles to keep kids hydrated and wristbands that students can trade can all add to the day’s festivities.
Boost The Fun At Launch Parties With Promo
Whether it’s a new clothing line, an innovative tech gadget or a fresh craft beverage, businesses can generate buzz and engage their target audience with launch parties. Nearly 70% of marketers believe that experiential events like launch parties are essential for driving brand awareness and customer loyalty. Incorporating promo, especially in interactive experiences like contests where guests can win exclusive items, adds to the fun. After the party, promos keep the brand top of mind.
Picture This: Photo Booth Promos Spark Fun
Photo booths have become staples at parties of all kinds, from corporate celebrations to wedding receptions. The photo booth rental market is growing 3.4% annually, with rentals projected to generate $1.3 billion in revenue by 2025. Where there’s a photo booth, there’s an opportunity for brands to make the experience even more fun. Items like branded photo frames or keychains to hold small pictures give guests something tangible to take home.
Use Promo To Connect With The College Crowd
Springtime can be a festive time on college campuses with events that help students connect and celebrate. Colleges can enhance these experiences with promo items that boost school spirit and create a sense of belonging – think T-shirts, hats and sunglasses.
Colleges can also use promo to reach prospective students. Among high school students who make campus visits, 69% say a good experience can make them significantly more interested in a college – and a bad experience can turn them off completely. Give out items like custom flying discs and drink holders that promote both the school and a lively atmosphere.
Campaign Collateral
The Charcuterie Party Assortment makes a great gift at client appreciation events or corporate holiday parties. It includes a sustainable bamboo cutting board, a meat and cheese cleaver and all the ingredients for the perfect charcuterie spread.
Maple Ridge Farms / PPAI 114165, Gold / mapleridgefarms.com
Add a personalized touch to celebrations and parties of all kinds with Linen Embossed Beverage Napkins. Made from recycled materials, these white, single-ply napkins help reinforce brand identity while guests enjoy drinks and appetizers.
Tranter Graphics / PPAI 112888, Silver / trantergraphics.com
Catering companies and banquet halls could give the Spark Celebration box to strike up inspiration for unique parties. Each sparkly faux matchbox contains 50 prompts for fun festivities.
The Book Company / PPAI 218850, Silver / thebookco.com
Get any party started with these fringed Squawkers. Choose from eight metallic colors and make a brand heard and seen. Customize the mouthpiece with a one-color imprint.
The Beistle Company / PPAI 111182, Standard-Plus / beistle.com
Welcome attendees to a mixer or cocktail party with the 8-oz. Snowfox Martini Cup. Featuring a shimmer finish, this vacuum-insulated cup is designed with an ultra-slim rim, giving recipients a more sophisticated sip.
Logomark / PPAI 110898, Platinum / logomark.com
Make a splash at college parties with the Inflatable Floating Coaster. This confetti-filled coaster holds a 12-oz. can or stadium cup and makes a great game prize from local bars, beverage brands and more.
Jornik / PPAI 111065, Silver / jornik.com
Let the games begin with the Tabletop Pong Game. Companies sponsoring sporting events could use this promo as prizes in competitions. It features a hardwood construction and a snug fit to keep cups from tipping.
AAA Innovations / PPAI 110972, Standard-Plus / aaainnovations.com
