When the weather is warm, outdoor activities abound. People love to gather for these pastimes, whether it’s a quick visit to the park or a professional sporting event. Bigger events require planning, and one measure of success is the attendance numbers.
One piece that shouldn’t be overlooked is the merch that can attract and commemorate the occasion. The right merch creates excitement before the event, adds convenience, enhances the experience and gives attendees something to take home after the event closes. A well-timed giveaway can turn a casual visitor into a loyal fan.
Festivals and Live Music
Outdoor concerts and festivals are built around the experience, and people want proof that they were there. For me, going to these events becomes a commitment. You want to get the full experience, and the T-shirt to prove it.
I always come home from the community festivals I attend with something custom from the vendors showcasing their talents. The memorable touches are those that provide a custom tote bag, so I can carry my purchase with me as I peruse the rest of the event. Simple but effective.
Live music will always be one of my favorite entertainment choices. I still have my wristband from my first experience at Hinterland. It was a memorable weekend, and I am happy to have that as a souvenir.
One of my favorite music-related souvenirs was from an IndyCar race. The Iowa Speedway combined race weekend with performances from four A-list country artists. I have a die-cast IndyCar with a custom box featuring the musical artists, along with a slim can cooler and a T-shirt. These items will always make me think of that fun weekend I shared with my husband.
Fairs and Carnivals
There’s something timeless about a fairground in the summer. The smell of fried food, the flashing lights of the midway and the telltale sounds of the nearby tractor pull.
The state fair conjures sensory memories unlike any other event I’ve attended. It’s a tradition that has been on pause for a couple of summers, but the memories remain fresh. I have never walked away from a fair without a new hand fan, but my favorite ones to keep are the collapsible fans.
I love the overall experience, including the chance to win prizes. Any spin-the-wheel game is always a hit. I love the opportunity to win a big prize like a branded speaker, but I have always been happy to walk away with a new keychain of fresh pair of sunglasses.
With kids in the mix, one of my favorite souvenirs is a new stuffy for my son that his grandpa worked hard to win at one of the carnival games. It instantly made the cut for a bedtime toy and remains there today.
Sporting Events
There’s a reason stadium giveaways have become part of sports culture. I’ve experienced this firsthand at professional baseball games. My family loves baseball, and we’ve gone to at least one Major League Baseball game every year since I was 2 years old.
I have gate giveaways from different eras, from a 6-can lunch cooler received in the 1990s to a 30-oz stainless steel tumbler I received Memorial Day weekend a few weeks ago. I keep almost all of them, as evidenced by the stash of beach towels in my drawer. Hats are also a popular item, from the classic baseball cap to fun bucket hats imprinted with the home team’s logo.
Some of the standout pieces to me are the truly custom items — bobbleheads of popular players or replica rings celebrating a successful previous season.
But gate giveaways are only one piece of the puzzle. That doesn’t even cover the souvenirs from the team store or concession stand. I always leave with a stadium cup for my soda or a mini baseball helmet for my frozen treat of choice.
Even though most of these items don’t have my favorite team’s logo on them, I still see them and think about all the fun I’ve had at the ballpark throughout the years. That’s the kind of impact branded merch can have at these events.
Sunup to Sundown
Outdoor events are about bringing people together for a day of fun and excitement. The right giveaway item helps make those moments more memorable. Whether it’s a county fair, a summer concert or a packed stadium, branded merch has a way of becoming part of the experience itself.
The best promo products are the ones people seek out and become part of the memory. Find more Crowd Catcher ideas in our exclusive collection.
— Written By Pam Pratt, Digital Content Specialist.
Related Articles:
Smart summer promo for fairs and festivals
Promo giveaways that last