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Top 10 Last Minute Holiday Gifts That Make a Huge Impact

As the holiday season nears, it is becoming more apparent how many companies use promotional products as gifts for both employees and clients. With that being said, many companies do not actually come to a conclusion about what to order until the deadline has approached and time becomes the paramount issue, rather than determining what product the employees or clients will most appreciate. 

My name is Jordan, and I am an account manager with Pinnacle Promotions, bringing my extensive expertise to help companies consistently make a lasting impression. With a proven track record in helping businesses succeed, I’m here to guide you through making a big impact with last minute corporate gifts.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for a Successful Season

During this time of year, 24 hour rush promotional products and fast production time become our client’s best friend. With the wide variety of items available on our website with less than 5-day production, getting holiday orders into the appropriate hands is not an issue! Many of our products even offer 24 Hour Rush to guarantee speedy delivery when our customers need it most.

Still, sometimes it can be difficult to select the right gift when the clock is ticking. That’s why I’ve created a comprehensive list of the top 10 last minute holiday gifts to help you create the best experience for your clients and employees this season. 

#1 Custom Calendars 

A well designed custom calendar goes a long way, as it not only showcases your thoughtfulness but also promotes your brand throughout the year. 

#2 Promotional Drinkware 

Promotional drinkware is a great last-minute gift idea because it combines utility with brand visibility. Branded travel mugs or tumblers ensure that your logo and message accompany your clients or employees on their daily journeys, reinforcing your brand’s presence. 

#3 Logoed Apparel

Custom-branded clothing items like beanies, jackets, or hoodies make great holiday gifts, offering warmth and style while showcasing your logo, creating a lasting impression for your clients or employees. 

#4 Branded Outdoor Items

Last-minute gifts like branded outdoor items convey your company’s thoughtfulness and resonate with the adventurous spirit of your clients or employees. Outdoor items like cooler bags or branded hammocks make memorable tokens of appreciation that encourage an active lifestyle while reinforcing your brand’s presence.

#5 Desk Accessories 

Branded desk accessories enhance your recipients’ workspace and daily routines. Consider building a custom kit to include items like branded pens, mouse pads, or desk organizers to spruce up office and work-from-home setups.

#6 Branded Blankets 

You can create cozy environments with custom blankets featuring your brand’s logo and message. Branded blankets are thoughtful and practical gifts that keep your company top of mind as recipients snuggle up and stay warm.

#7 Custom Notebooks

Custom notebooks offer a creative and productive outlet for your team. The next time your team is ready to brainstorm their next industry innovation, they can reach for a stylish notebook or journal featuring your logo, encouraging both branding and creativity in a single thoughtful gift.

#8 Branded Tech Accessories 

In the world of rapidly evolving technology, branded tech accessories are practical must-haves. Items like phone stands, chargers, or earbuds are often used daily, ensuring that your brand remains a constant presence in their digital lives.

#9 Gourmet Food Gift Sets

Send delicious branded gift sets filled with gourmet treats, not only delighting recipients with scrumptious flavors, but also leaving a lasting impression of your company’s generosity and thoughtfulness.

#10 Promotional Bags

Branded tote bags, backpacks, or laptop bags are not only useful and stylish but also ensure that your company’s name travels with the recipient, extending your brand’s reach wherever they go.

Online Holiday Pop-Up Shops & Easy Corporate Gifting 

While I hope my list of last-minute holiday gifts helps in a time crunch, I have found that this year, some companies are choosing to make their orders more personal by offering employees options through an online holiday pop-up shop. This allows their teams to choose between a fleece jacket or a soft shell, a desktop charger or a pen organizer, and more, for example.

This gives the recipient the impression of a more personalized gift that is really tailored to their needs, whereas in the past I have noticed that corporate gifts are chosen with a broader range of recipients in mind. 

While less personal, more generic product options with universal appeal certainly can’t do any harm when distributed as holiday gifts, companies can reap the maximum benefits of a holiday giving program by spending more time listening to and understanding the preferences of their intended audience. 

The length of time that the promotional products are retained and the perceived value of the gifts will be much greater when the recipient is able to sense the time, effort and thought that a particular company put towards selecting the customized presents.

-Jordan

Account Manager

Posted by Admin in Seasonal Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
Employee Welcome Kits: 5 Proven Ideas

Employee Welcome Kits: 5 Proven Ideas

We’ve all been there — those first-day jitters when starting a new job. There’s a ton of new information and training that you must learn while introducing yourself to your new team (and your new boss). It can be pretty overwhelming!

Companies can help new employees feel more comfortable and establish rapport with a custom welcome kit full of branded goodies. When you present the team members with a special box of company-branded merchandise to say, “Welcome to the team! We’re glad you’re here.”

But how do welcome kits for new hires help companies like yours with the onboarding process? These kits contain items that can increase employee engagement, outline employee expectations, give insight into the company culture, and help new employees get started right away. 

At Pinnacle Promotions, we can help you build a personalized new employee welcome kit with any budget. From high-end promotional items to the simplest of gifts, a kit of curated products can make a lasting impression on your new hires.

The Purpose of an Employee Welcome Kit

Employee welcome kits have a few key advantages:

  • Employee engagement
  • Insight into the company’s culture
  • Promotional products that support the job

When members of an organization are happier at their jobs, employee engagement is at a high. Giving promotional gifts is a kind gesture that increases overall employee morale to help drive contributions to the goals and successes of the company. A welcome kit shows new hires that the company is committed to its employees, which can provide insight into the company culture and organizational advocacy among employees. 

Items such as pens, notebooks, and desk calendars can help new employees get started on their new job duties. Consider adding new-hire resources and documentation into your onboarding welcome kit, such as a welcome letter from the team, a supervisor, or president, as well as an FAQ flier regarding important office information your new hires need to know.

5 Proven Ideas to Create a New Employee Welcome Kit: 

Are you ready to start building your new hire welcome kits but are unsure what products to add? Not to worry, we have your back! 

There’s a variety of products to choose from to help make your kit a hit with the new hires. Below are our five proven product ideas to include in your new employee welcome kit that will make them feel like part of the team:

Idea #1: Unique Gifts 

Onboarding new hires with unique promotional items and gifts shows that your organization thinks outside the box. Quirky, fun items will make your new employees smile and create a sense of loyalty. 

What qualifies as a unique gift?

We like to think of unique gifts as outside of the box, fun and trendy. Unique gifts are typically things like the Modern Sprout® Glow & Grow Live Well Gift Set or branded mini desk vacuums (yes, this is a thing, and it surely is unique!).

Idea #2: Office Essentials

Office essentials not only help new employees set up their space but can also help them quickly dive into their job responsibilities. Supplying new hires with a planner, branded pens, and sticky notes can help them feel organized, with effective note-taking during their onboarding training classes. 

Here are five office essentials employees love and appreciate:

  1. Notebooks
  2. Planners
  3. Folders
  4. Desk Organizers
  5. Notepads

If you’re searching for that perfect office essential gift to include in your welcome kit, any of these five items (or all) are great options. Notebooks prove useful for those who love taking notes and like keeping organized. Planners are excellent for those who love to plan their week and need to write down due dates. Folders help keep all those new hire documents together. Desk organizers? Need we say more? Notepads, just like notebooks, are perfect for jotting a quick reminder or writing down a fresh, innovative idea. 

Idea #3: Apparel

Employees love receiving branded apparel to wear around the office and at company events, but they tend to wear their favorites outside the office. Custom apparel comes in many forms, including polo shirts, button-down shirts, outerwear, and even uniforms. Giving apparel can help your new hires feel like part of the team from day one! 

PS: Employees LOVE branded jackets! 

We’ve heard from our clients that their employees absolutely love branded jackets. It’s a warm gift that truly goes a long way. The more stylish and on-trend your jacket, the more likely your employees will wear them out and about in their daily lives.

Shop our custom jackets today, and include it in your welcome kit! 

Idea #4: Industry-Focused Gifts

Create a greater connection with your new employees by gifting branded items specific to your industry. Think of industry-focused items that they can use throughout the day. Something that will help them do their job well is a must! 

Educators and healthcare workers might appreciate a lanyard to hold their ID badge, whereas baseball caps and all-weather jackets benefit those who work in the elements. This gesture allows your employees to work more efficiently once they’ve settled in. Be sure to view our collection of best work jackets to get an idea of what our customers love.

Idea #5: Wellness Gifts

Gifts that promote health and wellness show that your organization cares about the well-being of its employees. Heavy workloads can create stress, and an outlet where you can reduce stress can do a world of good for employee welfare. Items like a stress ball, fitness tote bag, and a water bottle can encourage a healthy lifestyle and work-life balance. 

Mental health is important. Show your care through purpose-built wellness gifts!

We all know that work can be stressful or tedious at times. These thoughtful wellness gifts help you promote a healthy work environment and encourage a positive work/life balance. Shop today and find the perfect wellness gift for your employee kit.

How to Create a New Employee Welcome Kit for Your Company

Sure, you can do it yourself. You can find the products, have them shipped (usually separately), and then assemble your kits by hand. Or you can let us do it for you!

Here at Pinnacle Promotions, let us take the hard part off your hands so you can do what you do best — hire and welcome top talent. Our promotional professionals will help you find the perfect products that fit your brand and budget. We’ll work our magic and curate an unique onboarding kit just for you. 

You’ll love the efficiency and product consistency across your organization. To learn more about our creative ideas and promotional marketing concepts, check out the Pinnacle Promotions blog or contact us today at 877.300.2007.

Get started today and reach out!

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 6 comments
Top 15 Creative Ideas for Employee Awards

Top 15 Creative Ideas for Employee Awards

Your employees work hard, and they deserve to be rewarded. But how? You don’t want to give them just another corporate t-shirt. They deserve more than that. If you’re having trouble brainstorming employee awards and categories that are creative, useful, and thoughtful, we’ve put together a list of our favorite ideas for employee recognition to help you make a decision.

Categories for Employee Contributions

Recognizing your employees not only fosters loyalty and creativity daily but also strengthens the sense of community within your team. Let’s explore these innovative ways to honor your hard-working colleagues:

#1 Best Deal Closer

If one of your employees is always closing deals and leads the sales department in numbers, it’s time to give them some recognition. Giving them a custom executive pen is a great choice since they’ll think of you every time they pull it out to sign a deal. Both affordable plastic and higher-quality metal versions are available, and some of them even come with a stylus tip so they can be used with digital touchscreen devices as well. Executive pens are available in twist, click, and cap styles as well as a range of colors for every need and budget.

If you’re giving physical gifts for awards, the round brass coaster award is sturdy and durable – a great choice for employees to show off in the office. Trust us, your employees will feel the love.

#2 Best Writer

Most people write in some capacity for their job, but a truly skilled writer is hard to come by. If your writing team has knocked it out of the park recently, consider giving them a personalized leather journal to help them keep track of their creative ideas. 

Multiple styles are available including notebooks, journals, portfolios, padfolios, writing pads, jotters, planners, and binders. Don’t worry if leather isn’t your material of choice. There are many other materials available as well, including faux leather, paper, and even stone! Some of our personal favorites are the Moleskine® Hard Cover Ruled Large Notebook and the Karst Pocket Stone Paper Notebook

To help boost this employee award idea, we recommend pairing a custom executive pen with a leather or faux leather promotional portfolio for a substantial yet useful gift the recipient is sure to appreciate

#3 Most Hustle

If you have a standout employee on the team who has shown the most drive and determination to get his or her projects accomplished, why not gift them with something deserving? Promotional food and beverage gift baskets are great ideas for employee recognition, and your top hustler will surely enjoy the goodies and the feeling of being appreciated. Pop Star Premium Popcorn Gift Set.

Whether it’s the Pop Star Premium Popcorn Gift Set, a sweet treat like the You’re Appreciated Sustainable Snack Pack or a healthier nut mix option like the Favorite Snack Gift Bag, your employees can unwind with a scrumptious treat. Most items come beautifully packaged, so all you need to do is present it to them in person or leave it on their desk as a surprise with a nice note.

#4 Best Road Warrior

Traveling for work can be tough since it takes you away from your home and family. If one of your employees has been hitting the road a lot recently, reward their performance with practical corporate awards they’ll be sure to use on many trips to come — like a high-quality branded backpack.

Many working professionals gravitate towards computer backpacks, which keep their look classy while preserving all the functionality of a traditional backpack. If your employees fly a lot for work, they’re sure to appreciate a checkpoint-friendly backpack that will help them get through security faster than you can say “TSA.” 

These backpacks feature quick-access pockets and special space for laptops. Some models even lay flat to go through security checkpoints, making flying easier than ever. Find the best backpacks for women and the best work backpacks from Pinnacle to give to your favorite road warrior.

#5 Best Dressed

Among more traditional employee award categories like “best leader” or “most innovative,” it’s good to have a couple of fun ones to promote company culture and add some humor to the workday. One of our personal favorites is Best Dressed, so of course, it makes sense to give some sort of apparel to the winner. But some options—such as t-shirts—can come off as cheap and lacking thoughtfulness. We recommend choosing a custom jacket or another type of high-quality promotional outerwear – for work jackets, check out our best work jackets collection for great outerwear ideas. 

Lightweight jackets are a perfect choice if you tend to keep the office a bit chilly, while more substantial coats are great if you live in a colder environment or are looking for a fall/winter award. If you want a more transitional piece, custom vests are also an option. Be sure to check out the best vests for men and the best vests for women to find your favorite.

#6 Biggest Overachiever

If one of your colleagues has been putting in a lot of overtime recently, why not honor them with a thoughtful gift in the form of a Bamboo Wireless Charging Desk Clock? This clock offers a  sleek and modern design. The top surface has a 5W wireless charging pad for compatible devices to help keep devices powered throughout the day and night — just like that hardworking colleague!

A small version of your logo can be elegantly incorporated into the clock, discreetly enough that the recipient will think of your company whenever they check the time—without it being obtrusive or distracting to others.

#7 Best Speaker

Speaking in public is hard, whether it’s presenting to your colleagues or pitching a major potential client. If your team recently nailed a big presentation, celebrate by giving them a high-quality, branded Bluetooth speaker to commemorate the occasion. One of our personal favorites is the Boxanne Bluetooth Speaker which offers a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet and features a wrist strap that you can wrap around backpacks, bikes, etc, for easy portability. 

If you’re looking for a truly unique employee reward, there’s also the High Sierra Kodiak IPX7 Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker, which offers 12 hours of listening on a three-hour charge.

#8 Most Innovative

Employees who implement innovative new processes deserve an award that’s equally practical and unusual. Instead of the typical plaque, consider giving them a pair of nice Bluetooth headphones instead—after all, music can stimulate creativity! We recommend the Wrapsody Bluetooth Headphones, which combine a futuristic design with large imprint areas on the headphone drivers. 

The headphones also provide omnidirectional full-range audio drivers, 85 percent isolating outside noise reduction, a 33-foot Bluetooth wireless range, multi-function on-ear buttons for answering calls and controlling music, a built-in microphone for phone calls, and 10+ hours of play on a single charge.

#9 Everyday Leadership Award

Employees don’t have to have “leader” or “manager” in their title to be a leader at work. Honor workers who have shown leadership in their everyday duties with a gift that they can also use every day, such as a custom tumbler. Tumblers are made of durable plastic or stainless steel and usually feature a double-walled construction to keep hot beverages hot and cold drinks cold. Whether you’re looking for a wine tumbler or a travel mug, there’s a type of custom tumbler out there that fits the bill. 

One of the most popular tumbler options is a custom Stanley® Quencher H2.O FlowState™ Tumbler – 40 oz. This viral sensation features vacuum insulation that retains temperature while protecting your hands from hot and cold. All their tumblers are constructed of recycled stainless steel for sustainable sipping, and the 40 oz. version can keep a beverage hot for up to 11 hours and cold for up to 72 hours.

#10 Best Rainy Day Save

In a time of crisis, there’s usually one or two employees who step up to the plate and save the day. If someone stepped up at work during your time of need, they deserve a shout-out. If you want to get creative with the employee award, consider giving them a promotional golf umbrella — which, contrary to the name, isn’t just for golfers. While many golf enthusiasts do turn to these umbrellas to keep off the sun and the rain while they play 18 holes, many non-golfers also appreciate these over-large umbrellas for the protection they provide. 

A quality golf umbrella can be difficult to find, so your employees are sure to appreciate this practical gift. Most golf umbrellas offer a wingspan of almost five feet, usually ranging between 58 and 62 inches, though smaller 46-inch versions are available as well. If you have lots of golfers in your office, we suggest pairing a golf umbrella with tees, balls, towels, and other custom golf accessories for a full set.

#11 The Survivor Award

If one of your reports survived a tough product review or got grilled during a client meeting, acknowledge it with a humorous yet practical gift to commemorate the occasion: a custom barbecue set. A custom BBQ set is especially timely if you’re heading into the summer months or live in a place that’s temperate year-round. 

Most grill sets include some combination of spatula, tongs, knife, fork, basting brush, skewers, and corn holders all wrapped up in a convenient carrying case. Supplement with a BBQ multitool, apron, cooler, grill basket, carving set, or other grilling accessories for a truly comprehensive employee reward.

#12 Best Team

A bad team can go off the rails in a few days, but a good team is far greater than the sum of its parts and will rise to extraordinary achievements. Recognize teams who have gone above and beyond with an appropriate group-themed gift, such as a branded glassware set (beer, wine, cocktail, champagne, or all of the above). Glass is the most popular material but many styles come in stainless steel as well. 

Stainless steel wine tumblers are an especially good choice for picnics. Give employees one of each kind of glass or bundle four or more of one type into a set so they can toast with their friends to their employee recognition.

#13 Best Customer Service

Working in customer service is a tough job. But just because customer service is hard doesn’t mean that it also has to be thankless, so show your employees that you recognize their hard work, even if the customers don’t. Customer service reps are always helping other people, so give them something nice to treat themselves, such as a set of high-quality custom bar accessories instead. 

Think automatic wine openers, stainless steel flasks, mixology sets, beverage sets, wall-mount beer openers, and more. Select an already-existing set or pair several items together to create your own. Bonus points if you combine this gift with some nice beer, wine, or liquor. Or even better, tickets to a group mixology class that employees can take together as a team bonding experience, with no customers in sight.

#14 Coolest Under Pressure

Employees who stay calm, cool, and collected in the most stressful of circumstances deserve to be recognized appropriately. For a relevant gift that they’ll be sure to use for years, we recommend a durable hard cooler with a latching lid. Bison, Igloo®, and OtterBox all make quality hard coolers with large lids that offer a substantial imprint area for your logo and branding. 

Not only is a custom hard cooler a practical yet considerate gift, but employees will be able to use it for a long time. Many of them come with a warranty to back it up (OtterBox even offers a lifetime warranty!).

#15 Longest Tenure

It’s no longer the norm to stay with one company for 20 years or more. Many workers move on after just a few years, with long-standing employees becoming more and more rare. This makes it more important than ever to recognize your tenured employees’ loyalty. Give them a long-lasting gift with employee corporate awards made from glass, metal, and/or wood. 

These classy-looking awards are sure to be treasured and communicate your appreciation of your employees. Just make sure to order them in plenty of time before the ceremony since the custom engraving takes time.

Business Benefits of Recognizing Your Team

Employee engagement fosters loyalty and creativity daily. Just like how we focus on our consumers’ behaviors to create connection, your teammates seek out the same sense of community. To be able to recognize and value your company’s contributors with humor and dedication to development requires a support system like Pinnacle Promotions.

Connect to our Account Management Team for Support

Your employees are sure to appreciate any of the ideas on this list of employee award categories. If you’re having trouble deciding between them, or you’ve narrowed down your decision and are ready to get a quote, feel free to reach out to us!

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
Employee Holiday Gifts: The Top 8 Promotional Product Categories for 2023

Employee Holiday Gifts: The Top 8 Promotional Product Categories for 2023

by Chrissy Petrone, Content Marketing Specialist

Can you believe we are already in the midst of the holiday season? Pumpkin season is here, Thanksgiving is coming, and before we know it we will be ringing in the New Year. While you probably know that promotional products are great for marketing initiatives, trade shows, and client gifts, you may not think about promotional products as employee holiday gifts. The holiday season is all about gratitude —  your employees have worked so hard this year, and a great way to express your gratitude is to thank them with a custom-branded gift.

Since it is unlikely that all of your employees have the same hobbies and are into the same types of things, it might be hard to narrow down the perfect personalized gift for everyone. Don’t worry we’ve got your back. Here are the top 8 promotional product categories we are excited about for the 2023 holiday season:

#1 Home & Leisure

Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year. Autumn is officially here, and one of my favorite things about the season is spending quality time with family and friends. Whether I am hosting a Friendsgiving or sitting by the fire and playing cards with friends and family, aesthetics are important to me. I don’t know if I’ve caught the "Fixer Upper" bug or if it’s simply my personal preference, but when I’m entertaining I like for my home to feel and look polished, warm, and inviting.

Copper is in this season, and one of my favorite custom entertaining pieces we offer for entertaining is our Moscow Mule Mug 4-in-1 Gift Set. This four-piece branded gift set has all of the essentials you need to make an excellent Moscow mule. Not only is this custom gift modern and high quality, it’s also very thoughtful. Most likely, your employees will be using this while mixing a drink and relaxing at home. Even though they are away from the office, this gift will enhance their downtime and remind them that they have a great job to be thankful for.

Another favorite holiday gift of mine is the Field & Co. Sherpa Blanket. I love this customizable blanket because it is soft, trendy, and versatile. If you work in an office, then you know that sometimes it is boiling hot, and other times it’s freezing cold. This gift is great because your employees can keep it at their desk or use it to cozy up around a bonfire. Either way, you’re keeping them warm and showing how much you appreciate them.

Field & Co. Sherpa Blanket
Moscow Mule Mug 4-in-1 Gift Set

#2 Custom Drinkware

Drinkware is one of the most popular promotional product categories, and we have some fantastic options for this holiday season. I suffer from a *minor* caffeine addiction, so I love a custom tumbler that I can use for hot coffee in the morning and that I can wash out and use for iced coffee throughout the day.

It’s pretty incredible that the branded Himalayan tumbler can keep beverages hot or cold for up to 6 hours. Some days I am so busy that I find myself sitting at my desk from the moment I get here till I get up to take my lunch break. When you are in the middle of a project, the last thing you want is to go for a sip of your delicious hot java only to find that it’s turned lukewarm. 

The Himalayan tumbler is such a life-saver for busy workdays and the 20 oz. Himalayan Tumbler is my new favorite design. This custom-branded tumbler is excellent for cold mornings on the soccer field or hot summer days at the park. It will help keep your employees fueled up and hydrated for any kind of day their week might throw at them.

I also have to mention the Intrepid Stainless Steel Tumbler - 40 oz. This promotional tumbler is a big hit here at Pinnacle and has become a coveted item around the office. Everyone loves this thing, and it’s no surprise. It holds up to 40 oz of liquid, can be used year-round in all seasons and for various occasions, and is just plain cool looking. 

It also has a double-wall construction, a screw-on lid with a straw, and is BPA-free. Plus, it comes in trendy matte colors. If you are looking to "wow" your employees with a unique gift this year, this is your show-stopper. It’s large enough to fill with smaller gifts and cool enough to gift on its own. Either way, your employees will be impressed!

20 oz. Himalayan Tumbler
Intrepid Stainless Steel Tumbler - 40 oz.

#3 Branded Apparel

I love sporting my company's custom swag, especially on casual Fridays. I love where I work, and I feel proud to wear my company's branded attire to work and also out and about. Wearables are such an excellent and practical holiday gift for your employees. It’s pretty impressive when you realize how many different types of apparel and wearables you can brand with your company's logo.

One gift idea that has particularly caught my attention this year is  The North Face® Pom Beanie. Everyone makes resolutions for the New Year to become a fitter and happier version of themselves. The North Face® Pom Beanie will encourage your employees to get outside and start moving while keeping their heads toasty and warm. 

Another favorite of mine is the Port Authority Women's Interlock Open Cardigan. This is another coveted item around the office and is flattering on all body shapes and sizes. This cardigan is lightweight and has an open front, and the back seaming details at the waist give it a sophisticated and timeless look. What I really love about it is that it can be dressed up or down. I can wear this with workout clothes, while running errands, around the office, and dress it up for meetings with my clients. This custom piece pairs well with so many different styles and occasions and is a classy way to promote your brand. The Port Authority Interlock Full-Zip is our men’s compatible piece.

Branded apparel is one of our top-selling product categories, and we are adding more unique styles all of the time. From short and long-sleeved polos, jackets, cardigans, dress shirts, workout attire, winter attire, or even fashionable beanies, you will be able to find the perfect gift for your employees this holiday season.

The North Face® Pom Beanie
Port Authority Women's Interlock Open Cardigan

#4 Branded Food Gifts

Charcuterie boards are all the rage this year. Whether you are hosting a holiday event or bringing food to a potluck, the Charcuterie Favorites Board with Meat and Cheese Set is the perfect item for the holidays and year-round. This comes with dry cured salami, assorted cheeses, cheese knife, crackers, and gourmet mustard. All are packaged with a beautifully engraved bamboo cutting board. Delicious food and high-quality cutting board and knife make for an excellent and thoughtful custom holiday gift for your employees.

Food gift sets are always a popular choice, and we have the perfect gift to fit this trend. Our Holiday Treats Tower is such a cool and "out of the box" (pun intended) way to show employee recognition this year. Packed with a variety of gourmet goodies, including chocolate-covered pretzels, caramel popcorn, and mixed nuts, this delightful tower is designed to satisfy every palate. The mix of sweet and savory snacks caters to different tastes, ensuring there's something for everyone on your team. The Holiday Treats Tower is an ideal way to strengthen employee morale, boost holiday cheer, and express your sincere thanks for their contributions, making their holiday season a little brighter. 

It is difficult to choose just a few food gifts for this season, but we have so many different offerings to meet your needs this season that you will have no issue picking something tasty, classic, and memorable.

Charcuterie Favorites Board with Meat and Cheese Set
Holiday Treats Tower

#5 Promotional Outdoor Items & Safety Products

We are so busy these days, and the holiday season is definitely the busiest time of year. Between working 40+ hours a week, trying to prep healthy meals, exercising, and sleeping eight hours a night the last thing most working professionals think about is their car battery. Most people are back to commuting to work daily and put a lot of wear and tear on their vehicles. Being prepared for the worst is important, and safety gifts are a great way to make sure your employees are safe on the road and able to get to work on time with less stress. The Highway Companion Gift Set is the perfect gift for your commuter employees.

This thoughtfully curated set includes a sleek, black leatherette pouch containing essential tools every traveler needs. The set features a power bank to keep their devices charged on the go, a multi-functional flashlight, and a compact yet mighty tire pressure gauge. Practical and stylish, this gift embodies your appreciation for your team's dedication. Living in Atlanta, commuting takes up a good portion of my day. On a good day, I can make it to work in 45 minutes, and I would love to have a kit like this in my car…just in case.

It’s almost impossible to keep weight off during the holidays. From work parties to family gatherings, food tends to be the centerpiece for all occasions. I am trying to exercise more and am really watching my diet. I want to be healthy, and there is a strong chance that your employees will make some sort of health-conscious resolution for the new year as well. 

The Adventure Duffle Bag is an excellent investment for your health. It’s perfect for hiking but can also be used to pack gym clothes, healthy snacks, and whatever else your employees will need to tackle their 2024 health goals. Corporate health and wellness initiatives are important for companies to focus on, and this is a great way to encourage your employees toward a healthier lifestyle.

Highway Companion Gift Set
Adventure Duffle Bag

#6 Branded Tech

Technology is such an exciting and universal promotional product category. Every one of your employees uses some sort of technology every single day. From Bluetooth wireless speakers, power bank and jolt chargers, USB drives, headphones, wireless Bluetooth earbuds, and activity monitors, there are so many unique and modern gift options in this product category.

I am definitely a technology junkie, so this is the hardest category for me to narrow down, but I have to mention the Essos True Wireless Auto Pair Earbuds w/ Case. These sleek and high-quality earbuds are more than just a gift; they're a gesture of appreciation. Featuring auto-pair technology and a secure-fit design, they provide premium sound quality while ensuring comfort during long listening sessions. 

The compact charging case ensures they're always ready to go, perfect for on-the-go employees. These are excellent for commuting, traveling, exercising, and whatever else your employees are up to. Many of the newer mobile devices don't have a headphone jack, so wireless headphones are the way to go, making these headphones convenient and forward-thinking.

The Sleek Aluminum 4,000 mAh Power Bank is the ideal holiday gift to light up your employees' festive season. This stylish and functional power bank is designed to keep your team connected and powered up throughout their busy days. Its 4,000 mAh capacity ensures that they can charge their devices on the go, from smartphones to tablets. The sleek aluminum finish and compact size make it a chic and convenient accessory, while the customizable branding options add a personalized touch to your holiday gifting. By choosing this gift, you're demonstrating your appreciation for your employees' dedication and offering them a practical tool to stay charged and productive. Show your gratitude and give the gift of power and connectivity this holiday season.

Essos True Wireless Auto Pair Earbuds w/ Case
Sleek Aluminum 4,000 mAh Power Bank

#7 Custom Office Items

Personalized office products are practical and thoughtful. I know for me personally I love my company-branded notebook. My team has weekly meetings, and our sales department tends to have many meetings at various times during the week. The Manhattan Writing Pad is a great choice if you are considering a nice notebook for your employee gift. It is made with genuine leather, which gives it a sleek and professional appearance. It also features an interior organizer with business card pockets and a document folder. This notebook can be used around the office or on-the-go for client meetings.

I love my notebook for organization, but there are so many other unique office categories for employee gifts. The Truman Wireless Charging Accessory Tray is by far my favorite office holiday gift for the season.

This multifunctional and stylish desk accessory acts as an organizational hub for personal items, and it includes a wireless charging pad, ensuring devices stay powered throughout the workday. I think this item is so cool and so different. Your employees will absolutely love feeling well-equipped to tackle their daily tasks, making it the perfect holiday token for a productive and connected work environment.

Manhattan Writing Pad
Truman Wireless Charging Accessory Tray

#8 Branded Sustainable Gifts

Sustainability has been a big topic this year and offers another unique promotional product category that you may have not considered for holiday gifts. Whether your employees are traveling for business or pleasure, the Aft Recycled PET 21" Duffel is a fantastic holiday gift.

Crafted from recycled plastic bottles, this eco-friendly duffel not only showcases your commitment to the environment but also offers ample storage space for all your employees' travel or gym essentials. Its versatile design complete with multiple zippered pockets, an adjustable shoulder strap, and durable handles, ensures a seamless transition from work to play. This duffel is a very high-quality and thoughtful gift for you to give your employees this holiday season.

After a busy work year, relaxation is on everyone’s mind at the end of Q4. Our MiiR® Camp Cup Gift Set is a fantastic employee gift to encourage healthy work/life balance. This gift set includes a classic campfire-style mug and a high-quality, dual-layered vacuum-insulated tumbler. Whether your employees are sipping their morning coffee or a refreshing beverage on a camping trip or at their desk, this gift set keeps their drinks at the ideal temperature. It's a versatile and eco-friendly option that encourages your team to reduce waste by using reusable containers. Your team has worked so hard this year, and they deserve to relax and feel appreciated for all of their efforts.

Aft Recycled PET 21" Duffel
MiiR® Camp Cup Gift Set

Show your employees how much you care about them this holiday season by giving them a unique and memorable holiday gift. Home & Leisure, Drinkware, Apparel, Food Gifts, Outdoor/Safety, Technology, Office, and Sustainability are our top promotional product categories for 2023 holiday gifts. Whether you are wanting your employees to relax, pursue a healthy lifestyle, or simply enjoy a delicious treat, we can help you show your gratitude and create a lasting impression to show your appreciation. If you'd like more great gift ideas, check out our Holiday Hub — a great resource for expanded ideas in these product areas!

I hope this has given you some great ideas for your 2023 employee gifts.

From all of us at Pinnacle Promotions, we wish you a safe and happy holiday!

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, Seasonal Marketing Ideas, Top Trending Topics, 0 comments
How to Handle a Suddenly Canceled Event

How to Handle a Suddenly Canceled Event

Event planners must be ready for all types of challenges and disruptions that can take place. 

Having to pull the plug on an event that took months of preparation and planning can be a tough decision to make. It can happen for many reasons: low ticket sales, the performer falls ill, a community crisis or state-of-emergency, funding issues, etc. 

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been the cause of hundreds of canceled events around the world. When an event must shut down, it may leave you scrambling to come up with a solution that keeps your ticket holders informed and slightly less disappointed. 

Having to cancel is a real bummer, but we’ve come up with some simple tips to overcome the sudden status change and keep your customers (somewhat) satisfied. 

Confirm that the event cannot go on

Cancellations are sometimes unavoidable and out of your control. These types of situations may be government-mandated, or due to weather, venue orders, the entertainer’s health, or out of an abundance of caution. 

Review your booking agreements and contracts if the cancellation is on the venue or performer. You’ll probably want to read up on your insurance policy to see coverage and claim details. 

Cease all ticket sales

If your event is suddenly canceled while the ticket window is still open, quickly cease all ticket sales and payment processing. 

Make sure that you pull down the “buy tickets” button from your website, and that you alert your third-party ticket vendors to remove the listing. 

Consider your options

Depending on the circumstances, you may have some options to give your customers. 

Is the event able to be saved and postponed to a later date? You’ll be able to turn around some fans’ day who can’t wait to attend the rescheduled event. 

Other options to offer your fans include issuing a refund or applying their purchase to a future event in the form of credit. Your fans may be satisfied with the options, and you’ll want to be transparent about the process of both and inform them of the steps to take. 

Try to make the process as easy as possible for your affected customers. You want them to remember how you helped correct an unfortunate situation. 

Communicate updates to the public

Get the word out to the public of the event’s status. If you’re selling tickets at the door, you’ll need to notify the masses to keep customers from traveling to buy tickets to a canceled event. 

Send out a message on your social media, through email, text, and website posts. Create a banner informing those of the event cancellation and the contact information where they can direct their questions. 

It’s better to over-communicate – that way you have a greater chance of reaching every ticket holder. 

Enlist a response team to answer customer questions

With a sudden change such as this, you’ll need a few more helping hands to deal with the volume of incoming calls, chats, and emails. 

Having an internal FAQ resource sheet available to your response team can help them accurately and confidently answer the questions and concerns coming their way from frustrated customers. 

Say sorry with an incentive or peace offering

An apology email can help explain the situation to your customers while acknowledging their frustration and disappointment. 

It’s a great opportunity to tell your customers your plan of action and reassure them that you’re handling everything, and you can let them know of any incentives or peace offerings you may be offering to help express your sincerest apologies. 

Some ideas include:

  1. A discount on a future event
  2. Food and drink voucher redeemable on the postponed date
  3. Free custom event t-shirt and a promotional baseball cap
  4. Covered parking fees at a future event
  5. Branded tumbler to use at drink stations for unlimited refills

If you’re able to hold a virtual event and live-stream the performance, consider sending the ticket holders a swag bag of goodies. It’ll help foster goodwill. 

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
Planning the Perfect Golf Tournament

Planning the Perfect Golf Tournament

Is your company looking for a fun and effective way to raise money for an organization that’s near and dear to your heart? A charity golf tournament is an excellent fundraising platform that participants, sponsors, and attendees will enjoy. 

Planning the perfect golf tournament requires significant time and money, but it can yield substantial benefits for the charity of your choice. There’s a lot that goes into executing an event like this, which is why we’re sharing our tips-of-the-trade so you can “ace” your event! 

Define the Goals for Everyone

Defining your company’s goals for the golf tournament is the best way to set up your event for success. First, determine the objective and how you plan to achieve it. What kind of goals should you be reaching for? Here are a couple of questions to consider: 

  • What is our purpose for this golf tournament?
  • Who’s benefiting from the event and how?
  • How much do we plan to raise?

A master strategy deck that clearly states your goals for the tournament can help keep everyone on the same page. Be sure your goals are defined, fundraising intentions are clear, and the beneficiary is identified when planning a golf tournament. 

Create a Budget

Ideally, you should determine your budget early on as it will help guide your decisions through the planning process. Take into account your anticipated expenditures, such as marketing and advertising spend, golf course rent, green fees, hiring of third-party event planners, food and drink, and golf gift kits. You never know when things may go awry, so be prepared to have room in the budget for last-minute or unplanned expenses, too.

Select the Golf Course

Once your budget is sorted out, you’ll need to decide what golf course you plan on hosting your tournament at. 

Consider the golfers who will be playing your tournament. Are they casual or intermediate players from your company, or are they PGA pros? You want your participants to be comfortable and equipped on the course you choose so they can raise the most money possible. 

Selecting the best golf venue is a crucial component of the tournament’s success. You’ll want to think about the players’ skill level, venue location, and price. 

Gather an Army of Volunteers

To pull off a successful tournament, you’ll need to have a lot of helping hands. Enlist volunteers who are knowledgeable about golf, have a passion for the cause, and are skilled in planning events and organization. 

Assign your team to areas where their skills can be most utilized. Volunteers who are experienced golfers or understand the game can help answer questions that come their way at the information or registration tent, or they could be useful caddies to the participating golfers. 

Those passionate about the cause can help spread awareness to attendees, while your team with exceptional event planning and organization skills can lend a hand in the operations and logistics of the tournament. Wherever they’re most suited, make sure the volunteers are also comfortable manning their assigned stations. 

Sign-On Sponsors

Sponsors are essential for a prosperous golf outing. Generally, golf tournaments have a headlining sponsor and several tiered sponsors. 

A headlining sponsor generally receives the most brand exposure during the event. Adding the headliner’s logo on all media, or naming the players’ lounge or award ceremony after them, is a great way to make sure their investment is well-placed. 

Tiered sponsorships allow businesses the option to choose how much they want to donate. Companies who become a tiered partner can enjoy seeing their name and logo at a specific area of the tournament. Branding opportunities are endless and can include sponsoring a hole, outfitting the players and volunteers with golf attire, or supplying the open bar and bartenders.  

Advertise, Advertise, Advertise

Now that your goals, budget, golf course, volunteers, and sponsors are worked out, you need to spread the word about your event! On the invitation, make sure to include all of the important details: date and time, location, the sponsors, entry fees, etc. 

Think about your company’s established channels of communication and use them to your advantage. Do you have a massive social media following? Post the invite as an event! If you have a solid list of email contacts, send an evite (email invitation). Going for a more formal look? Printed invitations can help achieve the look you’re aiming for. 

Anticipate Attendance

Don’t be afraid to cap the number of attendees that you allow to enter the event. Depending on the invitee type, a more intimate group could be all that you need to reach your desired result. 

A large participant pool could make the event go on longer than anticipated. Taking time to scope out the golf course layout, confirming player count, and staggering tee-times can help keep the tournament moving along efficiently. 

Keep the Food and Beverages Flowing 

Your golfers paid their entry fees to support your cause, so make sure they’re well taken care of on tournament day! Don’t forget to coordinate food with the venue and where to set up. Whether you use their on-site food services or a catering company, the venue may have a specific location in mind for plating and distributing meals. 

Almost as importantly, supply your volunteers and participants a place to eat quietly away from the crowds. Make sure you have snacks and beverages available to them so they don’t go hungry! 

Make it Memorable 

You can make the 18-hole event even more fun by hosting contests throughout the day. Awarding prizes for the longest drive, coming closest to the hole, and the wackiest golf outfit are a few ways to keep the competitive (and giving) spirit alive! 

Photo booths and golf-inspired cocktail drinks are also unique ways to ensure everyone in attendance has a memorable experience. 

Raise Extra Money with Prizes

Having raffles or silent auctions at your event is a great way to raise extra funds. Talk to your sponsors, local businesses, and sports teams to see if they can donate some prizes or goodies to bid on. 

If you’re gifting the items, think about offering something like a custom Fender guitar or a North Face Groundwork Backpack to really wow the crowd! 

Send Everyone Home with a Swag Bag 

Everyone loves a good swag bag, especially when it’s brimming with thoughtful and cool promotional items. You might consider a blend of golf promos and everyday products when creating a swag bag for everyone in attendance. 

Elevate Your Gift-Giving Game: Perfect Gift Ideas for Golfers

If you’re searching for the ultimate gifts for golfers, look no further than Pinnacle Promotions. Our extensive range of gifts for golfers is sure to leave a lasting impression. Allow us to guide you through a selection of exceptional options that will make any golfer jump for joy!

Personalized Golf Hats

First and foremost, let’s talk about the all-important golf hat. While clubs may be essential, a personalized golf hat truly tops the list of priorities for any golfer. Consider adding this stylish and practical accessory to your gift list, ensuring they hit the course in ultimate style.

Custom Golf Towels

Another must-have item for golfers is a custom golf towel. Let’s face it, golf towels are indispensable on the green, and every golfer appreciates having one at hand. Be the friendly face that provides them with a high-quality, custom-designed golf towel they can proudly display during their rounds.

Custom Golf Tools

When it comes to practicality, custom golf tools are a golfer’s best friend. These thoughtful and functional tools are the perfect addition to any golfer’s swag bag. Why not opt for custom divot tools? These handy accessories will undoubtedly make a lasting impression and prove invaluable on the golf course.

Bluetooth Speaker

To add a touch of luxury to their golfing experience, surprise them with a custom Bluetooth speaker. Nothing enhances the enjoyment of a round of golf quite like the perfect soundtrack. This thoughtful gift will not only provide them with exceptional sound quality but also ensure their golfing adventures are accompanied by their favorite tunes.

Personalized Golf Balls

But why stop there? For a truly personalized touch, consider personalized golf balls. With their logo beautifully imprinted on each ball, they’ll feel a sense of pride and ownership every time they step up to the tee. It’s a small detail that can make a big impact on their game.

Custom Golf Tees

Another fantastic gift idea that no golfer can have enough of is custom golf tees. These essential accessories are not only practical but also offer an opportunity for personalization. Engrave their logo, a special message, or even a memorable golf quote on these tees, and they’ll appreciate the thoughtful gesture every time they set up for a swing.

Personalized Golf Ball Markers

For an elegant and practical gift, personalized golf ball markers are an excellent choice. These markers add a touch of sophistication to any golfer’s game and make it easy for them to spot and identify their ball on the green. Engrave their logo or incorporate a unique design to create a one-of-a-kind marker that truly stands out.

Custom Golf Umbrellas

Lastly, when it comes to protecting golfers from the elements, custom golf umbrellas are a stylish and practical choice. Shielding them from rain or providing shade on sunny days, these umbrellas offer an opportunity for customization. Add their logo or a striking design that reflects their personality, ensuring they stay comfortable and dry throughout their golfing sessions.

If you still crave more options, look no further than our extensive collection of gifts for golfers. With our diverse range of products and accessories, you’re bound to find the ideal gift to suit any golfer’s taste and preferences.

Make a lasting impression and show your favorite golfer just how much you appreciate their passion for the game. Explore our carefully curated selection of gifts for golfers today and leave them with a smile that lasts well beyond their time on the green.

Ask for Feedback

Lastly, send a follow-up thanking everyone who helped with the golf tournament. Be sure to include in your thank-you photos from the event, how their contributions benefited the charity, and a section where they can provide feedback. 

Ask them to include what they liked about the golf tournament and what areas need improvement. There are always going to be hiccups with every event, but their honest feedback can help your operations improve for the next one! 

There are a lot of moving parts to a charity golf tournament, but the outcome is so rewarding. Strategy, hard work, and dedication can help you spread awareness about the cause or organization you’re supporting and allow your brand to display their philanthropic arm to the world!   

Get out there and have the best golf tournament of your life! Be sure to bring plenty of food and promotional golf items!

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
How to Talk to Prospects, Capture and Qualify Leads at a Trade Show

How to Talk to Prospects, Capture and Qualify Leads at a Trade Show

Get ready, because it’s almost (marketing) game time! Now that you have a trade show strategy in place, it’s time to gather up the company reps, board the plane, and grow your business. 

A trade show is a prospect gold mine. Heading into the convention center with a plan of action can yield excellent results for your brand.

Once the booth is set up and the team has been given their pep talk, the exhibit hall doors open. Trade show attendees pour into the center and make their way to your booth. It’s a great start and a positive result of your pre-show marketing initiatives and fun giveaway selection

The next step, however, can be a bit challenging: talking to prospects and identifying the leads. No worries, though. We’ve provided some tips on how to talk to your booth prospects, capture and qualify leads who can enhance your business network. 

How to Talk to Prospects

When it comes to engaging with your booth visitors, niceties such as “Hello, how are you?” and “Great city for a conference, right?” will only get you so far in meaningful conversation. The focus of your one-on-one with a prospect should be about asking the right types of questions. 

Your questions can make all the difference and help you identify a lead. Take a look at this sequence of questions that can steer the conversation to your desired result. 

Opening Questions

Your opening questions are just what you think they are: questions that help you determine the prospect’s needs and objectives, challenges, and gauge their level of brand recognition. Some example questions include: 

  • What are you hoping to get out of the trade show?
  • Can you describe some of the challenges you’re experiencing with your current product/service?
  • Have you heard of our brand or product/service before?

Investigative Questions

After you’ve heard your prospect’s answers, now is the time for more probing-type questions. What you learn here can help you identify the prospect as a potential lead. Example investigative questions include:

  • What product/service are you currently using? What do you like and dislike about it?
  • How much are you looking to spend?
  • What are your top three must-haves for a product/service?

Demonstrative Questions

During your presentation, ask questions that will keep the prospect or lead involved. It can help you measure their interest in the product/service and allow you to hear their feedback. Some demonstrative-type questions to try:

  • What do you think of our product/service capabilities?
  • How does it compare to the one you use now?
  • Do you have any concerns or questions regarding our product or service?

Closing Questions

Closure is beneficial in many situations but especially marketing and sales. Good closure questions should encourage a follow-up action for the prospect or lead. Here are some examples:

  • How do the decision-makers in your company decide which vendors to use?
  • What else would be important information for you to know?

If they’re expressing extreme interest to learn more…

  • Can I set up an appointment with you to further discuss our product/service solutions that I think will enhance your company’s objective?

On-site conference rooms can help boost your lead-gen goal success. A private meeting area will allow your team to provide additional capabilities exposure and brainstorm a customized solution for the interested prospect. If you don’t have one available at the trade show, make sure you get their contact information (with their blessing, of course) to set up a future appointment date. 

How to Capture and Qualify Leads

Technology is a great way to create buzz around your booth. Not only is it more interactive for your visitors, but it’s also an excellent tool for capturing and qualifying leads. 

Lead capture technology can provide a great return for companies investing in a trade show. A simple way to capture leads is through QR codes. These 2-D matrix barcodes are often found on event name badges, making it easy for reps to scan and capture visitor information. 

Using this data, companies can later analyze their booth’s traffic performance, sort leads, and leverage this insight to enhance their strategy at the next trade show. 

Trade show merchandise with printed QR codes can get visitors more engaged so they may take the next steps, such as submitting information on a lead form, browsing products or services on a landing page, watching a video or presentation, and more.  

Post-Show Marketing Actions

Reaching out to your leads is a must. Give your contacts some time to get settled at the office before sending your follow-up, but don’t sit too long on it. Be sure to send a lead-nurturing campaign as soon as possible while the lead is still hot. 

Maximizing your post-show marketing can go a long way toward achieving a positive return on your trade show investment. Your follow-up can determine your conversion success, and a well-crafted email can help with that. Make sure it’s customized for each lead. 

When writing your email, remember to clearly state who you are, what company you work for, and the trade show where you two met. Need inspiration? Here’s an example below. 

Trade show lead follow-up email:

Hello [lead name],

It was a pleasure to meet you at [trade show event name]! I hope you enjoyed the keynote speaker and learned a lot at the breakout sessions. 

You mentioned that [lead’s company] is looking to [lead’s pain point], so I wanted to reach out to further discuss how [your company] can help you with your objective. 

I’d love to set up a call with you to answer your questions and chat about the next steps. Do you have time this week for a 15-minute call? I look forward to hearing from you. 

Thank you,

[your name & contact info]

Measuring the success of your trade show is determined by how you met your marketing objectives. Review the goals you’ve set for your team before the big day and keep them in mind when chatting up prospects. Converting prospects to leads and leads to customers shows great success and can help you determine which shows are worth returning to the following year!

Before you can talk to your prospects and capture potential leads, you need to drive trade show attendees to your booth! See our infographic below on how to do just that.

Share our Infographic

trade show traffic leads infographic

Posted by Admin in How to Reach a Target Audience, 0 comments
What to Remember When Selecting Trade Show Giveaways

What to Remember When Selecting Trade Show Giveaways

Have your sights set on a trade show? The prep work that goes into planning a trade show has many moving parts. From venue fees to nailing down a booth set up to finalizing sales resources that have been approved up the corporate ladder, brands such as yours can spend several months actively developing their trade show marketing strategy before executing it. 

While there may be more pressing matters in your sea of to-do’s, don’t forget that trade show giveaways are a significant facet that can influence the success of your strategy. Promotional products with thought and purpose can create buzz, drive foot traffic, and keep prospects engaged while visiting your booth. 

More goes into choosing a promotional product than just slapping a logo on something cheap. For promos to be their most effective, they need to be strategic and customized for the intended audience. There are several factors to consider. Cost is a major one for most buyers, but there are both tangible and intangible components that can greatly influence your decision. 

Influencers That Can Affect Your Trade Show Giveaway Decision

  1. Location of Venue

    Where your venue is located can affect your selection and trade show budget. Shipping long distances will likely increase your shipping cost and inflate overall spend unless you partner with a supplier that provides no-added-cost rush production services

    The actual setting of the host city can influence your buying decision. Say you and your team are attending a trade show in Miami, FL. Instead of giving out common giveaways like USB chargers and pens, opt for something more noteworthy like branded visors or a cool beach towel. 

    Items with ties to not only your brand but also the city lifestyle can do wonders for your marketing strategy. Plus, it’s something fun and unique that your prospects can use during their trip as well as back home! 

  2. Size & Weight of Merchandise

    Large and heavy items generally out-cost small, lightweight ones. The size and weight of merchandise can also play a role in your booth traffic and brand visibility. Bigger items may seem more extravagant but can be difficult for an attendee to carry around the event, so make sure you consider the size and weight of a product before purchasing. 

    Just think: If it can’t fit in a tote, it probably won’t make it back to the prospect’s hotel room. 

  3. Product Value

    It’s more about the audience’s perceived value of the giveaway rather than the dollar amount spent by the exhibitor. Does the audience find the promo useful or is it popular on the market? Practical items are high-value in the eyes of the attendees, so utility is key when making a selection. 

    However, if you’re on the hunt for something with a wow-factor, an item with unique features may be more valuable to pursue.

  4. Product Durability

    When it comes down to it, high-quality products will reflect better on your brand than ones of low-quality. If the item lacks durability and falls apart quickly, your lead may have a negative impression of your brand based on the quality of the giveaway, or they may have trouble remembering your brand entirely due to having to discard the item prematurely. 

    While cheap products may benefit your bottom line, ideally they should last well after your prospects get home from the event. 

  5. Target Audience

    Does the trade show you’re attending cater to a specific audience? Or are you casting out your marketing net to get the attention of a certain demographic or group? 

    Promos that resonate with your target are a must! Items such as a promotional Popsocket may help to draw in prospects and keep them engaged so you can gain those qualified leads. 

  6. Brand Alignment

    The messaging on giveaways will reflect on your trade show strategy results. 

    Make sure the message you’re sending is what you want to convey. As mentioned before, if the product can’t be linked back to your brand, it isn’t the right giveaway. 

    Consider the industry that you’re in, who you’re trying to convert, and what your product or service does to help customers. This can help you narrow down the choices and discover the best trade show giveaway for your brand, which can benefit your strategy and strengthen your brand’s marketplace prominence.

  7. Campaign or Event Theme

    Draw prospects to your booth display with branded merchandise giveaways that complement a campaign or trade show theme

    You can do a lot with giveaways that go with a theme, but again, you’ll find it more effective if the item is relevant to your brand. 

Winning the Trade Show Through Audience Engagement

As with any marketing strategy, your giveaways should always tie-in to your brand to achieve the desired results. 

Giveaways that enrich your brand can help attract more qualified leads that can lead to higher conversions. Active participation at the booth is a necessary component as well and can be accomplished through interactive content like quizzes, videos, and contests plus take-home marketing resources that prospects can review when they’re back in the office. 

You can achieve much success in your trade show strategy by remembering these details when making a promo purchase. At Pinnacle Promotions, we excel in trade show giveaways and have helped numerous customers find the right promotional products for their marketing strategy. 

Posted by Admin in How to Reach a Target Audience, 0 comments
Best Productivity Gifts to Encourage Employee Wellness & Increase Productivity with Promotional Products

Best Productivity Gifts to Encourage Employee Wellness & Increase Productivity with Promotional Products

Employees are a company’s greatest asset. Investing in employees and keeping them happy in the organization can make for a highly productive workplace, aiding in the overall success of the business. 

Because they’re your biggest asset, it’s important to keep employees educated and engaged so they can make the best decisions regarding their health. A wellness program or campaign can help there. When a staff member falls ill from sickness or stress, workplace productivity may decline due to a lack of energy and concentration. 

Employee wellness programs are a multi-billion dollar industry that’s estimated to grow even more next year. Your team members work hard, but ailments can take a toll on productivity. With more demanding work cultures, executive leaders are looking into modern ways to encourage wellness through work health programs. 

Promotional products that support employee health goals can make them feel appreciated while reminding them of the rewards that come with focusing on their well-being. Ready to re-energize your employees? Take a look at some of the best productivity gifts we recommend to support your health campaign. 

Blender Bottles

People love their Blender Bottle, and your team will too! Each bottle comes with an agitator whisk which allows users to mix their drinks with just a few good shakes. It makes an excellent employee wellness gift and is primarily used for blending (or re-blending) protein shakes, meal supplements, and flavored water. 

The side-bottle measurement trackers allow your team to monitor their liquid intake. They can take their customized Blender Bottle anywhere: gym, car, on a hike – you name it! 

Yoga Mats

Yoga has a breadth of healing qualities. Not only does it benefit you physically, but it also helps improve mood and mental health. It’s a great stress-reducing activity. Yoga brings calm to the mind through meditation and breathing exercises. 

Incorporating branded yoga mats into your health and wellness campaigns can help boost worker productivity. A well-rested mind can bring about new motivation, increasing output in the office.

Sports Duffel Bags 

A duffel bag serves many purposes. It can be used as an overnight bag when visiting friends and family, as a gym bag to carry workout clothes, or as carry-on luggage on your next vacation or work trip. 

Providing your employees with a custom sports duffel bag may motivate your team to work wellness activities into their daily routine. It could encourage them to participate in group walks around the office park, or give them the drive they need to finally book a much-needed getaway to refresh the mind and see the world! 

T-Shirts

T-shirts and athletic apparel make wonderful employee wellness gifts. Sweat-resistant and breathable style shirts are great to workout in, and the popular sleeveless shirts may be the wearer’s go-to weekend shirt for events like fun runs and outdoor festivals. 

A t-shirt branded with your company logo not only supports your workplace wellness initiatives, but it also makes a kind gesture to thank your employees for their hard work and dedication. 

Headphones 

Make headphones and earbuds part of your corporate wellness plan and improve work efficiencies. Music provides listeners an emotional boost, curbing stress and increasing happiness around the office.

Headphones and earbuds are an easy promotional product to give away. Provide your employees with a feel-good gift to encourage health and increase workplace productivity. 

Journals

Journaling does wonders for mental health. Penning thoughts down on paper can help manage anxiety, improve cognitive processing, and lower stress. Journals can help users prioritize their tasks, projects, and identify issues that need to be resolved.

However your team uses their promotional journals, they make an excellent employee wellness gift and can do wonders for productivity, too! 

Fitness Tracker

Work productivity is likely your main goal here, which is why you and your team can benefit from fitness activity trackers. These devices allow your employees to manage individual and company wellness goals by syncing with an associated health and fitness monitoring app. 

Fitness activity trackers can monitor the wearer’s heart rate and track sleep patterns. Energy levels can have a major impact on work output, so tracking said functions is an excellent way to improve mood and employee performance. 

Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is an alternative solution that can help brighten employee moods. Essential oils have a ton of health-improving qualities and make great wellness promotional gifts. They create a relaxing and zen environment, influence brain activity, and boost job performance. 

Many oils feature antimicrobial properties that can keep spreadable illnesses at bay. Different scents are used to alleviate a variety of health issues: lemon is used for concentration, stress is managed with lavender, and peppermint acts as an energy booster. 

Does your workplace have rules against scents and aromas in the office? Gifting essential oils can be just as beneficial for home use, too. 

What You Can Do Today

Even if you’re in the early stages of your wellness campaign, companies that are committed to their workforce can inspire brand advocacy throughout the organization. 

Immerse yourself in the wellness goals of your employees. You can do this by setting up friendly fitness competitions among departments, making health and nutrition education easily accessible across the organization, and using promotional products to encourage a healthier lifestyle

promotional products that encourage a healthy lifestyle amongst employees

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3 Steps to a Successful Corporate Apparel Program

3 Steps to a Successful Corporate Apparel Program

The supply and management of corporate apparel are challenging when going at it alone. Without an effective merchandising solution, the task of outfitting an entire group of employees can be overwhelming and near impossible. 

When your responsibilities include inventorying apparel, a corporate apparel program could be the right move. It’s a great way to coordinate a group while reinforcing your brand at the same time. 

What’s a corporate apparel program?

Also called a uniform program or a professional dress program, a corporate apparel program is an initiative to coordinate the selection, production, and administration of branded apparel for an organization. It’s designed to keep the driver of the operation in full control of their brand, logo, apparel, and imprint areas at all times. 

The program drivers influence what employees wear to work, whether it’s during a sales pitch, teleconferencing with clients, just around the office, or at a corporate function. 

Why do I need one?

A corporate apparel program provides an efficient online solution for easy ordering and inventorying of personalized uniforms and custom work attire. This program helps facilitate apparel needs for all types of industries, including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, retail, and corporate environments. 

Supplying custom workwear requires more attention to detail than just routine purchases of the same items and sizes. It’s also about maintaining consistency across the entire organization by incorporating the most current logo, colors, and keeping up with imprint guidelines on your company-branded employee merchandise.  

When successfully executed, a corporate apparel program helps increase brand visibility and can integrate with employee engagement and incentive initiatives, too. Corporate apparel programs help administrators overcome the pain points of inventorying large quantity orders and reorders, alleviate the stress of manual reporting, and help users securely purchase their apparel needs.

How do corporate apparel programs work?

A corporate apparel program is easy to navigate and consists of 3 main parts: selection, production, and administration. To simply put it – you pick the items, we make the items, and you control the output. 

Let’s break it down in 3 easy steps:

  1. Selection

    When it comes to the selection of corporate apparel, there are hundreds of available pieces to choose from that can be customized and implemented in your program. With so many options, how does one choose? Well, it depends on your brand, industry, and budget. 

    • Brand. The apparel you choose should reflect your brand’s identity. How your business presents itself in the public is essential for building out your online store. Think about corporate messaging, brand visuals, and market position when selecting your merchandise.
    • Industry. The type of industry you’re in will play a major role in the apparel choices you make. A company in a corporate or retail environment are likely to select more dress shirts and promotional outerwear since those employees are more client/customer-facing, whereas those in more labor-intensive jobs may be more inclined to purchase logoed polos, branded hats, or company uniforms. 
    • Budget. Your budget will determine what purchases you make. At Pinnacle Promotions, we help companies with various budgets outfit their employees with comfortable and on-trend merchandise.   

    Keeping your store up-to-date with new ideas is an excellent way to keep employees engaged and happy. Expanding your offerings to include travel bags and accessories can go a long way, too. Merchandising and corporate apparel program experts can help curate workwear apparel specific to your company’s needs.

    Also, look for someone who can simplify the inventory hold process. From client-owned inventory to partner-owned inventory to a drop-ship order from the manufacturer, make sure you discuss all of the options with a partner you can trust. 

  2. Production

    Once you’ve selected your corporate apparel, it then goes into production! This is where your clothing is decorated with your company message and logo. Apparel can be decorated in a variety of ways, such as embroidery, screen-printing, laser-etching, heat-transfer, and debossing. It’s important to find a partner who’s an expert in imprint methods, so you can keep your merchandise coordinated and up to brand standards. 

    Proper inventory management and warehousing are extremely important in creating an effective corporate apparel program. It’s one of the main challenges you face when managing the logistics alone. Having a partner who has expert knowledge of how to run a smooth corporate apparel program can take away the headache that comes with doing it yourself.

  3. Selection

    With apparel selection and production out of the way, now is the time to see first-hand what a corporate apparel program can do for your business. 

    Group buys in the company – per department, office locations, etc. – can consolidate spend and improve efficiency. Easy online payments, or a subsidized employee allowance, can do a world of good for engagement and store use. 

    As the administrator, you can pull reports on inventory levels, buy-ins, and shipping costs/tracking just to name a few. Having a custom-branded online portal makes it easy for everyone to purchase their apparel on their own time. Set manager approval rules, group buys, and show what items you want to whom you want to. There are dashboard customization options to make reporting even easier, from order histories to shipping locations to flex payments and more.

    The administration step is the keystone of your corporate apparel program: the easier to administer, the more effective your program will be.

Implementing an apparel program into your company

For more than 25 years, we’ve created corporate apparel programs for brands within the banking, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. Pinnacle Promotions has worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands and has the experience, know-how, and moxie to put together the right apparel program to suit your needs. 

Our tech experts build custom portals, and our knowledgeable merchandising experts help find the best custom apparel pieces that reflect your brand. So if you’re looking to coordinate your team, find a professional partner who can take the guesswork out of the process by providing a cost-effective sourcing solution.  

See our video below for more of our corporate apparel program capabilities. 

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