At most conferences, attendees will head home with promotional conference bags tucked full of information, samples and promotional items provided by the sponsors of the conference. While the contents of the promotional conference bags is always fun to get, many attendees value the bags themselves as one of the best bits of shwag they’ll pick up at the conference. In some cases, conference organizers spend more on the promotional conference bags than the sponsors do on the contents that fill them. If you’re on a budget, though, you can still make a big splash with promotional conference bags that get noticed – and used again and again. Here are some tips for choosing a budget range of promotional conference bags that don’t look cost conscious.



Don’t slack on pockets and features

Choose promotional conference bags that have at least two pockets for documents, and at least one smaller pocket that’s accessible from outside for things like a mobile or pens. Pockets make your conference bags more useful to your conference attendees.

Choose colourful trims and linings for your promotional conference bags

Some of the budget ranges of conference bags offer a wide selection of trim colours that aren’t offered in many of the higher ranges. Take full advantage of the colour choices to make an impact on your audience. Choose colours that coordinate with the conference theme, or one that suits the logo of your primary sponsor to set it off and make it stand out.

Look for specials on the promotional bags that you like

Found a range of promotional bags that you like, but their price is outside your budget? Shop around to see if you can find them on special somewhere. Better yet, contact an account representative at your favorite promotional supplies company and tell them what you’re looking for. They may be aware of special pricing options, or be able to suggest a lower priced range with the features that you want.

Choose a higher range of bags and cut costs on printing

Can you cut costs somewhere else and apply the savings to a higher range of bags? One of the best ways to keep prices down on promotional items is to opt for one colour imprints. It will save on both setup costs and per piece printing. If you keep your printing to the one included colour, you may be able to fit a higher range of promotional conference bags into your budget.

Step outside the lines with non-conference bags

There’s no rule that says your promotional conference bags have to be “conference bags". While professional conferences tend to favor briefcase style bags meant for holding documents, there may be other types of bags that are more appropriate – and far more budget friendly. Look at the ranges of canvas tote bags and shopping bags, rucksacks and other carry bags to see if there is something in those lines that will suit your purpose as well or better than the standard promotional conference bags.