If you're looking for a conference or event giveaway that will be useful and effective in getting you the exposure that you need, conference bags and carrier bags for conference and event items might be the perfect answer. Several years ago, I attended a local event. The organizer escapes my mind, and I don't recall even what the purpose of the event was. I do, however, remember one thing ? the colorful and roomy white, red and blue carrier bag that was handed to me as soon as I entered. I remember the name of the bank that supplied it, I remember how useful it was to have it with me, and even though the bag was only heavy duty plastic, I remember using that bag for months after the conference whenever I needed something quick to carry with me. That's quite a lot of mileage to get out of a printed bag that might have cost all of a few pence to buy.



I bring the story up to illustrate a couple of important points about marketing and promotional items. The bag, I'm quite sure, was not the most expensive marketing trinket that I picked up at that event ? but it was memorable and achieved its objective for several reasons.

-It was useful immediately. The one thing that every attendee at a conference is bound to need is a bag or carrier in which to stow all the informational handouts and gadgets that they'll pick up at other booths and tables. Conference bags ? formal conference bags ? don't always fit the bill. They're far too complicated when all you need is something to drop things into until later.

-It was the first thing that was handed to me as I entered the event. Positioning yourself as close to the entrance of the event as possible has its advantages and its drawbacks. This was definitely one of the advantages.

-It was omnipresent. Everyone was carrying one. The displayers at the table handed one to every single person that entered, making it one of the most visible items being given out at the event. Add to that the fact that it was large enough to hold the event bags and carrier bags and promotional items being handed out at other booths and tables, and you have a surefire recipe for being the most visible presenter at a conference.

-It was durable and useful after the conference. I wasn't the only one who continued to use the bag after the conference. I spotted them here and there around town for months. This increased the reach and visibility of the company that distributed the bags immensely, far beyond the day of the conference.

When you're choosing conference bags for an event, conference or trade fair, keep in mind the big plastic bag. Expensive doesn't always equate to memorable. When you're looking for a way to make a bold, memorable statement at low cost, consider providing a sturdy, useful carrier bag that will be remembered long after the event is over.