If your company has contributed in trade shows, you must have observed that every other exhibitor in the hall gives out the same advertising promotional products every time. Surely you've brought home a bagful of rollerball pens, sticky notes, lanyards, mugs, candies, and caps--more advertising promotional products than you'll ever need in a lifetime.

But then that is not how you make an impression on the possible buyers you meet in trade shows. When the trade show has finished, will you be remembered? Will they call you back?

Here are some tips on choosing advertising promotional products for your next trade show event:

Leave an impression by giving visitors a unique giveaway.

Find advertising promotional products that your competitors aren't using. If everybody else is offering customized bags, why should you? The idea is to stand out, and to do so, you must do something special and unique.

Find their funny bone. Remember the age-old story about meeting your prospective father-in-law? If you got him laughing, you've had it made. Fun advertising promotional products will make them smile--and they'll remember you even after the trade show.

Catch their attention with special effects. Advertising promotional products such as sonic rocks and flashing buttons are sure to pull potential clients to your booth. If you manage to convince them to wear those lapel buttons, that's additional mileage for your advertising promotional products.

Give them something exceptional. Advertising promotional products such as cuff links, pedicure sets, and spa sets are not the run-of-the-mill giveaways given by exhibitors. That's additional points for you.