We’re in the swing of trade show season, and conference centers are once again filling up with attendees from all over the world. The excitement is palpable, especially after many of these events were relegated to screens or went totally silent just a few short years ago.
Related: Placing a Promo Item Order: What Info Do You Need?
With trade show attendance up again, it’s the perfect chance to take advantage of the in-person meet-ups with some well-designed and thoughtfully curated company swag and branded corporate gifts. The entire year is ripe with opportunities to show your customers, prospects, and employees you care. Statistics show that 66 percent of people view a brand more positively when receiving swag. That’s a big effect for sure!
We’ve put together a comprehensive calendar of deadlines so you’ll be prepared no matter what pops up, from trade shows to company events, to holiday gifts for employees or customers. Use this guide to find unique promotional items, branded corporate gifts, and company swag that delight your audience every time.
Related: 11 Insights to Kick-Start Your Trade Show.
What are the Best Promotional Items Right Now?
Whether you’re looking for something tried and true or searching for the next trend, all of these items have the wow factor that comes with gifting people branded corporate gifts that are both useful and coveted.
Here are the best promotional items for 2024:
- T-Shirts: Who doesn’t love a well-designed, good-looking t-shirt that is comfortable and fun to wear?
- Mugs: They come in all sizes and shapes. Get portable or warmable mugs to make them extra utilitarian.
- Umbrellas: How many times would an umbrella be nice but you don’t have one on hand? Exactly.
- Tote Bags: The useful nature of this product is great. It’s a chance to be more sustainable and also to use materials that resonate with your product for a unique promotional item.
- Water Bottles: See umbrellas, above. How many water bottles have you misplaced? A high-quality promo bottle will go a long way towards keeping you hydrated and happy.
- USB Chargers: These simple pack-in-your-bag tech items are incredibly helpful to have around, especially when on the go, like at an event.
- Headphones: We all have them but they wear out or get misplaced. A nice new set is a welcome gift.
- Backpacks: Just like tote bags, backpacks are extremely practical. A higher ticket product, but one of the best promotional items because they’re coveted by all.
- Food: Who doesn’t love chocolate, a homemade savory treat, or a baked good, especially from a local company? They make for unique promotional items that delight and surprise.
- Portable Speakers: Perfect for picnics, tailgates, and other get-togethers, they’re a gift that keeps giving.
When Should You Order Branded Corporate Gifts?
The general rule of thumb is to order at least 90 days before your event. This gives you time to avoid any supply chain delays that can derail delivery as well as other unforeseen snafus. This timeline covers printing, packaging, and delivery, with a small cushion to ensure you have all your company swag in hand before the event.
If you’re within that window, but you still need your items, don’t worry. Some promotional products have a quick turnaround and if they’re already in stock, we can help you print them much quicker.
How Do You Best Plan Your Promo Calendar?
This calendar gives you a sampling of events you can start planning for now. We added trade shows to almost every month since they generally run most months of the year. Use these dates as inspiration for other gifting opportunities too. Some holidays are more widely celebrated than others, but all provide an opportunity to provide prospects, customers, or employees with meaningful and unique promotional items:
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2024/2025 Promo Calendar |
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Order By |
Delivery By/Events |
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January 1st |
April 1st Trade Shows Celebrate Diversity Month World Health Day Earth Day |
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February 1st |
May 1st Trade Shows Asian Heritage Month Skin Cancer Awareness Month Teacher Appreciation Week International Nurses Day Memorial Day |
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March 1st |
June 1st Trade Shows LGBTQ Pride Month Higher Education Day World Oceans Day Juneteenth |
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April 1st |
July 1st International Plastic Bag Free Day Independence Day World Chocolate Day Social Media Giving Day National Clean Beauty Day |
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May 1st |
August 1st National Financial Awareness Day National Dog Day |
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June 1st |
September 1st Labor Day National Hispanic Heritage Month World Alzheimer's Day Back to School |
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July 1st |
October 1st National Cyber Security Awareness Month International Coffee Day International Teachers Day World Mental Health Day Indigenous Peoples' Day Trade Shows Halloween |
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August 1st |
November 1st Veterans Day Trade Shows World Kindness Day Thanksgiving |
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September 1st |
December 1st International Day of Persons with Disabilities Christmas Hanukkah Kwanzaa |
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October 1st |
January 1st New Year's Day Ditch Your Resolution Day Community Manager Appreciation Day |
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November 1st |
February 1st Black History Month Groundhog Day International Day of Women and Girls in Science Galentine's Day Valentine's Day President's Day |
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December 1st |
March 1st Women's History Month World Wildlife Day Trade Shows International Women's Day Global Recycling Day Easter |
Source: Hootsuite
Related: Your Survival Guide to Promotional Planning: Products and Branded Merchandise.
ARE YOU Ready to Order Now?
In the world of promo, ordering sooner is always better. With a 90-day window, you’ll be sure to get the availability you need for the best promotional items without any expedited costs or other premium charges. When you work with a partner like Ironmark, we can help you find the promotional items that work best for your objectives, and get you the choice and the buying power.
