Must-Have Promotional Products for Conferences

Stand out. Start conversations. Stay top-of-mind.

Brands compete in conferences—not just for business cards but for attention, engagement, and memorability. With hundreds or even thousands of attendees in one place, you can amplify your brand’s visibility, spark conversations, and generate quality leads.

But here’s the catch: delegates walk away with information overload. So, how do you ensure your brand doesn’t get lost in the shuffle?

You give them something they’ll remember. Something they’ll use. Something they’ll take home.

That’s where must-have promotional products come in. At Paddywack, we help businesses make a lasting impact through thoughtful, strategic, and well-designed merchandise tailored specifically for conference success.

Here’s our ultimate guide to the most effective promotional products for conferences—and why they work.

Must-Have Promotional Products for Conferences

The humble tote bag is the unsung hero of conference marketing. It’s one of the first things attendees reach for—and one of the last things they throw away.

Give delegates a stylish, high-quality tote bag printed with your branding, and you’ll enjoy all-day visibility as they carry your message from booth to booth.

Why they’re essential:

• Used throughout the conference to carry handouts
• Huge print area for logos, slogans, or QR codes
• Often reused at the office, grocery store, or gym

Paddywack Tip: To appeal to modern, sustainability-focused audiences, opt for eco-conscious materials like organic cotton, jute, or recycled PET.

Notebooks & Pens – Still Conference Royalty

Despite our digital age, delegates still love to take handwritten notes. A branded notebook and pen combo is practical, portable, and endlessly appreciated.

Better yet, these items often make their way into office environments where your branding will continue to be seen long after the event.

Why they’re effective:

• Used in sessions, keynotes, and workshops
• Associated with learning and idea generation
• Easy to personalise with logos, taglines, or inside covers

Pair them as a kit or brand the inner pages for extended engagement.

Custom Lanyards – All Eyes on Your Logo

Lanyards are mandatory for name badges at most conferences, meaning every attendee wears one around their neck all day.

Branded lanyards offer unobtrusive yet highly visible brand exposure. Whether your logo is printed, woven, or embossed, lanyards deliver powerful impressions at eye level.

Bonus idea: Include your web URL or campaign message printed on the strap for passive promotion.

Great for:

• Major conventions
• Sponsorship packages
• Volunteer or team identification

Reusable Water Bottles – Hydration with Purpose

Conferences can be long and tiring. A branded reusable water bottle is practical and aligns with growing environmental awareness by reducing single-use plastic waste.

Delegates will thank you and keep using it for months after the event.

Top choices include:

• Stainless steel bottles
• Collapsible bottles for travel
• BPA-free bottles with custom colour lids

Branded drinkware is a premium giveaway with high perceived value and long product lifespan.

Tech Accessories – For the Modern Delegate

Today’s conference attendees are tech-savvy and connected. Help them stay powered, organised, and productive with relevant and appreciated branded tech accessories.

Popular items include:

• Phone chargers or cables
• Webcam covers
• USB flash drives
• Portable power banks
• Screen cleaning cloths or sprays

Why do they work:

• Solve real problems during the event
• Highly likely to be used again
• Associate your brand with usefulness and innovation

Want a wow factor? Create a tech essentials pouch with multiple items for a branded unboxing experience.

Hand Sanitiser, Lip Balm & Wellness Kits – Stay Safe, Stay Memorable

Wellness is now a permanent part of the conference experience. Delegates appreciate thoughtful and practical giveaways, especially in crowded environments.

Great wellness giveaways:

• Pocket-sized sanitiser bottles with your logo
• SPF lip balm with a custom label
• Branded face masks (still relevant in many sectors)
• Compact tissue packs
• Mini sunscreen bottles

Pro tip: Bundle wellness items into a branded pouch or zip kit for bonus impact.

Edible Giveaways – Boost Energy, Build Recall

Sometimes, the most memorable giveaway is the one they eat on the spot. Branded snacks, mints, and mini treat packs offer a quick energy boost and leave a sweet impression.

Examples:

• Branded mint tins
• Protein balls with custom labels
• Chocolate or lollies in branded wrappers
• Coffee vouchers for nearby cafés

Attach a fun slogan like “A little pick-me-up from Paddywack.” These small items often spark smiles and conversations.

Stubby Holders – Relaxed, Fun, and Very Aussie

Are you planning to attend a conference with a social or networking component? Branded stubby holders are the perfect promotional item for informal, after-hours events.

They’re compact, lightweight, and often kept for years, especially in construction, hospitality, or tourism industries.

Why they’re a hit:

• Used frequently at BBQs and events
• Easy to customise with full-colour print
• Ideal for relaxed, lifestyle-focused audiences

Wearable Merchandise – Walkaway Advertising

Branded T-shirts, caps, hoodies, and socks aren’t just giveaways—they’re billboards on the move.

Branded apparel can dramatically boost post-event visibility if your brand suits a more casual, creative, or youth-oriented audience.

Tips for success:

• Choose breathable, soft fabrics that people will wear
• Keep designs stylish—not overly promotional
• Offer limited edition runs to create demand

Great for:

• Brand launches
• Expo booths
• Loyalty gifts or social media contests

Custom Conference Kits – The VIP Touch

Want to make a lasting impression? Package multiple promo products into a custom-branded conference kit.

Typical inclusions:

• Tote bag
• Notebook + pen
• Water bottle
• Lanyard
• Wellness items or tech gadgets

Delivered at registration or handed out to VIPS, sponsors, or speakers, these kits feel generous and well-curated, showcasing your brand’s professionalism and attention to detail.

Paddywack can assist with:

• Product sourcing and bundling
• Custom Packaging and presentation
• Branded inserts and messages

Why Promotional Products Work So Well at Conferences

• High-use items increase brand recall
• Constant visibility throughout the event
• Create positive emotional associations
• Extend brand presence beyond the venue
• Encourage social sharing and conversation
• Provide value, which builds loyalty

The goal isn’t just to give stuff away—it’s to provide something that connects with your audience, represents your brand, and adds genuine value to the conference experience.

Why Choose Paddywack?

At Paddywack, we know what it takes to make promotional products that stand out, not blend in. We help Australian businesses craft merchandise that’s functional, appealing, and aligned with their conference goals.

With us, you get:

✔ A wide selection of top-performing conference products

✔ Branding and design support to ensure your merchandise pops

✔ Eco-conscious options

✔ Packaging, bundling, and kitting services

✔ Fast production and national delivery

Whether you’re exhibiting, sponsoring, presenting, or attending, we’ll make sure your conference presence is remembered.