You’ve signed up for a booth at a busy summer event. You’ve got a prime spot, your team is prepped, and you’re ready to meet new people. But as the day goes on, you notice attendees breeze past your table while others nearby have crowds, conversations, and branded gear flying out the door. What gives?
The difference isn’t just your location or your mission. It’s your presence.
Summer events are golden opportunities to engage in-person with the community, especially for nonprofits, colleges and universities, and state agencies. But to make the most of it, your booth needs to stand out. That’s where thoughtful swag, sharp booth displays, and brand consistency come in. And Big Spirit Inc. is the marketing company who can help you achieve these goals.
In this post, we’ll show you how to maximize brand exposure at summer events by using promotional products and other branded materials strategically. If you’re planning to show up in the heat, make sure your brand shines just as brightly.
Design a Booth That Pulls People To You
If your booth doesn’t invite people in, your message may never make it out.
A high-impact booth starts with visuals. Branded tents, tablecloths, and banners not only look professional, but they make your space instantly recognizable. Your organization’s colors, logo, and tagline should be visible from across the field or expo center.
Pro Tip from Big Spirit: Use vertical space. Flags, retractable banners, or backdrops help your brand rise above the crowd. Using eye-catching standing banners to highlight your organization can result in a steady stream of visitors and higher engagement.
Pair your visuals with a smart layout. Keep your space open and inviting. Don’t block it with a table wall. Create zones for conversation, giveaways, and information. Your booth should be easy to approach and hard to ignore.
Make Swag Count: Quality Over Quantity
Everyone loves free stuff, but not all swag is created equal. The goal of giving out branded items isn’t just to be generous. It’s to be memorable.
Choose items people will actually use. Think water bottles at an outdoor concert, sunglasses at a summer festival, or mini fans at an outdoor community event. If it’s relevant to the event, they’re more likely to keep and use it. This means your brand travels with them.
Imagine you’re representing your organization at a summer festival and give out branded sunscreen packets and reusable totes. These are promotional items people will use immediately (and often), which could lead to attendees asking where to get one—building buzz without extra effort.
Avoid the trap of cheap filler items. Low-quality pens or cluttery keychains may end up in the trash or worse, landfills. Instead, select one to three thoughtful pieces of swag that reflect your values and reinforce your message.
Tell a Story with Every Interaction
Swag works best when it’s not a standalone freebie but a conversation starter. Branded items should tie into your mission, values, or call to action.
An example is a nonprofit focused on clean water could hand out reusable branded straws and cups, then invite people to sign a pledge to reduce single-use plastics. That’s swag with impact.
Use signage and handouts that connect your giveaway to your purpose. QR codes on item packaging can lead to your website, donation page, or sign-up form. Bonus: this adds a digital touchpoint that extends engagement beyond the event.
And don’t forget your people who represent your organization; your team should be just as on-brand as your table. Matching shirts, friendly energy, and clear messaging help turn small talk into real interest.
Collect Contacts—Don’t Just Hand Out Swag
Brand exposure is great, but follow-up is gold. Make sure your promo product efforts also build your list of contacts or supporters.
Set up a drawing or giveaway in exchange for an email address or survey response. People are far more likely to engage when there’s a chance to win something. Just make sure the prize ties into your mission to keep things relevant.
A nonprofit could easily use a branded picnic blanket as a raffle prize. Have participants enter by signing up for the newsletter. This will keep them engaged with your organization long after the event. One simple promo product item can become the catalyst for growing your email list and donor base.
Whether you use paper signups, tablets, or QR codes, make sure the process is smooth, short, and privacy-conscious.
Partner with a Vendor Who Understands Your Mission
Creating cohesive swag, displays, and printed materials can feel overwhelming. Especially if you’re juggling other event planning tasks. That’s why it matters who you work with.
At Big Spirit, we specialize in helping organizations like yours bring their brands to life. We understand how important it is to make a meaningful, professional, and culturally conscious impression. From custom printing to booth design and branded giveaways, we will support your marketing goals every step.
Working in collaboration with you, we are a hands-on business who values personal interaction. Your goals are important to us. Our goal? To help you show up with confidence and purpose.
Bring Your Brand to Life and Into the Right Hands
When summer events get busy, attendees have dozens of booths to explore. But only a few will make a lasting impression. Swag is more than just “stuff”; it’s a powerful, portable piece of your brand. When used intentionally, it can start conversations, share your mission, and build long-term visibility.
By pairing quality branded items with smart displays and interactive booth design, you transform your event presence from “just another table” to a vibrant extension of your organization.
At Big Spirit, we help you do just that. We provide branded swag, printing services, and booth materials designed specifically for nonprofits, higher education institutions, and government agencies. Let’s work together to create materials that reflect your mission and maximize your visibility.
Ready to boost your in-person impact?
Explore our swag and branding services to start planning your best summer season yet.
FAQs: Summer Swag Strategy for Event Success
What types of swag are best for summer events?
Useful, event-relevant items like water bottles, sunglasses, or sunscreen are great swag options for summer. They provide value while keeping your brand visible.
How can swag increase brand awareness?
Branded items serve as mobile advertisements. When people use your promotional product after the event, they keep your organization top of mind and introduce it to new audiences.
Are swag items worth the investment for nonprofits?
Absolutely! When chosen thoughtfully, promo products can drive engagement, signups, and donations. It’s a tangible way to make your mission memorable.
What’s the ideal number of swag items to offer at a booth?
Focus on 1–3 high-quality, mission-aligned items rather than handing out many low-impact trinkets. Less is more when the items are meaningful.
Can swag help drive donations or program participation?
Yes! Swag paired with a clear call to action, like a QR code linking to a donation page, can encourage deeper engagement.
How do I create a cohesive booth design?
Use branded banners, tablecloths, and backdrops. Keep colors and fonts consistent with your organization’s brand identity for a professional, recognizable look.
Should I collect emails at my booth?
Definitely, use branded products or giveaways as incentives to collect email addresses for future outreach and relationship building.
What’s the best way to transport swag and booth materials?
Invest in branded totes or storage bins to keep your materials organized, clean, and easy to set up on-site.
How far in advance should I order swag?
At least 4–6 weeks before your event to allow for design, printing, and shipping. Rush jobs may limit your options.
Can Big Spirit help with both swag and booth design?
Yes! Big Spirit offers end-to-end support, including custom promotional products, print materials, and display design to ensure your booth stands out.
