Must-Consider Promotional Items For Events & Conferences This Autumn

With the latest government announcement revealing that business events can officially go ahead from 1 October 2020, this summer offers the perfect opportunity to get all the details ticked off.

Whether you're continuing the planning of an event that had to be postponed due to Coronavirus or have been inspired to launch one during the COVID-19 lockdown, events can offer an exciting opportunity to put your brand right in front of the people who matter the most. 


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From workshops to exhibitions and conferences to keynote presentations, Total Merchandise is here to ensure your brand is able to project its best possible self to customers and delegates - even if it's from a distance!

What Are The Latest Government Guidelines About Holding Events?

The UK government announced last week that it was planning 'pilots' to determine the best way to recommence events from autumn 2020, with business events across England being given the 'green light' to resume from 1 October. 

As with the reopening of other industries, there will be strict guidelines in place to ensure that events are as safe as possible for both organisers and attendees. These include:

  • Attendees pre-booking or pre-registering in advance, with a 'digital first' approach in place overall
  • The introduction of contactless registration systems to limit contact between attendees and organisers
  • Admittance will be staggered to limit queuing 
  • Capacity as a whole will be reduced
  • Lay-outs will be designed around a one-way system
  • Spacing between exhibitors will be increased and aisles widened
  • Venues will have enhanced cleaning procedures in place

Please note that all guidelines are subject to change but these are correct at the time of writing. 

So with that in mind, how can your business ensure it stands out from the competition when exhibiting at an event? Or, how can your brand leave a lasting impression that dazzles when hosting an event all of its own?

Whatever the events-based situation your company is in, we're here to help. Read on to browse some of our favourite ideas for creating brand awareness that truly lasts.

Get Your Message Seen With Branded Signage

Whether your business is exhibiting as part of a trade show or is hosting an event all of its own (such as a conference or product launch), signage is a simple yet guaranteed way to strike the right impression from the word 'go'. 

Not only can it be used to greet visitors from the moment they arrive at the venue entrance but it can also offer a simple yet striking way to enforce brand messages and important information. From pop-up banners branded with your artwork to tabletop-sized posters printed with contact information, we really do have all the signage options you could possibly need for your event presence.

We also have a wide range of social distancing signage, too. Our best selling range includes social distancing floor stickers, wall posters and more - all ideal for investing in if you're organising the event from scratch yourself.

Create A Stand Presence That Can't Be Missed

If you're exhibiting at a trade show that's been organised by a third party, you might not have complete control over how your stand looks - equally, you might have full creative input to design the space you want. Either way, it's worth being aware of the options that are out there. At Total Merchandise, we have everything from promotional tablecloths to branded gazebos to ensure your event presence is as wow-worthy as your business offering. 

We have options to suit every budget and every space, with promotional items suitable for brands that are designing their very own event space or are simply looking to jazz up an exhibition area they've been provided with by the organisers.

Our best selling Rectangular Polyester Tablecloths (shown below), for example, offer a highly cost-effective way to assert your brand; available in a wide range of colours by default, they can be printed with your logo in up to full colour for impressive visual impact. With a minimum order quantity of just one unit, they're a no-brainer choice for a smaller event space, or if you've been provided with a simple table from which to exhibit. 

And it doesn't end there. There are all sorts of decorative elements you can incorporate into your brand presence at an event to add an extra special touch and ensure you truly stand out from the crowd. We're talking promotional balloons, novelty deckchairs printed with your branding, printed bunting... And more!

Browse our full range of branded balloons and promotional flags.

Invest In Promotional Clothing To Ensure Staff Look The Part

From printed T-shirts to promotional polo shirts - via branded caps, printed jackets and promotional hoodies - we have a wide range of clothing available that can be printed or embroidered with your branding.

Ideal for ordering in bulk and using at future events, our wide range of corporate clothing is sure to add a smart touch to your brand's presence. With many of our promotional clothing items available in a wide range of colours and with options to suit budgets both large and small, we're confident we've got the perfect branded workwear for you. 

Can't find exactly what you're looking for? Whether you're after a specific corporate clothing item or have a question about a product you've found, simply call 01376 509092 or email info@totalmerchandise.co.uk and a member of our team will be happy to help. 

Think Safety First With Promotional Hygiene Items 

The prospect of being in a room with a lot of other people - even at a safe distance and with health and hygiene regulations in place - might understandably feel a little overwhelming for your team.

With that in mind, providing your event staff with hygiene essentials (such as branded hand sanitiser and perhaps promotional face masks) could help them feel more comfortable and in control of their own wellbeing. 

Similarly, our contactless hand sanitiser dispenser (shown above) could offer a useful talking point with customers, as well as demonstrating that your brand is one that truly cares. Browse our full range of promotional social distancing products to discover more ideas! 

From branded items for virtual events to promotional products for contactless deliveries, Total Merchandise has all the giveaways and merchandise your business could need this summer. Need help finding a specific item? Simply contact a member of our friendly and experienced Sales team on 01376 509092 or email info@totalmerchandise.co.uk! Visit our Coronavirus Hub for more information and updates.

Main image via Pexels.

Written by

Michelle Rae Stoddart | Co-Founder and Former Finance Director

After establishing a successful career in finance, Michelle co-founded Total Merchandise in 2004. Prior to her retirement in January 2024, she was Finance Director, working closely with the Accounts and Sales teams to ensure the smooth running of the fiscal side of the business. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys gardening, films and cooking.

Connect with Michelle Rae Stoddart on LinkedIn Connect with Michelle Rae Stoddart on LinkedIn

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