By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

The #1 question I get before every trade show:
“What should we print for giveaways?”

And 90% of brands start here for the wrong reason.

Before you choose anything, ask this instead:
👉 Are you chasing brand recognition—or actual leads?

If your goal is just brand recognition, sure—print the pens, the mints, the sticky notes.
They’ll get tossed into tote bags and maybe used once or twice.

But if you want real leads (not just logo exposure), it’s time to make your branded merch do the work.

How to Turn Branded Merch Into a Lead-Generation Machine

Here’s a strategy that gets attention and grows your audience:

1️⃣ Create a print-on-demand shop featuring your branded tees, totes, or mugs.
2️⃣ Hand out QR postcards with a gift code to claim one item for free.
3️⃣ When visitors check out, they’ll join your email list automatically—no scanning badges or typing emails required.

Why It Works

This approach:

• Converts one-time booth visitors into engaged leads
• Reduces waste and leftover inventory
• Creates a better brand experience—people actually want to use your merch
• Costs less than bulk printing and random giveaways

Instead of hoping someone remembers your logo, you’re giving them a reason to connect—and stay connected.

Final Thoughts

Trade show success isn’t about how many pens you hand out.
It’s about how many conversations you start and how many relationships you nurture afterward.

So before your next event, skip the swag that ends up in the trash—and invest in branded merch that builds your audience.

Go To Market Studio helps brands design smarter promo strategies that generate leads, not landfill.
Let’s make your next event unforgettable.