How to Get the Most Impact

Why Swag Bags Work For Virtual Events

Swag bags are staple giveaways at in-person conferences and events, but few event organizers have maximized the use of swag at virtual events. In a virtual — or hybrid — event, there are benefits to providing attendees with both digital and physical swag bags that increase sponsor visibility and encourage engagement via items such as discounts, giveaways, stickers, t-shirts and more.

Swag packages at the 3rd annual Python Web Conference, hosted virtually on LoudSwarm by Six Feet Up, received rave reviews from attendees, speakers and sponsors:

Swag Bag: What To Include

Event organizers sent physical swag bags to all 300 registered Python Web Conference attendees with items including:

• #PWC2021 stickers,
• a lanyard with a branded name tag,
• a microfiber cloth,
• sponsor goodies such as a yo-yo,
• a coffee/tea/cocoa kit and
• information about the event.

Event speakers received an enhanced swag package which included the above items in addition to:

• a Meowbit,
• a conference jersey,
• a notebook and pen and
• a handwritten thank you card.

To compliment the physical swag bag, a digital swag bag — hosted on LoudSwarm by Six Feet Up for all attendees to access — included:

• sponsor discounts,
• a conference jersey shopping link,
• newsletter sign-up forms,
• a “call for papers” submission form for the 2022 Python Web Conference, and
• digital asset downloads including the #PWC2021 Zoom background, a name tag and a Spotify link to the conference’s official playlist.

Swag Bag: Pro Tips

When creating digital and physical swag bags for your next virtual event, be sure to plan ahead. Specifically:

1. Determine what physical items to include ASAP. As a result of recent shipping delays, physical items take much longer to produce and send out.
2. Promote swag bags as added value for sponsors, both prospective and signed.
   • In the sponsors’ Engagement Plan, determine what the sponsor’s measurable goals are and how swag can help meet those objectives.
3. Encourage use of a dedicated event hashtag (e.g., #PWC2021) to increase hype around the event.

Still on the fence about the impact of a swag bag? Check out feedback from the Python Web Conference attendees and speakers:

“Had a great time speaking at @pythonwebconf yesterday on GraphQL in Django. Thank you so much organizers @sixfeetup and sponsors @CircleCI @jetbrains for this conference and of course the swags were a great addition 🤩 🔥 Totally loved it. ❤️ ” - Nisarg Shah, Speaker

“Totally 😭😭😭 about the care package from ⁦@pythonwebconf and sponsors. I’ve missed conference stickers so so much. Special shout out to ⁦@CircleCI for going the extra conference mile! 😭😭😭 😂😂😂 #PWC2021” - Daniel Rios, Attendee

“It was a pleasure to attend the Python Web Conference 2021, both as a speaker and as a participant. Thanks also for all the speaker goodies that I used during these days.” - Paolo Melchiorre, Speaker

LoudSwarm by Six Feet Up encourages the use of swag bags during virtual and hybrid events for a more engaging, interactive event. Share your event’s swag plan and response by sending us a message.

Could LoudSwarm by Six Feet Up be a good fit for your upcoming virtual events? Simply drop us a note and/or schedule a demo of LoudSwarm by Six Feet Up’s features and white-glove service.