Event merch isn’t just a freebie, it’s an experience. The right item can turn a quick “hi” at your booth into a lasting impression, bring your brand to life, and keep people talking long after the event wraps up.
The secret? It’s not just about what you hand out, but how it connects with your audience.
Start with the "Why"
Before you pick a single product, take a step back and ask: Why are we doing this? Are you trying to create buzz, celebrate something big, or give attendees a meaningful keepsake? Knowing your goal helps you choose pieces that tell your story.
If your brand leans into sustainability, go with reusable water bottles or tote bags. If your vibe is all about fun and energy, maybe it’s bold tees or cool accessories!
When your merch ties back to your message, it feels intentional, not random, and people notice that.
Pick Pieces People Actually Want
We’ve all been to events where the merch ends up at the bottom of a bag or worse, in the trash when the attendee gets home. Don’t be that company. Choose items that people will use, wear, or show off (especially on social media).
Think comfy sweatshirts with a clever design, a hat that fits just right, or a small item that sparks conversation. Mixing practical and fun pieces is a win: something useful for the day of, and something they’ll keep long after.
At College Hill, we’ve seen how great merch can turn casual event traffic into genuine brand fans. When it’s unique and high-quality, it gets people excited and that’s the goal.
Presentation Matters
Even the best merch can lose its impact if it’s just tossed in a pile. The way you display or package your items sets the tone!
If you’re at an event, make your table or booth inviting. Start with the basics: a clean tablecloth and a visible sign or banner with your logo placed high enough that people can spot you from across the room. That quick visual cue helps draw people in before you even say hello. From there, create an eye-catching layout (stack apparel by color, hang a few standout samples, and use height or props to add dimension). A little extra effort goes a long way. When your space looks intentional and on-brand, people are naturally more curious and excited to stop by.
And if you really want to take things up a notch, think about turning your booth into an experience. The most successful setups invite people to interact! Whether that’s letting attendees customize a product on the spot, spin a prize wheel, or play a quick game tied to your giveaway. Even something as simple as being scanned to grab the giveaway works (especially if you’ve got, ahem, giveaways that people actually want!). It gives people a reason to stop, engage, and remember your brand.
Just ask our CEO, Jen, about a moment that stands out, and she’ll light up talking about the rubber duck scavenger hunt at a trade show — hourly countdowns, ducks hidden across the floor, and the chaos and laughter that followed. It was pure fun and completely unforgettable.
Unforgettable event merch isn’t about the biggest budget or flashiest items, it’s about creating a moment that connects with people. When your merch reflects your brand’s story and personality, it becomes more than a giveaway … it becomes a memory.
Planning an event and want your merch to make an impact? The College Hill team lives for this stuff! Let’s create something your guests will actually want to keep, wear, and share!