In the world of business, first impressions matter. When attending trade shows, conferences, networking events, and other high-profile gatherings, how you present yourself and your company goes a long way in influencing potential partners, customers, investors, and more.
And what better way to make a strong, professional statement than with custom-branded apparel prominently displaying your logo? From custom jackets with logo and polo shirts to hats, bags, and other accessories, branded gear attracts attention, conveys professionalism, and helps leave a lasting brand impression.
Keep reading for an expert guide to using custom-branded apparel to make a statement at your next event.
The Power of Branded Apparel – By the Numbers
Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s look at why custom branded apparel packs such a powerful promotional punch:
- 76.1% of respondents could recall the advertiser’s name on a promotional product they received in the past 12 months
- 80-90% of tradeshow attendees remember a company’s name when receiving a promotional product displaying their brand
Clearly, branded gear works when it comes to influencing perceptions, recall, and purchasing intent. Now, let’s explore strategies to capitalize on branded apparel at business gatherings of all types and sizes.
Standing Out at Tradeshows: Leverage Custom Polo Shirts
For big splashy tradeshows, custom Nike polo shirts with logo embroidered make an instant impression. Choose breathable, performance fabrics that keep your team cool under bright convention hall lights. Consider women’s and men’s cut shirts to keep your staff looking sharp.
Displaying company colors connects reps visually. A coordinating pop of color on the collar or sleeve trim ensures unity while allowing individual flair.
For extra visibility at big events, order branded polo shirts in bulk. Staff roaming tradeshow floors become walking advertisements, subliminally boosting brand familiarity and recall for attendees.
- Pro Tip: Hand out coupon codes redeemable for discounts on your company website to drive even more impressions and traffic.
Making Connections at Networking Mixers: Branded Jackets
From chambers of commerce to professional societies and industry associations, networking events help forge connections while expanding brand visibility.
Make sure your team travels in style with custom jackets with logo and totes or messenger bags. Lightweight windbreakers and nylon jackets allow layering flexibility for unpredictable weather. While removable fleece liners enable comfort when event venues blast the AC.
For a pulled-together yet relaxed vibe, match custom men’s jackets with logo and custom women’s jackets with logo to cargo pants or dark jeans. Stuff gear into custom-branded messenger and duffle bags, keeping logos front and center.
- Pro Tip: Include stacks of business cards in bags and zippered jacket pockets for quick access when meeting new contacts.
Schmoozing at Cocktail Parties: Signature Hats, Scarves & Beanies
Cocktail hours attended by clients, vendors and other VIPs call for stylistic flair. Top off signature event ensembles with unexpected branded touches like custom beanies with logo, caps, and scarves.
Make jaunty branded hats with curved visors your signature. Flaunt oversized infinity scarves showcasing outsized logos for women. And cap things off with relaxed beanies sporting discreetly branded accents for a youthful vibe.
- Pro Tip: Custom embroidered patches on scarves and hats make logos prominent and memorable. While tastefully metallic imprints on beanies inject subtle shine.
Promotional Swag for Corporate Gatherings: Cool Custom Aprons with Logo
For more casual company retreats, outings and parties, inject fun with unexpected promotional swag your team will actually use again and again.
Custom aprons with logo in chef, server, and grilling styles make great gifts aligned with corporate culture. Imprint bold oversized logos for max brand exposure as employees BBQ, bartend or bake in style.
- Pro Tip: Look for aprons with large front pockets to hold handy supplies like corkscrews, grill tongs, and condiment packets, keeping logos visible when staffing food and drink stations.
The Custom Branded Apparel Look Book: Style Ideas for Any Occasion
Wondering how best to leverage custom-branded apparel to promote professional polish while conveying your company culture? Browse the catalog below showcasing mix-and-match looks aligned to every business occasion.
Tradeshow Standouts
- Women: Vibrant custom polo shirts paired with khaki trousers or skirts, low casual heels, and rectangular logo totes.
Men: Coordinating logo polo shirts with flat-front trousers or dark well-fitted jeans and leather messenger bags.
Cocktail Chic
- Women: Colorful circle scarves atop black sheath dresses, statement logo bracelets, and pumps.
- Men: Dark relaxed trousers and shirts under custom logo bomber jackets, driving caps, and oxford shoes.
Biz Casual Cool
- Women: Pinstripe logo button-down shirts with straight-leg trousers or leggings and fleece-lined logo jackets.
- Men: Custom logo sweatshirts over crisp white tees, dark-fitted jeans, and low-top logo sneakers.
Whether attending high-profile conferences and association gatherings or smaller networking events and corporate fêtes, custom branded apparel never fails when it comes to conveying professional polish while broadcasting your brand loud and proud.
The Custom Branded Apparel Checklist: Gearing Up for Your Next Event
As you prepare promotional collateral for upcoming conferences, retreats, mixers, and more, keep this expert checklist handy to ensure you’ve checked every box amplifying brand exposure.
Stand Out Essentials
- Order logo hats, scarves & beanies providing flair
- Provide staff logo jackets conveying unity
- Supply custom polo shirts touting brand colors
- Secure logo bags toting promotional goodies
Leave a Lasting Impression
- Seek hats, caps & visors ensuring logo prominence
- Pick windbreakers, parkas & ponchos offering versatility
- Select fitted tee shirts flaunting discreet logos
- Choose scarves & shawls ideal for accessorizing signatures looks
Make Logos Highly Visible
- Embroider logos on hats, bags & outfit accents
- Pick prominent chest, sleeve & back shirt placements
- Consider metallic logos injecting shine on dark fabrics
- Leverage logos as neck tags on tees and outerwear
Drive Recall & Reach Goals
- Prepare staff business cards for distribution
- Secure logo pens, cups & gear giveaways
- Supply coupon codes & promo materials
- Share event hashtags driving online engagement
By leveraging custom-branded apparel for tradeshows, networking functions, and corporate events throughout the year, you’ll boost visibility, prominence, and exposure for your brand—ultimately translating into increased credibility and growth potential when engaging current and prospective partners.
Transforming Brand Ambitions into Bespoke Reality: Introducing AllStar Logo
For over 25 years, the AllStar Logo has helped organizations large and small elevate brand presence and recognition through custom apparel, accessories, and branded gifts tailored to convey the right message and image at trade fairs, conventions, company functions, and VIP meetings.
Transform ambitious branding goals into bespoke reality with custom apparel, accessories, and swag, conveying the right message at every business occasion—only with the AllStar Logo!