Trade shows, expos, and field days are among the highest-value marketing opportunities for NZ businesses — but also among the most competitive. Dozens of exhibitors are competing for the same attention. The right branded giveaway draws people to your stand, gives them a reason to stop, and keeps your brand in their hands long after the event is over.
Waikato Printing Company helps businesses prepare for events and trade shows with the right mix of promotional products — from practical giveaways to premium gifts for key prospects.
What Promotional Products Work Best at Trade Shows?
Tote bags are a trade show goldmine. Give someone a branded tote bag at the entrance to an event and they’ll carry it around all day, collecting brochures and samples — and advertising your brand to everyone they walk past. The Texas Tote Bag, Amsterdam Canvas Tote Bag, and Torino Jute Tote Bag are all popular event choices. See our full bag range.
Branded pens remain one of the most distributed event giveaways — and with good reason. They’re cheap enough to give to everyone, universally useful, and end up leaving the event in pockets and bags. The Infinity Inkless Bamboo Pen is a conversation-starting upgrade on the standard promo pen.
Branded beanies work brilliantly at winter field days and outdoor events. A quality branded beanie is something people will actually wear — and they’ll wear it all day at the event, then take it home. The Calgary Beanie and Denali Beanie are popular volume options for events.
Branded caps work the same way for summer events. The Essence Organic Cap and Lane Recycled Cap are popular choices for A&P shows, outdoor expos, and summer trade events.
Branded water bottles are great for outdoor events, field days, and rural shows where people are on their feet all day. The Octiva Aluminium Bottle and Oasis Bottle Snap Cap are practical and appreciated at events like Mystery Creek and Fieldays.
Branded notebooks are a useful giveaway at professional conferences and seminars. The Verse Notebook and Atoll Notebook are compact options that work well as delegate packs.
Key rings are small, affordable, and go home in pockets. The Capulet Key Ring Round and Santo Bottle Opener Key Ring are high-retention giveaways that recipients actually use after the event.
What’s a Good Tiered Approach to Event Giveaways?
The most effective event strategies use two or three tiers of product:
- Broad giveaway (everyone) — pens, key rings, or small items at a budget price point
- Qualified visitor gift (people who stop and engage) — mugs, notebooks, branded bags
- Hot prospect gift (serious leads) — vacuum bottles, wireless chargers, premium notebook sets
How Far in Advance Should I Order for an Event?
Aim to have your order confirmed at least 4–6 weeks before the event, and ideally 8 weeks for large or complex orders. This allows time for artwork approval, production, and delivery without rush charges.
What NZ Events Are Promotional Products Popular At?
- Mystery Creek / Fieldays
- A&P shows
- Industry trade shows and expos
- Franchise shows
- Business networking events
- Sports events and sponsorship days
- School fairs and community events
How Do I Order?
Tell us about your upcoming event, your stand objectives, and your budget and we’ll help you build the right product mix. Contact WPC to get started →
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