Nowadays, swag bags are becoming more important in corporate events, especially since they’re considered a reflection of the company culture and values. At the same time, the items or products are now being outsourced from local vendors, especially since the value and quality of local products are higher than those that are mass-produced.
At the same time, supporting local brands means that you also support sustainability, authenticity, and the local economy. Since the world is now dominated by large companies, supporting local brands also means you can be a part of something new and bigger, including giving back to the community.
In this article, we’ll discuss some reasons why relying on local businesses is one of the priorities in corporate event management.
1. Supports the Local Economy
Investing in the local businesses is the same as supporting the local economy, which also means you’re investing in the future of the community. Some of the local businesses you can partner with include artisans, local shops, and food producers. If their products keep circulating in various areas and regions, it can foster loyalty, pride, and share the same purpose among stakeholders.
Small businesses need to grow, and in order to do so, the cycle should continue to move, specifically by supporting contractors, local suppliers, and services. When you source items from local companies, it can be easier to build a self-sustaining economy.
2. Promotes Authenticity and Local Identity
One of the most obvious differences between local products and big companies is the fact that the former can make products that tell stories. This factor is one of the things that can be difficult to create when it comes to mass-produced items.
Some of the most common locally made items that tell stories, and can usually be seen in swag bags, are handmade soaps, pasties, and coffee. These items can significantly improve the quality of the swag bags you provide to the attendees of your corporate events.
3. Nourish Brand Reputation and Community Ties
When you work with local vendors, you get to know the social responsibility and values of your company in the community. Besides, many employees and other stakeholders appreciate and support businesses that usually give back to the community, and fully support them, not just for the sake of promotion, but also because they truly mean what they’re doing. On the other hand, since many large companies are facing issues, it’s inevitable given their usual circumstances.
So, if you want to achieve various things just by curating the right swag bags, it’s best to choose the best option.
4. Encourages Sustainability
One of the issues that most big companies are facing is the fact that it can be hard to maintain sustainability in their operations. It includes the manufacturing process, packaging, and deliveries, which may significantly harm the planet. On the other hand, by partnering with the nearby local brands, a lot of things can be lessened, including the carbon footprint. At the same time, the packaging and other materials used are usually more sustainable than the heavy-duty plastics that come with mass-produced products.
5. Creates Opportunities for Customisation
Another reason for supporting local businesses is that they can create customisable products. Meanwhile, mass-produced items are often designed to maximise production efficiency, resulting in a high volume of items. Since local businesses don’t have huge equipment, and their products are often handmade, it can be easier to ask them for specific requests when it comes to what you need for your corporate events.
At the same time, if you have last-minute changes, you can easily inform them about it since the process can be a lot less arduous when working with large companies.
6. For a Memorable Experience
There’s something about handmade or locally made products that makes them unforgettable. For instance, if you receive a generic ballpen, it can be easier to forget about it, especially if you often use the same brand. On the other hand, if you include items that people haven’t seen before, even if it’s just a variation of flavour or scent, the participants can feel curious about the brand. And if they find it interesting, they can even become a regular or loyal customer.
If there are a few people who become interested in the brands included in your swag bags, it can significantly impact their loyalty not just to the brands but also to your company.
7. Boosts Collaboration and Cross-Promotion
Aside from customer loyalty, partnering with local businesses for your corporate event’s swag bags can open more doors for cross-promotions and collaborations. So, instead of a single event, it can be transformed into a whole series of events.
Final Thoughts
Aside from being a simple token of appreciation for the participants, swag bags are also becoming more important, especially since they can significantly help with the success of the brands and your company.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio is a content writer for Pink Caviar Events Sydney, a full-service event management and decorative hire company located in Sydney. When she’s not typing out blog posts, you can find her watching anime series or baking cupcakes.