The Utility Expo, formerly known as ICUEE (International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition), is the USA’s second biggest trade show. Over 4,000 exhibitors and 100,000 attendees gather once every two years to showcase and see the latest equipment, technology, and services for the utility and construction industries. These industries are highly competitive and will continue to expand to new niches given their integration with AI and other tech.
The scale of this trade show means your company needs to stand out and be unique to make a strong and lasting impression. Some of the ways to do that are:
- Choose a strategic booth location if you can. Be as accessible as possible.
- Company uniforms are part of the presentation. Think jackets, shirts, lanyards, caps!
- Give attendees multiple ways to quickly take and keep your business details (QR codes, business cards, etc)
- The uniqueness of the trade show swag you hand out is equally proportional to people’s interest so think of a promotional gift that’s on-brand and creative.
Brand Spirit has been working with construction companies and utility businesses for years. That’s why we know exactly what works, which promotional swag are popular, as well as, new items your industry should be paying attention to. Here are some of the projects we’ve done:
This list of swag ideas is grouped into:
Essential Promotional Swag
These are all your must-have booth swag from tote bags to pens. Trade shows for construction and utility companies, especially ones as big as the Utility Expo, means not just walking the convention floors but also watching demos and exhibits outside. These factors are important to remember when putting together a swag bag. This selection is, of course, very much on theme.
12 Oz. Full Color Digital Purified Canned Water
If the plan is to give trade shows attendees a stand out booth swag, then giving them canned water with a fully customized label will do the job. It’s your company’s very own water in a can! Also available in Sparkling Water in a Can.
Reflective Safety Drawstring Backpack
Reflective materials are very on-brand for construction. This drawstring backpack is designed with reflective details and it even comes in safety orange and green! Plus, drawstring bags will give them a a hands-free experience while they work the trade show floor.
Snap-It Tin w/ Sugar-Free MicroMints® (Custom)
This pocket-sized booth swag lets you design the tin with photo quality prints. The following stock designs are available: Basketball, Baseball, Soccer Ball, Golf Ball, Tennis Ball, Tire, and Poker Chip.
HandyScribe Pencil
If you plan on giving away pencils, make it a special one like the HandyScribe. It’s a craftsman’s pencil. Just turn the pencil to quickly get different marking distances. Add your logo on one side. A 10/10 unique booth giveaway idea.
Stanley 14 Oz. Classic Legendary Food Jar & Spork
The Stanley brand has always been associated with construction and the outdoor lifestyle. If you’re looking for a more premium swag for special prizes or gifts for attendees and keynote speakers, then consider laser engraving the Stanley Classic Food Jar. It’s a gift that will last a lifetime if taken care of.
Crossover Outdoor Multi-Tool Pen With LED Light
A multi-tool pen for a construction trade show is a must-have. This 5 3/4″L ballpoint pen is the ultimate survival tool, featuring a flashlight, compass, stylus, cell phone stand and a small screwdriver. The screwdriver is equipped with both Phillips and standard for optimal use.
Apparel and Wearables
Caps, shirts, and wearables are also very much expected at trade shows. If everyone’s doing it, how do you make yours better? The answer is to have apparel with thoughtful, unique details. Check it this buttery soft hoodie we designed for the Brand Spirit team.
Full Custom Hoodie
Choose from over 42 customization options including having your own private label. The garment is washed in butter to make it super soft and comfy.
Design a hoodie or t-shirts for your entire team to look spiffy at the expo.
Custom Knit Cotton Crew Athletic, Performance, and Sports Socks
Socks rule out sizing concerns you might have with shirts and jackets. These high-quality knit cotton socks come with a header card that you can also brand. Socks make seriously awesome swag gifts.
Richardson 112P 6-Panel Snapback Trucker Hat w/ Leatherette Adhesive Patches (29 Colors)
Choose from 13 leatherette patch colors for personalization. This six-panel Richardson 112P snapback trucker hat makes the perfect gift people in the construction and utility industry.
Fun Stuff
Gotta add some fun to your trade show booth swag.
Custom Wrestling Belt (Black and Gold)
A championship belt is way out there but that’s what makes it fun! We saw an exhibitor give a championship belt to one of the attendees at the end of the expo and it was an absolute hit. This 52″ leather belt features a large main plate with glitter enamel and synthetic gemstones. 8 rows of heavy-duty snaps keep this big boy well-fastened and secure. Each belt is packaged in an individual box with a satin lining.
8″ Snack Tube Collection – Milk Chocolate Sprinkled Pretzels
Treats like candy is a fun addition to any convention booth. Make it easy for anyone to grab your custom can of chocolate pretzels with smart packaging like this one. Make an eye-catching design for the can so that people can spot you from across the room.
Tech
Tech swag is a crucial part of any trade show these days. Stay on theme with these custom items.
High Sierra® IPX 5 Solar Fast Wireless Power Bank
Solar Power Banks are super trendy this year. They’re eco-friendly and they work with iOS and Android. We absolutely love this high-quality solar power bank. And of course, very much on-brand for utility companies.
Bamboo Phone Stand Keychain Thin
Custom designed to hold your phone at an angle for easy viewing while also doubling as a key-ring. You also get a custom backing card for your company details.
Toddy Tie Cable Organizer
Construction and utility companies deal with a lot of cables. The Toddy Tie is a nod to that part of their job. oddy Ties eliminate the tangled mess cords make, simply wrap the cord around four fingers and insert it into the Toddy Tie, snap and done!
There are so many more options for custom swag at our online store. Browse over 100,000 quality promotional swag at brandspirit.com or email info@brandspirit.com for custom quotes.