It’s a turnkey solution
Online issues resolved thanks to Ethical Swag innovation
SYDNEY — Everybody loves conference swag.
Those stylish mugs and wearable paraphernalia are often a bonus to any information and educational out of town work endeavour.
COVID-19 safety precautions and related isolation measures have sent all those conferences online, eliminating any in-person chance to grab some swag, while simultaneously damaging valuable sponsorship opportunities.
Cape Breton-based Ethical Swag, however, has come up with a solution to add value to those still sponsoring conferences — online or otherwise — and some fun for those taking part.
“One thing about swag is that it is a tangible reflection of your brand and we felt as everything was going more and more virtual, people need that connection more than ever,” said Tara Milburn, founder and CEO of Ethical Swag.
“Our whole focus is around making it easy to find sustainable swag and on that we said ‘let’s offer swag packs sent directly to virtual conference attendees or your at-home staff.’ That’s what we are implementing.”
The idea came from conversations with clients who wanted to get their sponsor brand in front of online conference attendees. A recent call between Milburn and a global sales director last week indicated such things were the most frequent topic of discussion in every conference call.
Ethical Swag came up with customized swag packs that feature products and promotional items with logos on them — a water bottle or notebook, for example — and have become something tangible to offer to a sponsor and make a real brand connection to conference participants.
The packs are ethically sourced, designed, packed and shipped as a "turnkey solution" for those hosting online conferences and events, according to Milburn.
The packs can be used as an incentive to the first 100 people to sign up for a virtual event, or a bonus to those who attend an entirely online event, for example.
“We are really working through all these different scenarios because it is new for all of us,” she said. “It can be purely branded by the company or the event, or it could be a sponsor pack. There are so many opportunities quite frankly. Just imagine your Zoom meeting where everybody holds up a mug with your logo on it. That’s a pretty significant connection to your brand.”
The ever-evolving sponsor packs are in addition to their regular services as the business maintains a steady workflow despite pandemic influenced markets, Milburn said.
“I think more than ever people are really considering their purchasing behaviour, the fact we are focused on sustainability is also a fabulous piece into it. We are looking at what is happening globally and saying ‘how can we do better.’”
In addition to investigating ethical business opportunities, Ethical Swag was recently able to distribute 200 non-surgical masks to not-for-profits after a donation from Torontobased E.star International. Another shipment has been received and Milburn said some of those are still available.
Local charitable organizations interested in obtaining some of these masks can email info@ethicalswag.com or phone 902-500-1086.