TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 wasn’t our first event, and it definitely won’t be our last. What made this one special was how clearly it reflected the direction event swag is heading. Every detail we noticed reinforced what we’ve seen again and again at conferences, trade shows, and internal company events worldwide.

The truth is, the best event swag strikes a balance between practicality and appeal. It’s not about giving away the most items, but about giving away the right ones. Things that make people pause, smile, or say, “Oh, I could actually use this.”

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Event Swag Insights

While walking the halls of TechCrunch, we saw the various ways companies offered swag. One example that stood out was TriNet’s booth. They had a coffee cart that was a crowd favorite and personalized Moleskine notebooks that added an intentional, premium touch that attendees actually lined up for. 

MongoDB took a simpler approach but still nailed it with practical giveaways like mugs, perfect for TriNet’s coffee. SAP had mint tins people could fill themselves. It was simple but interactive and memorable. Even the Korean startups brought creativity, turning popcorn into a playful challenge that got people engaging with multiple booths just to earn a snack.

Another company had a basket filled with chocolates from different countries, like Brazil, Italy, Germany, and more. Attendees stopped just to look and grabbed one because it sparked nostalgia. A small but meaningful reminder of home away from home.

Those are all small examples, but they highlight something big. Swag that works at events tends to hit the same few notes: it’s useful, light, and sometimes even a little fun. It fits naturally into the attendee’s experience.

We’ve seen the same pattern beyond TechCrunch, too. At company all-hands and trade shows, the swag items that make people light up are the ones that solve a problem or something they can use on the spot.

Key Takeaways for Event Swag

Every event is a reminder that the smallest details, like swag, can shape how people remember your brand. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your swag for an event.

1. Think like your attendee

During an event, would you go to your booth based on your swag giveaways alone? Would you honestly carry the swag item home? Would you use it even after the event? If not, don’t give it away. Because if you yourself won’t use it, then neither will your recipients.

2. Small doesn’t mean cheap or low-quality

A premium keychain or a minimalist travel item beats a flimsy swag item any day. For instance, one of the Disrupt booths offered a Tide Oxi Pen, used for cleaning stains caused by coffee or tea. Small but functional.

3. Experience counts

Pair swag with an activity. We saw that people were more likely to visit your booth if there was something interactive that you could offer. A coffee station, a raffle, a small challenge—they all create stories people remember.

4. Know your audience

One-size-fits-all swag rarely works. And while this may seem repetitive or overused, it’s true! A5 notebooks are great swag giveaways to employees, but not during events. Such items are heavy and big, and attendees won’t actively choose to fill their bags with generic notebooks from various booths. Huge investors won’t have a use for a cheap pen. Function and target audience matter.

Overall, when you design event swag, start with some questions: Would you use this? Would you carry it around all day? Would you still have it a week later? 

Because if the answer’s no, it’s not the right swag.

What These Insights Mean

When planning for your next event, think beyond quantity. Focus on how your swag fits into the bigger story you’re telling. What do you want people to feel when they visit your booth or open your kit? Surprise, curiosity, nostalgia, excitement? All of these can be designed intentionally with swag. 

Remember, the best swag doesn’t shout your brand. It represents it through quality and usefulness. Swag items should be something that your recipients can use even after the event has wrapped up.

That’s what we do at PerkUp. We use the insights we get from the events we attend to design swag giveaways that people actually want to take home and use long after an event. From lightweight, travel-friendly essentials to premium branded items that actually get used, we ensure that your swag aligns with your audience and your goals. May it be hosting a company summit, joining a global conference, or planning your next trade show booth, we’ll help you turn your swag into a conversation starter.

Ready to rethink your event swag? Let’s create something your attendees will line up for just like those coffee carts at TechCrunch! Connect with PerkUp today and start building your next swag favorite.