.png){kind=logo}
Walk into any event—whether it’s a buzzing tech conference, a boutique wellness retreat, or a nonprofit fundraiser—and one thing’s certain: people love merch. Swag bags, branded giveaways, and thoughtful take-home gifts not only fuel brand awareness but also create long-lasting impressions.
But here’s the challenge: not all merch is created equal. Cheap giveaways get tossed. Generic items are forgotten. What attendees actually remember and keep are the useful, stylish, and sustainable pieces that feel aligned with your brand. That’s why choosing the best custom promotional merchandise supplier is critical.
In this guide, we’ll unlock the key things you should look for when choosing a branded merchandise supplier. In addition, we’ll dive into the most popular categories of event merch, sustainability, whether your company could benefit from a merchandise supplier who can collate, pack, and distribute your swag, and more.
Why Choosing the Right Merch Supplier Matters
Giveaways can extend your brand’s presence long after the event ends. To maximize impact, you need the best supplier for merch—not just any promotional products company. Whether it’s a corporate wear supplier that focuses on branded apparel, conference giveaways, or full-service merch curation like Gemnote, the supplier you choose shapes the success of your event marketing.
- Brand Equity: Every tote bag, water bottle, or notebook is a mini billboard. If it’s high-quality and on-trend, people will continue to use it, keeping your brand top of mind.
- ROI on Experience: Good merch increases attendee satisfaction and perceived event value.
- Sustainability Expectations: Today’s attendees care about eco-friendly materials and ethical sourcing. For companies that prioritize sustainable practices, this should extend to their giveaways.
Partnering with the top merch supplier ensures you’re not only getting quality products but also aligning with your values and goals.
What to Look for in the Best Supplier for Merch
Not all suppliers operate the same way. Here are five must-haves when it comes to finding a top merch supplier.
1. Wide Range of Customizable Products
The right promotional products supplier should offer everything from classic staples (pens, lanyards, water bottles) to premium apparel, tech accessories, and eco-friendly packaging. Bonus points if they go the extra mile to curate a collection of products that reflect your brand, recipients, and budget.
2. On-Trend, Design-Forward Options
Gone are the days of scratchy T-shirts and boring mugs. The best merch suppliers keep a pulse on what’s trending—think pigment-dyed hoodies, insulated tumblers, minimalist notebooks, BPA-Free water bottles, and more. From products fit for events or your e-commerce merchandise, staying relevant is a must.
3. Sustainability Practices
Look for FSC-certified packaging, recycled fabrics, biodegradable plastics, and refillable options. Attendees notice when a brand takes its sustainability efforts seriously. Gemnote goes the extra mile when it comes to sustainable packaging.
4. Seamless Production & Fulfillment
You want a merchandise supplier who can collate, pack, and distribute.
Did you know that Gemnote has a 99% dropshipping accuracy rate with fully managed customs? That means your company can ship anywhere in the world with confidence.
5. Customer Support & Brand Guidance
It’s not just about placing an order. The best merch suppliers act like creative partners, helping you tell your brand story through thoughtfully chosen items and expert design and development.
Gemnote uses the Pantone Matching System (PMS) to ensure every swag item aligns perfectly with your brand’s colors. Orders only move into production once you’ve signed off. Plus, with curated decks and one-pagers to product mockups, digital proofs, and even pre-production samples, there are no surprises—just merch you’ll love.
Merch Ideas That Always Win at Events and Conferences
Below are some of the most popular categories of event merch for events, conferences, gifts, and giveaways.
Apparel That Feels Premium
- Custom Hoodies, Sweatshirts & Jackets. A seasonal favorite for conferences where comfort is key.
- Event T-Shirts: A great way to let your event live on long after your attendees return home!
- Caps & Beanies: Small, stylish, and easy to pack, custom headware is a great way to keep your logo top of mind.
A trusted clothing supplier can help ensure your branded apparel looks sharp, feels comfortable, and lasts long after the event ends.
Tech That Travels
- Wireless Earbuds & Bluetooth Speakers: Sleek and portable tech that keeps your brand plugged in.
- Branded Portable Chargers: A lifesaver for attendees on the go.
- Laptop Sleeves: Small but mighty items for protection and style.
Partnering with a branded merchandise supplier ensures you get high-quality tech gear that attendees will actually use.
Eco-Friendly Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottles: Hydration meets sustainability.
- Tote Bags in Organic Cotton or Recycled Fabrics: Functional, stylish, and earth-conscious.
- Bamboo Utensil Kits, Reusable Straws, Dish Towels: Everyday items that show your commitment to the planet.
A branded merchandise supplier that specializes in sustainable options can help your company make an eco-conscious impact.
Desk-Ready Favorites
- Custom Notebooks & Journals: A timeless swag item for jotting down ideas and inspiration.
- Small Accessories: Think magnets, keychains, stickers, and the like. Functional and elegant, the kind people actually want to keep.
- Desk Plants or Succulents: A small touch of green that brightens any workspace.
Working with a corporate giveaway supplier makes it easy to source useful desk items that keep your brand visible every day.
Wellness & Lifestyle Swag
- Branded Skincare or Sunscreen Packs: Thoughtful, practical, and perfect for travel or outdoor events.
- Hand Sanitizers: Promote health and wellness long after the conference ends.
- Coffee Kits & Artisanal Snacks: A flavorful pick-me-up that adds a personal touch.
The right promotional products supplier can provide thoughtful wellness items that show you care about attendees beyond the event.
With a best-in-class business promotional merchandise supplier, the right product, and quality customization, your swag becomes a marketing vehicle.
Why Sustainability Should Be Non-Negotiable
Attendees don’t just want freebies—they want meaning. Sustainable merch shows you care about both their experience and the planet. Here’s how it plays out:
- Corporate Responsibility: Eco-friendly giveaways demonstrate your commitment to sustainability initiatives.
- Consumer Expectations: Gen Z and Millennials prefer brands that prioritize environmental responsibility.
- Practical Longevity: Durable, reusable items like insulated bottles reduce waste while keeping your brand in circulation longer.
With a broad range of packaging materials and advanced customization options, Gemnote creates custom-branded packaging that leaves a lasting, sustainable impact.
The Role of Packaging in Merch Success
Packaging is the first experience your recipient has with your merch, and it can make for an exceptional unboxing moment.
With the right packaging, you have the power to elevate giveaways into experiences. With the best supplier for merch, you’ll have access to:
- Custom Mailer Boxes with branding and color accents
- Eco-Friendly Wrapping like seed paper or compostable fillers
- Layered Unboxing that builds anticipation and excitement
- Access 1000+ global suppliers- From name brands to brands known for quality staples.
Gemnote specializes in turning merch delivery into an experience attendees won’t forget. Check out Gemnote’s Lookbook to see more brands and products.
Giveaways vs. Gifting: What’s the Difference?
- Giveaways are meant to reach the masses—think expo booths or large-scale events. They should be cost-effective yet memorable.
- Corporate Gifting is more personal—reserved for VIP guests, speakers, or team members. It often involves higher-end items like custom backpacks, insulated drinkware, or premium skincare sets.
A trusted corporate wear supplier understands how to balance both strategies so your brand stands out wherever it’s seen.
Trends in Event Merch for 2025 and Beyond
- Hybrid Event Kits: Bundled merch shipped directly to virtual attendees.
- Interactive Giveaways: QR codes linking to AR experiences or exclusive digital content.
- Local & Artisanal Products: Supporting small businesses adds authenticity.
- Wellness-Driven Swag: From adaptogen teas to blue-light glasses, wellness is a growing theme.
- Inclusive Sizing & Styles: Especially for apparel, ensuring everyone feels seen and comfortable.
Why Gemnote is the Best Supplier for Merch for Events, Conferences, and Giveaways
Gemnote believes merch should never feel like an afterthought. Here’s why companies choose Gemnote as their business promotional merchandise supplier:
Curated Selection
Forget drowning in a sea of catalogs—Gemnote helps you curate the right items for your event theme, budget, and goals. In other words, they help you curate all the best picks.
Quality First
From pigment-dyed hoodies to FSC-certified notebooks, they source products attendees will actually use (and love).
Sustainability at the Core
Eco-friendly materials and ethical sourcing are baked into everything we do.
Design & Branding Expertise
Companies count on Gemnote to help design, customize, and package your merch so it tells your brand story.
Logistics Made Easy
Need merch shipped to 10,000 attendees across multiple locations? As a trusted custom promotional merchandise supplier, Gemnote offers global fulfillment.
Trusted by Leading Brands
Companies from tech startups to Fortune 500s partner with Gemnote for their event, conference, and giveaway needs.
Plus, when it comes to savings, a bulk merchandise supplier, like Gemnote, helps companies hit their budget.
Make Your Merch Memorable
The best events don’t just fade when the lights go down. They live on through stories, experiences, and yes—memorable merch. Choosing the best merchandise supplier ensures your giveaways and gifts are more than just stuff; they become tools for storytelling, loyalty, and brand recognition.
With Gemnote, you’ll have a partner who gets it—from trend-driven product curation to sustainable packaging and global fulfillment. Whether you’re planning a massive conference, a local workshop, or a digital hybrid event, Gemnote helps your brand stand out.
Ready to create merch that wows your attendees? Contact Gemnote today and start building your unforgettable event experience.
