Autumn B2B season is around the corner — and with it the year's biggest trade shows and conferences. If you're exhibiting or attending as a sponsor, now is the last window to order your merch. Production takes 14 days and most European suppliers close for holidays in August. Here's what works this year, how much it costs, and how to get the most out of your budget.
Why now is the last moment to order
The autumn trade show season in Central Europe kicks off in the second half of September and peaks in October and November. If you want merch on your booth on time, plan for this timeline:
- 1–2 days: artwork prep and approval (we offer the first 30 minutes of design work free)
- 1–2 days: pre-print data check and proof approval
- 10–14 days: actual production and printing
- 1–3 days: delivery
That's 3 to 4 weeks total from order to delivery. And since August is peak holiday season across European producers and print houses, we recommend locking in your order by mid-August 2026 — otherwise you risk missing your event.
Trade show vs. conference: different event, different merch
Before you start picking products, get clear on the type of event. It's not just about booth size — it's mainly about who you'll meet:
Trade show (large public exhibitions)
Hundreds to thousands of visitors pass by daily, most of whom won't dig into your product. Merch goal: catch attention, leave something practical so they remember you. Per-unit budget: €0.60–3.20.
Conference (specialised, registration-only)
Smaller but higher-quality audience — attendees usually know you or are open to collaboration. Merch goal: signal premium quality, build the relationship. Per-unit budget: €3.20–20, with VIP welcome kits easily over €40.
Top 5 promotional items that work best this year
1. Printed pens — the classic that never fails
Pens are still the most-picked item at any trade show. But watch out — cheap plastic gets tossed into the first bin. Safe bets:
- Metal pens with printing — great in the hand, premium feel, from about €1 per unit at higher volumes
- Eco pens — bamboo or recycled plastic for companies with ESG on the agenda
- Parker pens with engraving — an unmistakable gift for VIP clients or conference speakers
Pro tip: If you're on a tight deadline, we have Cosmo Express pens on a rush timeline.
2. Lanyards — practical badge carrier
Lanyards are practically mandatory at conferences — attendees need to carry a badge, program or ticket. Your logo is visible to every participant the entire event. Standard production takes about 10 working days, or we offer express lanyards produced in 3 days.
3. Printed paper bags — the merch that carries all the other merch
No visitor gets far with an armful of flyers and giveaways without a bag. Printed paper bags serve a double purpose: they help the attendee and carry your logo across the entire venue. For maximum effect, go with full-color print.
4. Printed materials — flyers, brochures, corporate folders
Digital leaflets are great, but visitors still want something physical to take away. Safe bets: folded leaflets (service overview) and corporate folders for more serious B2B meetings. For rush orders, we have Express 72h ring binders.
5. Notebooks and notepads — a gift with a long shelf life
Attendees take notes at conferences. Custom-printed notebooks and notepads are the merch with the longest lifespan — your logo lands on countless follow-up meetings well after the event.
VIP welcome kits: relationship-building, not giveaways
At conferences and smaller B2B events, a welcome kit makes a huge difference. Instead of a single flyer, the guest gets a bag of curated premium items — and instantly forms a different impression of your brand.
Core welcome kit components:
- Premium pen (metal or Parker)
- Notebook in a leather-look cover
- Lanyard with badge holder
- Paper bag with full-color print
- Small touch (chocolate, seeds, something event-related)
Read more in our guide on corporate merch. And if you want to fully polish your booth, check out our trade show checklist — what to bring to your booth.
How much does it cost? Three budget packages
| Package | Budget | Best for | Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| START | €600–1,000 | Small booth, 500 visitors | 500× metal pen, 200× paper bag, 300× flyer |
| STANDARD | €1,600–2,800 | Mid-size booth, 1,500 visitors | 1,500× pen, 500× bag, 500× notebook, 300× lanyard |
| PREMIUM | €4,000–6,000 | Conference + VIP welcome kits | 200× welcome kit (Parker + notebook + bag + lanyard) + supporting merch |
Prices are indicative and depend on print method, material and quantity. We'll send you an exact quote within 24 hours of your inquiry.
Get a tailored proposal — first 30 minutes of design work free
Send us your logo and budget, and we'll come back within 24 hours with a suggested lineup, artwork preview and firm pricing. We check data before production, everything is manufactured in our own warehouse and production facility — no unnecessary middlemen.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to produce promo items for a trade show?
Standard production runs 10–14 days from artwork approval. Add 1–2 days for data prep and 1–3 days for shipping. Total: 3 to 4 weeks from order to delivery. For rushed jobs we have express options (Cosmo Express pens, 3-day lanyards, 72h ring binders).
What's the latest I can order merch for an October trade show?
We recommend finalising by mid-August 2026. August is peak holiday season for European producers and print houses, so later orders slip behind schedule. Earlier means more certainty — and room for quality artwork without stress.
How many units should I order?
Rule of thumb: 60–80% of expected booth traffic. Expecting 1,000 visitors? Order about 700 pens and 300–400 bags (not everyone takes both). For a registered-attendee conference, order 110% of the headcount — for reserve and post-event distribution.
Are promotional items tax-deductible?
Yes, up to a per-unit limit. Full details in our article Tax deductibility of promotional products in 2026.
Can I get a design draft even if my logo isn't in vector format yet?
Yes. The first 30 minutes of design work is free — we rework your logo, fine-tune the print layout and send a preview for approval. No hidden fees, no obligation to order.
What's the difference between standard-print and full-color paper bags?
Standard print = logo/motif on one or both sides, white space around it. Full-color print = artwork covers the entire bag, including the sides. The visual impact is significantly stronger, price is usually 20–30% higher.