The spring 2026 trade show season is knocking on the door. Whether you are heading to local expos or major international fairs in Frankfurt or Paris, January is the high time to prepare. In the flood of competition, you only have a few seconds to impress. We have a strategy for you on how to choose gifts that won't end up in the bin but will bring you new clients.
Why deal with spring trade shows in January?
You might think March is still far away. But an experienced marketer knows that January is a critical month. Producing thousands of promotional items, printing them, and logistics take time. Ordering early gives you three advantages:
- Better prices: Avoid surcharges for express production.
- Wider selection: Stock levels of the most popular colors are now at their maximum.
- Peace of mind: You will have the goods checked and ready weeks before the event.
3-Level Strategy: Divide and Conquer
The most common mistake is giving everyone the same thing. An effective strategy for 2026 divides gifts into three categories:
1. "Mass Giveaways"
Inexpensive but useful small items for mass distribution. The goal is to get your logo into the crowd. Ideal are metal pens (look more valuable than plastic ones), reflective bands, or sweets.
2. "Door Openers" (For interested prospects)
Items for visitors who stopped by and showed interest. Here, invest in quality. Printed cotton bags work excellently. Everyone collects something at a trade show and needs to carry it. If you give them a sturdy bag with your logo, they become walking billboards for the rest of the fair.
3. VIP Gifts (For closing the deal)
Premium gifts for key partners or "hot leads" with whom you have a scheduled meeting. Bet on power banks, branded Parker pens, or gift wine sets.
TOP products that must not be missing at the booth
Based on our data at TAEDA, we recommend this "holy trinity" for every booth:
- Lanyards: An absolute necessity. Visitors need them for badges. We offer express lanyard production with full-color sublimation.
- Roll-up banners: Your booth must be visible from afar. We provide complete roll-up banner production including the mechanism.
- Notebooks and notepads: People take notes at conferences. Branded notebooks are a gift used for months after the event ends.
🔥 TAEDA Express Tip
Running late? Don't despair. Thanks to our own production in the Czech Republic, we can deliver selected products (lanyards, silicone wristbands, selected pens) within express deadlines. However, we always recommend not leaving it to the last week.
Don't forget the graphics
A trade show is about visual impression. A pixelated logo on a pen or unreadable text on a banner can damage your reputation. At TAEDA, we offer 30 minutes of graphic design work for free with every order. Our graphic designers will check your data and ensure the result is perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trade Show Items
When is the latest to order promotional items for a spring trade show?
The ideal time is 4–6 weeks before the event. This gives us enough time for graphic proofing, production, and peaceful delivery. If the deadline is burning, we can produce some products (e.g., lanyards or selected pens) in express mode within a few days.
What are the biggest trends for trade shows in 2026?
Sustainability and practicality are clearly leading. Visitors reject cheap plastics that they throw away immediately. Trends include items made of rPET (recycled plastics), bamboo, or metal, and tech gadgets (charging cables, power banks) that make people's lives easier.
What if I don't have prepared graphics for printing?
That's not a problem. At TAEDA, we offer 30 minutes of graphic designer work for free with every order. Just send us your logo (ideally in curves .ai, .eps, .pdf), and our designers will prepare previews and placement on the product so the result looks professional.
Have you chosen for the spring season yet?
Send us a non-binding inquiry. We will advise on the selection and prepare a calculation immediately.
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