When it comes to promoting a business at a conference or event, conference bags are the best way to get a brand name across, according to a new survey. The study, released by Nexus Collections, found that 23% of respondents selected conference bags as the most effective branding option. "What people are looking for is exposure at the show – not necessarily that people are going to be using these bags afterwards," says Mark Klang, manager of PromosLogos (asi/300581), who says he is not surprised at the strong showing by bags. "Even if it's nothing wild that's really going to get a lot of interest, at least they have people walking around the trade show or the conference with those bags and you've got a nice imprint there."

Pens, conference notepads and lanyards followed on the rankings, with 13%, 12% and 10%, respectively. "Like the conference bags, both the pens and notepads have longevity with many delegates taking them away and using them on into the future," said Nick Jones, Nexus Collections managing director, in a statement. "I can also appreciate the popularity of lanyards as they are so visible at events, every delegate and member of the team sees not just their own, but the hundreds around them as well."

Among the lowest ranked branding efforts at trade shows were the less tangible ones. Sponsorships of educational sessions, programs and catering events held the bottom three spots, with 7%, 6% and 4% of respondents citing them, with advertising and posters with only a slightly better showing. "I'd say t-shirts and pens are my number-one seller," says Unice Latimer, owner of L&L Advertising Supplies (asi/246750), who expected that pens would be even higher on the list of promotions for conferences and events. "Pens are a good one for businesses just to give away for promotional items. It's always good so people can have one on hand or make a note."