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Product Giveaways

Tchotchkes vs. Giveaways

One of DEMO’s strongests assests is the fact that every company has an equal opportunity -- regardless of marketing budget -- to put its best foot forward. This "level playing field" policy extends to giveaways at the event. Everyone likes to get free stuff, so long as it's free stuff of value -- and that's just not in the budget for every company. For this reason, we're very specific about what can - and what cannot - be given away to attendees.

Our strongest recommendation is that your product giveaway is directly related to your product. In fact, the best giveaway is the product itself or a steeply discounted offer on your product. You may even sell your product at the conference; we suggest offering a deep discount if you choose to do so.

Over the years, companies have pushed the limits of this policy. And, yes, some have even very cleverly gone over the line. To avoid this in the future, DEMO is establishing an approved list of give away items, as well as a list of "banned" items. Please note: Any items on the banned list will be removed and returned after the conference.

You CAN give away:

• your product or product demo and related collateral on CD or jump drive
• discount coupons for your product
• the output of your product (e.g., printout, poster, photograph, etc.)
• CD case (with product inside)
• pens/pencils/highlighters
• mints/chocolates/candies

You CAN NOT give away:

• t-shirts/hats and visors/awareness bracelets
• bags, packs, or briefcases of any kind/luggage tags
• mugs/cups/glasses/insulated cups
• key chains/magnets/mousepads/paperweights
• notepads/sticky notes/paper cubes
• stuffed animals/stress balls
  
• clocks/picture frames/calculators
  
• golf balls/tees/golf accessories
  
• pen knives/tool kits/cork screws/flashlights/car kits
  
• wine/beer/alcohol/lottery tickets

If you would like to bring an item that is not on either list, it must be approved as well. It is strongly advised that you select an item that is very closely related to your product. Items not approved will be removed and returned after the conference.  Do not ship your giveaways until you have received approval. 

One more note: Mamma taught us that you need to bring enough to share with everyone. If you do plan to give away some item, please bring enough for every attendee (plan on approximately 200-250). Product giveaway items can only be distributed from your station in the Pavilion (Tented Pavilion).

Please submit your giveaway plans to Jackie DiPerna no later than September 8 for final approval.