When creating trends, look no further than Apple. For years, the tech giant has led the way in product innovation, brand ingenuity, and building a fanatic, nearly cult-like following.
That trend trailblazing continues with iconic event swag bags. At this summer’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), Apple once again created a trend-leading swag bag, which included a branded tote, drinkware tumbler, enamel pins, and a hat.
For many (particularly Apple heads), the merch items are more than just fun collectibles. They carry a cool cachet—a way of showing you attended the annual conference where Apple showcases new software and technology to developers. From a promo pro’s perspective, it’s heartening that even at a conference focused on pioneering digital technology, tangible promotional products remain valuable, coveted vehicles for brand enhancement, community-building, and saying thank you.
At Eagle Print Dynamics, we have a diverse range of branded products to recreate the Apple bag’s vibe, from pins and hats to bottles and totes.
Stick With It
The pins Apple included in their swag bag are custom-made in the shape of iconic elements associated with the brand. They include the Apple logo, the “face holding back tears” emoji, an iPhone 3G, the Finder app icon, the Apple Park spaceship, and more.
Your clients may lack the brand recognition of Apple, but it’s worth considering what some of the strongest, most appealing components of a customer’s brand are, then basing products, graphics, and messaging for their conference (or other) merch on that.
This Die Struck Custom Lapel Pin Set with Backer Card conveys the essential story your client’s brand wants to tell target audiences and can lead to unique, eye-catching, and most important, wearable swag.
Hats, hats, hats!
A major takeaway from the WWDC bag is the importance of including caps among show merch.
The category—ball caps in particular—may not come to mind first when considering trade show/conference merch, but perhaps a reconsideration is in order. Especially for trade show organizers, appealing headwear can be an effective brand-booster long after the event has ended.
After all, attendees spend time and money to be at the show/conference and are likely vested in the industry. Many are happy to share that fact in the form of attractive headwear.
Ensure the cap in question suits the audience. An agricultural-related trade show? Consider a structured mid-profile cap with a broad bill that curves slightly. An event focused on equipment and apparel used in the world of “extreme” sports like snowboarding and surfing? Maybe an unstructured five-panel flat bill is the way to go.
The WWDC hat is black with the conference logo in tone-on-tone embroidery in a simple font. Recreate that iconic, sleek look with this Yupoong Cvc Twill Hat. Available in black, charcoal, dark heather, navy, red, and white, the cotton-blend hat features a matching plastic snapback closure, a six-panel, structured, mid-profile body, and a Permacurv visor.
For a more rugged look, check out this classic Trucker Cap from Richardson, featuring contrast stitching, an adjustable snapback closure, and a mesh back—perfect for those hot summertime events!
This Relaxed Golf Cap is a classy affair with a low profile, washed chino twill fabric, and a matching strap with an antique brass sliding buckle. Think of the classic “dad hat” but taken up a notch. It comes in a full range of striking colors with endless logo and embroidery possibilities.
Going for a more classic vintage look? The Athletic Rope Cap has that classic, medium-profile feel but brings it into the future with UV protection and moisture-wicking capabilities. Plus that classy rope accent? *Chef’s kiss.*
And if you’re looking for a more performance-oriented hat, check out this Premium Athletic Cap, with a soft-structured body, stretchable hook-and-loop closure, UV protection, and moisture-wicking properties.
Totes exciting!
A great bag makes a great piece of swag. Tote bags are everywhere, from the grocery store and the workplace to the beach and the park. They’re a great way to share your brand with the world while lessening the use of plastic bags and other waste. Apple’s bag matched the rest of their swag: a stark black bag with simple white lettering. Here at Eagle, we can match that look or show you a range of bags in endless colors, materials, and options.
This 10 Oz. Cotton Canvas Everyday Tote Bag has a classic look, with comfortable 24-inch handles. Available in natural beige, black, royal blue, or red, it features a generous imprint area for a design on the front or back.
Or check out this 6 Oz. Cotton Tote Bag, featuring 22-inch handles and a 100% cotton canvas build. It’s affordable, stylish, and eco-friendly.
Perfect for carrying notebooks, magazines, calendars, or folders, the Main Squeeze Super Size Tote is simple, straightforward, large, and flat. And with a full-bleed imprint area, it’s the perfect bag for any branded event.
For a slightly more “chill” option, check out this Therm-O-Tote Bag. With a premium non-woven polypropylene exterior, thermal foil interior, and plastic bottom insert, it keeps items hot or cold for hours.
Or for a bag with more carrying volume, there’s the Non-Woven Grocery Tote Bag, with reinforced 22-inch handles, a removable bottom insert, and an 8-inch gusset for increased storage capacity.
Drink up
The drinkware Apple included in their bag? Yep, also black, with the Apple logo beside “WWDC23” in gray lettering. It’s a coordinated, subtle look we can recreate.
For example, the Elemental 16oz. Artisan Stainless Steel Tumbler with Ceramic Lid is stunning in its simplicity. With double-walled copper insulation, your beverages will stay hot for up to 6 hours or refreshingly cold for up to 18 hours. Plus, peep that sweet ceramic lid!
The 16.9oz Haven is another sleek option. A stainless steel tumbler with vacuum insulation, it has a push-on lid, matching magnetic swivel closure, and a rubberized base.
For a less subtle look, check out the 40 oz. Hippo Mug & Straw Lid with Twist Closure. It fits most cars, keeps drinks cold for up to 11 hours and hot for up to 7 hours, and comes in a durable powder-coated finish.
