As summer approaches in New Zealand, businesses gear up for end-of-year functions, corporate parties, and outdoor events. This season presents a perfect opportunity for brands to leverage the power of promotional products to make a lasting impact. From corporate BBQs to client appreciation events, the right branded items can elevate your brand’s visibility and leave a memorable impression on attendees.

In this article, we’ll explore how to create the ultimate summer event kit using promotional products that not only align with the season but also ensure your brand stands out.

Why Promotional Products Are Essential for Summer Events

Promotional products are more than just free giveaways—they are an extension of your brand’s identity. In a corporate setting, they can enhance your brand’s image, build relationships with clients and staff, and reinforce your presence long after the event has ended.

During summer, when events are more relaxed and often held outdoors, there’s a unique opportunity to incorporate seasonal items that are both functional and enjoyable. Branded summer essentials can make your brand an integral part of these experiences, keeping it top of mind for your target audience.

Key Elements of a Summer Event Kit

Creating a summer event kit with the right mix of promotional products requires careful consideration of both practicality and brand visibility. The goal is to offer items that attendees will use and appreciate, while also ensuring that your logo or brand message is prominently featured. Here are some key items to include in your summer event kit:

1. Branded Drinkware

Hydration is key during the warmer months, and branded drinkware is a highly practical item that attendees will use long after the event. Whether it’s reusable water bottles, insulated tumblers, or eco-friendly glass bottles, drinkware offers a large surface area for your branding.

Consider including a variety of options to suit different preferences, such as:

  • Reusable Water Bottles: Perfect for outdoor events, picnics, or beach days, reusable bottles keep your brand visible while promoting sustainability.
  • Insulated Tumblers: Ideal for keeping beverages cold during summer outings, tumblers are both functional and stylish.
  • Customised Wine or Beer Glasses: For more formal events, branded glassware can add a touch of sophistication while still promoting your company.

2. Picnic Accessories

Picnics are a staple of New Zealand summers, and including picnic-related promotional products in your event kit can align your brand with the laid-back, outdoor lifestyle. Branded picnic blankets, cooler bags, and portable cutlery sets can turn a simple outing into a branded experience.

  • Picnic Blankets: Large, foldable blankets with your logo printed on them are great for outdoor events, ensuring your brand is front and centre in a relaxed setting.
  • Cooler Bags: Whether it’s keeping drinks cool at a BBQ or storing snacks for a picnic, branded cooler bags are a functional product that guarantees repeat use.
  • Portable Cutlery Sets: With more people opting for sustainable and reusable alternatives, branded cutlery sets are a great way to promote eco-consciousness while reinforcing your brand’s presence.

3. Branded BBQ Sets

Summer and BBQs go hand in hand in New Zealand, making branded BBQ sets an ideal choice for corporate events or client gifts. A well-designed BBQ set that includes grilling tools, aprons, or even custom utensils can be the highlight of your summer event kit.

  • BBQ Tool Sets: A branded set of grilling tools, complete with your company logo, can be a high-impact promotional product. This is a particularly useful gift that recipients will associate with fun, relaxation, and your brand.
  • Custom Aprons: Branded aprons can be a fun addition to your summer event, especially if you’re hosting a BBQ or cooking competition. Aprons with your company’s logo or slogan add a personal touch to the event and make for a practical keepsake.

4. Sun Protection Essentials

In the summer, providing sun protection is both thoughtful and practical. Branded sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses can be part of a useful summer kit that shows your company’s care for the well-being of event attendees while keeping your brand in the spotlight.

  • Sunscreen: Offering branded sunscreen bottles shows you’re thinking about your audience’s comfort and safety, while also keeping your brand visible throughout the day.
  • Hats: Whether it’s a branded baseball cap or a stylish sunhat, headwear is a functional item that people will wear long after the event. Ensure your logo is placed prominently for maximum visibility.
  • Sunglasses: Custom-branded sunglasses are a popular and practical summer giveaway. They add an element of fun while ensuring your logo is seen at outdoor events, festivals, or beach days.

5. Branded Beach Towels

For beach-themed events or summer parties, branded beach towels are a standout item that can add a premium feel to your promotional product offering. With a large surface area for your logo, these towels are perfect for keeping your brand visible on the sand or by the pool.

Consider creating a limited-edition beach towel with unique designs that represent your company’s culture, colours, or values. This turns an everyday item into a collector’s piece, ensuring it gets used and noticed for years to come.

How to Effectively Use Promotional Products at Events

Once you’ve curated the perfect summer event kit, it’s important to consider how to distribute and use these products effectively to maximise brand exposure. Here are a few strategies to ensure your promotional products make a lasting impression:

  1. Incorporate Them into Event Activities: If your event includes interactive activities, such as games or competitions, use your promotional products as prizes. This encourages participation while ensuring that winners leave with a tangible reminder of your brand.
  2. Create Themed Giveaways: Align your promotional products with the theme of your event. For instance, if you’re hosting a corporate BBQ, create a branded BBQ-themed giveaway that includes tools, aprons, and cooler bags. If it’s a beach party, consider including towels, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  3. Personalise the Experience: Where possible, personalise the promotional products. Adding a recipient’s name to a product, such as a water bottle or towel, can make the item feel more special and increase the likelihood that it will be used regularly.
  4. Focus on Quality: High-quality promotional products reflect positively on your brand. Investing in durable, well-made items ensures that they will be used repeatedly, providing long-term exposure for your company.

Summer events are the perfect opportunity to showcase your brand with promotional products that resonate with the season. By creating a thoughtful, well-curated summer event kit, you can elevate your brand’s presence and make a lasting impact on clients, employees, and event attendees. At Image Group, we specialise in bespoke promotional products designed to create maximum impact at your summer events. Contact us today to start planning the ultimate summer event kit that will ensure your brand stands out all season long.