At INM, we believe branded merchandise is more than just giveaways—they’re powerful tools to elevate events and create lasting impressions. Recently, we had the opportunity to support our long-time client, Credit Union of Texas (CUTX), at their charity golf tournament. Our goal? To support CUTX, network with attendees, and showcase how branded merchandise can turn a simple event setup into a memorable experience. Here’s how we did it and how you can apply these strategies to your next event.
1.Team Apparel: Branding Done Right
We started with branded team apparel to make our team easily recognizable and professional. We chose Travis Mathew polos with our logo—because let’s face it, no one wants to wear a cheap, uncomfortable shirt—and paired them with custom hats. The hats featured a fun Texas patch in our brand colors, with a subtle logo on the side. It wasn’t just about looking good (that’s definitely a bonus); it was about creating apparel that people actually want to wear again and again.
Takeaway: Choose branded apparel that’s stylish and comfortable to ensure your team looks unified while leaving a positive impression.
2. Signage & Displays: Bold Branding That Stands Out
When it comes to event displays, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing up well. We created a striking setup with a custom steel tent, designed to catch eyes and represent our brand with style. The tent’s bold graphics ensured we were easy to spot from a distance, making sure attendees knew exactly who we were.
To tie it all together, we added a fitted, stain-resistant tablecloth—because we believe every detail should reflect professionalism. Fitted tablecloths keep everything looking sharp (and yes, they’re also great for avoiding those pesky gusts of wind that try to take your setup for a ride). The stain-resistant fabric? A bonus for keeping things pristine no matter what the day throws at you.
Takeaway: Focus on bold, branded displays that showcase your brand identity while being functional. Eye-catching signage can draw people in and make your presence known.
3. Giveaways: Functional, Fun, and Worth the Investment
Giveaways are essential for any event, but they should be something people actually want to use—and keep. For this event, we served each golfer a refreshing beverage from our branded Brumate BruTank cooler, all wrapped up in a magnetic coolie (aka koozie). Because really, what’s better than a coolie? One that sticks to your golf cart or grill, obviously!
Sure, a magnetic coolie is a tad pricier than your standard neoprene coolie, but we believe in the ROI. Its unique, practical design means it won’t be left in the cart at the end of the round. Instead, it’s the coolie the golfers will use and tell their friends about “the cool magnet”, ensuring our brand stays top of mind long after the last putt is sunk. The golfers loved its practicality, and we received plenty of compliments—yes, a coolie can be a great conversation starter?
Takeaway: Invest in giveaways that are not only practical but also memorable. When your branded merchandise is something people love to use, your brand stays with them long after the event, creating lasting impressions.
4. Engaging Activity: Plinko for the Win
We knew we had to offer an activity that would draw people to our booth, so we opted for the crowd-pleaser: Plinko. This fun game, made famous by “The Price is Right,” was a huge hit. Golfers played to determine how many entries they earned for our raffle. It’s quick, easy, and gets people engaged without needing a lengthy explanation. Plus, it gave us a great chance to chat with golfers in a relaxed, non-salesy way.
Takeaway: Adding an interactive event game can boost engagement and provide a natural way to connect with attendees.
5. Raffle: Cool Prizes, Cooler Giveaway
Of course, no Plinko game is complete without a prize that makes everyone say, “I need this in my life!” So, we curated an irresistible raffle prize bundle—think of it as a party in a box! It featured an Igloo Kool Tunes cooler (yes, a cooler that doubles as a speaker), a Stanley tumbler to keep your drinks cool, one of our custom hats, a Casely magnetic charger, and a journal and pen for jotting down your next big idea or what you had for lunch.
The cooler was a hit, blasting tunes and drawing golfers to our booth all day long. When we announced the winner, they were pumped to receive their prize—who wouldn’t be?
Takeaway: A well-chosen raffle prize generates buzz and gives attendees a reason to visit your booth and stay engaged. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to spread the fun!
Elevate Your Event with Branded Merchandise
The CUTX charity golf tournament was a hole-in-one for both the golfers and our team. With thoughtful branded merchandise like branded apparel, interactive games, and useful giveaways, we were able to create an experience that left a lasting impression. By combining fun with function, we not only supported our client but also showcased how branded merchandise can transform any event.
For marketers looking to level up their event strategy, here’s our advice: don’t just show up—show up well. Use every element of your setup, from your signage to your giveaways, to create a cohesive and engaging experience that reflects your brand.
Ready to make your next event unforgettable? Contact us today, and let’s talk about how we can help you create a memorable, experience with branded merchandise.
