Event gifting sounds simple until the wrong item ends up in a hotel trash can, the timeline gets compressed, or the planner realizes too late that “custom” does not mean “available tomorrow.”

In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Sam sits down with Jamie Cohen and Jenn Allen to talk about what planners need to understand before they choose the next branded gift, swag item, or attendee activation.

Jamie and Jenn break down why the industry is moving away from basic throwaway merchandise and toward gifts people actually want to keep. They share what brands and products are trending right now, why attendee choice matters, how gifting can support sustainability, and what information planners need to bring to the table before asking for ideas.

The conversation also gets into the fun side of custom gifting, from Heinz KegChup and Philadelphia Cream Cheese “Phillyhead” to the Red Lobster biscuit hoodie and the Oscar Mayer Bologna Face Mask. These are the kinds of products that show what can happen when branded merchandise becomes part of the experience instead of just another logo on another item.

In this episode, you will learn:

Why cheap swag can cost more than planners realize
What gift trends are gaining momentum right now
Why attendees want better brands, better quality, and more choice
How gifting can become more sustainable when people actually keep the item
Why custom merchandise requires more lead time than planners expect
How branded merchandise can become an activation, not just a giveaway

The future of event gifting is not about more stuff. It is about useful, intentional gifts that connect to the experience. When planners understand their audience and choose gifts people want to keep, gifting becomes part of the event story.