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February 24, 2026

Best AI Conference Giveaways for Booth Traffic & Brand Recall

Looking for AI swag that performs? We’ve put together a list of branded AI giveaways to reinforce your brand and leave a lasting impression. Think sustainable options that are perfect during your conference and beyond. 

From wearable favorites and tech accessories to travel-ready picks and conversation-starting fun, the right mix of giveaways can significantly boost both booth traffic and post-event visibility. Check out our list of custom AI swag merchandise that keeps your brand in the spotlight and your event top of mind.

Photo courtesy of The New Yorker

Head-Turning Apparel 

When it comes to conference swag for AI events, there are many compelling reasons a well-made (and designed) tee or crewneck dominates. They are already a wardrobe staple, which makes handing them out at your conference or event a strategic move.

In fact, hats and apparel remain one of the most powerful marketing vehicles for brand recall because they create repeated visibility. The key is choosing styles people would wear even if your logo was not on them. 

1. Soft Tee

A well-designed swag tee is still one of the highest ROI giveaways. Focus on soft fabrics and features like front pockets or organic cotton. 

Photo courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore 

2. Long-Sleeve Tee

Conferences are known to be chilly, which makes a long-sleeve tee a popular choice.  

Photo courtesy of OnlyNY

3. Logo Socks Set

Surprisingly popular and highly wearable, socks are afunwayto show off your brand.

Photo courtesy of OnlyNY

Headwear

When it comes to easy brand visibility, headwear does a lot of heavy lifting. Hats and cold-weather staples tend to stay in rotation longer than many traditional giveaways, especially when the fit and fabric feel right. They are also highly visible in photos, on social media, and in everyday wear, making them a smart choice for AI conference swag.

Headwear works best when the design feels wearable first and branded second. Clean embroidery, modern silhouettes, and comfortable materials go a long way. When done well, the right hat or beanie does more than top off an outfit. It turns your audience into repeat brand exposure.

4. Branded Baseball Cap

Customized caps remain a classic. Plus, they’re easy to pack and wear long after your event. 

Photo courtesy of Only NY x NYCFC Made in NYC Ball Cap

5. Bucket Hat

Trendy, highly visible, and popular, bucket hats will appeal to your design-forward audiences. 

Photo courtesy of Sporty&Rich 

6. Beanies

Another seasonal fav that fights the chill and keeps your branding top of mind. 

Shown: The North Face Beanie 

Accessories

Accessories are often the quiet overachievers of conference swag and AI gifts. They are compact, easy to distribute, and surprisingly effective at reinforcing brand presence in everyday moments. Because many of these items live on bags, jackets, desks, or keychains, they make all-star AI conference promotional products. 

The key with accessories is thoughtful design and practical appeal. Small does not have to mean forgettable. Plus, when it comes to AI swag merchandise, these items prove that quality and affordability can coexist. 

7. Enamel Pin

Enamel pins are standout AI swag for conferences because they are collectible, wearable, and designed to keep your brand in the spotlight.

Photo courtesy of A24 Films (left) and Aimé Leon Dore (right)

8. Branded Bandana or Neck Gaiter

Lightweight and easy to pack, branded bandanas and gaiters are also a breeze to customize. 

Photo courtesy of A24 Films

9. Branded Scarf

A great AI conference swag accessory that works especially well for fall and winter events.

Photo courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore

Drinkware 

The ultimate AI swag for conferences? Drinkware, of course! From morning coffee to afternoon hydration, custom drinkware flows naturally into routines, making it a powerful tool for long-term brand recall. Not to mention, it keeps your event from being overrun with plastic bottle waste. 

10. Camp Mug

Pair a camp cup with a strong design, and your attendee has the perfect travel companion. 

Shown: Miir Camp Mug

11. Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler

As far as custom AI swag merchandise, a stainless steel tumbler offers perceived value and frequent daily use.

Shown: Tervis Stainless Steel Tumbler 

12. Logo Water Bottle

Perfect for customizing and keeping sustainability top of mind. 

Photo courtesy of OnlyNY

Desk and Office Essentials 

Office essentials continue to be a reliable performer in the promotional world for one simple reason: they get used, day after day. Whether your audience works from a corporate office, a home setup, or a hybrid environment, practical desk items offer visibility where the real work happens. 

Because these items often live on desks, in notebooks, or within arm’s reach during the workday, they create steady, low-effort brand impressions that build familiarity over time. When chosen strategically, office essentials deliver quiet but powerful brand recall long after the conference ends.

13. Logo Notebook

With endless ways to customize, a branded notebook is always appreciated. 

Shown: Field Notes Kraft Plus

14. Logo Keychain

Branded keychains are compact AI swag that keeps your logo in circulation every time keys change hands.

Photo courtesy of A24 Films

15. Sticker Set

Sticker swag continues to be a fun way to dress up and differentiate water bottles, notebooks, and the like. 

Photo courtesy of OnlyNY

Tech Accessories That Feel On-Brand for AI Events

At AI and tech-focused events, few categories feel more on-brand than smart, useful tech accessories. These items signal that your company understands the audience and the environment in which they work in every day. When chosen carefully, tech giveaways often become some of the most appreciated items at the booth.

Functionality should lead the decision here. Products that solve small but frequent pain points, especially for travelers and hybrid workers, tend to see the highest retention. Pair that usefulness with clean, modern branding, and you have a giveaway that earns its place in someone’s daily setup.  Get more modern merch ideas for tech companies

16. Portable Power Bank

For AI event marketing merchandise that really delivers, a battery pack certainly delivers! 

Shown: BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank

17. PopSocket

Branded PopSockets make especially effective custom AI swag merchandise because they are highly practical and convenient. 

Photo courtesy of PopSocket

18. Laptop Sleeve

Laptop covers are powerful AI event marketing merchandise because they protect a daily-use device while putting your brand in constant view.

Shown: Baggu Laptop Sleeve

Branded Bags & Totes

If your goal is booth traffic, bags and totes remain one of the most reliable drivers on the show floor. Attendees are almost always looking for something to carry the rest of their swag, which makes this category both practical and highly visible throughout the event.

The best-performing bags balance durability with thoughtful design. Reinforced handles, modern materials, and useful features can quickly elevate perceived value. When attendees continue using the bag after the conference ends, your brand keeps traveling right along with them.

19. Duffel Bag 

A great choice for AI conference merch that’s handy now and in the future. 

Photo courtesy of The New Yorker

20. Logo Backpack

Backpacks offer high perceived value and hands-free convenience in one! 

Photo courtesy of Parkland

21. Reusable Bag  

Reusable bags like these that pack up small are perfect for conference travelers who want something practical, portable, and easy to use long after the event ends.

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters and Baggu 

Travel Favs 

Whether your audience is traveling for work or play, these AI conference giveaways are especially impactful.  The strongest travel giveaways are compact, durable, and genuinely useful on the road. When your product becomes part of someone’s packing routine, your brand gains repeated exposure in airports, hotels, and workspaces far beyond the original event. 

22. Luggage Tag

An easy branding opportunity, branded luggage tags are travel-ready AI swag that keeps your logo visible.

Photo courtesy of Rains

23. Reusable Packing Cubes

Reusable packing cubes make smart AI swag by keeping travelers organized and your logo visible. 

Shown: Baggu Packing Cubes

24. Travel Hand Sanitizer Spray

Not hosting an in-person event? Hand sanitizer is still an appreciated AI conference giveaway.

Shown: Noshinku® Hand Sanitizer 

Fun & Games

When the goal is pure booth-magnet energy, fun and games are a lifesaver. These items help spark conversations and create memorable brand moments. This category works especially well when the product ties subtly back to problem-solving, creativity, or mental breaks, themes that resonate strongly with AI and tech audiences. 

Compact games like puzzles and playing cards are easy to distribute, easy to pack, and often shared with others, which extends your brand reach beyond the original recipient. When the experience feels thoughtful and a little unexpected, fun-focused swag can deliver both booth traffic and lasting recall.

25. Puzzle

Branded puzzles are a clever AI giveaway that taps into problem-solving energy while keeping your brand in play longer.

Photo courtesy of A24 Films

26. Branded Playing Cards

Custom playing cards are a compact, shareable giveaway that keeps your brand circulating long after the event ends.

Photo courtesy of Bon Appétit 

27. Tennis Balls 

For an unexpected giveaway that keeps your logo bouncing around long after the event, branded tennis balls will do the trick!

Shown: Custom MIU Tennis Balls 

Snacks

Never underestimate the power of branded candy and snacks. Food-based giveaways consistently draw booth traffic because they offer instant gratification and a welcome break during long conference days. They also create a natural opportunity to start conversations while attendees pause at your space.

28. Chocolate Bar

Branded chocolate bars deliver instant booth appeal while creating a sweet, memorable brand moment.

Photo courtesy of Compartés Chocolates 

29. Flavored Pretzels 

Flavored pretzels are a crave-worthy snack that keeps attendees energized and engaged on the show floor.

Shown: Grand Provisions Butter Toffee Pretzels

30. Gummy Bears 

Fun, portable, and easy to share, branded gummy snacks are an easy favorite!

Shown: California Gummy Bears

AI conferences move fast, but the right giveaway keeps working long after the booth comes down. When your swag is thoughtful, useful, and aligned with how your audience actually works and travels, it does more than fill a tote. It starts conversations, builds positive brand associations, and keeps your company visible in everyday moments. 

Check out our Lookbook or start a project for even more powerful AI swag and conference ideas!

Start creating magical merch today.