You planned the layout of your booth and rented it. Everything was shipped on time. Finally, you put some branded pens into a bowl, and you figured the giveaway campaign was also done. This happens all too often at trade shows. A free pen, free keyring, or a candy hurts the brand more than anything. 1. The Cheap Giveaway Expels the Crowd Generic items like branded key chains and cheap tote bags attract people looking for freebies. They take what’s being handed out to them but never stop for a meaningful conversation. The booth is crowded. The staff is busy. And after a long day, you review your leads and find yourself with a list of prospects that have no interest in buying anything. At a custom trade show booth Germany , which demands that brands earn their prospects, a cheap giveaway does worse than nothing. In fact, it sends a very clear message that your brand is cutting corners. This perception won’t go away easily. 2. Prize Games Pose the Same Issue Spin-the-wheel g...