05-26-2015
Tips for Achieving the Wow Factor with Workshop Gifts
FILED IN: Client & Corporate Gifts, Education, Workshop Swag
Posted By: Jamie Kutchman
Posted by: Jamie Kutchman , Founder
The foundation of Marigold & Grey is wedding welcome gifts but since starting the business last year, I've received several requests to design gifts for creative workshops, business retreats and corporate conferences as well. When writing my initial business plan over a year ago, I admit I didn't foresee this demand at all. But the market has certainly spoken and I'm so glad it has! I love collaborating with other creatives to design something that their attendees with be over-the-moon excited to receive.
The purpose of a welcome gift, whether for a workshop or a wedding, is to show appreciation for guests while setting the stage for a fabulous event. With that said, the actual anatomy of a workshop gift is slightly different and definitely worth talking about. Here are some tips for creating gifts with the wow factor that will delight each and every one of your attendees!
Attendee Names
Everyone likes the sight of their own name and, oh my goodness, especially when it's done is gorgeous calligraphy! For the recent Elizabeth Fogarty Photography workshop, I had the gift tag pull double duty as not just the gift tag, but also a place setting card so attendees could easily find their seats. There were numerous squeals of delight as the attendees each saw their name in modern calligraphy and then, of course, discovered the gift that awaited them.
Snack & Beverage
Since there is always tons of food served at most creative workshops from meals to snacks, the food portion of the welcome gift doesn't need to be the main focus. However, having one special snack along with a unique beverage is a great addition and much appreciated by attendees.
Gift Aesthetic Should Mirror Workshop Aesthetic
Having the aesthetic of the gift coordinate with the aesthetic of the workshop is crucial. All other elements of the workshop are finely tuned and styled to include the presentations, florals, linens, tablescape for meal time, etc. The welcome gifts are part of the overall presentation and should be in-line the workshop as a whole. For this particular Bayside Workshop, the inspiration was what I would call "elegant woodsy." The venue, Aspen River Wye in Queenstown, MD, had mature, majestic trees lining the property. I chose a natural jute tote with a hang tag that depicted such a tree. Cascading blush ribbon finished it off!
Reusable Elements
Including items that attendees can take home and use again and again is a great way to have your workshop live on in their minds long after the event itself is over. For the Styling with DSE workshop, I chose a white wire basket for the container...cute and functional! Also included was a "Joy Comes in the Morning" tumbler by Ashlee Profitt, totally in keeping with hostess Dear Sweetheart Event's branding color palette and message.
And speaking of reusable elements, attendees at this workshop were encouraged to remove the items from their basket and practice styling with all the items inside. Yes, right there at the workshop! Thanks ladies...I loved being tagged in all of the many examples on Instagram! I find it fascinating how a group of people can be given the exact same items to style with, yet each produce completely different compositions. SO fun to see them all!
Memorable Writing Tools
Most attendees will take notes at a workshop. Rather than including generic pads of paper and pens, it's nice to include a decorative journal that they'll want to take notes in AND take home and keep forever. In addition to this pocket journal for the spring Bayside Workshop, I also included a coordinating Le Pen as an added little treat! No need for the ladies to fumble around in their purses for a pen once the presentation has already begun. They'll already be prepared.
Whether you're planning to present custom gifts to your clients or if you're planning a workshop, there's so much inspiration in our gallery!
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