Conference bags: what you need to consider when ordering bags

Image: bags we supplied for the Air France conference

There are several elements you need to consider when designing the perfect bag for your conference or event.

Size
It is important you think about what you will be placing in the bag. You don't want the bag to be too big, nor too small. Your variety of promotional flyers or magazines and promotional give-aways should fit snugly in your bag. You should stack all the elements (magazine, flyer, giveaway)in a pile, then measure around them. This includes the gusset (side panel).

Weight
If you plan to give away a bottle of wine, a heavy magazine or other items that mean the deleguate's bag will end up being more than 1kg, you need to consider re-inforcing the handle holes and base of the bag, so the bags don't rip apart with the weight.

Message / Printing
After all the time and monetary investment you have made into the conference or event, a simple way to get your message accross and advertise, is on your bag. You could even put a call to action on your bag or advertise a competition that your deleguate can enter into by using the details on the bag. That is sure to make them remember you. Remember you need to keep in mind your overall branding colours and fonts, but you can have fun with the messaging on your bag to stand out.

Colour
You need to stick with your branding colours and colour palette when ordering bags - just like any other printing. Make sure your bags tie in with your brand by using the correct colour code.

Shape
The classic boutique bag style is very popular for conference paper bags style. If you want to make a statement and stand out from the crowd, you should consider having an unusual shaped bag. For example, a Zoo in the US have paper shopping bags at their zoo store, in the shape of animals. People will notice and talk about your bags. Here they are below:

Look and feel
If you have a luxury product you should go with a thick gsm (to show quality), and a beautiful finish - such as matte or gloss lamination. If you are a budget brand, you could go for a kraft paper bag or something similar to keep in with your brand image.

Timing
Lastly, you need to remember to order your bags well in advance of the event. Designing, proofing, manufacturing and the delivery of your conference bags is not a last minute decision. Your conference bags need to be carefully considered, and that takes time!

Hopefully these points will not only give you knowledge of what you need to remember for your next event, but hopefully they will also inspire you to have fun and think outside the square, with your next order of conference bags!