Promoting your company or brand is one of the most important things you can do as a business owner. Many people think it’s a waste of money, but you can’t rely on word of mouth if you want to grow your business properly.

No matter how awesome your product is, if people don’t know about it, they can’t purchase it or your services. One of the best ways to get your name out to the public is by sponsoring an event.

There are numerous kinds of events you can have, depending on what type of business you are promoting. For sports-related companies, sponsoring a local race, golf tournament, or even holding your own company-sponsored outdoor event is an effective way to get the attention of the masses.

For general businesses, offering to be a sponsor for an event, school, or sports team is a wonderful way to get involved in your community and let people know you are in business.

Let’s take a look at the top promotional items you want to have when sponsoring an outdoor event.

Bottled Water and Water Bottles

First and foremost, one of the most important items you can have on hand for any outdoor event is water! You want everyone to have a good time, but you don’t want anyone’s day ruined by a trip to the hospital for dehydration! Even if your guests are not participating in sports or any exertion activities, it is still easy to become dehydrated when spending time outdoors.

The easiest way to keep everyone hydrated is of course by keeping cold bottled water on hand. And sure, you can hit the local store and buy cases of water, but why promote someone else’s company at your own event? Have custom bottled water on hand for everyone to enjoy, that also gives you the benefit of your name being on the label!

Another convenient option is a custom water bottle. While this may not provide immediate hydration, it allows guests to fill up the bottle with their own beverage to enjoy during your event. And afterwards, they get to take it home and use it again and again, each time seeing the name of your company on the custom logo imprinted on the bottle!

Umbrellas

Company golf outings are a great way to boost employee morale, and while everyone is out having fun, you can advertise your company on a promotional golf umbrella! While umbrellas are typically used while it’s raining, they are also good to have on hand during outdoor events. Golf umbrellas are larger and offer protection from the sun as well as the rain. Sponsoring a golf tournament is another valuable way to market your brand.

Not just for golfing, custom umbrellas are always a good idea to have on hand for any outdoor event in the case of rain. Whether it’s your event or you are participating in a larger event, people will be grateful to protect them in case of rain.

Hand Sanitizer

In today’s world, you should never have an event without having lots of hand sanitizer available! It’s inexpensive, fits into any marketing budget, and is a fantastic way to promote your brand during any event. Not only can it be used during whatever occasion you are promoting, but it is small, portable, and can be easily displayed, no matter the venue.

Fill bowls or other containers with hand sanitizer with your custom label, and let attendees grab them when needed. Then they can take home the bottle to use at home or the office later, which will remind them of your event and company.

Lip Balm

Lip balm is another item you don’t want to forgo for your event. Being outdoors can take a toll on lips, leaving them dry and cracked, especially if it involves sports of any kind. You can even opt for a lip balm containing SPF to offer protection from the sun.

Custom lip balm is extremely affordable and gives guests another great reusable product they can use during the event and then take with them when they leave. Giving you another opportunity to keep your name, literally, on their lips!

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must for outdoor events! Even in the winter, the sun can be blinding, and you don’t want accidents to occur during sporting events because people were blinded by the sun causing them to lose sight of whatever their goal is. Even if they are not participating in the event sport, onlookers will be grateful for the protection a pair of UVA/UVB sunglasses will provide for their eyes.

Sunscreen

And of course, let’s not forget the custom sunscreen! A necessity for any outdoor event, sunscreen protects your attendees from the harmful rays of the sun. Most people don’t think about bringing sunscreen when they head out to a promotional event, so they will be grateful that you had the forethought to have it on hand in case they need it.

Even if your event is during the winter, the sun doesn’t take days off! Remember, you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy outside, so make sure you offer your guests the protection they need.

No Gimmicks!

What about the fads, the gimmicks, the cute little toys with your name on them? Sure, you can go that route if you like throwing your money away! Because that is exactly where that gimmick will end up – in the trash!

No one keeps those cute little fad toys, and if they even make it out of the event, they will either be tossed in the trash when they get home or given to a child to play with until it breaks (which honestly, won’t take long).

So don’t throw away your marketing dollars! Get the best exposure money can buy with a custom water bottle, bottled water, umbrella, sunglasses, lip balm, and hand sanitizer and make your event as successful as possible!