Are you planning to host an alumni event soon? If so, we have some exciting giveaway ideas for you to make it stand out and keep alumni engaged. After all, these events are not just about bringing graduates together; they're also a great way to celebrate and rekindle the connection former students have with their alma mater.
To make your event unforgettable, you'll want to choose the right giveaway items that are valuable, memorable, and align with your institution's values. Whether you're planning a small gathering or a grand affair, giveaways are a fantastic way to add some excitement and make attendees feel appreciated. So here are some creative ideas to focus on for alumni event giveaways.
Branded Apparel
Nothing beats branded apparel. It's a great way to recognize school spirit and something that former students can wear with pride. Consider items like t-shirts, hats, or sweatshirts. These can be used as an entry or exit giveaway or contest, or you can sell them to raise funds for your association.
Tote Bags
Tote bags are practical items that everyone can use, whether they're going to the gym, carrying books, or traveling. Personalized tote bags that are related to your university make great gifts because they're lightweight and easy to carry around.
Pens
Customized pens can be used every day, whether you're at the office or at home. Consider customizing them with your school logo, colors, and tagline. Pens never go out of fashion, and they're an ideal giveaway for alumni events.
Luggage Tags
Funky luggage tags make for great giveaways. They are easy to personalize and an excellent way to keep your university's name and logo out in the world. The bright colors and quirky designs will help guests spot their bags from afar and make them feel more connected to your institution.
Smartphone Wallets
Smartphone wallets with branded logos or taglines are unique, practical, and memorable as promotional giveaways. They can hold credit cards and IDs, and keep smartphones safe from scratches and damage. Smartphone wallets come in a range of different sizes, colors, and materials, making them versatile as well.
Power Banks
Everyone needs a boost of power now and then, and power banks have become lifesavers for mobile devices. Customized power banks could be one of the most practical and strategic ideas for grand prize giveaways for an alumni event while providing customers easy access to charging while on the go.
Alumni T-Shirts
T-shirts are a classic giveaway item that never goes out of style. Design a t-shirt that showcases your school's logo, team colors, and message, and give them out to attendees. These shirts will not only create a sense of unity and camaraderie among former students but also benefit as a long-lasting reminder of their connection to your institution.
Water Bottles
In recent years, reusable water bottles have become increasingly popular as more people are looking to reduce their carbon footprint. A personalized water bottle with your brand or university's logo is an eco-friendly giveaway that visitors will appreciate. Not only will it keep attendees hydrated throughout the event, but it will also serve as a useful reminder of their time at your institution.
Branded USB Drives
USB drives are a useful giveaway that attendees can use to store important files and documents. You can even customize the drives with your school's logo and include some pre-loaded content that supports in-person and virtual events, such as a virtual tour of the campus, an alumni directory page, a photo show, or relevant alumni news. Hybrid alumni events combine in-person gatherings with virtual options to ensure inclusivity. This will not only make the drives more valuable to attendees, but it will also promote your institution.
Mugs
Customized mugs can be used at home or in the office. Consider designing a mug with your school's logo or a fun message that will resonate with alumni. These mugs can be used to serve coffee, tea, or other beverages, and will serve as a constant reminder of their connection to your institution.
Keychains
Personalized keychains are also a practical giveaway that can be used every day. Customize them with your school's logo or message, then hand them out to attendees. These keychains will serve as a constant reminder of their time at your institution and can be used to hold keys, ID cards, and other small items.
Alumni Swag Bag
A swag bag is one of many alumni event ideas that can showcase your school spirit. Some alumni gifts to include in the bag are customized t-shirts, water bottles, keychains, pens, and stickers. Additionally, consider including some snacks and treats to make the bag even more appealing to attendees. A swag bag is a great way to show appreciation for former students while also supporting the kind of creative alumni events that form genuine connections through networking and nostalgia.
Ticket Giveaways
Consider offering tickets as a prize for alumni networking events as a way to attract attendees and create interest and excitement. Alumni networking mixers can create valuable career growth opportunities while boosting attendance. You can also build in speed networking to help alumni connect across different graduation years. This could include free tickets or a chance to win a VIP experience.
To create even more buzz, consider becoming a partner with local businesses or alumni-owned companies to offer additional prizes. Tickets are a fun and effective way to encourage alumni to attend the event and provide an opportunity to connect with the broader community. They can also be used for alumni panels or mentoring meetups, where attendees gain insights from industry experts during discussions and mentorship programs connect experienced alumni with recent graduates.
Contests to Give Away Prizes
Another way to create excitement and engagement at alumni events is through contests by giving away prizes. Consider hosting a social media contest or a trivia contest with prizes such as free tickets, swag bags, or exclusive merchandise, and use social media posts to drive entries and RSVPs.
Alumni trivia nights can be held in-person or virtually, which can boost participation from graduates near and far. You could set up contests on social media platforms, such as Twitter, and many other social media platforms. This can be a fun way to involve attendees and provide an opportunity for interested alumni to showcase their school spirit and knowledge. A murder mystery party can also work as a contest-style activity that encourages teamwork and problem-solving. Having a contest can also generate social media engagement and create a sense of community around the event, both in person and online.
Giving Away Coupons
Consider giving away coupons to your existing customers as a way to encourage ongoing engagement and keep alumni connected to your institution beyond the event. This could include discounts on shop merchandise, free admission to campus events, or access to exclusive online resources. Coupons provide an incentive for alumni to continue to stay connected through your alumni network and can be a great way to drive engagement and loyalty. Alumni who attend events give more than non-attendees, and regular participation predicts sustained giving over years.
Coupons also allow virtual customers to interact with your organization and make them feel included. A coupon can also be an effective way to promote the institution and get people excited about upcoming events or opportunities. Institutions with strong alumni networks report higher applicant yield rates.
Wow Your Attendees!
We hope these giveaway ideas have inspired you to plan the best alumni event ever and strengthen alumni engagement! Remember, alumni gifts and giveaways are a crucial part of promoting your institution and creating memorable experiences. So, when selecting gifts, it's essential to consider the practicality, branding, and value of each item. The best alumni events also blend professional development with community-building activities for a more meaningful program. Volunteer service days or community improvement projects can create strong bonds among alumni around a shared mission. You want to choose gifts that represent your school and reflect the values you want your alumni to remember.
Whether you opt for customized t-shirts, water bottles, USB drives, mugs, or keychains, ensure that your giveaways are practical, personalized, and represent your institution. By providing useful and memorable items, alumni will feel appreciated and connected to your institution long after the event has ended.