Beyond the Bin: How We Help Planners Pass the Hotel Trash Can Test

One of the things we see over and over at Centricity is the dreaded “trash can test.” You know the scene: conference is winding down, the cleaning staff is making their rounds, and there’s that pile by the door of swag that just didn’t make the cut for anyone’s suitcase ride home. We’ve been in those meeting rooms, talking with planners who want something better for their teams and their attendees.

Every time a client shares their worries about wasted budget or forgotten items, we get it. Swag isn’t just a fun line on the event agenda. It’s a chance to start a relationship, make a memory, or reinforce a company’s culture. If it winds up in the bin, it’s more than money wasted, it’s a moment lost.

The #1 question we hear from planners is “Help us make better choices that our guests will love”.. Together, we turn “just stuff” into items that really feel like part of someone’s story. It’s all about being your brand’s best partner and making sure what you give isn’t just kept, but actually valued.

Our “Sticky Swag” Gut Check

In our work, we’ve found that the best results come from running swag ideas through a simple three-question filter. We ask, and we encourage you to ask:

1. Will this be genuinely useful? Over the years, we’ve noticed the keepers are the ones people reach for again: a travel charger, a notebook that lasts, high-quality socks when everyone’s feet are tired. It’s a little gesture that says you “get” what your audience needs.
2. Is it cool or unique enough to keep? We help clients avoid the trap of overdoing the branding. Instead, we put our energy into the kind of design or detail that sparks pride in actually using or wearing it. When someone asks for an extra to bring home, we all know we made a winning choice.
3. Does it have a story? The items that become conversation starters are the ones that relate to the place, the moment, or the shared experience. Whether it’s a creative nod to the event city or something that says “I was part of this,” those details are what make swag memorable.
   

Little Details Make a Big Impact: A Client Case

One experience stands out for us: working on custom pins for the American Express Global Business Travel national conference. Instead of falling back on a generic card, our team designed a front featuring a Seattle welcome scene. On the back, we communicated Amex’s newest partnership and included a QR code for attendees to connect with their digital content. The result? Guests not only kept the pins and backers, they engaged with the brand’s key message well after the event. This is what we mean by bringing “creative that connects” into every project.

Pitfalls We Help You Avoid

Some lessons we’ve seen time and again:

• Giant logos everywhere. Event planners tell us their guests prefer subtlety. We work to design items that feel special first and branded second.
• Ignoring the unboxing. Packaging sets the tone. We help you create experiences that surprise and delight from the very first moment.
• Assuming one size fits all. We help segment and tailor gifts so they feel thoughtful and intentional, never generic.

Trying It for Your Next Event

You don’t have to change everything overnight. We often start with a single experience, maybe a welcome kit for new team members or an exclusive gift for top performers. The feedback is immediate: If you see photos being snapped or hear people talking about their surprise and appreciation, you know you’re on the right path.

Swag is a small but mighty piece of the event experience. With the right partner and the right questions, it can be something guests treasure. At Centricity, we pride ourselves on end-to-end support and custom solutions at any scale.

Here’s What We Recommend This Week:

• Open your last three swag orders and see which items get used and which just collect dust.
• Ask your event team: Did these gifts solve a need, feel special, or reflect our story?
• Choose one upcoming program and commit to trying something new and thoughtful.
• Think about the most-loved swag you’ve received and why it made an impact.

If you’re ready to move from forgettable to memorable, let’s collaborate on a welcome kit that makes every attendee or employee feel seen.

Request an onboarding kit plan.