47 Event Handout Ideas That Actually Get Used (2025 Guide)

47 Event Handout Ideas Attendees Actually Keep

From name badges to thank-you cards — proven event marketing handouts with measurable ROI.

The Problem

Generic swag gets left behind. Pens and keychains end up in junk drawers. Your event marketing budget = wasted.

What Actually Works: Physical Handouts Attendees USE

✓ Networking Handouts

Name Badge Inserts — Conversation starters, QR codes to LinkedIn (40% more conversations started)
Digital Business Card Handouts — QR code to vCard (no paper waste)
"Ask Me About" Cards — Topic prompts for better networking

✓ Event Logistics

Schedule + Map Combo — Never get lost, never miss sessions (70% session attendance vs. 45% app-only)
WiFi Password Cards — Everyone needs it, everyone keeps it
Session Note-Taking Handouts — Active participation tools

✓ Post-Event Engagement

Thank-You + Review Prompt Cards — Turn attendees into testimonials (30% review completion)
Referral Program Handouts — "Bring a colleague next year"
Feedback Survey Cards — QR code to post-event survey

✓ Sponsor Activation

Sponsor Booth Passport — Visit sponsors, collect stamps, win prize (32% participation rate)
Sponsor Offer Handouts — Exclusive discounts from event sponsors
Demo Appointment Cards — Schedule follow-up meetings (180 qualified leads per 2,500 attendees)

ROI Examples

Tech Conference (450 attendees):

Schedule/map handouts: 70% session attendance (vs. 45% app-only)
Name badge inserts: 40% more conversations started
Thank-you cards: 120 post-event reviews (vs. 12 previous year)

Trade Show (2,500 attendees):

Sponsor booth passport: 800 booth visits (32% participation)
Demo appointment cards: 180 scheduled meetings (qualified leads)
Product comparison handouts: 65% of attendees kept for reference

Design Principles

Portable: 3×4 or 4×3 inches (fits pocket/badge holder)
Durable: Gloss Poly (BOPP) for multi-day events
Scannable: QR codes for digital integration
Branded: Your event logo + sponsor logos

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the most effective event handout?
A: Schedule/map combo (70% keep it, reference all day). Name badge inserts (40% more networking).

Q: How much should we budget per attendee?
A: $1.50-3.00 per attendee for comprehensive handout package (schedule, name badge, thank-you card).

Q: Can handouts be sponsored to offset costs?
A: Yes! Sponsor logos on schedule/map, sponsor booth passport. Typical sponsor contribution: $250-1,000.

Q: Turnaround time for 500-person conference?
A: 7-10 business days (design review + production). Rush available for Niagara events.