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Strategy

Case Study: Microsoft Sends Out Swag for Virtual Conference

Digital attendees of the “Build” event are getting everything from socks to a bamboo lunchbox.

Top techies will have to attend Microsoft’s annual “Build” conference virtually this year, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll miss out on sweet event swag.

Microsoft is mailing early registrants a branded merchandise package that features a welcome card, a bamboo lunch box, socks, sticker sheets, a lanyard and a badge.

“Microsoft is doing their bit to make virtual attendees feel a greater sense of the occasion,” reported mspoweruser.com. “The gift is especially awesome since registration is free this year, with likely many more people signing up.”

stickers

Photo from mspoweruser.com.

This year’s “Build” is scheduled for May 19-21. The conference is for software engineers and web developers using various Microsoft technologies. The in-person event typically draws thousands of attendees.

Microsoft’s decision to direct-mail conference swag is another high-profile example of event organizers continuing to utilize promotional products for their occasions, even though their events have gone digital because of the COVID-19 pandemic. From virtual beer festivals and graduations to many more happenings, end-buyers are increasingly incorporating branded merch initiatives into their now digital events.