Exhibitions let businesses promote their products, network with peers and clients, and boost their sales. Adding trade show bags to your marketing can expose your business to a range of benefits.

A good bag does more than hold your event materials — it’s a walking ad for your brand. Custom trade show bags, such as totes, drawstrings, or reusable bags, can get your company’s name out there even after the event is over.

So in this guide, we’re going to share with you the 5 best trade show bags that can elevate your brand visibility and provide lasting value for attendees. Let’s get started.

Classic Tote Bags: The All-Time Favourite

Tote bags are still the most popular promotional product for trade shows — and with good reason. They’re efficient, durable, and simple to customize. Perfect to carry brochures, samples, and giveaways, custom tote bags provide attendees with something of value and leave your branding in their hands.

Why They Work:

• Printing space: The large surface has plenty of printing space for your logo, tagline, and colors.
• Reusable: Guests hold on to them long after your event, which extends branding opportunities.
• Budget Friendly: They are budget-friendly, especially when purchased in bulk.

Pro Tip: Select a medium- to heavy-weight fabric, such as canvas or non-woven polypropylene. These are not only professional-looking, but also last.

Best For: Brands looking for a simple but powerful marketing handout that reaches any audience.

Drawstring Backpacks: Lightweight and Youthful

If your brand needs to target a younger demographic or unleash an easy-going, active vibe, pull-string bulk trade show bags are perfect. They’re lightweight and foldable, perfect for carrying your must-haves.

Why They Work:

• Portable: Attendees can wear easily over the shoulder in a “hands-free” way.
• Budget: Production cost is lower than that of structured bags.
• Flexible branding space: Your logo and slogan can be displayed well on the flat surface.

Pro Tip: Look for bright colors or contrasting stitching that will complement your brand palette. It stands out even in a packed event space.

Best For: Sports, lifestyle, tech, and education brands for casual engagement and long-term use.

Social Messenger and Carry Bags: Sophistication

These branded trade show bags give a professional feel and can be used as laptop and/or messenger bags to make your company look even more high-end. The bag is obviously directed toward professionals and executives who desire function and are willing to pay for quality.

Why They Work:

• Professional quality: Perfect for conferences, tech expos, and business networking events.
• Lives on: People hold onto them well after the event — for work, travel.
• High perceived value: Adds prestige to your brand as being of high quality and reliable.

Pro Tip: Opt for bags with strong straps and multiple compartments. Add subtle branding — embroidered logos or trendy patches can give the design a more premium look than simply overtly promoting.

Best For: B2B businesses, corporate brands, and companies exhibiting to or otherwise targeting executives.

Eco-Friendly Trade Show Bags: Go Green with Your Promotions

Today’s consumers are also more focused on brands that value sustainability. Opting for eco-friendly trade show bags that are made of materials such as organic cotton, recycled PET, or jute will support the environment while putting your brand in a good light.

Why They Work:

• Positive brand association: Demonstrate the issuer is committed to being a responsible business.
• Reusable, Recyclable: Promotes eco-friendly habits among attendees.
• Trendy and modern: Sustainability now appeals to consumers of all sectors.

Pro Tip: Emphasize your green message with a line right on the bag, such as “Made from 100% recycled material” or “Proudly eco-friendly.” Every time someone uses the bag, it showcases your brand values.

Best For: Environmentally minded businesses, health companies, and those wanting to project a clean, considered image.

Compact or Collapsible Bags: The Smart, Practical Choice

Innovative: Adding a unique element to your trade show bags will set you apart, and custom foldable or shape-changing trade show bags definitely do that. These are small, portable types of lanyards that many attendees favor because they’re lightweight and easy to toss in a pocket.

Why They Work:

• Fits in your bag: Perfect for event goers who are already carrying around a lot of freebies.
• Reusable and zero waste: Ideal for later use as gym or grocery bags.
• Unforgettable design: Unique aspects set your bag apart from others being delivered on the market.

Pro Tip: Choose lightweight nylon or polyester materials.

Ideal For: Cutting-edge brands, travel agencies, or exhibitors that want to demonstrate a balance of creativity and utility.

Getting the Most Out of Promotional Trade Show Bags

Selecting the best promotional trade show bags is only half the battle. To really get the most from them and ensure that they are effective at promoting your brand, consider these factors.

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity:

If your bag is well-constructed and attractive, rather than flimsy and destined for the wastebasket, people are more likely to remember — that is, retain a good feeling about — your brand.

Make Your Branding Easy and Accessible:

Avoid cluttered designs. Usually, the simpler and distinct a clean logo, short tagline, and bold color contrast can work better!

Match the Style of Bag to the Occasion:

Sleek, structured bags make the right choices for corporate expos; opt for colorful and even eco-friendly ones for lifestyle shows.

Include Useful Inserts:

Fill with a catalog, membership card, or promotional gift. The challenge is to make your bag functional and unforgettable.

Think Beyond the Event:

Create branded trade show bags that people use over and over again. Each time they do, your logo keeps going and going and reaching an even wider audience.

Final Thoughts

Trade shows are a sea of brands and intensely competitive, but with the right promotional tactics, you can get noticed. Custom trade show bags are one of the easiest and most effective ways to promote your brand. They are the best of both worlds, practical and visible — two things any attendee loves.

From traditional trade show tote bags to recycled trade show bags, each style creates a chance to connect with your audience and increase your brand visibility beyond the exhibit hall. When selected thoughtfully and crafted artfully, it’ll carry your brand’s story wherever it’s taken.