The Power of Branded Merch at Live Events
Photo from our friends at Elevate Gifting
If you've ever walked away from a live event with a branded gift you actually wanted to keep, you already understand the power of well-executed event merch.
Done right, it doesn’t just advertise a logo—it tells a story, evokes a feeling, and becomes a meaningful part of the attendee experience.
At Plato Media Co., we know the most memorable events are built on moments of connection—and branded gifts can be a powerful part of that. When thoughtfully chosen, they extend your event’s impact long after the final speaker leaves the stage.
That’s why I keep trusted partners close.
One of my favorites? Cam, Erika, and the team at Elevate Gifting—a fellow woman-owned business with serious taste and creativity.
Not Your Average Swag
Elevate Gifting doesn’t just send out promo items. They create curated gift experiences. I’ve worked with them on custom-branded chocolates that were actually delicious (not your usual throwaway sweets), and I’ve received striking client gifts from them—luxury candles, sculptural floral arrangements—that feel more like art than swag.
If you can dream it, they can source it—and it’ll likely be better than you imagined. Their team blends creativity, style, and intention so each piece feels considered and personal.
Photo from our friends at Elevate Gifting
Why Branded Gifts Matter in Event Production
Branded merchandise isn’t just about slapping your logo on a water bottle. At a live event, it’s a chance to:
Reinforce your brand through thoughtful, tactile moments
Show appreciation to clients, speakers, and VIPs
Spark buzz-worthy interactions and photo ops
Create lasting impressions that carry your message beyond the room
And when the gifts are elevated in quality (pun intended), it shows. It says your brand pays attention to detail. It says your event was curated with care. And it leaves people feeling something—which is exactly what we aim to create at Plato.
Photo from our friends at Elevate Gifting
The Elevate Difference
What really sets Elevate Gifting apart is their incredible customer service. Cam and the team are creative collaborators who make the process seamless. They respond quickly, they source creatively, and they never cut corners on quality.
When I know I want something impactful—whether it’s a gifting moment at an event or a high-touch follow-up for a client—they’re my first call.
(I won’t gate-keep: you can give her a call too—cam@elevategifting.com.)
Photo from our friends at Elevate Gifting
Final Thoughts
At Plato, we believe that great production isn’t just what you see or hear—it’s what you remember. Branded gifts are one of the few tangible pieces attendees carry home, and when they reflect the same care and thought as the event itself, they become part of the story.
From one woman-owned business to another, working with Elevate Gifting is always a yes from me.
You don’t just want merch. You want a moment. And they get that.
Reach out to friend of the Plato fam, Cam Sampson, to learn more: cam@elevategifting.com .
And drop us a line if you want help with making event swag one of many memorable parts of your event.