Important 2021 Holiday Season Update:

By now, we’re all aware of the delays in supply chains. After all, it’s been affecting shipping and delivery since the pandemic began. You may think you’re prepared for your holiday gifting, but you may not be aware that 58% of companies plan to step up their gifting game compared to years past, according to a recent study. That makes it more important than ever to order early to ensure you don’t miss the holiday season entirely.

We’re here to make sure your holiday gifting goes off without a hitch. From planning your schedule (we recommend ordering before November) to weighing your gift options to finding the best pricing and availability, we’ve got your back. And don’t forget, holiday gifts aren’t just for clients—they’re also the perfect way to show employee appreciation. Don’t delay… Happy gifting!

Gifting and Employee Rewards

In 2020, M&IW rolled out its enhanced gifting and employee reward platform to clients. Since its release, the gifting and rewards programs have expanded dramatically across virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings and celebratory events. While there are literally dozens of practical use cases for a corporate branded reward platform where participants can choose from a selection of gifts and rewards, the top four are outlined below.

Top 4 Use Cases

#1: Pre-Event Gifts and Activity Kits

Some event planners have chosen to create custom pre-event gift packages that may include activities, cocktail kits, or games that may be played during the opening session of an event or creating a digital cocktail hour or team-building experience.

#2: End-of-Event Surprise

Others have added a gifting portal to their program and surprise their attendees with an “Oprah” Gifting moment during the closing session. This moment truly surprises and delights attendees as they are excited to log into the portal and discover all of the gifts, rewards, and travel options available to them. This built-in customization allows attendees to truly pick the item that brings them the most joy, connecting that joy to your brand.

#3: Post-Event Leave Behind

Many organizations have also chosen to send post-event gifts to their attendees to remind them of the meeting, event, or experience. For example, after an event virtual concert, customized post-event gifts were sent to the attendees that included autographed items and group photos.

#4: Client and Employee Appreciation

It’s been a challenging 18 months and counting. Small gestures like branded merchandise make a huge difference in how your customers view you and your company—now’s the time to thank them for sticking with you. And don’t forget your employees! You can show them that you care and recognize the hard work they’ve put in under unrelenting conditions. In turn, gifting increases loyalty, improves morale and builds stronger relationships.

The Attendee Journey

Because of the inherent flexibility, these programs offer fun, exciting, and engaging ways to connect employees and stakeholders. Branded email marketing initiatives support the attendee journey, ensuring that communication is clear, that the experience is holistic, and that attendees are excited during each stage of the meeting and event.

Bonus — Gifting Kits for HR

Gifting kits have also become a trending topic for corporate teams looking to elevate their connections with new hires, during employee training, and in virtual professional development programs.

#1: New Hire Kits

Send new employees branded content and supporting materials such as a welcome brochure, personalized training agenda, or a letter from the CEO paired with a branded gift, gift card, or activity voucher.

#2: Training Kits

If your virtual event includes professional development or employee training, consider sending them a kit that includes their personalized program’s agenda, login instructions, pre-event work, a gift that pairs with a personal development activity, or a leave-behind keepsake.

#3: Activity Kits

Kits can also be crafted to support in-event activities or entertainment. Ship a series of different gifts and use it as an icebreaker, a get-to-know-you activity, or as a way to organically create breakout sessions around key topics.

Production & Fulfillment

Based on the parameters of your chosen gift or activity kit, materials are either crafted and kitted by the event management staff in-house using custom branded boxes, fillers, gifts, note cards, or other included materials. Gift boxes are then shipped directly to the attendee before or after the event as specified.

If leveraging a gifting portal, email automation is in place to confirm selected gifts, capture and process attendee data, and ship materials directly to the attendee’s home office from multiple locations, based on product. * Due to the scale and quantity of possible products, custom packaging is generally unavailable.

What’s Next?

To learn more about corporate gifting and employee reward programs, email sales@meetings-incentives.com to schedule a 30-minute consultation with an engagement strategies expert.

Already an M&IW Customer?

Contact your Client Success Manager to schedule a 30-minute consultation or to request a private tour of our rewards portfolio and gifting portal.