Best gifts for speakers: Unique and thoughtful conference gifts
The perfect gifts for presenters express gratitude and leave a lasting impression.
Thoughtful gifts for speakers are essential during conferences as they enhance the presenter's experience. They also work to strengthen the bond between your company and the speaker long term.
Not sure how to choose the right gifts? Check out this comprehensive list of unique and memorable gifts for speakers.
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Presenter gifts are more than a mere courtesy. The right choices symbolize appreciation for presenters' expertise and time—gifts can also help cultivate stronger professional relationships.
Speaker gifts are typically intended for those who contribute significantly to an event. Recipients can include keynote speakers, panelists, and workshop leaders; in many cases moderators and hosts should also receive gifts.
Beyond gratitude, these gifts foster goodwill and encourage future collaborations. Like any thoughtful corporate gift, the right token of appreciation makes recipients feel valued.
Still, selecting the perfect gift isn’t always straightforward. Research indicates a persistent gap between how gift-givers and gift-recipients measure value. For this reason, gifts that include a degree of choice and flexibility—gift cards for example—are a reliable choice if you’re ever in doubt.
Welcome key partners by sharing great presenter gifts before your event. Pre-event gifts create anticipation and excitement for the conference. Consider gifts that align with the event's theme to reinforce the focus of your conference.
Speakers will appreciate practical gifts before the event, especially those that support stress-free travel. Plus, meaningful gifts reflect well on your organization.
Gifts don't always need to be physical or hold monetary value. Publicity is a fantastic offering, including features in event marketing or social media shout-outs.
Travel-related gifts for speakers improve the journey to and from your event.
Consider functional items that enhance comfort. Lightweight and compact gifts are ideal for travelers—here are a few ideas:
Or let the speaker choose something that suits their travel needs perfectly by sending a gift card for:
Thoughtful gestures on arrival day make presenters feel appreciated as they prepare for the event.
These gifts should provide comfort and excitement, helping speakers transition into conference-mode. Room drops are ideal. They can be delivered to the speaker's accommodation so they’re convenient and welcoming.
On arrival day, hosts have an opportunity to share local culture. Items showcasing regional specialties add unique charm and can make the visit more memorable for out-of-town speakers.
Giving personalized gifts on the day a speaker arrives helps get them excited for the event. If gifts include items or opportunities presenters can't experience at home, all the better. You might choose:
Gift cards are also a great option for pampering, snacks, local cuisine, forgotten essentials, or getting around. Speakers are likely to appreciate a gift card for:
During the conference, gifts can enhance a speaker's experience. These gifts should be highly practical and aimed at helping the day go smoothly.
Remember, positive publicity during the event can be a powerful business conference gift. Recognizing speakers on social media or event platforms enhances their visibility. Useful publicity can also include features in newsletters or event materials, highlighting presenter sessions or achievements.
Useful presenter gifts for the day of the show include:
Gift cards could include options for coffee, lunch, a nearby office supply store like Staples, or a quick shopping break at a neighborhood retailer.
Event giveaways are another great option, provided they align with the event theme and the speakers' interests.
Successful giveaways might include tech accessories or travel essentials that blend high-quality, utility, and memorable branding.
Goodbye gifts serve as a token of gratitude and acknowledgment—they also help ensure that speakers remember the event fondly.
Quality gifts for speakers can serve as conversation starters post-event. A well-chosen gift has the potential to extend the event's impact.
Avoid overly extravagant or cumbersome corporate gifts. Instead, focus on gifts that balance sophistication with utility.
To bid speakers farewell and leave a lasting impression, consider one of the following:
Selecting the right gift leaves a lasting impression that resonates well after the event concludes.
Worried about sending your speaker home with too much swag? Consider Reward Link, the fastest and easiest way to send a choice of digital gift cards. Your presenter can choose exactly what they want and have it shipped home.
Follow-up thank you gifts offer a final touchpoint with speakers, reinforcing their positive experience participating in your event.
The timing of these gifts is important—send them as soon as possible after the event to keep momentum going. This conveys attentiveness and professionalism.
Personalizing gifts is a great way to show appreciation. For example, small details like a hand-written thank-you note add a special touch.
Be sure to recognize speakers on social media to complement any physical gifts, gifts with monetary value, or honoraria you send out.
The perfect event follow-up gift is unique and memorable. A few ideas include:
Choosing a gift card from a brand you know the speaker likes also strikes a nice balance—it feels personal but ultimately leaves the final selection to your recipient.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to presenter gifts. Some gifts are practical, others offer relaxation and comfort—gifts can be personal or shared, physical or experiential.
Let’s explore a variety of potential speaker gifts that cater to different needs and preferences.
The tokens of appreciation your company chooses should reflect gratitude and respect, ideally resonating with the speaker on a personal level.
Here are a few thoughtful appreciation gift ideas:
A gift card for luxury home office items from CB2 or Crate & Barrel is another nice option. For the speaker who appreciates vintage or collectables, a gift card for Etsy or Ebay would allow them to select a perfectly unique item that suits their taste.
Cozy gifts offer relaxation post-event—this type of present helps presenters unwind and de-stress.
Some cozy gift suggestions include:
Other cozy gift cards could include Bath and Body Works or Soothe. You might also send a card for food or grocery delivery to help speakers settle back in and recharge.
Unique gifts should be unconventional but indispensable. Ideally, these everyday helpers solve problems creatively or introduce a sense of wonder.
Consider these everyday helper ideas:
Gift cards for brands that help people uniquely meet everyday needs include Ace Hardware or L.L. Bean.
Practical gifts efficiently support a speaker's professional life. These presents help the recipient work smarter and should align with the presenter’s specialty.
Great practical gift ideas include:
A practical gift that is frequently used will keep the memory of your event fresh. Or let the speaker pick their own practical gift with a gift card from Office Depot or Staples.
Desk essentials are timeless gifts that enhance a workspace—they reflect a blend of practicality and elegance. Just be sure to choose quality items that will stand the test of time.
Consider these desktop essential ideas:
You might also send a gift card that allows speakers to choose their own desk accessory from The Container Store, Pottery Barn, or IKEA.
Tech accessories make practical, widely appreciated gifts. Choose items that are compatible with everyday digital equipment.
Even budget-friendly gifts should maintain quality and function.
Budget tech gift ideas include:
Inexpensive tech gifts can offer substantial value by making work easier. You might also let the speaker choose their own accessory from Amazon or Walmart.
Presenters who value sustainability will appreciate thoughtful, eco-conscious gifts.
Consider products that align with sustainability goals or practices—these gifts should offer usability and minimize environmental impact.
Some sustainable options are:
Planet-friendly gifts express a shared commitment to our environment. Depending on the speaker, they may also appreciate the sustainability (and uniqueness) of resale—choose a gift card to Etsy, Poshmark, or ThredUP.
Sweet treats are a classic gift that many recipients appreciate. Just be sure to choose treats that cater to broad palates and dietary needs.
Consider these sweet treat ideas:
Sweet treats combine affordability with appeal. You could also let the presenter choose their own treat (and enjoy it fresh) with a gift card for Cinnabon, Cold Stone Creamery, or The Cheesecake Factory.
Elevated gifts show a superior level of appreciation and thoughtfulness—they should be carefully curated and premium.
Potential elevated gifts are:
Elevated gifts are well-suited for speakers deserving an extra-special token. If you're not exactly sure what the presenter would value, consider a generous gift card to a high-end department store or premium athletic brand.
Wow-worthy gifts surprise and exceed expectations. These could be rare, exotic, or exceptionally thoughtful. Experiential gifts (one-of-a-kind events or experiences for an individual or group) create lasting memories that can up the wow-factor.
Wow-worthy gift ideas include:
You might also give speakers a choice of memorable experiences with a gift card for Virgin Experience or StubHub.
Choosing the right speaker gifts isn't easy but the payoff is worth your time. Personalized, thoughtful corporate gifts can make your corporate event more memorable and your partnerships more meaningful for years to come.
If you're organizing a major conference with hundreds of speakers, or regularly host large events, a rewards management platform like Tango takes the guess work out of meaningful gifting at scale. Send thousands of custom presenter gifts in a few clicks with an easy-to-use portal—and let speakers choose the perfect token to remember you by.
Want to send one-of-a-kind speaker gifts at scale? Schedule a call with the Tango team or download our guide to seamless enterprise gifting programs.
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