Making Your Mark at Cannabis Trade Shows
Cannabis trade shows like MJBizCon, Hall of Flowers, and Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference attract thousands of attendees—and hundreds of exhibitors competing for attention. The right promotional products can help your booth stand out and keep your brand in attendees' hands (and minds) long after the show ends.
Top Swag Categories for Cannabis Events
1. Functional Smoking Accessories
Items people will actually use beat generic giveaways every time.
Custom Grinders
- The #1 trade show giveaway in the cannabis industry
- Budget option: 2-piece acrylic grinders ($1-2 each at volume)
- Premium option: 4-piece metal grinders ($5-8 each)
- Pro tip: Add your booth number to drive traffic during the show
Rolling Trays
- Maximum branding real estate
- Small trays work well for high-volume giveaways
- Great for showcasing detailed artwork or multiple products
Stash Jars
- UV-protective glass shows you understand the product
- Practical daily use item
- Various sizes from 1oz to 4oz
Lighters and Hemp Wick
- Universal appeal—everyone needs a lighter
- Budget-friendly for mass distribution
- Hemp wick adds an eco-friendly angle
2. Apparel and Wearables
T-Shirts
- Create designs people actually want to wear
- Consider artistic designs over logo-heavy branding
- Limited edition show-exclusive designs create urgency
Hats
- Snapbacks and dad hats remain popular
- Embroidered logos look premium
- Great for year-round brand visibility
Socks
- Unexpected and memorable
- Full custom designs possible
- People love unique socks
3. Tech and Useful Items
Phone Accessories
- PopSockets with your logo
- Phone wallets for cards
- Charging cables (always needed at shows)
Bags and Totes
- Attendees need something to carry their swag
- Your bag = walking billboard all day
- Quality matters—flimsy bags get tossed
Notebooks and Pens
- Trade shows mean meetings and notes
- Branded notebooks get daily use
- Quality pens get kept, cheap ones don't
4. Food and Consumables
Branded Snacks
- Custom-labeled mints or gummies (non-infused)
- Protein bars or energy snacks
- Coffee or tea samples
Bottled Water
- Trade show floors are dehydrating
- Custom labels are affordable
- Creates goodwill with tired attendees
Trade Show Swag Strategy
The Tiered Approach
Don't give premium items to everyone—create tiers:
Tier 1: Everyone (High Volume, Low Cost)
- Stickers
- Pens
- Small acrylic grinders
- Lighters
Budget: $0.50-2 per item
Tier 2: Engaged Prospects (Medium Volume)
- Quality grinders
- Small rolling trays
- Branded apparel
Budget: $5-15 per item
Tier 3: Hot Leads & VIPs (Limited Quantity)
- Premium gift sets
- High-end grinders
- Exclusive limited items
Budget: $25-50+ per item
Timing Your Giveaways
- Day 1: Lead with mid-tier items to build buzz
- Day 2: Premium items for scheduled meetings
- Final day: Clear remaining inventory generously
Creative Ideas That Stand Out
Interactive Giveaways
- Spin-the-wheel for different prize tiers
- Social media contest (post a photo, win premium swag)
- Business card raffle for grand prizes
Collaborative Products
- Partner with complementary brands for co-branded items
- Influencer-designed limited editions
- Artist collaborations for unique designs
Show-Specific Items
- Items featuring the show name/date (collectible)
- City-specific designs for regional shows
- "I survived MJBizCon" style items
Planning Your Trade Show Budget
How Much Should You Spend?
A general guideline for trade show promotional products:
- Small booth (10x10): $1,000-3,000 in swag
- Medium booth (10x20): $3,000-7,000 in swag
- Large booth (20x20+): $7,000-15,000+ in swag
Quantity Planning
Estimate based on expected attendance and your booth traffic:
- Plan for 20-30% of total attendees to visit your booth
- Not everyone who visits will take swag
- Better to have leftovers than run out early
Major Cannabis Trade Shows in 2024-2025
- MJBizCon (Las Vegas, December) - The biggest in the industry
- Hall of Flowers (California, ongoing) - West coast focused
- CHAMPS Trade Show (Las Vegas, multiple) - Smoke shop focused
- Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference (Various) - Investment focused
- CannaCon (Various cities) - Regional shows
- Lift & Co. (Canada) - Canadian market
Get Started on Your Trade Show Order
Planning ahead is crucial for trade show merchandise. Most custom items need 3-4 weeks for production, so start early!
MunchMakers specializes in custom cannabis accessories with low minimums perfect for trade shows. Request a free mockup to see your designs on our products, or contact our team to discuss your upcoming event needs.