As you prepare for your company’s annual outing to celebrate yet another successful year, here’s a suggestion: Forget the obvious! Sure, giving away imprinted visors or sunglasses are always good bets. But there’s so much more mileage you could gain from summertime fun…

Create some talk with the announcement. Rather than the typical promotional flyer, why not deliver an invite imprinted on a Frisbee? Or tie the event to a theme – if you’re throwing a luau, attach an invitation to a lei. If you’re planning a picnic, screen print an invite onto a checkered cloth napkin. Make sure your staff senses that management gets pleasure just from planning the get-together.

Don’t forget the paper goods. If you need to purchase disposable plates, cups, etc., invest a little extra to imprint them with your company tagline and logo. Show your employees you believe in your brand and get them excited about it in the process! Plus, by buying these goods in volume, you’ll cut the cost per piece and have extras for use at customer luncheons, employee meetings and open houses throughout the year.

Make sure children feel welcome. Don’t just invite the young ones; take steps to ensure they have a good time. You’ll show your employees that family matters by planning games and surprises to delight their children and grandchildren. Consider a treasure hunt consisting of small, inexpensive (but safe) toys imprinted with your corporate logo. Hand out “fun buckets” – imprinted sand pails with treats, pint-sized sunglasses and bubbles/bubble wands customized with your logo.

Build team spirit. Organize a walkathon or hiking expedition. Take a cue from the hit reality show Survivor and create your own company “buffs” to give employees for the event. Provide imprinted water bottles and sunscreen to show you care that everyone is well hydrated and comfortable.

Whatever the venue of your event, remember that summer brings people outdoors and – if you plan right – it can also carry your company name out and about as well.

If you’d like help planning your company’s summer festivities, give me a call or send me an e-mail!

P.S. Have you considered supporting the community in exchange for a bit of brand awareness? You could donate ice chests imprinted with your company name for a fishing tournament... or logoed bats and balls for a summer camp for inner city children…