There’s tons of official branded merchandise available on the 2008 Olympics website, but these unique promotional sports products really caught my eye. Items like volleyballs, baseballs, soccer balls, and basketballs demonstrate just how many schwag options there are in the world of sports promotions. Instead of using common products that everyone has already seen, the people behind the Olympic schwag collection focused on unique items that aren’t typically used as promotions. There’s no doubt in my mind that they will sell tons of these cool sports products.

The Olympic schwag collection also highlights another use of sports promotions. While some teams and stadiums choose to use promotional products as free giveaway items, others re-sell the merchandise as memorabilia to fans that want souvenirs. There are plenty of uses for imprinted sports items – it’s up to you to find the best!

Posted: August 15th, 2008 under Olympic Games.
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Although global brands like Coca Cola have spent tens of millions of dollars on advertising and sponsorship during the 2008 Olympic games, many are questioning the effectiveness of their investments. Coke has already spent over $70 million to put their brand in front of a massive international audience, yet market surveys show that many people in China are still unsure of who the official sponsors of the Olympics actually are.

According to surveys conducted by the China Market Research Group, almost 60 percent of respondents incorrectly identified Pepsi as an official sponsor, instead of Coke! With a variety of huge brands all pouring millions of dollars into high-visibility campaigns at once, it’s no wonder that consumers are getting confused. In order to rise above the crowd, companies need to re-think their marketing strategies, and start going guerrilla.

Getting physical products into the hands of China’s massive market could be the answer struggling sponsors are looking for. Instead of competing for consumer attention with ignorable billboards and print advertisements, sponsors must rely on getting branded items such as apparel, drinkware, and travel items into the hands of potential customers. These types of promotions do a much better job of gaining undivided attention and delivering a marketing message while also building brand awareness. The Team Schwag staff expects a large portion of advertising budgets to be allocated for promotional products in the 2012 games, as sponsors learn from their mistakes and adjust their marketing approach.

Posted: August 13th, 2008 under Olympic Games.
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With Olympics around the corner, China is teeming with fanaticism and sporty promos. The man who designed this symbolic bicycle, Meng Jie, was formerly a mechanic but became inspired when the Olympics hit his country. He rides the five-ringed bicycle around the country to promote enthusiasm and hype. It represents the Beijing Games because it demonstrates the high-tech innovation of China and encourages eco-friendly bike riding.

Posted: July 7th, 2008 under Cycling, General, Olympic Games.
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2008 is the year of the rat, and the year of the Olympic games in Beijing. I can’t wait to see the Olympic schwag that’s headed our way!

Posted: March 18th, 2008 under Olympic Games.
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