The Dreamforce 2024 Swag Report: How San Francisco’s Top Brands Are Winning with Sustainable Merchandise

Gone are the days of cheap pens and flimsy totes. Dreamforce 2024 ushered in a new era of branded merchandise—one built on value, sustainability, and measurable impact.

If you walked the floors of Moscone Center during Dreamforce 2024, you felt the unmistakable energy of innovation. But beyond the keynotes and product demos, a quieter revolution was taking place at the exhibitor booths. The era of disposable, forgettable corporate swag is officially over. Salesforce partners and tech giants alike demonstrated a profound shift, trading mass-produced trinkets for high-quality, eco-conscious branded merchandise that tells a story.

This wasn’t just about giving things away; it was a masterclass in extending brand presence. From sustainable apparel to thoughtfully curated employee welcome kits, the most successful companies proved that the right swag can forge lasting connections long after the conference ends.

The End of Junk Swag: Why Quality and Values Now Reign Supreme

For years, the trade show playbook was simple: order thousands of low-cost items, slap a logo on them, and hope for the best. Dreamforce 2024 flipped that script. Companies like Twilio, Snowflake, and Asana showcased merchandise that was a direct reflection of their corporate values. The new strategy isn’t about volume; it’s about impact.

The goal is no longer a momentary impression but meaningful brand retention. A cheap pen ends up in a drawer, but a well-designed, ethically sourced hoodie or a durable water bottle becomes a part of someone’s daily life. This shift recognizes that modern audiences expect more. They connect with brands that align with their own values, and your corporate gifting strategy is a powerful way to show you understand that.

The Top 4 Corporate Swag Trends That Dominated Dreamforce 2024

Four clear trends emerged from the most successful booths, setting the standard for corporate merchandising in the years to come.

1. Tech That Actually Gets Used

In a room full of tech professionals, generic gadgets fall flat. The winners offered practical, high-utility items that solve a real problem. Branded wireless charging pads, premium Bluetooth trackers, and portable power banks were in high demand because they integrate seamlessly into the daily workflow of the target audience.

2. Sustainable Sips: Eco-Friendly Drinkware

Single-use plastic is out. Insulated bottles made from bamboo, tumblers crafted from recycled aluminum, and high-quality reusable coffee cups were everywhere. This trend does double duty: it promotes your brand while clearly demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

3. Onboarding Kits That Make an Impression

Smart companies used Dreamforce as a launchpad for their employee experience. They created “onboarding” versions of their event swag, giving new hires a taste of the company culture from day one. These custom employee kits create a powerful sense of belonging before an employee even logs in for their first day.

4. Waste-Free Gifting with Digital Redemption

To combat the waste of mismatched apparel sizes and unwanted items, many brands turned to QR code-based gift portals. Attendees could scan a code, choose their preferred item and size, and have it shipped directly to them. This approach not only reduces waste but also provides valuable data and a personalized, high-touch experience.

From Giveaway to Growth Engine: Tying Swag to Your Bottom Line

The most sophisticated marketers at Dreamforce understand that swag isn’t an expense; it’s an investment. Giveaways were strategically integrated into the entire marketing funnel. A high-value item wasn’t just handed out—it was an incentive for a product demo, a reward for engaging with a digital experience, or a physical follow-up to a promising conversation.

Furthermore, the rise of digital redemption platforms, championed by companies like Boundless and Zorch, allows for unprecedented ROI tracking. By connecting giveaway analytics directly to a CRM, brands can now measure how a piece of merchandise influences a lead’s journey to becoming a customer. Swag has officially evolved from a simple handout to a data-driven business tool.

The San Francisco Advantage: A Case Study in Local, Sustainable Sourcing

Dreamforce’s San Francisco home provides a unique edge for exhibitors. The city is a hub for innovative and socially conscious vendors who understand the tech industry’s DNA. This local ecosystem allows for faster turnarounds, more creative collaboration, and a shared commitment to sustainability.

For example, San Francisco-based Social Imprints partnered with a cloud security brand to create a line of recycled cotton hoodies made entirely from surplus fabric. The campaign was a massive success, minimizing production waste while resonating deeply with attendees who value environmental responsibility.

“When attendees proudly reuse your water bottle six months after the event, that’s meaningful brand retention—not just a momentary impression.”

This success story highlights the powerful alignment between a brand’s mission, its merchandise, and its choice of a local, values-driven partner.

Your Playbook for Creating Dreamforce-Level Swag

As corporate events continue to gain momentum, the expectations for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) alignment will only grow. Ethically produced apparel, products from fair-trade supply chains, and a clear focus on utility are no longer optional—they are the new standard. Your next giveaway strategy must intertwine personalization, sustainability, and data-driven insights to succeed.

Start with the Right Partner

Choosing a vendor is about more than just a product catalog; it’s about finding a strategic partner who understands your goals. Here are some of the top names that helped brands succeed at Dreamforce:

• SocialImprints.com – San Francisco’s leader in eco-conscious corporate swag and custom employee kits.
• Canary Marketing – Known for design-forward merchandising and turnkey fulfillment.
• Zorch – Scalable solutions for enterprise-level gifting programs.
• Boundless – A focus on integrating promotional tech with CRM-based event analytics.
• Creative MC – A boutique agency specializing in creative and luxury swag experiences.

Ready to Create Swag People Actually Keep?

Dreamforce 2024 proved that a box of forgotten pens won’t build your brand. You deserve merchandise that tells your story, reflects your values, and drives real, lasting connections. Whether you’re planning for the next big trade show, thanking your clients, or redesigning your employee onboarding kits, the right partner makes all the difference.

Stop wasting your budget on swag that ends up in the trash. It’s time to invest in items that people will love, use, and remember you by.