Best Custom Drawstring Bags for Trade Shows & Conferences

The best trade show drawstring bag is a standard-size, lightweight bag with a bold, high-contrast front imprint that stays readable at 6–10 feet while people walk the floor.

For conferences, your bag’s job is to (1) carry paper and small swag without tearing, (2) stay comfortable enough that attendees keep it on, and (3) act like a moving sign for your booth.

Drawstring Bag

Top recommendations (2–4) — pick by booth strategy

1) “High-volume booth traffic” pick: standard lightweight drawstring bag

Best when you’re giving bags to many visitors and need flat-pack efficiency.

• Why it wins: fastest handout + lowest storage footprint
• What to print: big logo + short URL (skip long taglines)
• Best companion items: buttons + pens for quick adds

2) “Better keep-rate” pick: heavier / reinforced-corner drawstring bag (gym-grade feel)

Best when you want the bag to feel more durable so it’s reused after the show.

• Why it wins: fewer corner tears when attendees overload with brochures
• What to print: 1–2 color bold logo, centered (clean and readable)

3) “Premium attendee kit” pick: tote / messenger / backpack (when you’re NOT trying to hand out to everyone)

If your goal is daily use and higher perceived value, don’t force a drawstring bag.

• Totes: easiest for brochure-heavy events
• Messenger bags: structured for papers and commuting
• Backpacks: best for heavier loads and all-day comfort

Good / Better / Best table (trade show selection)

What to print (trade show rules that prevent “invisible swag”)

Rule 1: Print for distance, not for close-up reading.

• A drawstring bag on a moving attendee is basically a billboard at 6–10 feet.

Rule 2: One message.

Choose one primary:

• Logo only, or
• Logo + short URL, or
• Logo + 2–3 word tagline

Rule 3: Contrast beats cleverness.

• Dark bag + light ink, or light bag + dark ink.

If you want a tote-style “poster print,” use totes instead of squeezing complexity onto wrinkled fabric:

Quantity planning (trade show math + buffer logic)

Start with how you’ll staff and qualify leads.

Baselines (use one that matches your booth strategy)

• Everyone gets a bag: plan 25–40% of total show attendance if you’re in a high-traffic zone, or 10–20% if traffic is moderate.
• Qualified leads only: plan 2–4× your daily lead target (because not everyone you talk to becomes a lead).
• VIP-only (meetings scheduled): plan 1 per scheduled attendee + 10%.

Daily split + buffer

• Split by day if the show has multiple days (Day 1 often consumes the most).
• Add 10–20% buffer if restocking is hard or if you’re running a giveaway/raffle.

If you need time-sensitive fulfillment, route the plan through:

Event operations: storage, staffing, and distribution flow

Where drawstring bags win at trade shows

• Flat-pack staging behind the booth (minimal floor space).
• Fast handout without slowing conversations.
• Easy kit building if you pre-insert 2–3 light items.

Booth-flow tactics that improve outcomes

• Keep bags behind the table to avoid self-serve pile depletion.
• Hand the bag after a 10–20 second conversation (reduces “grab and vanish”).
• Pre-pack a small kit that supports follow-up:
• button (wearable reminder) + pen (desk stay)
If your booth includes branded infrastructure, don’t skip your table surface:

Mistakes to avoid (trade show edition)

1. Printing a long tagline that no one can read while walking.
2. Using low-contrast ink that disappears under expo lighting.
3. Ordering bags for “everyone” when your real goal is qualified leads.
4. Choosing thin bags for brochure-heavy shows (corners tear when overloaded).
5. Letting bags be self-serve at the front edge of the booth (they vanish).
6. Overstuffing the bag with bulky items (makes it uncomfortable to wear).
7. Forgetting Day 2/Day 3 inventory split (Day 1 burns stock).
8. Not pairing the bag with at least one “stays on the desk” item (pen) or “stays on the person” item (button).

FAQs

Are drawstring bags good for conferences?

Yes—drawstring bags work well for conferences when the kit is light and you print bold, high-contrast branding for visibility on the show floor.

What size is best for trade shows?

Standard size is best for most trade shows because it balances capacity for brochures with wearable comfort.

When should I choose totes instead of drawstrings?

Choose tote bags when attendees will frequently access papers and brochures and you want a flatter print presentation:

When should I choose backpacks instead?

Choose backpacks for heavier carry and daily commuting value:

What should I print on the bag?

A big logo plus a short URL (or logo only) is the safest trade show print for readability on wrinkled fabric.

How many should I order?

Order based on distribution strategy (everyone vs qualified leads vs VIP), then add a 10–20% buffer if restocking is difficult.

What products pair best with drawstring bags at a booth?

Buttons and pens pair well because they’re lightweight and keep your brand visible after the show:

Where should I link for more trade show items?

Use the trade show category hub: