Looking for inspiration for your next incentive trip room drop? You’re in the right place.
Room drops are a fantastic way to surprise and delight your attendees, making their experience even more memorable. With the corporate gifts industry valued at over $300 billion globally, it’s clear that thoughtful gifting plays a major role in business and event strategies. Whether you want to energize, pamper, or inspire, the right gift can elevate the entire trip for your attendees.
Here are ten of the best room drop ideas to consider for your next corporate event.
A welcome kit tailored to each event attendee is a great way to start the trip off right. Include branded swag like water bottles, notebooks, or sunglasses alongside a handwritten note from leadership.
Research shows that receivers of personalized gifts are more likely to take care of them, as the emotional bond with the gift makes attendees cherish and look after the event is over.
Travel and event activities can be exhausting, and a little pick-me-up is exactly what tired attendees need. A curated snack spread with chocolates, trail mix, popcorn, or locally sourced goodies is a thoughtful and practical room drop on the first day.
Add a couple of drinks (sparkling water, beer, signature cocktail mixer, etc.) to make the gift extra thoughtful.
Tech gifts are always a hit with attendees and are practical for business and leisure.
Wireless earbuds, branded power banks, or mini Bluetooth speakers make excellent room drops. If your event includes long sessions or excursions, consider noise-canceling sleep masks or smart water bottles that remind users to stay hydrated.
Corporate incentive trips should be a mix of work, play, and relaxation.
Help your attendees unwind with wellness-focused gifts like aromatherapy kits, high-end skincare products, or sleep-enhancing pillow mists. A branded yoga mat or a guided meditation app subscription also makes for an appreciated surprise.
After all, employees who feel appreciated are 18 times more likely to perform well, highlighting the importance of recognition through thoughtful gifts.
Lean into your event’s location by giving gifts that reflect the spirit of the destination.
If you're in Hawaii, consider a lei and local macadamia nuts.
Hosting an event in Italy? A bottle of high-quality olive oil or artisanal pasta makes a wonderful keepsake.
This approach helps attendees feel immersed in the experience while bringing home a piece of their journey.
Attendees love stylish or wearable gifts, especially ones they can use during the trip.
High-quality branded hoodies, sun hats, or comfortable slides are great choices. Make it personal by asking for their size in your pre-event survey so attendees receive a perfect fit.
Provide a kit that prepares attendees for the adventure if your event includes outdoor activities or excursions. Sunglasses, sunscreen, portable fans, and hydration packs are all practical and fun gifts.
For colder destinations, consider cozy beanies, gloves, or insulated drink tumblers to keep them warm.
Memorable experiences deserve lasting souvenirs.
Consider gifting your attendees high-quality leather luggage tags, engraved keychains, or a framed photo from a special event moment. These items serve as a reminder of the trip and the company’s appreciation after they return home.
After a full day of networking and activities, a cozy night in might be just what your attendees need. Create a late-night indulgence kit featuring gourmet hot chocolate, sleep masks, fluffy socks, and a small book or puzzle. For an added touch, include a handwritten note from someone important in your company encouraging them to unwind and relax.
Depending on your audience, you might also consider adding a small bottle of premium rum and a cigar for a more luxurious indulgence.
Sometimes, the best gift isn’t a physical item but an unforgettable experience. Companies offering experiences like event tickets, workshops, or online courses accounted for 40% of corporate gifts in 2021.
Surprise your incentive trip attendees with a voucher for a spa treatment at your resort, a private cooking class, or a VIP excursion. This approach creates lasting memories and enhances the overall trip experience for them.
A thoughtful room drop is a way to make your event attendees feel valued and create lasting memories.
The right surprise can spark excitement, offer a moment of relaxation, or leave a meaningful connection to the destination. Long after the trip ends, it’s those small, personal touches that stand out the most.
Personalizing room drops can be as simple as including a handwritten note from leadership or customizing the items based on the attendee’s preferences.
Consider collecting size and interest information during the registration process (pre-event surveys) or use demographic data to create relevant gifts that will resonate with your group.
Related: How to create incentive events that resonate with future generations.
The best time to do a room drop is when attendees aren’t in their rooms. It can be a little awkward if they are there.
You’ll want to plan the room drop for times when attendees are out, like during a gala or a general session at a conference. If people are paying for their own rooms, it can be trickier to keep track of where they’re staying, so make sure to check room lists.
For things like t-shirts that need to be the right size, it can take a bit more effort to get it right. Overall, timing is key. It’s easiest to do your room drops when you can be sure the attendees will be busy and the rooms empty.
Yes, hotels usually charge a fee for doing room drops, which typically runs between $8 and $15 per room.
The good news is that you can sometimes negotiate the cost down in your event contract. If you’re doing the room drop during the event yourself, keep in mind that you can’t enter a room without a hotel staff member, so there will still be a fee involved.
Choosing the right gift for a diverse group of attendees requires understanding the preferences of different generations. Research shows that:
Generational preferences and life stages are often key considerations when designing incentive rewards and room drops. Looking for more incentive travel planning tips? Here are 6 incentive travel trends for 2025.
For more than 15 years, GoGather has delivered incredible incentive trips that support your creative concept, organizational mission, and event goals.
Our team is made up of the industry's most seasoned event experts who have seen and done it all. Let’s chat about how we can help you plan your best incentive trip yet.