From tchotchkes to charity

At many tradeshows, you would need a backpack just for tchotchkes, those “might as well grab one” giveaway items that are staples at exhibit booths. From logoed pens to notepads, these items are ways to remind visitors of your company after the show — yet sometimes fill up the trash can.

The Baker Tilly marketing events team rethought this approach of instilling our firm’s name in the minds of our booth visitors (a.k.a., future clients) by creating a memorable experience.

At several major conference exhibit booths in 2023, the team chucked the tchotchkes aside for charity: more specifically, an opportunity to support children’s literacy. Each booth visitor had the chance to write an inspiring note to a child, encouraging them to explore the world and see its possibilities through reading. Each note was paired with a book, packaged in a logoed backpack and delivered to a local not-for-profit organization.

As a result, Baker Tilly delivered a total of 600 backpacks to the Ronald McDonald House in Las Vegas, Faith-Based Finance Collaborative in Dallas and A Gift for Teaching in Orlando following three major tradeshows.

This giveback experience is just one of the many ways Baker Tilly teams are working to host more sustainable events.