Discover the best speaker gifts and tips for sharing your appreciation with those who helped make your conference shine!
What are speaker gifts?
Conference speaker gifts are a way of thanking those who shaped your event and made it memorable. From keynote speakers, panelists, judges, and trainers to DJs, event emcees, and more, a thoughtful gift congratulates those who helped shape your conference for a job well done!
Tips for choosing gifts for conference speakers
When it comes to choosing a thoughtful gift for your event performers, there are a few things you can do to ensure your speaker gift sends the right message. By considering cultural differences, personal preferences, and practicality (and sustainability!), as well as professionalism, you can give corporate gifts with confidence!
Cultural Considerations
The best conference speaker gifts take into consideration your recipient’s cultural norms. These norms can include values, beliefs, and any specific gift-giving customs. While you may need to do a little research beforehand, it's worth the extra time it takes!
Personal Preferences
Just as cultural considerations can make for a more appreciated gift, taking personal preferences into your speaker’s present can make the gift even more memorable. While you may not know everything about your recipient, any foods, music, hobbies, sports, or colors can be used to make for a unique item.
Don’t forget practicality!
Who wouldn’t want to receive something extraordinary that they could use on repeat? Whether it’s a custom jacket or hoodie, an innovative tech gift like headphones, or a waterproof speaker, there are plenty of fun and functional options. Not only does this give your corporate speaker gift value, but it’s a sustainable option that reflects kindly on your company’s values too.
Keep it professional.
Your keynote speaker was hired to support the company event, and your guest speaker gifts ideas should represent your company. When it comes to branded merchandise, keeping your designs in line with your company is the best way to heighten your brand identity. Don’t worry, being professional doesn’t have to mean boring. Check out our Lookbook for memorable speaker gifts that will give your company the recognition it deserves.
36 Presenter and Keynote Speaker Gifts
Explore the best custom gifts for speakers that provide a personalized token of appreciation! Not just for your in-person conference speakers, these are also ideal swag picks for your virtual conference too!
Token of Appreciation Ideas: Coffee Set
Perfect gifts for that much-needed cup of Joe—and everything else too!
1. Custom Electric Kettle
For a gift your recipient can use on repeat, an electric kettle is loved for pour-over coffee, teas, and more! Like the idea of giving gifts that can be used in the home? There are a lot more options available. Talk to your Gemnote rep for ideas or browse home items in the Lookbook.
2. Smart Mug
Temperature settings mean coffee is always the perfect temp and just the way they like it! With an Ember Mug, all your recipient has to do is download the free app and the rest is history!
Cozy Speaker Gift Ideas
The perfect gifts for kicking back and relaxing are a perfect reminder that work-life balance prevails, especially after that successful conference! Custom blankets also offer many customization options from screen-printing and embroidery to patches and labels.
3. Customized Camp Blanket
What’s better than a gift you can curl up with? The only thing that can make this camp blanket better is adding your company’s logo! Talk to your Gemnote rep about creating a blanket that reflects your company's branding for professional gifting made easy!
4. Custom Diffuser
For a unique gift idea you can’t go wrong with a diffuser that helps set the mood for any occasion. Want to make your gift even more memorable? Add in some quality essential oils so your recipient can start enjoying your gift immediately!
Practical Guest Speaker Presents: Office Helpers
What's more useful than high-end office supplies? Just be sure to order extra since you're going to want to add these to your onboarding kits and swag store too!
5. Muti-Device Wireless Charging Hub
Convenience doesn’t have to end at your conference! As a gift, this tech-friendly hub is perfect for helping your recipient stay connected!
6. Contrast Duffel Bag ASColour
The best custom duffel bags are always a top gift idea, not just for speakers, but for onboarding kits too! Talk to your Gemnote rep about how you can save money per piece when you order in bilk.
Special Token for Speakers: Bluetooth Trackers
Staying on top of things while keeping track of essentials is always helpful at work and at home! So, if you love it, track it!
7. Custom Airtag
No more searching for keys, backpacks, or even pets… with a compact tracker like the Apple AirTag!
8. Apple AirTag Holder
The only thing that can make an AirTag gift better is including a keychain holder, like this one from Native Union, so it stays attached to your gear!
Perfect Pairings Conference Gifts: Wine Set
ready to really celebrate your those who made your event shine? Wine sets and accessories are a great way to raise a toast to your speakers—and you don't even have to include alcohol.
9. Stemless Wine Glass
When it comes to a great gift it’s all about the details. Kind of like double-walled wine glasses that are hot or cold-ready!
10. Custom Ice Bucket
After a job well done, an ice bucket is just the thing to toast the bubbly!
Speaker Gift Ideas: Classy Desktop Essentials
There’s something to be said for upscale essentials, and in this case, much appreciation! These gifts are perfect for professionals—and speakers—who work in the office and from home!
11. Elevated Desktop Organizer Set
Help your recipients keep their desk nice and tidy with a sleek organizer set.
12. Stylish Belt Cable for Charging
The best cables are just as stylish as they are functional. For ultimate kudos, choose a fun patterned style with leather accents, like this one from Native Union and pair with a custom bag for safe keeping!
Unique Gifts: Everyday Helpers
You can’t underestimate the help of an extra hand, and these bags are perfect for delivering hands-free storage.
13. Custom Reusable Tote
A lot of time is spent brainstorming ways to keep your conference attendees engaged. Well, don’t underestimate the power of a great tote that keeps their essentials safe while they’re taking in your event.
14. Custom Fanny Pack
Another hands-free fave is the good ole’ fanny pack. Talk to your Gemnote rep about designing one that is spot-on for your brand!
Gift Ideas for Speakers: Inexpensive Functional Tech Accessories
Tech-accessories for attendees and giveaways? Why not? With so many innovative yet inexpensive options, you’ll be thrilled at the swag you have available!
15. Bluetooth® Speaker
Let your recipients take their tunes on the go! And, for extra props, a waterproof style, like this floating Mino X by Lexon, means the party doesn’t have to stop once you hit the water!
16. MagSafe Accessories
There is something to be said for the ease of MagSafe—just let the magnetic snap into place and you are ready to go! So with a MagSafe PopSocket, your recipient can have the best of both worlds, and an extra hand for taking selfies or using as a phone stand to watch reels, videos, and more! Plus, they’re an easy option for gifting branded accessories!
Handy and Sustainable Gifts: Travel Packing Cubes
Fun, functional, and perfect for adding to gift baskets or accompanying a tote, bag, or backpack, these travel essentials are great gifts for guest speaker!
17. Travel Pouches
With so many options for colors, patterns, and customization, designing an on-brand bag just got a whole lot more fun!
18. Custom Wash Bag
An elevated version of a reusable tote, this is the one they’ll want for vacations, weekends, and even commutes!
Inexpensive Gift Ideas: Sweet and Treats!
Unexpected, inexpensive, and delicious! Your conference isn’t complete without a tasty treat! As for your guest speaker gifts, they're perfect for accompanying branded apparel, custom drinkware, tech faves and more!
19. Custom Chocolate
Who doesn’t go a little wild for the best custom chocolates? Try adding to your attendee's registration packets and swag bags as a treat between meals.
20. An Unexpected Treat
A little unexpected and a lot of fun! It’s like the first sip of red wine—in a gummy, but without the alcohol. It’s also ideal for amping up your happy hour gift boxes!
Sustainable Gifts: Always-Reliable Insulated Bottles
When it comes to staying hydrated on the go, nothing beats these long-standing faves.
21. The Ultimate To-Go Cup!
With plenty of room for their favorite bevs and a design that’s cup-holder-friendly, choose a style like this legendary fave from Stanley that includes a top and straw for easy sipping!
22. Insulated Water Bottle
Outdoor activities just got better with a go-anywhere insulated water bottle like this one from Klean Kanteen! Add a customized carabiner for added convenience. Now your recipient can clip it to their backpack, SUP, and more. Talk to your Gemnote rep for options!
Ideal Conference Gifts: Mug and Coaster Set
A well-designed mug is always appreciated, but if you’re looking to use it as gifts for guest speaker, take it up a notch with a matching saucer. And for added accolades, add in some custom tea and a shaker (see #31 and 32) to make it extra special.
23. Customized Cup and Saucer Set
Take notes from A24 Films for a cup and saucer set that’s fit to be sold! And, if you love the logo-branded box, Gemnote can handle all of your company's custom packaging needs too!
24. Custom Porcelain Tea Cup
When it comes to designing your perfect mug and coaster set, think outside the box with fun silhouettes, modern designs and of course customization with your company or event logo.
Most Appreciated Gifts: A Great Backpack
Backpacks aren’t just for students. From adventure junkies to professional commuters, there’s a best custom backpack style for just about everyone!
25. Professional Backpack
For the best features, look for sustainable, recycled, durable polyester materials, RFID-blocking capabilities, and a padded laptop sleeve. Kind of like this modern favorite from InCase!
26. Quality Daypack
Outdoor adventures, work and weekend travels, and more, nothing beats a great day pack like this one from Topo Designs that’s as tough and rugged as it is modern and stylish!
Sustainable Conference Gifts for Speakers: Miir® Drinkware Set
Drinkware remains a top-selling custom gift idea for companies, and with Miir drinkware you can give a gift that gives back! As for your recipient, they’ll love having access to that trackable code to see their gift’s impact!
27. Custom Camp Cup
With multiple colors and styles to choose from, getting a custom mug that reflects your brand just got easier!
28. Travel Tumbler
Leakproof and ready for customizing, this practical gift goes anywhere!
Talk to your Gemnote rep for more drinkware brands and options, or explore our Lookbook!
Elevated Gifts for Anyone: Executive Necessities
Professional gifts that are just as fun as they are functional deliver all the feel-good vibes after a big event!
29. Modern Leather Case
Professional. Sleek. Modern. Customizable. For the best in personalized gifts, make sure they check all the right boxes! Kind of like this modern leather case from Nomad! Talk to your Gemnote rep about leather embossing for the ultimate in customization!
30. Wireless Bluetooth® Earbuds
A job well done is certainly music to their ears. And, what better way to deliver it than with a quality pair of Bluetooth® earbuds customized withyour logo? Choose a style with long-lasting battery life (like these from Anker) that are perfect for rocking out after hours and reducing background noise and superb call clarity when on the clock?
Practical Ideas for Speakers: Tea Set
We don’t have to tell you how time-consuming it is to put on a memorable event. So, when it comes time to thank those who also put in the hard work, give them a healthy and appreciated gift that they can savor!
31. Matcha Tea
With these gifts for guest speaker that deliver taste, style, and convenience, your recipient will want to make time for tea!
32. Double-Walled Shaker and Infuser
Who wouldn’t appreciate the convenience of fresh tea on the go? Perfect for adding to gift baskets or pairing with a quality custom tumbler.
Wow-Worthy Gifts: A Great Weekender Kit
A lot of prep work goes into hosting a successful conference, and what your keynote speaker brings to the table is no exception. So when thanking them for helping to make your event a success, gifts that promote some much-needed R&R are always appreciated!
33. A Stylish Custom Weekender Bag
Whether it’s that long-awaited trip or spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway, nothing beats a high-quality weekender bag! And, when you customize it with your brand’s logo, you can up the anti on your marketing too!
34. Branded Bags
There’s something to be said for gifts that lend an extra hand and help keep you organized. From sustainable tote bags to Dopp kits and more, branded bags are an easy way to commemorate your event and share appreciation.
Tasty Conference Speaker Gifts: Spice and Snack Basket
When it comes to jazzing up your custom snacks, you don’t have to spend a lot to deliver high-quality, tasty products that pair with almost everything.
35. Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
So what’s the difference between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil? Extra virgin olive oil skips the heat and chemicals and has the lowest amounts of fatty acids. So when it comes to healthy snack baskets, it’s an easy winner!
36. Unique Pairings
While a cracker is anything but extraordinary, choosing a custom snack that’s unique with professional packaging is an easy way to bring the flavor and show your appreciation!
Etiquette and Timing of Speaker Gifts
Your corporate gifting should be treated like an investment to foster relationships, show appreciation, and market your business. By giving personalized, thoughtful gifts in a timely and professional manner, you can make sure you leave a positive lasting impression with your recipients!
Your gifts should be presented right away.
Why give your keynote speakers and other trainers or emcees their gift right away is two-fold. First, showing your appreciation for their hard work following the event feels much more sincere. Second, when you customize your gifts for guest speakers they act as marketing vehicles, marketing your logo to everyone they come in contact with. So after a big event, you don’t want to let the excitement of a job well done die down before giving your keynote speaker a customized gift they can show off.
The best gift is personalized to your recipient.
In addition to customizing your gift with your company’s branding, you will also want to tailor it to your recipient. This is what will set your gift apart and make it more meaningful to your recipient. This could include branding and personalizing your gift, including a custom card with a handwritten note, and more.
Conference gifts should have a professional presentation.
Just like everything else you do in business, your guest speaker gifts ideas should be delivered in a thoughtful, professional way. Not only does this speak volumes about your company, but it also is a memorable way to market your brand through well-designed custom gifts.
The best gifts should include a thoughtful follow-up.
Once your conference speaker gifts have been sent, make sure to follow up. In addition to further cementing your working relationship, reaching back out to your guest speaker is the perfect way to open the lines of communication for future events and additional networking opportunities!
Browse the best speaker gifts for your next event
While we’ve listed some of our favorite and best selling guest speaker gift ideas, it’s definitely not the end all, be all! From tons of brands, products, and even customization offerings, at Gemnote, we have something for every recipient and every company. Ready to make your corporate gifting unforgettable? Take a look at Gemnote Lookbook's Event Swag for a plethora of options!
