A common thing to see at meet ups or conventions is swag. These are the promotional items such as tee shirts, bags, notebooks, or stickers handed out by event sponsors. Some people like it, others see it as clutter. I understand the view that it is wasteful, things can pile up if you attend a lot of events, but I like the memories they hold. They can help start a conversation. Introverts need something to break the ice.

But what about swag in the pandemic, are companies still handing out stuff in the age of virtual distancing?
Yes they are, in these times promotional items still exist. organizers still want to get the word out. You might not be in the office with your new shirt but you can still share it on Zoom. You'll have to wait for physical items to be shipped. Virtual items can be downloaded or emailed.

Heres's some of the the swag I've picked up during the virtual convention season.

Codeland
Microsoft Azure tee shirt.
GitHub and Atom stickers.
Virtual badge for DEV.to blog.

GitLab
StackHawk Tee shirt and sticker.
GitLab "You belong Here" shirt. This was earned by playing a virtual scavenger hunt through out their website, forums, and visiting vendor booths.

Slack
The coolest so far from a Slack presentation. It included a introduction from LEGO Masters contestant Corey Samuels. Corey was the one that said "You don't smash LEGO". Corey talked about teamwork which was the theme of the Slack product talk. After the presentation, attendees got a $25 eGift card for the LEGO Shop. I spent that on a Star Wars LEGO Set. When I can tie that in post you'll see it here.

HacktoberFest
Anyone that completed ,Hacktoberfest, with four accepted PRs could chose between a HacktoberFest shirt or having a tree planted plus a virtual badge for DEV blogs.

Sometimes swag is earned by visiting vendor booths or filling out surveys. Other times it is given away at raffles at the event. It's marketing, learn about their product, exchange contact info and earn some swag. This could mean you'll be put on their email list so you'll get marketing email. If you don't like the emails unsubscribe from them. If you like them read them. If you get swag thank the sponsor and share it on social media.

What do you think about swag?
Have you picked up something this year?
What's the best Swag you every seen?

-$JarvisScript git push