THE SWAG CREW

SWAG – Stuff We All Get/Give

The goal is to collect, exchange, and keep mementos from your trip. SWAG encompasses a variety of items, including patches, buttons, keychains, and 3D art. It’s a fantastic way to meet other fans and make new friends. Plus, it’s like a giant scavenger hunt—it’s incredibly fun!

Not necessarily. Trading is optional, and you can choose not to participate if you prefer. The goal of SWAG is to share swag with others, spread joy, and increase interest in fan-created swag.

If you see someone wearing multiple identical pins/badges/etc on a lanyard, they’re likely giving them away. Feel free to strike up a conversation! Some people even wear signs (like Badge Buddies) to show they have swag to share.

However, patches, coins, and some metallic swag are occasionally exchanged or traded. You might encounter people who are unwilling to give them away freely. Though they may provide you an alternative version in sticker or button pin form.

You can track everything visually using our available PDF catalogue. If you come across any new swag, please encourage the creator to submit it through the submission form!

Alternatively, creators often share their swag on social media. Keep an eye on celebration groups or hashtags.

At Celebration, the Collecting Track group typically has a dedicated room for exchanges or trading, which is usually very active. Other events during Celebration, like SWAG Meetups, Multi-Club Trade Events or off-site gatherings, might also offer you the chance to trade.

Other conventions might offer similar setups.

If you’re on Facebook, consider joining our SWAG Crew XCHANGE Group.

Refer to the previous question and keep an eye on social media. For instance, some people periodically share their locations on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, or mention if they’re waiting in line for a panel. They might also post pictures of their bag, shirt, or cosplay to help you identify them.

Feel free to ask for advice in our Facebook groups or on Discord. Don’t worry if you’re not feeling creative; our community is here to help. If you want to use our branding and other resources, visit the files page.

We have a Creating SWAG guide with various resources that can be found here.

The cost varies based on the item. For instance, buttons are a popular choice for swag because they are inexpensive to produce in large quantities, averaging around $0.30 each for orders of 100 or more. On the other hand, challenge coins typically cost between $5 and $6 each.

This is a tricky question and really depends on your personal preferences! Consider the following:

* Are you shy or outgoing?
* Do you dislike carrying a lot of items?
* Do you often get sidetracked and forget what you’re carrying?

These factors can influence how much swag you should bring. Generally, experienced attendees suggest around 50 pieces per day. Adjust this number based on what you’re comfortable carrying and your personality.

Order Timing: Place your order a few weeks before your trip and have the swag delivered directly to your hotel. Make sure to contact the hotel in advance; they usually don’t charge a fee for receiving small packages.

Local Assistance: Reach out in Facebook or Discord groups. Many locals are willing to help. You can ship the items to them, and they can deliver to your hotel or a designated meetup spot.

Shipping Items Home: Plan to ship your swag back home. For example, in 2017, Brett ended up with 30 pounds of swag!

To prevent loss or damage, we recommend using padded bubble envelopes or padded poly envelopes instead of regular envelopes, which can get ripped in mail sorting machinery.

When packaging, wrap your swag in bubble wrap or other protective materials to ensure it arrives safely. Use tape to secure the envelope and prevent it from opening during shipping.

For larger packages, use sturdy cardboard boxes or similar materials that can withstand rough handling. For fragile items, choose stronger materials to protect them during transit.

Please note that shipping costs may vary.

Absolutely! If you can’t make it to a convention but still want to share your swag, you can simply ship it to someone else who can distribute it for you.

A Regional SWAGbassador is someone who wants to uphold the tradition and core values of the swag crew at local conventions or events. If you’re interested in starting such a group, you can become a Regional SWAGbassador.

SWAG Crew ambassadors and artists are ready to assist you in creating, enriching, and growing your local group. They provide ready-made swag templates, talking points, interaction tips for convention attendees, and other resources.

If you can secure a booth at your local convention or event and are interested, please contact us!