EMT #18 with Jennifer O'Hare - Unwrapping Purpose: What Smart Gifting Really Looks Like

Event Marketer's Toolbox

In this episode of Event Marketer's Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with Jennifer O'Hare, CEO and founder of Belle Box Co., a luxury corporate gifting company.

They dive deep into the evolving world of strategic gifting for events — from personalized on-site experiences to thoughtful brand storytelling through gifts.

Jennifer shares her expertise from her background in corporate retail at TJX and how she’s reshaping gifting strategies to drive deeper connections, enhance attendee experiences, and deliver lasting impressions.

Whether you're planning a trade show booth or a full-scale corporate event, this conversation will change how you think about swag, ROI, and the emotional impact of thoughtful gifting.

🔹 Strategic Gifting Is About Storytelling, Not Just Products

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of starting every gifting strategy with a story: What should the gift say about the brand? How should it make the recipient feel? The best gifting strategies weave a consistent narrative throughout the event experience.

🔹 Personalization and Experience Create Lasting Impact

On-site personalization—like hand-stamped leather goods or color-selection activities—turns a simple gift into an interactive, memorable moment that reinforces the event’s theme and brand connection.

🔹 Eco-Friendly and Subtle Branding Matter More Than Ever

Subtle, tone-on-tone branding and sustainability are top priorities. Gifts that don't scream corporate branding are more likely to be used and cherished, aligning with modern values around sustainability and authenticity.

🔹 Budget Smarter, Not Harder

Instead of buying low-cost items for every attendee, Jennifer recommends allocating budgets differently: Invest in higher-end, meaningful gifts for key touchpoints while creating interactive experiences for broader audiences.

🔹 Start Early to Maximize Strategy and Impact

Waiting until a month before an event limits creativity and options. Jennifer encourages event marketers to engage gifting partners 4–6 months out to design fully integrated, strategic campaigns that align with event goals and attendee expectations.

Jennifer O’Hare reminds us that truly impactful events aren't just about flashy booths or catchy slogans—they're about emotional connection.

A well-thought-out gift, designed with purpose and delivered with care, can transform an attendee’s experience and extend the life of your brand long after the event ends.

👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

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Chapters

1. EMT #18 with Jennifer O'Hare - Unwrapping Purpose: What Smart Gifting Really Looks Like (00:00:00)

2. Jennifer's Journey: From TJX to Belle Box Co. (00:02:39)

3. Event Gifting Trends: Personalization, Wellness, Tech, and Sustainability (00:05:39)

4. Why Strategic Gifting Creates More Impact Than Mass Giveaways (00:10:39)

5. Storytelling Through Gifts: A VIP Buyer Event Example (00:15:39)

6. Unique Gifting Activations: Collaborations with Major Brands (00:20:39)

7. Budget Smarter: Allocating Resources for Meaningful Touchpoints (00:25:39)

8. Planning Ahead for Gifting Strategy Success (00:30:39)

9. Final Takeaways & How to Connect with Jennifer (00:33:39)