Start the Year Strong: How to Use Swag to Elevate Your SKO

A new year means one thing in the world of high-performing teams: SKO season. Sales Kickoffs are the spark that sets the tone for the year—your moment to rally the team, align on strategy, and build unstoppable momentum. And while the agenda, speakers, and content matter, there’s one element that quietly (and sometimes loudly) makes your SKO unforgettable: the swag.

At NorthPoint, we say it all the time—swag is strategy. When used intentionally, it shows appreciation, deepens engagement, and strengthens brand identity long after the last breakout session wraps. So if you’re gearing up for your beginning-of-year SKO, we're here to bring insider knowledge and tips to prep swag that actually moves the needle.

1. Start With Appreciation—Make Them Feel Seen

Your team is rolling into SKO after a year of grind, growth, and goals. Your swag should meet that energy. Think gifts that say: “We see you. We’re proud of you. We’re excited for what’s next.”

• Premium apparel that feels like something they’d actually buy themselves—a retail inspired graphic vs just your logo. Think quality brands like The NorthFace, Nike, Cotopaxi, Marine Layer, Travis Mathew, Comfort Colors, Stanley/Stella, etc.

• Desk upgrades like wireless charging stations, insulated tumblers, or full color desk mats/mousepads that make daily work feel a little more luxe.

• A handwritten note or custom insert calling out wins, milestones, and gratitude (yes, it matters).

• Recognize and motivate employees for their achievements with custom awards. Celebrate top performers, honor significant contributions, and boost morale by celebrating successes from the past year.

  
  

Appreciation-based swag builds loyalty. It sets a tone of celebration before the content even begins.

2. Keep Your Team Engaged—Swag That Interacts With the Experience

The best SKO swag isn’t passive—it plays a role in the event itself. Think tactile. Think fun. Think “I want to use this right now.”

• Session-integrated giveaways like notebook and pen bundles designed for your SKO theme, custom hats to give away at mid-session trivia breaks, or company-wide raffle prizes like Yeti coolers and custom Nike sneakers.

• Gamified swag like challenge coins, keychains, or cards they collect by attending sessions or hitting milestones.

• Energy boosters like mints, custom snack packs, or even custom custom scratch tickets to break up long days and bring people back to life.

When swag becomes part of the experience, engagement stops being something you chase—it's something you spark.

3. Make It a Branding Moment—Thoughtful, Cohesive, and Photo-Ready

Your SKO is a brand moment just as much as a business one. The right swag amplifies your message, reinforces your theme, and creates shareable moments for social channels and internal culture.

To nail this:

• Choose swag that aligns with your theme, not just your logo.

  • Last year, NorthPoint's SKO theme was “Level Up,” so we went all-in on retro arcade colors and graphics to tie everything together!

• Use a cohesive color palette and packaging so everything feels intentional and elevated.

• Lean into items people naturally photograph—hoodies, hats, fun desk items, custom accessories, even novelty pieces that bring your SKO’s personality to life.

When the swag is photo-worthy, your team becomes your marketing engine without even trying.

4. Prep Like a Pro—The Logistics Matter More Than You Think

Here’s where most teams get stressed. Here’s where we thrive. Great swag is only great if it arrives on time, looks good, and gets into the hands of the people who need it. For SKO, that means:

• Confirming sizing early

• Running your SKO swag store (yes, we can do this!) so teams can choose their items and sizes without admin headaches

• Producing and kitting (if needed) with plenty of buffer

• Allowing time for shipping to multiple locations if teams are hybrid or global

  
  

When logistics work, your team feels the magic instead of the mess.

5. Always Include a “Keep-It-All-Year” Item

You want something from the SKO to make it to the desk, the commute, the home office, the daily routine. Something that becomes a year-long reminder of the mission and momentum.

Our go-to year-round winners:

• A high quality durable "everyday" backpack

• A killer fleece or hoodie

• A premium drinkware piece

• A simple but high-impact tech item (hello, chargers)

• A desk staple that actually improves their day (a good phone stand/wireless charging combo is always a win!)

If it sticks around, so does your message.

Let’s Make Your SKO Unforgettable

If you’re gearing up for SKO season and you want swag that’s strategic—not just “stuff”—you’re in the right place. This is our Super Bowl.

From concepting the theme to kitting, storing, shipping, and managing all the behind-the-scenes magic, we make your SKO swag seamless.

Ready to kick off the year with impact? We’ve got you. Let’s build something your team will rave about. Reach out now to see more swag suggestions!