What Event Planners Learn After Giving Thousands of Stubby Holders
After handing out thousands of stubby holders, event planners start to see clear patterns in what people actually pick up, use, and keep. Not all designs perform the same, even when the product itself is popular. Small details like colour, placement, and timing can make a noticeable difference.
This guide breaks down what event planners learn over time and how to apply these insights to get better results from bulk orders.
What Event Planners Learn Over Time
1. People Grab What They Can Use Immediately
Stubby holders perform best when drinks are already in hand or nearby.
From our experience, placement near bars or drink stations results in much higher usage than on general display tables.
2. Bright Colours Get Picked Up First
In busy places, colour is usually the first thing people notice when choosing.
We often see that brighter colours are picked up faster, even when placed next to darker or more premium-looking options.
3. Simple Designs Work Better Than Detailed Ones
People don’t stop to read at events.
- Clear logos perform better.
- Short messaging is more effective.
- Busy designs reduce impact.
A common result our clients report is that simpler designs get used more often.
4. Hand-to-Hand Distribution Outperforms Passive Display
How the product is given out matters as much as the product itself.
- Direct handouts lead to higher usage.
- Tables display get lower engagement unless they are highly visible.
Across recent campaigns, we see that interaction increases pick-up rates significantly.
5. Durability Affects Whether It Gets Kept
Not all stubby holders are kept after the event.
- Neoprene tends to last longer.
- Foam is often used for short-term.
We consistently see that higher-quality materials lead to better retention.
Real-World Use Cases
Event planners use stubby holders across different environments.
Festivals and Outdoor Events
These are high-volume, fast-moving environments.
- People often use stubby holders immediately.
- Bright colours perform best.
- Placement near drinks is critical.
Clients we work with often tell us that the branded beer can holders near drink stations are picked up and used straight away.
Corporate Events
These are more structured and controlled environments.
- Design matters more than visibility.
- People often take products home.
- Quality influences perception.
Sporting Events
These are high-energy environments with constant movement.
- Bold branding stands out.
- People often share or reuse the product.
- Durability becomes more important.
Community Campaigns
These involve a broad audience.
- Simple designs perform better.
- Widely appealing colours increase uptake.
What Works vs What Doesn’t
These patterns show up consistently across events.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Approach | Outcome | Insight |
| Bright colours | Higher pick-up rates | Easier to notice |
| Simple branding | More usage | Faster recognition |
| Complex designs | Lower engagement | Harder to read quickly |
| Poor placement | Low distribution | Visibility matters |
| Durable materials | Higher retention | People keep them longer |
Bulk Order Considerations
When ordering in bulk, these learnings directly impact results.
Placement Strategy
Where you plan to distribute matters.
- Placement near drinks increases usage.
- Entry points improve visibility.
Design Approach
Keep it clear and visible.
- High contrast colours or novelty stubby coolers improve visibility.
- Simple logos are easier to recognise.
Material Choice
Match quality to purpose.
- Foam suits short-term events.
- Neoprene suits are for long-term use.
Audience Fit
Think about how people will interact with the product.
- Fast-paced events require quick grab-and-use items.
- Corporate settings focus on take-home value.
- Public campaigns need broad appeal.
From our experience, things work better when design and placement match how people actually behave.
What We Recommend
Focus on how people will interact with the stubby holder at the event, not just how it looks. For most events, the best results come from:
- Bright, visible designs
- Simple and clear branding
- Placement near where drinks are served
If retention matters, choose durable materials and clean designs that people are more likely to keep. If you’re planning a bulk order, our team can help you apply these insights to your event to improve engagement and long-term use.