Top techies will have to attend Microsoft’s annual “Build” conference virtually this year, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll miss out on sweet event swag.

Have you registered for #Msbuild? It’s free and next week! Here is a live unboxing of what the first few thousand registrations received as a surprise! Can’t have a virtual conference without swag! https://t.co/eebosMLltX pic.twitter.com/Aysh95Y5D5

— Scott Hanselman (@shanselman) May 13, 2020

Microsoft is mailing early registrants a branded merchandise package that features a welcome card, a bamboo lunch box, socks, sticker sheets, a lanyard and a badge.

“Microsoft is doing their bit to make virtual attendees feel a greater sense of the occasion,” reported mspoweruser.com. “The gift is especially awesome since registration is free this year, with likely many more people signing up.”

Photo from mspoweruser.com.

This year’s “Build” is scheduled for May 19-21. The conference is for software engineers and web developers using various Microsoft technologies. The in-person event typically draws thousands of attendees.

Microsoft’s decision to direct-mail conference swag is another high-profile example of event organizers continuing to utilize promotional products for their occasions, even though their events have gone digital because of the COVID-19 pandemic. From virtual beer festivals and graduations to many more happenings, end-buyers are increasingly incorporating branded merch initiatives into their now digital events.

Faced with event cancelations? Consider the smart, strategic responses outlined in the latest #coronavirus report from @ChrisR_ASI https://t.co/V80GWpOvBL #promotionalproducts

— Timothy M. Andrews (@Tim_Andrews_ASI) March 12, 2020