Reward Grill Masters and Cook-Off Champs With One-Of-A-Kind Custom Lapel Pins

The rich aromas of mesquite smoke and barbecue sauce fill the air. Chicken and ribs sizzle on dozens of grills, and pots of beans bubble slowly as the flavors meld to perfection. Grill masters and summer chefs have come from miles around for a chance to be crowned the king - or queen - of the cookout.

The prize? Bragging rights, of course, and a trophy for the mantle.

If you want participants to happily share your brand of grills and accessories with friends and family, though, you need to go one step further. Make it easy for them to spread the word with custom lapel pins designed just for the occasion.

Olympic-Inspired Pins Make the Winners Stand Out

Bronze, silver, and gold aren't just for athletes. Your cook-off champs will appreciate the distinction of being included in an elite winners' list, and the recognizable colors of their lapel pins make the top grillers instant celebrities. You'll find them proudly sporting their pins all over town for weeks or months to come, sharing their barbecue secrets with everyone they meet - right down to the brand of grill they prefer.

Don't forget the other participants, though. Rewarding everyone who enters is not only great for public relations, but it also helps spread the word about your brand. Quality metal lapel pins will find a home on every grill master's apron or cap, creating a clever conversation starter. Not only that, but, unlike paper certificates or other awards, pins also are likely to be kept - and worn - for years.

A variety of materials and options makes it easy to design a pin that perfectly matches your brand. Choose all-metal die struck pins for a sleek, sophisticated look, or cloisonné or soft enamel for multicolored style. Silk-screening allows you to include fine details in your design, while offset printing lets you perfectly recreate a photograph or other artwork.

Encourage Participants to Enter Again and Again

Here's an easy way to grow your event year after year: Include the date on your participants' and winners' pins. Dated items become instant collectables, giving your pins - and your event - greater status in the community. In addition, participants will want to build their collection, hopefully one day earning a winners' pin, so they'll enter each and every year.

Other ideas to make your pins a hit include adding colored lights or gems, moving baubles, or even eye-catching spinners. Imagine their reaction when the flick of a switch reveals glowing coals inside a tiny grill, or a burger that turns itself.

Planning your next barbecue event? Be sure to include custom lapel pins for all your participants. Buying couldn't be easier. Simply look for a vendor that offers free design help and custom color matching, and you'll be assured your logo is perfectly recreated. In addition, make sure they use only top-quality materials, so your pins continue to look great for years to come.

Finally, ask about delivery schedules as well, so you don't miss the big event.