Client
Sleek Events: an events agency delivering experiences for a wide range of corporate clients
Event
Agency partnership
Sector
Event services
Background
Sleek Events approached us not with a specific product brief, but with a bigger question: ‘How can we bring more sustainable merchandise into our client proposals without it feeling predictable or boring?’
They wanted to move away from the idea that sustainable equals beige, basic, or purely natural-looking. Their clients expect creativity – and so do they.
Rather than starting with a catalogue, we started with a conversation.
The Approach
Sleek Events hosts regular ‘Vendor Vibes’ sessions where they invite suppliers into their office to meet the team, introduce their services and explore how we can work together more effectively.
As we had not worked together extensively before, this was a great opportunity to meet the team face-to-face, better understand the types of clients and events they support, and explore how we could help bring more sustainable merchandise ideas into their projects.
Rather than a traditional sales meeting, it was a collaborative conversation.
We discussed:
- The industries their clients operate in
- The budgets they typically work within
- The different items we offer and the branding options available, along with our typical lead times and delivery capabilities across the UK and EU
- Where sustainability is already part of the conversation
- Where it needs more support
The aim was simple: show that sustainable merchandise can be design-led, bold, and commercially smart.
Rethinking Sustainable Merch
There is still a perception that sustainable merchandise means muted colours, kraft packaging, and obvious eco cues.
We wanted to challenge that.
Sustainable does not have to look sustainable. It can be:
- Bright
- Premium
- Technical
- Minimal
- Fashion-led
The materials might be recycled, the process might be lower impact, the packaging might be reduced – but the aesthetic can still align fully with a client’s brand.
That shift in thinking is often the turning point.
Turning Insight into Action
Following the session, we created a bespoke catalogue tailored specifically to Sleek Events and their clients.
Each product was:
- Branded using Sleek Event’s own visual identity
- Aligned to the types of events they run
- Selected with sustainability in mind
- Balanced across different budget levels
This was not a generic product list, but instead a curated toolkit they could confidently use in client conversations.
The catalogue can now be used as a practical asset for the Sleek Events team to reference, adapt, and incorporate into future proposals.
The Impact
- The Sleek Events team can now confidently propose more sustainable options to their clients
- Merchandise ideas can become more creative and brand-led
- Conversations with their clients can be more impact-led
- We position ourselves as an extension of their team
The relationship can move beyond a transactional selection of products and instead develop into a stronger collaborative partnership.
What the Client Said
Working with Project Merchandise has been a great way for us to collaborate on more sustainable solutions for our clients. We both share a similar mindset around responsible sourcing and thoughtful production, so it felt like a natural fit to start exploring how we can create merchandise that looks great while having a lower environmental impact. The Vendor Vibes event that we hosted at Sleek HQ in February really helped spark the connection between our teams and get the relationship started. Shaliza came fully prepared with an impressive range of branded merchandise for the team to explore, as well as items to take away and use. It gave us the chance to connect, share ideas and realise we’re aligned on a lot of the same values. We’re excited to keep building on this relationship and see where it takes us.
– Emma Cooke, Venue Sourcing and Supplier Specialist
The Takeaway
Partnerships work best when both sides invest time upfront. By taking the time to understand Sleek Events’ clients and challenges, we were able to provide more than products. We provided direction.
Sustainable merchandise is not about pushing items. It is about reshaping thinking.
And that only happens when you work together.
Want a collaborative merch partner? Chat to the team today to see how we can elevate your corporate gifting.
