Why Cornhole? Why Now?

In a world where brand experiences matter more than logos alone, branded games like cornhole have emerged as powerful tools for interaction and storytelling. Whether you’re planning a client appreciation day, corporate tailgate, trade show activation, or even a retail incentive event, a custom cornhole tournament creates a platform for real engagement—and leaves attendees remembering your brand for more than just your giveaway.

This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of setting up your own branded cornhole tournament, from ideation to execution, complete with tips to increase participation and drive measurable brand impact.

Step 1: Define the Purpose of Your Cornhole Tournament

Before diving into logistics, get clear on the “why”. Are you launching a new product? Celebrating your company’s anniversary? Trying to collect emails or generate social engagement?

• Lead Generation: Encourage participants to register in advance or check in via QR code.
• Brand Visibility: Maximize logo placement with branded all-weather cornhole sets, carry cases, and even custom scoreboards.
• Employee or Client Appreciation: Add value by creating a memorable, enjoyable experience tied to your brand.

The intent shapes everything—from game format to giveaways to follow-up strategy.

Step 2: Choose the Right Branded Cornhole Set

Not all cornhole boards are created equal. At Promotoss, we offer a range of customizable cornhole options that align with your budget and brand aesthetic. Some favorites:

• Can-Shaped Cornhole – Perfect for beverage brands or creative retail displays.
• Regulation Sets – For competitive events with serious players.
• All-Weather Sets – Durable, stylish, and great for outdoor venues.

Bonus: We offer free mockups and proofing, fast shipping, and no setup fees—making us the go-to supplier for qualified customers in the promotional products industry.

Step 3: Build the Bracket – How the Tournament Will Run

Now, structure your tournament. Simplicity is your friend—especially when it comes to event activations where guests are browsing or mingling. Some options:

• Single-Elimination: Great for shorter events with lots of participants.
• Round Robin: Ideal if you want guests to interact for longer periods.
• High Score Leaderboard: Let guests play at their leisure and log their best score throughout the day.

Make it easy for attendees to understand the rules, and display brackets or leaderboards on branded signage for visibility and extra branding real estate.

Step 4: Amplify the Branding

This is where most agencies and end users leave impact on the table. Cornhole is a branding vehicle, not just a game. Use every surface and element to reinforce your message:

• Boards, bags, carry cases – all fully customizable.
• Custom uniforms or aprons for staff or players.
• Social media signage – encourage photo ops with hashtags and branded backdrops.

Pro Tip: Consider cross-promoting with branded items like wine gift boxes, topple towers, or even sling chairs for lounge zones near your tournament space.

Step 5: Promote the Tournament

Your cornhole event is only as successful as the crowd it draws. Market it with the same strategy you’d use for a product launch:

• Pre-event email blasts to your client list or internal teams.
• Social media teasers showcasing your branded assets.
• Incentives for participation—free branded swag, leaderboard shout-outs, or prize raffles.

Work with clients or internal stakeholders to integrate the tournament into their larger campaign goals. For example, capturing newsletter signups or encouraging app downloads.

Step 6: Execute with Energy

At the event, it’s go time. Assign a few staff to manage signups, rules, and score tracking. Play energetic music, keep the area clean and branded, and encourage walk-ups—this is the ideal platform for brand reps to talk about products while people wait their turn.

Use signage or tablet registration to collect leads, social follows, or survey data. After all, the ROI is in the follow-through.

Step 7: Follow Up and Repurpose the Experience

Just because the bags stopped flying doesn’t mean the value stops. Send out a recap email, share social media highlights, or even publish a “behind the scenes” story. Thank participants and feature your tournament winners.

You can also repurpose the boards and other branded items at future events—this is one of the highest-ROI assets in your promo toolbox.

Looking for other event-ready games? Explore our full branded game catalog including ring race, mini golf putting mats, and branded pickleball gear.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re a distributor, agency buyer, or promotional pro looking to wow your client with a completely custom experience, this is your moment. Let us help you pitch a tournament your client didn’t even know they needed.

• Request a mockup – Free, fast, and brand-specific.
• Download sales flyers to include in your pitch deck.
• Or just reach out—we’re here to talk strategy, not just specs.

Don’t wait for a client to ask for games. Introduce them to the idea. Create the need. Lead the activation.

Branded cornhole tournaments aren’t just for tailgates—they’re for brands who want to win.