Spring Tradeshows and Exhibition Giveaways
Well this time of year is one the busiest for tradeshows and exhibitions and it is a good time to just step back and think through just what makes great gifts and promotional products at this type of event. Let’s reduce this problem down and focus on seminars. When we hold a seminar for clients they are generally talking about having a captive audience for a period of time. During this time they want the clients to become totally absorbed with a brand and use branded promotional items to reinforce and support activities during the seminar. So, for example, at the start of the day clients may receive name badges and welcome packs using conference boxes or bags packed with information that will be used during the day, a branded paper pad for notes and personalised pen. It is also likely that key information such as company presentations, datasheets and price lists may also be included on a personalised flashdrive. On the tables in front of the clients may be bottled water – branded off course, along with some personalised sweets and mint tins. Attendees may also receive some corporate clothing which will be embroidered with the company logo and there may well be surprise gifts during the day for a seminar related competition. So looking a the basics we have to start with a budget and our focus for the event. Then we simply find the best possible way to deliver the objectives for the promotional products including getting a client’s attention and leaving them with a favourable, lasting impression. The same is true of exhibitions and tradeshows but the amount of time you get a client for is more limited. What we recommend is that you put low-cost, low-bulk items on the front of stands to use as giveaways like pens, bugs and badges. Also if your budget covers it include some branded bags and carriers – this will become ‘free advertising’ around the event. Keep your more expensive gifts for key clients and only pass these out if they sit down with you or request a sales follow up after the show. Promotional products are very effective items and especially at tradeshows and exhibitions but you have to remember that when your visitor gets home they may well have a bag stuffed with goodies and your gifts have to be ones that stand out from that crowd.
