Well thought out personalised gifts

By on April 12, 2012
This entry is filed under Promotional Products and tagged , .

Most exhibitors are likely to have looked at providing personalised gifts at one time or another. More often than not companies choose to mass produce a product that is pre printed with a logo or emblem in thrie choice of selected colours. In most cases this is more than sufficient and (for example) providing a promotional bag with a printed pen inside some of your corporate brochures will create enough opportunities for others to see your logo.

Branded Golf Umbrella

Branded Golf Umbrella

However in some cases promotional gifts are not for mass printing. Well thought out gifts for employees, friends and clients are an excellent way to say a variety of things, ‘thank you’ being the most popular!

There are many options available as single personalised gifts, but some are more popular than others.

Golfing Umbrellas

Personalised golf umbrellas are a poopular executive gift. Many businessmen use the golf course for both recreational and networking opportunities and a quality golf umbrella is a must have. Branded caddies and other accessories for the sport are also available.

Engraved Memorabilia

Depending on the recipient, some engraved products are more suitable than others. Take a tankard for example. Often created in pewter, this lifelong product is well suited to gentlemen who are retiring. Crystal bowls are often given to women for the same reason.

Besides gifts that are personalised there are also trade specific gifts that can be purchased in larger numbers and are well suited to certain industries. USB sticks for the IT industry, room folders for hotels and even clipboards for people that are working on the road.

Whatever the reason for giving the gift, there are always a selection of ways it can be both personalised through branding and through careful selection. And of course, a well thought out gift is far more likely to be appreciated and used than something that is less considered!

Is a tidy conference space helping us to be more productive?

By on February 23, 2012
This entry is filed under Conference Folders, Exhibition Organisation, Exhibition Stands and tagged , , .

It doesn’t matter whether you are based in an office, on the road or even at a conference or event, there always seems to be a myriad of equipment and paperwork needed to manage your tasks day to day and as a result, many workplaces are untidy and disruptive. This is a theory that I believe crosses over into the exhibition industry, with visitors far more likely to visit a stand that is tidy, smart and professional looking.

 

Research over the years has also shown that it is far easier to be productive in a tidy environment and using helpful tools such as desk tidys, storage units and stationary such as folders and conference binders will certainly help with this.

 

However in an exhibition environment it can be difficult to transport these ideals as moving furniture and storage solutions from venue to venue can be a tall task and if like many others you are building your own exhibition or conference space, you probably don’t have the time to do this.

 

So, some of the tips I have picked up for a tidy stand include:

 

Seating and desk space

 

If you are expecting clients or potential customers to visit you that will need some time to speak to, then look at having desk and chair space. People standing around in your exhibition space can also look untidy.

 

Behind the scenes

 

Create a space that has plenty of “behind the scenes” spaces – utilising the storage space underneath desks and counters can be a useful place for this.

 

Product stands

 

If you are using a display cabinet for products then be sure to utilise as much of the space as possible and try to obtain display cabinets that offer storage solutions such as hidden shelving and under-counter shelving.

 

Take the best boxes

 

Boxes filled with brochures and other leaflets can start to look untidy, but we all know it is essential that they are taken. Making sure you take boxes than are undamaged and clean will mean that the storage space you use for them will look tidy and presentable.

 

Keep your paperwork tidy & safe

 

Even if you don’t take any paperwork with you it is likely you will leave with plenty and keeping hold of this important prospective client, financial or other information is what the event was probably all about in the first place. Make sure you have a suitable storage and safe keeping solution for this paperwork, conference files and lockable cabinets are also useful for this purpose.

 

Your 2012 guide to exhibition planning

By on January 18, 2012
This entry is filed under Exhibition News, Exhibition Products and tagged , .

During 2011 some of the marketing and exhibition publications were reporting an upturn in exhibitor numbers, especially businesses taking part in events like this for the first time.

With 2012 well and truly underway, this is a trend that is likely to continue and for many small businesses, taking part in an exhibition for the first time can seem like a huge task, with exhibition stands, marketing products, staffing and many other things to consider.

Exhibition planning for 2012

If you are going to exhibit at an exhibition in 2012 and you are a first timer, there are many things you can see and do in order to prepare, here are just a few of my tips:

Look at other exhibition stands

Firstly, why not visit a similar show and see what other people are doing. Bespoke exhibition stands are a popular but expensive choice, but many businesses create a well thought out and personalised space at a lower cost by using items such as banners, posters and well positioned brochures and leaflets

Purchase your exhibition equipment will in advance

The list of things you might need to take with you is endless, but the sooner you order it, the more likely you are to avoid express charges and additional stress in the run up to the event. Items such as banners mentioned above, promotional products and the stand itself can be booked ahead. In some cases your promotional products can be re-used as well, so you might find having them available useful for other events.

Plan the exhibition well

An event can go by very quickly, so making sure the team managing your stand have a plan of action covering things such as:

  • Data capture of visitors and numbers
  • Follow-up plan for visitors
  • Giveaway information and who receives in
  • Set-up and clear-up plans
  • Timetable of cover
  • How much stock will be needed and what is the plan if it runs out?

It might seem pedantic, but ensuring you have everything in place well in advance could mean the difference between a successful or unsuccessful event.

Try personalised pencils for a change!

By on December 14, 2011
This entry is filed under Promotional Pencils and tagged .

If handled correctly they can last longer than a pen, a variety of styles are available, they are erasable and some can even be created to match the colours in your logo or brand. That’s right, i’m talking about promotional pencils.

 

To be honest, when you consider the benefits (and the fact they are more needed and less available in most offices!) it’s a wonder there are not more people purchasing them as a useful marketing tool.

 

You might be surprised by some of the new ideas available within the printed pencil market today, here are just a few of them:

 

Standard Promotional Pencils

 

Where it all started – the standard promotional pencil normally comes with an eraser fitted at the end and a standard HB lead. The colour of the barrel is optional and as this is where your print is likely to appear it is hand to choose a colour that works well with your company colours and logo.

 

Popper Printed Pencil

 

Popper Promotional Pencil

Popper Promotional Pencil

This pencil is more of a novelty and similar to a colouring pencil many of us used as a child! It comes with 10 sharpened nibs housed within the barrel. Once you have finished with one, you take it out and move on to the next one. Unlike standard pencils, this reduces the risk of breaking the lead if they are dropped and a lid is provided to keep the end sharp and safe.

 

Propelling Personalised Pencil

 

A great idea and probably one of the longest lasting pencils you will find on the market today, mainly thanks to the refillable lead that can be installed. The propelling pencil of ten has a finer lead that can be retracted of elongated with a clicker or twist action. Many styles have matching pen or rollerball siblings, so why not create a set as a promotional gift for customers or an event.

 

As I mentioned, there is lots of choice and prices are often lower than pens, so these products might also help you to save money on your marketing budget.

A5 Conference Folder, the transportable solution?

By on November 17, 2011
This entry is filed under Conference Folders, Promotional Products and tagged , .

If you are a regular exhibition visitor or exhibitor, then you will understand how crucial it is to have a suitable carrier for all the information and brochures you manage to collect in the duration of the event. I have even seen people take wheeled luggage to carry their brochures!

 

With this in mind I have been looking at transportable solutions for employees and visitors to use that can be branded with a company logo.

A5 Conference Folder
A5 Conference Folder

A5 conference folders seem to provide the solution. Like the one pictured, they are very similar to their A4 sibling, but are far lighter and transportable if you are on the road, at an exhibition or maybe visiting a client. For an exhibition specifically the wider folders have space inside for paperwork and brochures that can be safely zipped away.

 

I have seen several designs of folder in this size and there seems to be a variety of optional extras to choose from, including:

 

  • Ring binders
  • Pen holders
  • Disc holders
  • Conference pad holders
  • Business card holders

 

Besides this, you can also have the items personalised in a variety of ways such as embroidered, embossed and laser printing.
This example I have found is probably one of the most cost effective with a large print area available on the front of the item for our logo and contact details as well as having space for one of our personalised pens and some printed A5 stationary to be inserted.

 

Luckily these products can be personalised and shipped within a week or 2, which makes them a useful last minute product for an unexpected meeting or event.

Promotional Products on TV

By on November 1, 2011
This entry is filed under Promotional Products and tagged , .

Promotional Products are everywhere these days and whether you are running a large scale business, small enterprise or are just a one man band, having a something as simple as a business card and promotional pen to hand out to prospective clients might just give you an edge!

 

This concept is seen far and wide and some companies are even able to sell promotional products as a way of creating profits.
One of the principal ways I have seen this done is at entertainment venues holding film festivals, television shows, concerts and the like. Visitor attractions such as theme parks and museums also sell these products with much success.

 

So is there any point in using a promotional product in this way? Like many things it will depend on your audience. Who are you selling to and what are they likely to purchase?

 

Promotional Products in Museums

 

Personalised Pen

Personalised Pen

Children and school groups visit these types of places, so you will often see products such as printed pens, erasers, pencils and pads that can be purchased with pocket money. Personalised Travel Mugs and Printed Bags are also a popular purchase at these places.

 

Personalised Stationary in Banks

 

Many banks provide free Promotional Pens and stationary for their customers to use. These are often printed with contact details such as phone numbers and a website address.

 

TV Printed Products

 

As for television programmes, when I have been an audience member I have seen stalls selling caps, t shirts and other items for fans. And some tv programmes even have props re-created so you can own something you have seen on the show. The popular show Friends is a good example of this, with many items from the well known coffee house “central perk” still available in the shops today despite the show having ended.

 

Of course as a business, it is likely you will be giving away the promotional products you purchase. However, if you run a shop or have a point of sale area, then you might find the addition of some promotional products could also provide you with further profit.

Procurement Consulting

By on October 10, 2011
This entry is filed under Procurement Services and tagged .

Looking to save costs in your exhibitions business? If so, maybe you should be considering paying for professional Procurement Consulting services. The right consulting services could deliver significant savings at low risk, improve you cash flow and the quality of the goods and services that you are buying.

 

procurement consultants at work

Procurement consulting can save you money

It is worth considering, particularly if you are involved with organising large events with large quantities or multiple suppliers. Exhibitions are big business and involve a range of suppliers but unless you have the right contacts and buying volume, you are never going to be in the best position to procure effectively. That’s where outsourcing your buying could be a good investment.

 

Large companies tend to have their own in-house procurement consultants and there fore, have the advantage over their smaller competitors. These professionals do know how to win big business, but a smaller company can also take part and win bigger contracts with the help of the advice of specialist procurement consultancy organisation. Their consultants can undertake all your buying needs, help you to analyse your business processes or train you how to improve to get more out of your own contacts and processes.

 

As you run your own business, you realise that it is impossible to be an expert on everything. So, if you are in the exhibitions business or buying and selling promotional items, procuring telecoms or needing to do a complete assessment of the company processes or staff training needs can be just too much of a drain on the resources. This is where the experts in procurement can really bring value to your business and show you how to save money.

 

Here are some pointers as to what you should be looking for when choosing a partner for professional procurement consulting and services:

 

  • A comprehensive portfolio of procurement services
  • Memberships of Professional Bodies – CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply)
  • Public and Private sector experience
  • History of the business
  • Case studies
  • Training Courses

 

It is also worth a consideration whether you would like to work with someone who specialises in your particular industry. Or would it be better if they had a wide range of clients in different industries. Depending you your requirements, international experience may also be of benefit as the ability to procure around the world to ge the best products that may give you the competitive advantage can be almost as essential as getting them at the best price.

Have you considered Radio Systems for advertising and promotion as well as event communications?

By on September 30, 2011
This entry is filed under Exhibition Communications and tagged , , .

It is common to see radio systems in many places used for advertising and promotion. Many workers are now equipped with headsets and radios for use whilst at the office. So how can you use them to any additional benefit?

 

Radio Systems for Exhibitions

 

Radio systems are often used in exhibitions as a helpful tool for personnel communications. Anyone who has attended an exhibition will know that these large scale events often make it very hard to keep track of everyone, and this issue is magnified when you have several members of staff setting up or packing down your stand.

 

Events organisers often have radio communications systems set up at large events for precisely this purpose, which provides all attendees with a simple communications solution. For an emergency situation a radio communications system can be invaluable and save precious time when the heat is on.

 

Radio Systems for Promotions

 

Think about your most recent visit to a supermarket – you can’t be there for more than 5 minutes without hearing a radio broadcast about some special offers in the store. This effective communication method is also a popular promotional tool at large events such as sports stadiums and concert halls whether they are advertising memorabilia, the nearest food stand or even the end of half time.

 

Depending on what purpose you need the system for, there are a number of ways that a communications systems can be set up. Large scale events and sites often benefit from having their own professional communication network installed, keeping the conversations exclusive to the radios on that network.

 

Amongst the hundreds of other promotional products available today, radio systems and motorola headsets can be a real benefit to companies both on and off site for these and many other reasons.

Sourcing new Printed Promotional Products

By on August 31, 2011
This entry is filed under Exhibition Products, Promotional Products and tagged , .

Exhibition-Products are always looking for new and innovative ideas for promotional products that are low cost and effective marketing toole. You don’t have to take on a cost reduction services consultant to find a product (or products) that will work for your business, but it is often important to take the time to research the right product for you.

 

I have put together a list of a few items I have spotted recently that are new to us and helped us to come up with some marketing and promotional ideas for the future.

 

Sourcing Promotional Products for Healthcare

 

Promotional Antibacterial Ballpen

Promotional Antibacterial Ballpen

The heathcare sector is one of the largest in the world, with many companies fighting over top place when it comes to purchasing of their goods.

 

Using effective marketing products at exhibitions for an event like this can be invaluable, but finding a product that is well suited to the industry can be difficult.

 

How about this Anti Bacterial ballpen? Using the pen itself kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and it is certified to current EN standards to prove this. Quite a novely gift for the sector!

 

Purchasing Promotional Products for Horticulture or Eco Friendly firms

 

Personalised Desktop Garden

Personalised Desktop Garden

The Eco Friendly options within marketing are becoming bigger businesses and it is no surprise that bags, pens and desktop stationary made of recycled materials can now be personalised with your company message.

 

However, if you are looking for something a bit different within the eco category then what about this desktop planter?

 

The pots are recycled and have space around the middle for a colour print.

 

The soil and seeds comes with the selection and clients are sure to keep the item on their desk (along with your company details!) while they watch their plant or herbs grow!

 

Procuring Promotional Products for Professionals

 

Printed Conference Folder and Calculator

Printed Conference Folder and Calculator

I have spoke about Conference Folders on here several times before and although there are lots of choices to consider when making a folder purchase, most of them look very similar.

 

If you are looking for something that stands out a bit as well as having good organisation options, then this A4 Conference Folder might be worth looking at.

 

The folder itself features a calculator that flips over for ease of use, making it handy for a desktop even when the whole folder is not in use.

 

The calculator doubles as a world time clock and the reverse side has space for a photograph.

 

Like other conference folders it is finished in a black leather look and comes with a pen holder and pad so it can be used immediately.

 

Personalisation is completed on the front of the product and is either printed or embossed (for added effect).

Effective Events for Design and other Industries

By on August 18, 2011
This entry is filed under Exhibition News and tagged , , .

Many Events and Exhibitions are all about attending a large venue and seeking out the people you want to meet whilst they exhibit their wares to others over a long period of time (normally a few days). However, I have been introduced to a concept that was new to me recently – the Breakfast meeting! A brilliant networking opportunity for small and medium businesses, Breakfast meetings are a place to meet new people, help them find business and receive the same benefits in return.

 

These events are run around the country and you would be amazed by the diversity of people attending (for example I have seen Builders in Coventry, Printers in Kent and Graphic Design in Basingstoke).

 

Interestingly, there were lots of opportunities available for people to see and be seen and although there were several companies that had attended more than once, there were also a few other new people (like myself) who were keen to get talking from the outset.

 

Graphic Design Ring Binder

Graphic Design Ring Binder

Obviously this is not your normal exhibition or event, but it is certainly the perfect place to make good use of some of your promotional products, such as:

 

  • Promotional Brochures and Stationary
  • Printed Pens
  • Personalised Mugs
  • Conference Folders

 

And even though these people might not be in your industry, the point of networking (and the promotional products) means they will find you if a friend of colleague could use your services.

 

At the meeting I attended someone had even taken the opportunity to bring along a banner to attach to their table so people could see a bit more about them.

 

Other (more industry specific) groups like this do exist and having the opportunity to speak to the visitors is sometimes available. Having done this myself to a small audience previously I found it to be a good ice breaker and after I had handed everyone their “Thanks for Listening Goodie Bag” they were keen to start asking me questions without caution.

 

I would recommend this type of event to anyone, certainly if you are looking for new and inventive ways of getting your logo and brand message out there both locally and nationally.

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