PROMOTION COMMOTION

It Almost VEGAS Time

I feel like it was just yesterday when I made the annual trek to Vegas with about 12,000 (+ or -) other distributors doing the crazy kick butt show called PPAI Expo.  This year, my husband agreed to meet me there since I'm not a good sleep alone at night kind of person.  We saved up tons of change (two of these babies!) and are willing to say goodbye to it at the slot machines.  If we have any energy left.

If luck is on our side ~ we'll come back with much s'more!

The PPAI tradeshow will allow us to find brand new quality promotional gifts that will set our clients apart from their competition.  This is our industry's biggest show and the one we never miss.  I'm looking forward to posting my "Best of PPAI 2010" post shortly after.  And YES, I am visiting every single booth this year ~ again.

And shipping BOXES of product samples again!  The weeding out is the hard part!  We maintain our policy of not selling anything that falls into the 'cheap junk' category.

Stay tuned for the Best of PPAI 2010 coming mid-January. Tomorrow I will post what the hot trends were for this year and my projections for the coming 12 months.

Promo Foto Files - Get Your Entire Message Out

These days, marketing a business may take more than brawn, luck and persistence.  It may require the skill of looking at simple things a different way and turning it into an opportunity - for branding and advertising.  Here's a smooth concept that is making waves in the advertising world.  Because women make up a large percentage of the purchasing decisions, this one's a winner in many ways.

Introducing fully customizable Promo Files - as seen below!

PromoFiles are made in the USA and come in many shapes and sizes.  There's 100% ad real estate in each side so your business can take full advantage of it.  Use it as a business card! That's sure to turn heads and grab someone's attention!  Endless opportunities and a perfect solution for a small business or trade show gift.

If you've got something to say - say it with a PromoFile.  I kind of like this one a lot.  It's a keeper.

NOTE: This product is excellent for the Phamaceutical Industry

SXSW - Networking at Fever Pitch

There's extreme networking going on in Austin this weekend for the annual SXSW Interactive Convention - music and film fest too!  If you are on Twitter you will have noticed the fever pitch and tweets of those in attendance.  Definitely buzz all over the place and if you went without a plan of action, you may notice a little bit of an attention disorder because there is hype all over and every which way you look.

The convention has also turned into a good place for displaced workers to network and meet with companies who are looking for folks who can deliver content and keep up with all current marketing mediums, a qualification more traditional companies may have a need for. If you were one of those who went to the convention in search of greener pastures, make sure you follow up when you get back! And I hope you were able to stand out in the crowd!

A new service called  FourSquare just announced an application (iPhone) similar in nature to the outreach element of Twitter but with a local flavor.  I believe the beta in available now and it's success will depend on how much after-convention hype and coverage it gets from the SXSW flock. We have signed and and will be testing this out.

As far as physical marketing is concerned Adobe handed out these cell phone carrier w hich will hold your iPhone, Blackberry, iPhone or camera.  A well thought of gift especially recognizing the attendance of highly mobile / gadgeted attendees.  Score, Adobe!

There was the proverbial 'official bag' containing all the possible brochures, handouts and inserts that attendees will sift through.  Looks like they did something similar to last year's canvas bag.  Hmm, looks like it could've used a little more spicing up!



If you missed (are missing) the convention this year, don't worry,  you can catch up on the events on their BLOG which the folks at SXSWi have been updating.  You might even  be glad to be reading it - and saving yourself from all that walking, lines and buzz!  

Go Ahead, You Can Cheer About These!

In honor of Superbowl this weekend - let's turn our focus into affordable sports memorabilia!

Sports fans around the world - and especially in colleges and universities - love these best-selling noisemakers.  When inflated and sealed, they are hit together for loud cheering fun.  Custom imprinting makes a lasting impression with fans around the world.

Want something even better than these!  They're now BIODEGRADABLE!  You'll never have to worry about our earth when you use these fun cheer necessity!  Maintain your campus' eco-friendly programs and still let your school spirit fly!

Now you can even shed some light with your noise!  If you have a night time event, party, rally or bonfire, consider these light up noisemakers!

And from the Rollabana^TM family comes the Creat-a-bana^TM, a unique, blank, white Rollabana^TM that enables a fan to write messages on the self-retracting banner.  An optional writing board and markers are available with each order.  It's an ideal banner or sign for cheerleading teams, sports fans, limousine service or anyone wanting to display a message.

How much fun can this be!

To purchase these items, just contact us RIGHT HERE and you'll be on your way to a really memorable, fun filled and exciting party!

Sights and Sounds of PPAI

Here are some pictures I took today at the PPAI tradeshow in Las Vegas.  All the big suppliers (that I like to work with) were there but I noted a definite decrease in distributor attendance.  For me, it was a time to focus on building stronger and more personal relationships with those I was already working with - and additionally on finding items that were (a) innovative, (2) new, (3) exciting, (4) useful and (5) cost effective.  It is our belief that these are the key factors that will drive marketing and promotional gift giving decisions in this challenging year.  Did we find it?  We believe so..and stay tuned to this blog because we are preparing our post of "The Best of PPAI 2009" - shortly.

But for now, here are some snapshots of PPAI 2009.

 

 

(The last photo is of the CEO of a new product I found which I will have a separate blog post about.  This is a young innovative company I am happy to have found and excited to share with you. Stay tuned!!).  Geoffrey, I got your email, it was a pleasure to meet you too!

More tomorrow!

The Marathon Begins

I finally got registered and badged. I can't tell yet if there are more people here at PPAI than last year. My hotel had a Disneyland type of line att check in but I had a concierge check me in. I am now sitting in the Level 3 area with 3 strangers discussing trophies. My seminar starts at 1:30pm and I plan onastering Illustrator today. I am also on Twitter today. You can follow WEBBMARENT for regular tweets. Update: Well two of the three gentlemen and I had a very nice conversation about where we think the trends are as far a marketing strategies for the coming new year. We attended Mark Grahams's seminar on Social Network Marketing. I am happy to note that I am right on track. And proud of our hard work. More soon with pictures. I gotta catch some zzzzz's which I only got three hours of! BTW, after that line at the check in..Vegas is suddenly very quiet.

Planning PPAI 2009

Thank goodness for the internet!  I am planning my supplier visits for next week's convention and trade show and am only halfway into my ''Initial Run"  and am already tired!  I plan to walk 5 - 8 miles per day navigating through 1500 or more booths, trying to find THE ONE particular item that is unique and different.  Here's where I am so far with my planning:

My "Initial Run" consists of the suppliers I already know and work with.  I want quality time with them so instead of the normal 'browsing' around aisle by aisle, I want a more planned and deliberate visit early on show day - and then I'll do the aisles.

And just like EVERYTHING in Las Vegas - everything looks like it's close by - but it's NOT!

So what is hot this year?  You'll soon find out when I return.  I'll try posting through my iPhone - or when I find breaks.  There will be more than 15,000 attendees such as yours truly but there is no one with a comprehensive blog such as THIS ONE.  At least, based on my Google'ing around.  (Can you sense how much we LOVE what we do??)

We expect to see a downturn in attendance this year because of the economy.  Overall, I think Vegas is hurting for business.  When I booked our hotel in early August, we were at over $200/night.  We are now down to $70 a night, with a 3rd night's stay free.  In spite of the challenges we all will face in some shape or form, we feel that the PPAI is one of the most important events we must attend to stay on top of our game.  Well...make that YOUR game.

Advertising and Marketing  one's business will be one of the most important make or break decisions made and we at WEBBMAR Promotions are making sure we are armed, equipped and educated so that we can give you the best solutions to keep your company afloat.

Check back next week for updates from the PPAI Convention at the Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas. In the meantime - I'm back to planning the rest of my Initial Run!

 

The Best Promotional Products for 2008

2008 was a very green year.  Green in terms of promotional product inquiries, sales and interests.  We started this blog almost a year ago after we attended the PPAI tradeshow in January.  We knew then that environmentally appropriate gifts would be popular and we were pleasantly surprised at what soon unfolded.

When we began our blog, not much was said about BPA Free drinkware.  We saw it very early on, beginning with baby bottles (thanks to our little man, Nate!).  It soon made it's way into the promo industry and we picked up early.  As a result, these safe, Bisphenol-A free products were our hottest sellers!  Universities and corporations were quick to engage.  We have seen aluminum bottles come right on the heels of Camelbak bottles (first to be FREE).  Sigg bottles were once hot, and then surprisingly were replaced by similar looking bottles.  I was surprised that they stopped taking custom orders on their website. 

Webbmar Promotions continues to monitor quality manufacturers of safe drinkware.  Contact us at sales(at)webbmar(dot)com to discuss your imprinted promotions.

USB Flash drives remained a much sought-after promotional gifts especially for our high tech clients. While prices fluctuated, our customers were always pleased at our resourcefulness as we were able to score attractive looking flash drives from some of our preferred suppliers.  Quality was never compromised.  We even turned one order around in three days!

 

As with the prior year and even more so this year, decorated, embroidered and imprinted T SHIRTS and APPAREL were always hot.  Since we work with  the best contract decorators all over the USA, you will rest assured that you'll get a competitive price for your apparel promotions.  Organic cotton is beginning to be accepted by progressive and truly earth conscious corporations. 

GREEN is still very much IN.  As a result, we encourage reusable gifts such as the tote bags below. We were quite successful with these promotions for small and medium sized companies.  The imprint area on these polypropylene grocery totes is so large and visible that it makes one of the BEST promotional gifts one can give.  Additionally, your recipients like the discounts they get when these bags are reused in grocery stores! 

As we move into 2009, we predict that these will remain popular as businesses and corporations look for high ROI product that will NEVER see the darkness of a desk drawer. BRAND NAME products will be big.   We continue to source the industry for only the BEST quality promotional gift products, high perceived value without breaking the bank.

You can always depend on us.

10 Ways to Master the Trade Show Giveaway Game

Just in Time for Trade Show Season

International CES convention begins in a few days, in Las Vegas.  It's the start of trade show fever so we are pleased to feature this article on the 10 Ways to Master the Trade Show Giveaway Game. Hope you find it useful!

Walk around any trade show and you will be able to collect a bag full of trade show giveaway items all designed to promote business. Everyone enjoys receiving a gift. Gift giving creates a favorable impression. It can build goodwill, be an incentive, communicate a message, and create awareness. However, how many promotional giveaways do an effective job? Before jumping into the trade show giveaway game consider the following ways to mastery:

Define Your Audience: Having a focused objective for your trade show giveaway will also help you decide who should receive it. Consider having different gifts for various visitors. You might have different quality gifts for your key customers, prospects, and general passers by.

Set Your Goal: What do you want to achieve by giving away a premium item? Trade show giveaway items should be designed to increase your recognition, communicate a message, motivate an action, or promote your small business. It's important not only that the message have an impact, but also the premium itself.

Find the Right Item: There is a multitude of different items you could consider as a premium giveaway. However, which one will best suit your purpose? To select the right item, decide on your objective. Do you want it to enhance a theme, convey a specific message, or educate your target audience? Set a purpose to make your selection process easier. A promotional specialist can also help you make an effective selection. Remember your company image is reflected in whatever you choose to give away.

Add Your Message: Is there an item that naturally complements your marketing message? Have the message imprinted on the item with your company name, logo, and phone number. An important aspect of any gift is to remember who it was from long after the fact.

Set a Price: The price range for trade show giveaway items is enormous. Quality, quantity, and special orders, all impact the price. Establish a budget as part of your exhibit marketing plan. Consider ordering the same item for several different shows. The greater the quantity of your order, the lower the individual unit price.

Establish Qualifiers: What must visitors do to qualify for a giveaway item? There are several ways to use your trade show giveaway effectively:

• as a reward for visitors participating in a demonstration, presentation, or contest

• as a token of your appreciation when visitors have given you qualifying information about their specific needs

• as a thank you for stopping at the booth

Use the Pre-qualifying Secret: Trade show giveaways can be used to pre-qualify your prospects. One company uses playing cards. Prior to the show, they send "kings" to their key customers, "queens" to suppliers, "jacks" to new or hot prospects. They request that the cards are brought to the booth in exchange for a special gift. When the cards are presented, the booth staff already know certain information about the visitor. They can then act on their previous knowledge and use time with the visitor more productively.

Have a Sales Incentive: Will your trade show giveaway directly help future sales? Hand out a discount coupon or a gift certificate requiring future contact with your company for redemption. Consider premiums that will help generate frequent visits to customers and prospects, such as calling you for free refills.

Inform Your Target Audience: Novel trade show giveaways can actively help to draw prospects to your booth. Make sure your prospects know about it. Send a tickler invitation with details of the giveaway, or create a two-piece premium, sending one part out to key prospects prior to the show and telling them to collect the other half at your booth.

Have a Tracking Mechanism: Establish a tracking mechanism to measure the success of your trade show giveaways. If it is a redemption item, code it so that you know it resulted from the show. Post-show follow-up could include a question about the premium - did visitors remember receiving it and how useful was the item.

After the trade show, critique your giveaways with your exhibit team:

• Did it draw specific prospects to the booth?

• Was it eye-catching enough to persuade passers by to stop?

• Did your customers find it useful?

• Did it project the right corporate image?

There are plenty of exciting trade show giveaways for you to choose from to avoid the usual pens, pencils, and key chains. Make your premium work for you by applying the 10 ways to master your trade show giveaways and experince show success...it will be money well invested.

Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, author of "Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies," working with companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training.

To purchase the PERFECT trade show gift promotion, contact sales(at)webbmar(dot)com, a leading supplier/distributor specializing in QUALITY gifts. Visit our website at Webbmar Promotions or call the toll free number listed on the site. 

Really Useful Trade Show Promotions

Here are a couple  of the most useful and popular  business and trade show promotional items we have come across.  More powerful than a 'pen with no personality''.  These handy tools are both combo staple remover and letter opener - in two styles. It will never see the dark and dim desk drawer. Trust me...because ours is super handy. 

The Push style staple remover (purple) is for heavy duty work and includes a ruler. It is $1.25/piece (500 minimum; 1 color in 1 location). It is patent pending and is the only one in the world (beware of knockoffs!).  Both are made of durable ABS plastic and steel so will last a very long time.

The blue Pliers-style model on the right is $1.45/piece (500 min); 1 color in 1 location.  These come in a nice color variety.  They are excellent for corporate identity, branding and tradeshow promotions.  Everybody will use it!  Just make sure they get more than one because someone's likely to take it away from them!
 
For your next business expo - make a NOTE TO YOURSELF and be sure you or your corporation stand out from others.  Let the experts at Webbmar help you with your promotional gifts. We test everything we sell for durability. Continue reading for contact info.