For a while now, in-person events haven’t been on the calendar for businesses to use as part of their marketing strategy. But as these events start to open up once more, it’s a good time to remind yourself how to make the most of them – or give an introduction to anyone who has never attended one before!
What is event marketing?
Event marketing is the name given to the planning, organising and executing of an event that has the sole purpose of promoting a brand, product or service. These events can take place online but we are primarily talking about in-person events here today.
People can attend these events as an exhibitor, participate as someone that helps sponsor the event or be the business behind the whole thing. There are tons of different options and ways to have this kind of event but at the heart, it’s about getting your business in front of new audiences and interested people.
What kind of events can you attend?
There’s no shortage of the type of events you can attend or even host for your business. But some of the most popular include:
- Conferences – large events hosted by one company with smaller businesses as sponsors, works for both B2B and B2C. Usually have speakers, workshops and lots of networking potential
- Trade shows and expositions – large events based on one industry or even type of product such as tech or medical equipment. Products can be showcased and a larger number of people interested in that specific area will see them
- Seminars – the in-person version of the webinar, these are education-based events with a smaller crowd and can be good networking opportunities
- Launch parties – these can be different sizes and happen with a business celebrating a new product, launch, milestone or even event
How can in-person events have the biggest impact?
Simply attending an in-person event doesn’t guarantee you a flood of new customers – you need to make the most of the opportunity.
A key part of this is the physical marketing you have prepared for the event. At the very least, you need to have business cards. It’s standard to hand these out to people that you talk to so that they have a way to get back in touch with you.
Flyers or brochures are the next steps and these provide more information about the business, products or services. They can be handed to people if you have a trade stall or a table somewhere and allow you to get people interested in what you do.
If you do have a stand or a table, posters and banners will be needed to decorate it and attract attention. Telling people who you are and what you do visually helps to stop people as they walk around.
A great marketing opportunity
In-person events have always been a great opportunity to network, to gain new leads and even customers. From simple launch parties to full-scale expo events, there are plenty of options now that things are returning to something like normal. So make sure you make the most of them! Check out our business printing services and get your marketing ready to go on the road!