The essential marketing checklist for your next conference or event

Events are a great way to increase brand awareness and grab the attention of your customers and new prospects.

Once you’ve decided to host an event, attend a conference, or exhibit at a tradeshow, your success relies on a great plan at every stage – including before, during, and after.

Let’s take a closer look at what marketing assets to plan and when, so your print and signage are organised well before event day and nothing is left to the last minute.

A timeline-based checklist to plan your event marketing

When the event is approaching, it’s time to put into place a thorough plan to help you maximise your return on investment. Decide your budget, book your venue and work out exactly what you want to achieve from your event.

1. Pre-event planning

6–8 weeks before the event, having a clear plan of action is essential. This is when key print and signage decisions should be locked in to avoid rushed approvals or limited options later.

• Spread the word via social media, your website, posters, conference flyers and/or trade show brochures
• Plan large-format display materials early, including pull-up banners, vinyl banners, media walls, directional signage and pop-up displays
• Include plenty of branded merchandise, calendars, pens, mugs and other giveaways to engage people on the day and keep your business top of mind after the event is over
• Schedule print production for brochures, flyers and product sheets to allow time for proofing and revisions
• Train your staff to know your key sales messages to ensure a consistent level of service and that everyone is on the same page when it comes to promoting your company at the event
• Think about branded shirts or t-shirts for everyone to wear on the day
• Arrange lanyards, name tags, business cards and more

2. During the event

On event day, your focus shifts from preparation to presentation, using the print and signage assets you planned weeks earlier to attract attention and encourage interaction.

• Include live product demos
• Have lots of promotional material and merchandise on hand as giveaways
• Draw lucky door prizes on the hour
• Increase your contact list with a ‘drop your business card in the bowl’ competition. Make sure you follow the Australian privacy laws!
• Run a major competition with an attractive prize (winner to be announced post-event)
• Live stream your event on social media

Learn more: How To Choose the Right Signage for Your Space

3. Post-event follow-up

1–2 weeks after the event, follow-up activity helps extend the value of your print and signage investment and turn conversations into lasting relationships.

• Give post-event updates on social media to keep the momentum going after the success of your event
• Update your contact list and reach out to any new prospects because of the business cards collected
• Email follow-up, direct mail incentives
• Prepare and send out company information packs
• Announce the winners from your competitions and contact these potential new leads
• Create an exclusive post-event offer to customers and prospects who attended your event

If you’re keen to get the most out of a company event, conference or trade show, then Kwik Kopy can help add that all-important wow factor!

Create impact with our customised signage and display printing that includes a huge array of print products. You’ll be able to transform your event and deliver a professional, impactful presentation.

When to plan your print and signage assets

To stay organised, many businesses work to the following timeline:

• 6–8 weeks out: Confirm event messaging and large-format signage
• 4–6 weeks out: Design and approve brochures, flyers and branded materials
• 2–3 weeks out: Finalise quantities, delivery and logistics
• Event day: Execute signage placement and material distribution
• Post-event: Reuse assets and follow up with printed or digital materials

Download our free checklist

Our checklist covers the essential print, signage and marketing items you may need for your next conference or event, organised by timeframe. We’ve also included an estimated time-frame to help you plan your activities accurately.

Download it now!

 

No matter the marketing materials you’d like to create, we support you with stationery needs, event signage and displays, custom-printed wall fabric, graphic design services, and everything you need for brand exposure.

 

Contact us today and locate your closest Kwik Kopy Centre stores.