We’ve said it many times over the past several months: trade shows and events are making a huge comeback. Most of the new customers we’ve welcomed in 2023 actually came to us looking for help with their event management requirements.

One thing we’ve discovered in our initial meetings with these new customers is they are often confused about the differences between exhibit houses or providers and event support and management services. Many assumed they were synonymous, leading to lots of frustration as they searched in vain for vendors who could provide the help they were looking for. Turns out a simple change in their search strategy could have led them right to their ideal partner, saving considerable time and effort.

Today more than ever, environmental concerns and social responsibility are driving business decisions and behavior around the world.

One way in which these values have manifested themselves is the way companies engage in gift giving, particularly with prospects and customers. The types and quality of gifts have evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from inexpensive, generic, and often wasteful items to more thoughtful and considerate offerings designed to project a more conscientious and impactful image.

Many businesses with an international presence are called upon to support events not only in the U.S. but also throughout Europe.

Are their differences between the two? On the surface, the basic process appears to be the same for both locations: identify and gather the necessary materials, ship them to the venue, and return them after the event so they can be placed back into inventory. But dive a little deeper and you’ll find there are significant differences that must be considered when planning an international event. 

This blog will explore the various issues and challenges—some subtle, some more obvious—that confront you when planning organizing an event outside the U.S. While we’ll be focusing on Europe here, understand that these same issues apply to other locations and continents as well and will require a bit of research to adequately address them.

This is the fifth and final installment in our “product fulfillment vs. marketing fulfillment” blog series. If you’re new to this particular topic and want some background, we suggest you visit our blog page and read the previous entries, starting with the introductory “Product Fulfillment vs. Marketing Fulfillment: What Do You Need?” The other three—titled “Product Fulfillment vs. Marketing Fulfillment: Which is Best for Receiving?”, “Product Fulfillment vs. Marketing Fulfillment: Pick & Pack,” and “Product Fulfillment: Which Offers Better Support and Flexibility?” can be read in any order you like.

In this final segment, we’re taking a look at how product and marketing fulfillment differ in terms of reporting.

Planning and organizing a successful event can be quite complex.  Developing a theme, designing the booth property, coordinating with the show organizers, arranging shipping, staffing—there are a lot of moving parts.

One component that often gets lost in the shuffle is event collateral material.  From brochures and programs to banners and promotional merchandise, event collateral plays a vital role in creating a memorable and impactful experience for attendees while helping you establish your brand.

Whether you're organizing a corporate conference, a trade show, or a charity fundraiser, understanding the various types of collateral material you’ll need will help you curate an experience that leaves a lasting impression.  In this blog we will define the various types of collateral material available, describe their purpose and benefits, and explain the unique role each plays in creating brand visibility, conveying information, and driving engagement.