Outdoor events are similar to trade shows and other marketing events in many ways. The basic guidelines for the planning and preparation for a trade show also apply to outdoor and summer activation events. Remember, the first step for any event planning is to do initial research on attendance and demographic records to make sure the outdoor event is worth your investment.
Once you have determined that the event is worth your while, use the following information to help you plan your up coming outdoor events:
Outdoor advertising can allow you to reach people in a more casual setting, in the presence of other fun activities. The most significant benefit of investing in outdoor events is that people cannot “turn off,” “fast forward,” or easily ignore your advertisements like they can with television, radio, and print. This gives you far more control over where and how your branding is experienced. There are numerous types of outdoor marketing events you can consider adding to your marketing plan, including: sporting events, concerts, employee/ customer apprecition events, outdoor trade shows, auto/RV/boat shows, grand openings, public fairs, festivals (4th of July, music, art), and carnivals.
When you are in the great outdoors, you are a slave to the weather. And while you can’t conrol it, you can heed some of my simple tips…
Don’t participate in an outdoor event in Arizona during July (it’s just too hot!) and don’t participate in an outdoor event in North Dakota during January (unless you are selling snowboards). If the temperature is not pleasant, no one will show up – would you? Also, make sure that all of your unsheltered marketing materials (display shelter, graphics, etc.) are made from materials that can withstand moderate rain, wind and heat. For any outdoor event, you should always have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Have a couple of tents set up, or at least ready to be set up if bad weather arises.
There are a few important things to remember when participating in an outdoor event, especially when you are the primary sponsor.
You should first sketch out the area beforehand, to determine the best set up and to plot traffic flow. Then you need to figure out the exact time that the sun will set that day to decide if you need lighting for your displays, graphics, and meeting areas. Always try to place your graphics facing the sun (it will move, but place graphics with respect to where the sun will be the majority of the time). Otherwise, the sun will glare from behind your graphics, making it difficult to see them clearly. You should also check the availability of electricity and bathrooms to determine if you need to rent generators or portable toilets.
As a sponsor or host of an outdoor event you need to make sure your display and graphics stand out above all others. Our design consultants can help you determine the best layout and can use an array of rental materials to make sure you maximize your presentation and get the ulitimate ROI. Outdoor eventa typically give you a lot more flexibility with how you utilize your space. We can design an eye catching and highly functional space using materials like po-up tents, blow up tents, graphics printed on outdoor materials, bowflags, lights and sounds, large outdoor rated monitors, interactive technology, fun games and more.
Always provide water when you are sponsoring warm weather events. If people are fainting because there is no water available, it will reflect poorly on your company. Also, consider ways to prevent the presence of mosquitoes and other pesky bugs if it happens to be that time of year. You can spray the area with insecticide or simply provide insect repellant candles, bug zappers, etc. You should provide ample seating and shade for those who cannot withstand heat and sunshine for extended periods of time. If you are providing food at the event, make sure to keep the hot items hot and the cold items cold. Spoiled food will ruin everyone’s experience and make your company look irresponsible.
When it comes to actually advertising your organization at an outdoor event, the options are endless. The key is to work with an experienced, knowledgeable exhibit house to walk you through these decisions and help you achieve your marketing goals.
