The days of partying like it’s 1999 are over – and that’s ok. The pandemic and social unrest in major cities are forcing all of us to rethink how we socialize and for businesses, how to recognize employees, vendors and most prolific volunteers and contributors.
But still the show should go on – especially the end-of-year/holiday bashes. As a promotional products distributor, you can help your clients create memorable events and celebrations even though they will look and be different for the foreseeable future. And despite the new social distancing, the idea of belonging and of sharing in success will be the genesis of a memorable event.
Promotional products consultants can bring real value to the event, matching products an product decorating to the party or event theme, which is often pre-determined by the client,” affirms Mark Jenkins, managing director of promotional markets for Pioneer Balloon Company.
He points out that customized parties, just like any other customized events, are much more impressive than standardized or stock events. Social media such as Pinterest have served as creative idea generators for party themes, and therefore, customized promotional products can enhance the theme, which “obviously allows the distributor to offer real value to the client's occasion.”
Janelle Michel, marketing coordinator, Tranter Graphics Inc, opines that in the current landscape, corporate and community parties/events are and will be smaller and more personal than in the past. However, she notes, “with the unprecedented times we are living in these events are going to become more essential. Face-to-face meetings become more important when we are unable to have them on a frequent basis.”
Start asking your clientele how they may want to celebrate the forthcoming holidays – or an anniversary, or a new launch. Ensure that the client plans and commits early enough
to allow the distributor more options in helping to create something truly unique via their suppliers and products,” Jenkins advises.
“I think distributors need to have specific intent when they present promo items to these clients.” Michel comments. Instead of bringing 40 products for guest giveaways or prizes, winnow down to four, she emphasizes. And don’t forget to consider such mementos as logoed napkins, from cocktail napkins to higher quality linen such as Lasting Impressions, she adds.\
Pioneer Balloon Company of course sells a bounty of imprinted latex and foil (including full-color Microfoil) balloons for corporate parties of all types (e.g., holiday, recognition, new launch, anniversary, merger, etc.) and the company, says Jenkins, has also been seeing intensified interest in banner or media walls for photo opportunities and social media backdrops for events. “And as of late,” he adds, “our full-color face masks can be a nice way to lighten the mood, given current social distancing restrictions.”
Tranter Graphics’ foam and paper takeout containers have seen an upswing, according to Michel. When the party is over, the opportunity to “help out community food banks while simultaneously promoting your brand has distributors and their clients rethinking marketing opportunities,” she notes.
We are not out of the COVID woods yet – but that does not mean that your clients can’t find a way to celebrate their businesses and communities. A lasting benefit is the great feeling of goodwill, and of being part of creating a memory together.