Sizzling cookouts and BBQs!

After most parts of the country, unfortunately, contended with an extremely wet spring, summer is finally upon us! It’s time to delight in being outdoors—socializing, grilling, and enjoying a cold beverage. Distributors should “seize the day” and make sure they are offering all the latest and greatest in barbeque and picnic fare. Coolers, chairs, tables, BBQ tools, aprons, oven mitts, and coolies are just some of the products that can add to a memorable, enjoyable outdoor event.

Suppliers agree that demand for these items is strong—especially during the summer months. Millennials have shown an increased interest in camping and other outdoor activities, according to Grethe Adams of Southern Plus. Additionally, many companies host more events when the weather is warm, and people tend to be more relaxed while enjoying the great outdoors.

In this market segment, high attention to detail and having a fun and memorable theme are trending, according to Lindsey Farm at BEST Promotions USA. “People are putting a greater value on experiences over things nowadays, so events such as BBQs and picnics must be entertaining,” she comments. Gwen Brey of Beacon Promotions expands on these sentiments, adding that a lot of details go into the planning to create such a special event. The right products are a must.

According to Adams at Southern Plus, this aforementioned trend among millennials pertains to them seeking more comfort when engaging in outdoor activities in general. “This typically means more gear, which presents a great opportunity to reach and connect with this very important market segment,” she explains. “The desire for adventure and connecting with nature among this demographic obviously goes further than a backyard BBQ or company picnic; however, the growing interest of being outdoors—or simply outside—is tied to all of these activities.”

Fortunately, there is a multitude of promotional items that are appropriate for a BBQ or picnic. “You may need a table cover for the registration desk, a banner to welcome the guests, aprons, or oven mitts for those preparing or serving the food, and of course giveaway items,” Brey of Beacon Promotions says. “The giveaway items can be anything from totes to houseware to flashlights. You will also need nice Corporate Gift brand items for the door prizes that are given away.”

Picnic/tailgating tables have done very well at Southern Plus, Adams maintains. “They are a great addition to any BBQ/picnic setting and they are often overlooked. Chairs are usually the first thing that comes to mind, but a table is less likely to be an item they already have. It’s also multi-functional: our Table for Two can also serve as a footstool for added lounging comfort! The larger Event Table has a shelf under the tabletop that provides a great area for keeping your belongings and picnic supplies off the ground.”

BEST Promotions USA’s new Metallic Coolie looks exceptional in the sun, Farm emphasizes. “With the Slap Wrap being a top seller, we’ve introduced two new shapes—the round and oval—making it easy to use for themed events, especially if they’re sports-related,” she comments.

At Bay State, the new Quick'n Slick Silicone Basting Brush can withstand 500-degree temperatures, according to Josette Bosse. It is available in cornflower blue and sangria red. Three For Me Portable Cutlery is great for picnics and summer lunches packed for day camp, etc., she adds. “They are reusable so that’s always a plus for our environment!” Bosse enthuses.

Distributors need to have a clear understanding of the barbeque or picnic event before recommending products to clients. Farm of BEST Promotions USA also advises inquiring as to the event’s theme. “A company picnic is much different than a BBQ grilling contest,” she says. “Ask lots of questions and be clear on the objectives.”

Brey at Beacon Promotions agrees, adding, “It’s key to discuss the whole event to see what is needed. You need to ask a lot of questions or you may only get an order for one item when there are many other items that could be utilized. Don’t leave money on the table.”

Lastly, Adams at Southern Plus offers the following advice: “These items are relevant year-round. Make sure they are practical items that will actually be used to ensure a lasting brand connection. For added impact—and impressions—consider an item that’s highly visible like a chair, apron, or a standing cooler.”

CASE STUDIES

Gwen Brey, Beacon Promotions: A company recently held their annual summer picnic. It’s a fun way to get the employees away from work and to get to know their fellow employees. The social committee had the HC351S socks printed with the company logo and a full-color summer image. They had the employees put them on and take a picture at the picnic and posted it to their social media sites. The employees had a lot of fun with it—ribbing their co-workers about who had the best foot/ankle for modeling! It created a lot of camaraderie!

Josette Bosse, Bay State: A distributor in Massachusetts was working with a propane company on a public relations campaign. The company was trying to increase its visibility in an effort to gain market share in a down economy. The end user’s primary business was delivering propane to residential properties; therefore, they wanted a product that would be useful in and around the house. As a side benefit, they were also trying to increase their more profitable business of filling smaller barbeque tanks at the same time as the main fill-up. So, they set out to find a product that could give them results in both markets. 

The Bay State K206 Silicone Basting Brush was a perfect match to help them deliver a positive message to homeowners and grilling experts alike. The product’s silicone brush can withstand heat up to 500 degrees! It is perfect for basting any food in the kitchen or on the grill. Both the distributor and end-user also liked the fact that the product has a large enough imprint area for a logo and specific contact information that was needed. 

The propane company ordered 1000 pieces and they were thrilled with the results! After each fill-up the driver would attach an informational card, the basting brush and a ‘Thank you’ note on each customer’s front door. Comments came pouring, such as, “What a nice surprise to receive such a useful product,” and, “Thank you for recognizing us as a valued customer.” Even in a down economy, customer awareness and business are up for this savvy end-user.

Lindsey Farm, BEST Promotions USA: A local baseball team was planning an end-of-season picnic and wanted a fun giveaway with the team’s logo on it to celebrate. They chose the New Round Slap Wrap so they could fit their logo with a baseball in the middle. These were a great giveaway—as they fit around any beverage that was brought to the picnic, such as water bottles and soda cans. The hosts of the picnic were pleased with the product and plan to sell these to fans next season as a fundraiser.