Whenever I’m asked to be an event sponsor I’m ready to present my business with confidence, and at a moment’s notice.
It wasn’t always this way.
Like most people, I used to set the workshop date, or say “Yes” to sponsoring an event, and then panic because my promotional materials were not ready.
I should have known better. Over the last 20+ years, I’ve helped other entrepreneurs showcase their businesses with standing banners, tabletop banners, information panels, company signage, and promotional printed materials for their events, and trade show booths.
Whether you’re
- preparing to lead a live workshop,
- getting ready to be an event sponsor, or
- considering being an exhibitor at a trade show,
here’s a list of items you’ll want to have on-hand and packed-up so you can arrive calm, collected, and ready to do business.
P.S. I’m also sharing my production timeline which includes design, proofs, corrections and print. Please add an extra 7-10 days if items need to be shipped.
Live Workshop Essentials
Giving a life workshop, or have you been asked to present at a colleague’s event? Your basic toolkit should include:
- Retractable standing banner: 3–4 weeks
- Business cards: 2 weeks
- Sign up form: 1 week. TIP from my business coach, Jan Stringer: Place the forms under attendees’ chairs. At the end of your presentation, instruct them to remove the paper and follow along as you describe your offer.
Event Sponsor Promo
- Stranding retractable or tabletop banner: 3–4 weeks
- Brochures: 2 weeks
- Business cards: 2 weeks
- Promotional item(s): 3 weeks
- Sign up forms: 1 day
Trade Show Exhibitor
How big do you want to play?
It’s expensive to be an exhibitor. You’ll need a lot of graphic design services to produce a variety of materials, plus you may only choose to “do” one or two major trade shows a year.
This is a list of items I’ve produced for other businesses who were trade show exhibitors:
- Trade show booth: rigid hard panels or a soft and flexible 10′ wrap-around display walls: 4-8 weeks
- Backlit header for booth: 3–4 weeks
- Company signage: 3–4 weeks
- Interpretive panels: 4 weeks
- Brochures: 3 weeks
- Sales sheets: 2–3 weeks
- Sales packet including pocket folders: 4 weeks
- Business cards: 2 weeks
- Promotional giveaway: 2–3 weeks
- Promotional video: 6 weeks
- Order forms with company logo: 2–3 weeks
- Company logo embroidered on clothing: 3 weeks
- Deck chairs screen printed with company logo: 3 weeks