So, it's extremely timely that the UK's largest exhibition dedicated to all sectors of the promotional marketing industry is about to take place. Now in its third year, the Promotional Marketing Exhibition, Olympia, 15 - 17 April, is an annual showcase for over 200 companies featuring printed promotional products alongside the wider mix of promotional and motivational solutions.

The Exhibition has always enjoyed the support of the industry's important organisations, the British Promotional Merchandise Association, The Institute of Sales Promotion and The Va (Voucher Assocation). However this year for the first time, a wider range of marketing related associations are also taking part, namely POPAI (Point of Purchase Advertising International), DMA (The Direct Marketing Association) and IPIA (Independent Print Industries Association). 

The importance of print quality

Print quality is a very important element of any promotional item and Andrew Pearce, CEO of the IPIA comments: "The IPIA is at the Promotional Marketing Exhibition with the other members of the Marketing Association Alliance to promote the value of print as a medium for effectively conveying a marketing message and to help de-mystify print for the visitors.  We will be on the Alliance stand to answer any print-related questions the visitors may have."

Fine tune your industry knowledge

The IPIA is also taking part in The Industry Forum which allows suppliers, journalists, buyers and practitioners to discuss issues of the day, put questions to each other, air their views, pass on their expertise and come to understand each other's opinions and objectives for the future. The programme is still being finalised (latest details at http://www.promotionalmarketingexhibition.co.uk/) but it already includes panellists from major names, including the testing house SGS, The Advertising Association, Coors and EDF Energy - names which are bound to draw intense visitor interest.

Suppliers of promotional products

Promo2u.com (stand 233) is a promotional merchandise distributor offering eco-friendly and standard promotional products and gifts together with extensive knowledge in print management and bespoke manufacture of Lucites (deal toys). Product lines being showcased include USB memory sticks, umbrellas and an executive range of promotional pens.

Waving the flag for the promotional/corporate clothing sector, Purple Turtle (PTMC) (stand 518) will be showing a range of bespoke clothing including jackets and outer garments, plus T-shirts, polo shirts etc. In fact PTMC is supplying branded fleeces and T-shirts for the Promotional Marketing Exhibition team to wear during show build-up.

Exhibitor Corporate Presence (Stand 915) is dedicated to providing the finest products and corporate gifts to the elite of the business world. Established in 1981 the company is recognised as a leader in Lucite commemoratives. Those who visit the stand and hand in a business card will have it embedded it in clear Lucite and returned to you, absolutely free of charge!

Visitors looking for promotional products to support clients' ‘green' CSR policies will be pleased to know that promotional product supplier Tomato Source (stand 217) (winner of the BPMA Best Newcomer Award 2007) will be showcasing the recently launched bio-degradable BioPoncho with its huge branding space, alongside a wide range of other innovative green and standard products.

At the top end of the promotional gift market, exhibitor Procurement International (stand 615) will be showcasing promotional products from major brands such as Sony, Nikon, Bose, Olympus and Montblanc. Whilst the company is seldom asked to overbrand these aspirational products, many clients rely on their expertise to produce gift packaging reflecting the donor brand and, of course, deal with the fulfilment element of major promotions.

Visitor Promotions

Established promotional product supplier Print Run (stand 300) is placing its catalogue (packed with promotional product that can be branded) into a silver envelope into every Goody Bag to be given away at the show by the organisers. On each day there will be one GOLDEN envelope and the lucky winner will be entitled to claim a night for two people at an Hotel du Vin of their choice!

The exhibition organisers are also offering a personal incentive to visitors who pre-register for, and attend, the show. They will receive a voucher for two return flights to one of six European cities.   P&P

The Promotional Marketing Exhibition will showcase 200 suppliers of the latest, most innovative promotional product and techniques.                

So, if you are involved in buying or supplying promotion products and services, or if you wish to enhance your knowledge of this industry by attending The Industry Forum, then pre-register for the Promotional Marketing Exhibition now at http://www.promotionalmarketingexhibiton.co.uk/.

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