Putting together an event such as a major convention, exhibition, conference or corporate sponsorship requires thorough planning and organisation. You will of course require a full range of printed items and branded materials.
At the largest scale events, particularly where you are the organiser you may need to take responsibility for event communication. This may involve purchasing or hiring a two way radio system. This is where you will need a real communications specialist.
The organisation of corporate events is typically handled by the marketing or sales department who have little experience of procurement on a large scale. You may decide to use your own purchasing department or to secure the services of a procurement consultancy that specialises in the sourcing of marketing and business services.
Whatever you do make sure you have a clear budget with quantities and unit prices and track all purchases made against it.
The key is to ensure that all marketing material used for the event is consistent, using the same logos and agreed type faces and colour schemes.
The core items for an event include:
- Branded banners and other signage
- Promotional pens
- Promotional bags
- Low cost bags for giveaways
- More expensive bags for important clients
- Event folders
- Event documentation and brochures