our brand new head of marketing coming along with Charlene our managing director and Rod our operations director, we are looking forward to seeing as many customers as we can,” Rowell adds. Decision Makers In One Place Another exhibitor that echoes this view is Very Displays with Kirsty Corcoran, marketing manager of the company describing events and exhibitions as the “perfect opportunity” to get directly in front of your target audience and raise brand awareness. For Very, the main role of exhibiting at trade shows is to meet new and existing customers and to grow and create relationships. “Also, being present and letting the industry know we are here and what we stand for in the relevant environment is key to our marketing strategy,” Corcoran explains. Due to Covid-19, there has been a big shift to webinars and virtual events in recent years. Corcoran says no matter how much our ability to engage online grows, she truly believes it can’t replace face-to-face interactions and relationship building in our industry. “People remember people, and here at Very Displays we pride ourselves on our helpful customer service and creating those long-term relationships, which is harder to do digitally. Events help to humanise our business,” Corcoran says. “Also, by getting the industry decision makers in one place over a few days ensures they are truly engaged with the companies they are meeting, and the conversations they are having. There is still a place for smaller, informative-based seminars and events online but with something as vast as The Print Show, face-to-face wins every time!” As well as gaining exposure, Corcoran adds that the company attends The Print Show to demonstrate its commitment to the industry. “We sell portable exhibition solutions, and it would be unusual not to showcase them at our industry’s own exhibition. Everyone involved in the industry should support our own exhibitions, creating a larger event and attracting more visitors. “We also find other exhibitors often come on to our stand to look and learn about our reusable portable display solutions and get inspired about how they might exhibit better at their next event.” Corcoran concludes: “The Print Show has always had a great buzz about it – preshow and during the show. We are looking forward to talking to everyone, as well as showing off some new products that we haven’t exhibited before. We also enjoy the live element, posting on social media throughout the day and linking with the event and customers online.” for new ideas and new partnerships and it’s an opportunity to meet with suppliers, competitors, and customers – to catch up without the pressure of day-to-day business makes a big difference.” Reflecting on his own experience with The Print Show after a successful 2022 show, Rowell adds: “It’s been great to see all those exhibitors signing up and I know the team have been working very hard to ensure we have a successful show. I like the regular contact with The Print Show team; it’s great how they stay close to the industry and get on tour to see exhibitors in their natural environment. “I’m looking forward to seeing them in Dundee at some point soon. I had a great experience at this year’s shows. Sign & Digital was enjoyable and worthwhile and FESPA was incredibly well supported. I hope trade shows are back for good.” For an online business like Tradeprint, trade shows like The Print Show provide its customers with access to the real people behind the company, something Tradeprint puts a lot of emphasis on with Rowell citing the old saying: “People buy from people”. On what Tradeprint is most looking forward to about The Print Show, Rowell says the Gala Dinner will provide the space to enhance industry networking opportunities, and the company will also be bringing some new members of the team such as Marc Farmer from the customer success team, with the event helping to provide a wider context about size and scale and the pride Tradeprint shows in its industry. “This year we’ll also have Santha Hope, ▲ Very Displays says The Print Show is a great opportunity to showcase its offerings and network with customers ◄ The new and improved Knowledge Zone feature will replace the well-known Business Seminar Theatre area The Print Show was founded 2015 EVENT SPOTLIGHT / THE PRINT SHOW PREVIEW www.printmonthly.co.uk 64 September / October 2023 - Issue 344
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