Promotional Marketing 2007 Preview: What's hot - PME showcase

BADGES, FRIDGE MAGNETS

Pinbadge (133) will have a wide range of products at the exhibition, including Promo-Metal badges and key chains, and Promo-Flex soft PVC items. From overseas, Polish manufacturer Amisco Group (607) is offering fridge magnets, magnetic notebooks, photo frames and puzzles.

BAGS

The Corporate Carrier Company (424) supplies laminated paper carriers printed with a logo. Prices include artwork, proofing and delivery from five working days. Gloss or matt laminated finishes are available and bags can be trimmed with rope handles. It also has polythene bags including aperture handle, flexiloop and duffle-style available.

BODY AND HEALTH

Oxyfit (1121) offers pure oxygen in a can to send the message that your company is energetic and full of drive. Cans come in various sizes: two litres (sufficient for 15-20 breathers), five litres, and eight litres. Oxygen-enriched water sprays with aloe vera are also available. Wallace Cameron (207) will be showcasing its award- winning First Aid kit. Visit the stand for a free Travel Micro and view the new range of micros including the new Love and Kisses kit.

CALENDARS AND ORGANISERS

Soprano Designs (831) is showing the Rodate, a perpetual monthly calendar engineered from high-quality stainless steel. The desk-top premium provides branding and personalisation opportunities. Personalisation in printed form comes from I name It (1113), which can produce bespoke calendars with an individual's name incorporated into the pictures. Anybody visiting the stand will receive their own version.

Meanwhile, personal organiser brand Filofax (605) is introducing 10 new organiser families, new colour options, new ranges of bags and briefcases, and three new families of conference folders. Key developments include the Graphic organisers - folders and bags in microfibre with leather-look trim.

Maxximap (233) will also be showing its latest range of organisers and folders, in materials from plastic and cardboard to aluminium.

CLOCKS AND WATCHES

Clock and watch specialist Oldeani (423) has a range of personalised timepieces on show. This year also sees a focus on electronic and computer items for promotions and incentives, with USB hubs that can be branded for desktop use.

Europa-Watch and Design UK (401) can handle minimum orders of 25 pieces with a three to four-week turnaround period. Its watches combine Japanese quartz movements, European design and US technology.

CLOTHING

Sportswear and fashion garment producer Care Sports (826) produces items for both sexes. As well as potential buyers, it is looking for distributors and agents. Spain's Publicity World (633) offers compressed T-shirts, towels and underwear among its range. For an unusual product, Ear Bag of Sweden (100) provides a patented bandless ear-warmer that snaps directly over the ears.

The Promotion Group (720) is launching Instant Button at the show. The product is a threadless replacement button that is stuck directly on to shirts, and will last for up to 10 washes. It comes in brandable packs of two that can be mailed or inserted in-pack.

ELECTRONICS

Visitors can test the Nintendo Wii on AV Promotions' stand (731). The supplier will discuss the use of electrical items for prizes, loyalty programmes and trade incentives. Gift house Print Run (226) will feature an MP3 sports headphone and FM transmitter on its stand. Pixika (719) of France is also offering MP3 players as well as flash drives and other IT accessories. Sony Business Europe (1011), too, will be showcasing its wares.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROMOTIONS

Being seen to be green is becoming more important as evinced by the number of products that promise they don't cost the earth. Eco Incentives (322) is a UK supplier of promotional items and clothing that are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and/or ethically sourced. The range includes mouse mats and coasters, plus new items such as wooden memory "sticks" and a range made from hydra-bonded recycled leather. The biodegradable Vegetal pen is manufactured from cornstarch. New for 2007 from Celebration Paper & Plastics (919) is Enviroware, a portfolio of environmentally friendly foodservice disposable items.

FOOD AND DRINK

MaCookie (501) from Denmark is back after a successful 2006 event. Its Danish cookies are packed in metal tins that can be printed with customers' designs. Another return is Groovy Chocolate (1003), which manufactures and distributes promotional confectionery, food and drink. Sweet Temptations (425) is unveiling its latest product, a promotional smoothie, and can offer digital printing for orders as low as 50-100 on some products. Coronation Confectionery (906) is launching match box mints just in time to cater for the upcoming smoking ban.

GADGETS

Inventor Joe Silver will be demonstrating his Lifelock (120), an award-winning security device aimed at travellers. The product has been endorsed by the Lucy Blackwood Trust and is stocked by BA. It allows travellers to secure the rooms they are in from within, and includes a torch and watch in its design.

The Monster Factory (1049) will be showing off Mopods, a mobile phone accompaniment featuring a character in a Perspex dome that flashes and dances when your phone rings.

Eastmore Marketing (200) is offering its Pocket Rocket portable mobile phone and MP3 chargers. Following its takeover by Gerber, Silva (317) will be showing a range of multi-tools, as well as its compass and pedometers. Meanwhile, design-led company Touch of Ginger (403) can brand any one of its "urban style" products such as wallet mirrors, emergency cufflinks or divot repairers for conscientious golfers.

GIFTS

Ancestors of Dove (727) manufactures bespoke pewter cast gifts and supplies custom-printed products. Nauticalia's (235) range includes director's and Tallyman chairs customised with company logos. Other customisable gifts from its range of nautical accessories include ships' bells, compasses, paperweights and Galileo thermometers. For something a bit different, Goldas (300) deals in gold and silver jewellery. The company, which is the sole, publicly listed, jewellery producer on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, can provide customised mini gold bars as recognition gifts.

KEYRINGS

Partridge Peartree Promotions (114) has chosen the exhibition to formally launch its Spotlite range of keyrings and pens. These project a full-colour image at the click of a button and feature a second full-colour logo on the product casing. Denmark's Eskesen (927) includes key chains, bottle openers and ballpoint pens in its portfolio of promotional souvenirs.

NOVELTIES

Creative Pod (1045) introduces the Flip Mat, a double-sided mouse mat with a patented non-slip backing giving two opportunities to promote. Launched in Australia and South East Asia last year, Pizza Hut, Coca-Cola and Alpha Romeo have used it. Simply Crackers (also part of Wheatley of Nottingham - 818) is demonstrating a cracker that can be branded, as can its contents. The company claims the product can create an impact all year round.

PACKAGING

Pod Packaging (104) will be showing its new website and brochure as well as its personalised, aluminium lifestyle products. The company claims 450 per cent growth in the past year, following a successful showing at the 2006 show. It offers innovative and exclusive products in small to medium quantities with short lead times. The trendy, aluminium products are recyclable, made in England and include packaging for drinks, cosmetics, golf balls and post.

PENS

Italian company Universal (1109) will be introducing its Devil line of retractable promotional pens, which are available in eight colours with barrel and clip combinations. For sporting promotions, the Giro pen features a miniature ball inside a clear plastic top, which can be branded with team or company details. Meanwhile, pen specialist Prodir (525) has recently introduced a variant of its DS5 pen that can have scent added to a sealed capsule inside the clip.

POINT OF SALE

The Point of Sale Centre (1116) has a range of products to improve poster, leaflet and direct mail campaigns. Stocks include leaflet dispensers, business card holders, poster holders, CD buttons, perforated seals, glue dots, magnets, wobblers, suckers and hooks.

PRINTING

Visitors who are impressed with their PME visitor club card should check out producer Kyp Systems (319). The communications device, the iKyp (information to Keep in your pocket), is being given to all pre-registered visitors. The company, which won the BPMA's Best Newcomer award, will be demonstrating the recently launched "iKyp mini", which has been used by Pfizer Nicorette and London Zoo. The credit card-sized format is available with a variety of insert options including A4 fold-out sheets, booklets and a window. Electronic iKyps, which incorporate ultra-thin electronic components such as torches, radios and randomisers, will also be on display.

Meanwhile, Denny Brothers (220) will be testing visitors' brand knowledge with a stand promotion - Which Brand? - for a chance to win a bottle of champagne. It will be showing its Fix-a-Form labels and Bookmax staple-free product. Falcon Promotions (728) is celebrating 20 years in the industry and will be showing the Magimark magnetic bookmark and self- stick notepads with index tabs. Storm Graphics (321), a UK manufacturer of resin decals and self-adhesive labels, can produce quantities from one to millions.

SERVICES

Risk management company PIMS-SCA (625) will be demonstrating its Scan-2-Win system, which enables data capture or customer interaction through a touch- screen unit. Visitors will be able to win prizes on the stand. Offering fixed fee advice, VCG (828) also has £3,000 worth of prizes on its stand, including iPods, M&S vouchers and a weekend in Paris. It can tell visitors about its work for Carling, Cadbury, Tesco and Tetley. Handling and fulfilment specialist Diss Promotional Services (716) can provide input on the delivery of successful promotions, while Pace Network (518) advises how strategic planning of the logistics of a campaign can help to save money.

Production company Two Productions (1127) is producing a DVD of this year's show. The company is offering 20 per cent off the price of its video service to exhibitors and visitors.

MRS Web Solutions (619) offers bespoke websites and has three special offers for the show tailored to different levels of need - from basic websites through to full e-commerce.

SOURCING

Take your pick of sourcing options at the show. As well as sourcing, Agents UK (714) is also the UK agent for a leading sports ball manufacturer offering branded promotional footballs, rugby balls and other sports balls. Source-e (1028) is an online and printed catalogue sourcing operation launched by P&MM parent Motivcom.

The company will design, create and deliver promotional items to fit any brief or budget using a world-wide network of suppliers. Promotional-Merchandise.org.uk (839) is another online player with a directory containing hundreds of companies. Product Warehouse (609) has a similar approach.

SPORTING GOODS

Academy Balls (stand 325) will be showing the new Rugby World Cup licensed ball and associated products including rugby-shaped juggling balls and keyrings. Orchard Promotions (827), meanwhile, will be exhibiting its range of golf and corporate gifts, clothing and golf art. Its design service offers a creative package, from basic artwork through to company rebranding.

TOYS AND GAMES

Cartamundi UK (901) will be exhibiting a range of playing/game cards in a variety of different shapes and sizes, with several special effects such as foil blocking, gilt edging and glow-in-the-dark. It also produces face paint cards, scented cards and lenticular cards. Oxford DieCast's (1131) toy cars and vehicles already cover many leading brands and the firm runs promotions throughout the world. As well as manufacturing, the company offers fulfilment and handling facilities in the UK. For something softer, Russ Berrie (415) will be introducing a new range of soft toys, many seen in the UK for the first time. UK Import Corporation (807) will show its Cuddles Time soft toys.

VOUCHERS

As well as support from the Voucher Association (VA), many of the UK's big players will be in attendance at PME. M&S (505), Marriott (511), Debenhams (402) and House of Fraser (811) will all be present.

P&MM will have four stands at the show. Its Travel and Leisure Promotions division (1024) has several new products, including free hotel stays, wine vouchers and flight vouchers to destinations ranging from Dubai to Barbados. Recently launched Entice from P&MM (1029) is a selection of benefits featuring a variety of discounts and special offers from more than 100 partners across the retail, home, finance, travel and entertainment sectors. Cinema vouchers (1033) are also on offer.

TLC Marketing (711) is also offering travel, leisure and lifestyle incentives. It is planning to showcase a number of key incentives selected from its portfolio, including the Two for One Body Training Camp, the Take-Away Tuesday Dining Card and the Vue Cinema Movie Money and 241 Cinema Select cards. For high ticket incentives, TLC's World For Free offers a high perceived-value incentive, with a free week's accommodation in a choice of holiday hotspots, for up to four people.

SEMINAR PROGRAMME

Tuesday 17 April

11.30 am: The Best Sales Promotion Ever. A presentation by the winner of this Haymarket poll, followed by debate chaired by Promotions & Incentives editor Bhavna Mistry.

1.00pm: BPMA Seminar - How to Buy Goods Successfully and Win Tenders. Whether you are buying products in the UK or from overseas, there are certain best practice guidelines to follow. And with the increasing number of opportunities being put out to tender both in the private and public sector, do you know how to give yourself the best chances to win one?

Panel includes: Ruth Brothwell, supply chain manager, Supply London; Gill Thorpe a board director from the BPMA. Mediator: David Lebond (pictured), chairman of the BPMA.

2.30pm: Europe - One EU - Multiple Rules! We know that different countries have different regulations regarding promoting in Europe - hear from those who are working through them. Also, what is ahead and what opportunities and threats will present themselves.

Presenters include: Julian Farrel, Director EU Economic Reform, DTI; Jeremy Stern, managing director, PromoVeritas; Daniel Gillborn, deputy director - Awards, Grass Roots; Philip Circus, Partner, Lawmark. Mediator: Edwin Mutton, director-general, Institute of Sales Promotion.

Wednesday 18 April

11.30am: Hidden Heros - Find out how the promotional marketing support and logistics companies are working behind the scenes to keep pace with changing methods and new technology and media. What innovations are coming to make sure we produce leading-edge promotions?

Presenters include: Stewart Oxley, sales director, Diss Promotional Services; Becky Munday (pictured), chief executive, Mando Brand Assurance; Paul Farrow, sales director, Reflex Printed Plastics; Kevin Freedman, Freedman International. Mediator: Peter Kerr, managing director, MRM.

1.00pm: Vouchers & Gift Cards - I've Heard it All Before. Have you? The gift voucher and gift card market is a fast-moving business with new vouchers and cards entering the market, plus continual innovation in technology. Join a panel of experts from the Voucher Association to see how you can embrace all that's new in vouchers and gift cards, maximising your employee reward programme. Featuring a panel of experts from the VA.

2.30pm: What Promotional Marketing has Done for the Brands - Speakers will share information on which methods have worked for them, the impact they have had, as well as what they would not repeat and what they have learnt. Panel includes: Martin Babbage from OKI; Simon Mahoney, managing director, SMP. Mediator - Clive Mishon, chairman, ISP.

Thursday 19 April

11.30am: I Want to Work for That Company! Panellists from the industry will debate staff incentives and motivation schemes that attract and keep good people, and what it takes to ensure return on the investment. John Sylvester, executive director P&MM; Mediator: Mark Ludmon, editor, Incentive & Motivation.

Visit www.promotionalmarketingexhibition.co.uk for updates.