B-to-C Events

Sampling events are taking on a new level of sophistication. What were once trial-sized giveaway blitzes at major commuter hubs have become longer, more meaningful consumer interactions designed to generate positive word of mouth that can extend well beyond the bounds of the one-time event. Of course, there’s no better way to spread the word these days than through social media. Thanks to tools like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, one happy sampler can now spread her positive recommendations to thousands. The only hitch?

In anticipation of Earth Day on April 22, The Advertising Specialty Institute published its first-ever list of top ecofriendly giveaway items.

1. ELEPHANT-POO NOTEBOOK Yes, it’s made from elephant poop. No, it doesn’t smell like elephant poop.

2. BAMBOO DINNERWARE You’ve seen the utensils, now check out the plates and bowls. 3. SEED-PAPER POSTCARD Branded, biodegradable cards that sprout flowers when they’re planted.

To promote the second year of its spring training series “30 Clubs in 30 Days,” and to attract new viewers to the two-year-old network, the MLB Network this March took the show on the road to 25 spring training ballparks in Florida and Arizona. Outside each of the 30 stadiums, the network parked its mobile vehicle where fans took the opportunity to play first round draft pick and get virtually interviewed by MLB Network personalities Harold Reynolds and Hazel Mae.

Did you know that most of the surplus food from your trade shows, conferences and events can be donated to food banks—with no liability to either your company or the food service establishment? The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, which was signed into law by President Clinton in October of 1996, protects food donors from civil and criminal liability at national and state levels. Yet many event marketers, hotels and restaurants don’t know that they’re covered.

First-time sponsor LG Electronics pulled out all the stops to help consumers connect their passion for the game with the brand’s wide range of products during the NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament.