It’s hard to believe that the Miami Boat Show is just 5 months away! The Miami Boat Show will be held in Miami, Florida from February 12-16, 2009.
Did you know that many companies are already hard at work making preparations to maximize their trade show expenditure? One way that companies can improve their return on investment is to develop a public relations plan to reach out to the hundreds of writers and editors attending the trade show. Those writers can tell thousands of consumers about your latest product or service. In fact, one boating publication reaches over half a million consumers with each issue. That’s why this is an opportunity you can’t afford to ignore!! Wonder what your competitions’ doing?
If they are like Firefly Publicity’s clients, those boating marketers and manufacturers are finalizing product prototypes and briefing their public relations firms. Advance planning allows companies to craft targeted messages for the trade magazines Boat & Motor Dealer and Boating Industry. Trade publications begin working several months in advance for trade show daily issues. Once the pr firms have created the trade press releases they turn their focus to consumer messaging and press releases for each new product introduction. Press releases may also be created to highlight corporate initiatives, sales promotions and personnel news.
It’s also important to create product photography that the press can use if necessary. Larger circulation publications may shoot their own images but many high-quality publications and websites will request that company’s supply product photos to accompany their article or product review.
Some boating and marine companies are staffed and equipped to create their own press kits. But after budget cuts and headcount reductions, many companies are now outsourcing their public relations efforts to pr firms that specialize in their industry. PR firms, like Firefly Publicity, have established relationships with the writers and editors in their specialized industry.
The public relations firm can focus on the pr effort while the in-house marketing managers handle the advertising, catalogs, website, trade show booth and point-of-purchase displays. Some marketing managers also have the additional responsibility of managing the sales staff and national accounts. To achieve the best public relations results, a professional pro-active effort is needed. If your company is just reacting to writer’s requests you can bet your missing at least half the press coverage potential. Honestly, who can do a great job and deliver measurable results when asked to juggle all those important responsibilities?
If your company is attending The Miami Boat Show, ATA, SHOT Show, Outdoor Retailer, NMMA or ICAST, contact Firefly Publicity to see what they can do to make your job easier and increase press coverage for your company and its products and services. Visit www.fireflypublicity.com for more information. Firefly Publicity works closely with writers and editors to place products in media like magazines, newspapers, on-line content, radio and television. Public relations is a cost effective way for companies to maximize their marketing or advertising budget. Firefly Publicity is a results-oriented pr firm located in Red Wing, Minnesota. If you’re interested in gaining exposure for your company’s products, please contact Kim Emery at Firefly Publicity.
