PPB May 2018

At on-site events, voter registration and education groups are seeking high-visibility items to attract visitors, she adds. Viable options include pop-up tents, table covers, flag and sail banners, and balloons. “Social media-shareable ‘selfie stations’ are also increasingly popular for raising awareness and drawing attention,” she adds. These stations can be built using 10-foot by 10-foot step-and-repeat backgrounds, foam core-mounted photo frame cutouts, hand fans in the shape of thought bubbles, and other selfie props. “They also look for small giveaways such as pens, can coolers, reusable tote bags, silicone cell-phone wallets, decals and key chains,” adds Dickens. However, one important assessment to make when providing options is whether clients require or prefer union-made goods. “For some candidates, supporting organized labor groups is an important part of their message, so making sure they’re ordering products produced by union workers is helpful to their campaign,” Dickens notes. “The inclusion of a ‘union bug’ on their items signals to their constituents that they’re a supporter of organized labor. Not asking your customer if they require union-produced products can be a missed opportunity.” Dickens says product durability is especially important for longer campaigns, and helping candidates select outdoor items that will withstand climate extremes through several different seasons is key. “Also, understand who the candidates are trying to reach with each promotion. Creating a variety of promotions, from the traditional tote bag to the more contemporary PopSocket, can help appeal to a wide range of generational voters.” Dickens says there’s no single price point that clients stick to, either. “Budgets vary, and it’s always important to balance quantity and quality. Product quality is of the utmost importance, because even with the smallest budget no candidate is going to want their name associated with a product that easily breaks, wears out or falls apart.” Campaign Collateral T-shirts are walking billboards when they are printed with a personalized slogan or candidate message. The American Apparel fine jersey unisex tee is made with four-ounce U.S. cotton and is assembled in the U.S. Choose from 22 vivid colors in sizes XS to 3X. Heritage Sportswear / PPAI 177353 / www.heritagesportswear.com This stretch door runner slides perfectly onto your door without covering the door knob. Customize it with a full-color imprint to maximize brand exposure. This is a two-sided runner that can be printed with two separate images. Quinn Flags & Banners / PPAI 360359 www.quinnflags.com The Bayside 3660 is an embroiderer’s dream and is made in the USA. The structured chino twill cap is made from 100 percent cotton with a pre-curved visor and a hook-and-loop closure. It’s available in seven colors including red, white and blue. Kati Sportcap / PPAI 113758 / www.katisportcap.com | MAY 2018 | 25 GROW