TPW's Response to COVID-19

Just a week ago, we posted a blog about what to do if your trade show events got cancelled, but now it is no longer a question of if, but for how long will events like these be cancelled. Everything has changed so rapidly in the past week, it's hard to believe that it's only been a week instead of a month. Changes have occurred rapidly as new information is released about COVID-19. We are amid a health crisis, and times such as these are affecting the global economy.

We understand that this health crisis is hitting many industries extremely hard, and our hearts reach out to you. We too are alongside you, experiencing these difficulties. In this blog, we are going to specifically address the restaurant industry. We know that this isn't something you anticipate when you sit down with your board and discuss potential threats to your company. These are hard times, especially because of the uncertainty. How long will this last? How long will we be allowed to serve through delivery and curbside take out? Will any of our taxes be exempt? What kinds of changes do we need to make in wages and policy in order to make it through?

In an article posted by The Dallas Morning News, it addresses the announcement made by Governor Gregg Abbott. Schools, dining areas, gyms and bars are closed at least until April 3rd, 2020 statewide in order to limit the spread of the corona-virus. "While dining in at restaurants and bars will not be allowed, Abbott encouraged Texans to continue ordering food from local eateries for pickup or delivery". Governor Cuomo is announcing New York on pause. All non-essential businesses and gatherings are closed or banned for the time being (Department of Health).

Though dining areas are closed, drive-thrus, take-out and curbside service are allowed. We are here to help supply your printing needs to keep your restaurant running as smoothly as it can given these health crisis circumstances.

Curbside Carry-Out Signage

Banners, A-Frame Signs & Yard Signs - All of these can be used to show customers driving by that you are still in fact open for business or to show deals and items you are offering.

Menu Boards - Some additions or changes to menus might need to be made, or posting a menu in the front window might not be a bad idea for restaurants without a drive-thru who are still offering carry-out.

Flyers/Coupons - It might not be a bad idea to put a coupon inside of your carryout orders. Offers serve as an incentive to your customers to come back, and in a time like this, customers returning is a driving fear.

Check out these and other options we have available for signage here.

Other items to consider

• If you already have an app, make it so customers can place curbside orders through your app.
• Make your current menu (and updated menu if applicable) available either through your app or website.
• If moving to delivery, make sure you call your insurance to see what needs to be done.
• If serving alcohol, please investigate the local and restaurant laws, especially in regards to the type of license you hold. Please be cautious.
• Adjusting menus. Some more upscale restaurants may need to make their menus cheaper by selling different items in order to make meals more within a $10-$15 range. many are out of work at this time, and you need to be conscientious of others and their economic standing.

The Thomas Printworks team is here to help where we can, we are hoping you and yours the best.

Are you wondering if your trade show, like many other events, will be cancelled? Then you're in the same boat as the rest of us... no pun intended.

A few cruises have been quarantined due to outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus, and the cruise industry is scrambling to make arrangements for the high number of cancellations and survive while their bookings are decreasing significantly (The Washington Post).

The NBA, along with other major sports, are postponing games until further notice because two NBA players tested positive for the coronavirus (ESPN).

President Donald Trump has issued restrictions on foreign travel in order to prevent an outbreak of the virus within the United States, and the traveling industry is seeing tens of thousands of flights cancelled (myFT).

Most schools have cancelled classes for the next few weeks, and many universities have shifted classes to meet online for the next while. Schools will determine the outcome of the semester remaining upon evaluation in a few weeks.

Even Disneyland, the happiest place on earth, will be closed until the end of March to comply with the executive order from the governor of California (CNN).

Numerous events have been cancelled, and by the looks of it, there's a great chance many trade shows will experience cancellation as well if you have not already been notified of a cancellation or postponement.

If you find yourself with a cancelled trade show, don't fret! Not all hope is lost. Direct mail and other channel marketing can be used as great tools to connect with attendees and potential customers.

Check out this infographic, including statistics regarding direct mail and other marketing channels:

Need help organizing a direct mail initiative? We are eager to help. Write us the details and we will be in contact with you shortly.

Trade Shows are an interesting concept, because you are on a quest to create a cohesive, well put together 10x10 space that represents your company as a whole. You want to be professional, but practical as you are creating a collapsible branded environment.

As with many things, there isn't one right way to do it; trade shows not excluded. There are numerous different ways to design them and change the focus, however we are going to focus on some essentials for trade shows.

1. Have a well-designed booth

This the backbone of your event, everything connects back to it! You can have the greatest sales representative manning your station, but if it's drab, not visually appealing or confusing, not even your top sales rep with have much a chance to strike a conversation with anybody.

Check out How To Design a Trade Show Booth That POPS! where we cover topics like brand consistency, color and targeting your messaging to show your solution to the problem.

There's more to it than just the back drop:

Floor Graphics

Rugged adhesive material lets you add directions or promotional messages at the foot of your prospects in your booth or on the show floor directing prospects to your booth. It can also be a great way to start a conversation, "Now step right here and tell me what you see". Get creative!

Pop-Up Banners

They are flexible, portable, and make you more visible. By placing pop-up banners in the walkway or just outside of your booth, you'll catch the attention of those walking by. Thomas Printworks carries all kinds of banner stands to make you look your best. Choose from single- or double-sided stands for maximum exposure to drive more traffic to your trade show space.

2. Uniforms and branded apparel

Brand consistency certainly doesn't stop with the graphics. Branded clothing is an essential at an event like this, a small logo shows everyone where you work and who you are representing.

Whether you're looking for a classic polo or a hat, we have a wide variety of options.

3. Give away or leave behind

Promotional Products are a great way to keep your name circulating long after the trade show and get leads. You can give away classic items like pens, flash drives or a note pad to everyone you come in contact with and also consider doing a raffle for a bigger item like a jacket, blanket or a few nice water bottles. You'll find over 25,000 items in our massive catalog and every item is fully customizable with your company logo or message.

Browse the catalog here!

There are many ways to organize a trade show, but don't skip out on these three essential items. Show up professionally and leave with new connections and possible new clients. We wish you the best of luck and hope that we are able to help you out for your next big event!