Australasian Promotional Products Association - Marketing Magazine

Name of Organization / Company: Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA), Melbourne, VIC Australia:
Category: Award for Innovation in Publications > Award for Innovation in Non-Profit/NGO Publications

Entry Title: Promotional Products Marketing Magazine -November 2018 Edition

Essay

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS MARKETING MAGAZINE- NOVEMBER 2018 EDITION

From concept to design, the Australasian Promotional Products Association publication has completed a total reimagining from a poorly received hard copy entitled 'APPArition', to a hard copy and digital version of the newly titled 'Promotional Products Marketing Magazine'.

This modern on- trend publication which now incorporates on- point articles and industry interviews stylishly presented in A4, 4- colour process throughout, high quality 150 gsm satin stock and with the cover in 300 gsm satin featuring at matt laminate and spot UV gloss accents.

Requests for additional copies of the new publications (all four editions) has increased print volume.

The exceptionally positive reception of the publication prompted the CEO of APPA Mr. Steve Granland, to state that "it was now a publication the industry could be proud of".

There have been 4 editions since July 2017, with Marketing & Membership Manager Ky Wilson as editor and there is a permanent link on the home page of the APPA website to the online versions of each edition.

Ky Wilson and Marketing & Membership Coordinator Martin Nguyen are both solely responsible for the production of the magazine.

Each edition has a core focus or feature article for the reader. The November 2018 edition featured Future Tech including a 7 page guide to a great and varied range of APPA supplier members technology based products to suit every occasion and budget, tips for buying tech and must have Apps for 2019.

This addition also heavily featured the incredibly successful APPA Awards for Promotional Products Marketing Excellence in both Australia and New Zealand, the winners, the winning campaigns and a feature on a winning collaboration between an APPA supplier and distributor.

The November 2018 edition was 73 pages in length and also featured thought provoking content on customer service, staffing, leadership, member milestones and a review of the incredibly successful 2018 APPA CONVEX, the largest promotional products tradeshow in the southern hemisphere.

Another addition to the new format was the introduction of interviews with new up and coming figures within the industry. Titled Distributor to Watch, Supplier to Watch, Decorator to Watch, these interviews give both the individual in question a great profile amongst their industry peers but also gives the reader a glimpse into the world of the interviewee and an understanding of the trails/sacrifices/hard work that goes into being a successful operator. The interviews have become so successful that a list has been created to note the individuals whom wish to be featured, some of whom have already sent in their pictures taken by professional photographers for a chance of an upcoming feature.
The new publication is a also far more enticing for advertisers to purchase ad space as there has been a strong increase in advertising take up of larger advertisements e.g. from half- page to full- page or double page spread. It has also encouraged industry though leaders to participate in article submissions or interviews.

APPA is the largest and most influential promotional products association in Australasia. New members to the not for profit are welcomed into a vibrant community of like- minded business professionals and the exchange of ideas.

APPA promotes professionalism, integrity and creativity in the world- wide, multi- billion promotional industry. Working in close partnership with our members, APPA has been able to help companies navigate the complex and changing business landscape.

Members are a vital part of any industry organisation, and APPA values the professionalism our members aspire to.

APPA members represent 76% of the promotional products industry, equating to a massive $2 billion in annual turnover. This 'buying power' enables APPA to continue to negotiate and provide excellent services for its members, as well as providing APPA with significant lobbying strength on behalf of the entire promotional products industry.

Attachments / Links:
Cover
Article 1
APPA Tech Guide