2014 is the year for large scale children’s events, as two shows dedicated to kids are announced for later this year. The organiser of the Scottish Home Show is launching the Scottish Kids Show at the AECC on 21-22 June, and Dot to Dot London is a new kids clothing show at the V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green taking place 8-9 February.

Dot to Dot London, focusing on clothing, will feature an array of children’s fashion from babywear and children’s clothing, to accessories and footwear. The event focuses on affordable UK based brands, and space for exhibitioners sold out early on indicating it will be a well attended, successful show. Meanwhile, the Scottish Kids Show debuting at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre will shine a spotlight on everything involved in family life, including some of the most extravagant products and services for children.

Exhibiting to children of all ages and their parents will not be an easy feat; businesses need to provide engaging marketing materials, and depending on age groups, everything needs to be made easy to understand but with more in-depth information if requested. Taking a range of range of eye-catching exhibition stands to family orientated events like these will help representatives to adapt to different scenarios and be able to attract people of all ages.

Mark Thompson, Sales Director of leading exhibition stand supplier Printdesigns says, “The market for children’s products is huge and constantly growing, so it is no surprise that exhibitions such as these are tapping into the family market. However, it is important for a business or organisation to ensure that they are well-equipped to provide useful information at kids-orientated events, as it will be completely different to exhibiting to adults at a standard show.”

These events are likely to be a magnet for people who are passionate about family life and everything it entails, but these people can be at many different stages in their life. Exhibitioners will have to be ready to sell their services or products to children, teenagers, expecting couples, young parents and grandparents – all with different ideas of what is worth stopping to look at. These events will also be extremely diverse; rather than a specialist exhibition where all stands are of a similar nature, competitors at these occasions will be from a huge variety of family industries and it may be difficult to stand out.

Printdesigns are well equipped to supply children’s exhibitors with creative pop-up stands to catch the attention of children and adults alike and stand out from the crowd. There is a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from, but careful consideration on the graphic design of the stand is probably the best selling feature. Strong, friendly sales teams as well as a multitude of colourful printed materials are appropriate for these events, as businesses often apply the method of selling to a child in order to get to the parent’s pocket. Think outside the box when it comes to freebies and giveaways, and remember it is more important to make an impression on the parents as they have the final decision. Don’t forget, of course, to send a company representative who is fun and good with children; that will make all the difference at an event directed at children and families.