11/14/2025
🔴4 Tradeshows in 2 weeks.
A tall order for someone that hasn’t stepped foot behind an exhibitor’s booth in over 10 years. But after recently losing a large client, the need to get in front of potential clients, and fast, was necessary. The trade show stars were aligned when I found four shows that were perfectly positioned in our sweet spot in the Senior Living and Nonprofit sectors. I’m incredibly fortunate to have the perfect team to pull together the messaging, materials and strategy needed to make each show a success.
For the shows specific to nonprofits, The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Conference and the Nonprofit Network of the Berkshires Resource Fair, we were confident that our Red Ball Cares division would interest organizations looking to save money on their promo needs. With over 15% savings on most items compared to the 4imprints of the world, we definitely raised a few eyebrows, but when we told them that RBC clients can also expect financial sponsorship and our participation on a board or committee, they were really impressed. Also, we saw the opportunity to reach this intrinsically caring audience by providing each attendee with a free food pantry bag, that can be filled and delivered to their local pantry. Just our small way to pay it forward.
Our senior living specific shows, Massachusetts Assisted Living Association Conference and LeadingAge 2025, allowed us to lean into our 20+ years of senior living experience and cater to the specific needs of those in the industry. I am well aware of the items that resonate with seniors, their loved ones as well as the staff at the communities. It is Red Ball’s job, truly our pleasure, to find the right item that is going to meet the goal of each project.
Whether a gift for new residents, and award for a long-time staff member or a badge program for HR, we understand what it takes to make senior living brands shine in a competitive market. We were excited to gift all providers that visited our booth, with a cooler tote for them and five walker bags for their residents. I can’t wait to see those photos of smiling residents showing off their new walker accessories!
Overall the experience of exhibiting at the 4 shows was inspiring. It reminded me of why I got into this crazy business over 25 years ago. It was for the people. For the impact that could be made. I’m proud of the work we do, how we can add to the mission of our clients, and how a bouncing red ball still brings a smile to so many.
(Apologies to T-Swizz for the horrible adaptation of her recent album cover.)
