The weeks leading up to a tradeshow are an ideal time for fresh produce marketers to make press announcements. Prior to a show, eyes turn to trade publications to seek information that will help attendees determine who they would like to meet with to make the most of their trip. Paid advertising can be quite effective in conveying your message, but un-paid editorial coverage can actually provide a stronger benefit simply because of the fact that it’s NOT an ad! Press releases are a cost-effective way to broadcast your pre-show announcement to the industry. Here are 8 ideas for newsworthy topics you can use to gain press leading up to the show in New Orleans.

1. New products or packaging
Have a new product or packaging being unveiled prior to the show? Make sure you announce it to the trade press just before the show to generate optimum buzz on the show floor. Consider an in-booth launch and invite media representatives to attend the launch to pull in additional foot traffic.

2. New Hires & promotions
Have a new hire that will be in the booth for the show? Announce new hires and promotions relevant to a trade show the week before to encourage attendees to stop by your booth to meet or congratulate this person! This opens the door to conversations that go beyond “nice to meet you.”

3. Philanthropic efforts and donations
Making a charitable contribution relative to our industry or your current marketing efforts? Let the trade press know! Folks love reading about others helping others, especially when it involves helping to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Consider donating to organizations that support FRESH like Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools or Katie’s Krops.

4. Consumer promotions
Currently involved in a strategic campaign or effort to reach consumers? Position this as pre-tradeshow news by sharing why your efforts are important in order to stir up interest in talking with you about reaching the consumer at the show. At the end of your press release or announcement, include your booth number and encourage attendees to stop by and learn more about your consumer outreach programs.

5. Business expansion, growth or new partnerships
It’s a no-brainer that you will want your fellow industry members to know if you have made recent decisions that will put you in a position to better grow your business. This type of news is sure to send curious foot traffic to your booth looking to learn about new opportunities that come with working with you.

6. New research results
Have you discovered new seed varieties or are you growing new patented products? This news makes a huge impact prior to the show, especially when you have the results of your research to speak for itself in your booth and demonstrate the potential sales impact. Who can resist a new plant variety that no one else has?

7. Awards
It’s not always so bad to toot your own horn. If you have won a prestigious award recently, position your news in a way that explains why your award could help those who would potentially want to work with you, and then encourage tradeshow attendees to head to your booth to learn more.

8. New Website Launch

It’s shiny and new, and it’s ready just in time for Fresh Summit. Send out your announcement about a new website launch just before the show and you will be sure to receive a few hits from eager publication readers. Include in your news why this launch matters to those doing business with you, and what it means for the future of your company.

Ready with your pre-Fresh Summit news? It’s time to put together a press release! Click the thumbnail above to download a handy press release template to help you organize your news in a way that is “media-friendly.”

Are you looking for more ways to put out newsworthy content not just before a tradeshow, but year-round? Click below to get more helpful ideas by downloading the guide to 5 Tips for Becoming Newsworthy!