BPMA launches a number of new initiatives at NIS

- Entrepreneur of the industry Award: all details revealed
- New BPMA Website on display
- Launch of the new BPMA Directory
- Free branded digital camera for new members signed
- BPMA experts speak at seminars
- Daily free BPMA networking breakfasts

The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) is to introduce a number of new initiatives at the National Incentive Show (NIS), stand number 1245 on 19-21 September at Birminghamís NEC.

Entrepreneur of the Industry Award

The BPMA has chosen the NIS for the launch of The Entrepreneur of the Industry Award - a nationwide search for the leading entrepreneur of the promotions and incentives industry. The award will be looking for a new initiative, innovative concepts and a proactive business approach which has proven successful. At the show, visitors and exhibitors alike will be able to learn more about the judging panel, review the awardís criteria and then nominate the businessperson they feel best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit ñ even if this means themselves. Entry forms for the Entrepreneur of the Industry Award which is being presented in association with Promotions and Incentives Magazine will be available on the stand and via the BPMA website, www.bpma.co.uk

Unveiling the new BPMA website

The BPMA is to reveal its new website, which is set be the information hub of the promotional merchandise industry, designed to streamline the sourcing process, introduce new navigation options and include more business focussed content. The new website will be fully payment automated when completed. Members will be able to sign up for membership, renew their membership, buy space on the website to advertise their company and in the monthly product emailer, access industry reports and a range of other business focussed content to help members do more and better business. Visitors to the BPMA stand will be the first to see how the website will operate..

New name and style for the BPMA Yearbook

The 2006/7 BPMA Yearbook will also be launched at NIS. Retitled the ëBPMA Directory. A guide for buyers of promotional merchandiseí it includes articles on the latest industry developments, trends and issues, including the latest feedback from the BPMA annual survey, carried out by MBA students from the London Business School. Other content includes industry-leading comment on digital technology, three pages of guidance and tips to sourcing, innovation in vouchers, as well as the latest update on UK and EU legislation.

FREE Digital camera for every new member signed

A free branded digital camera courtesy of Source-e, a division of marketing services company, PandMM will be offered to all new members signing up to the BPMA at NIS! In addition to this, the BPMA is to waive the joining fee as part of the incentive, exclusive to the NIS show.

Seminars

The BPMA will host two keynote seminars by industry leaders. The expert advice of Dr Phillip Morton of Repic Limited on highly topical EU legislation and its affect on the industry will be presented in a seminar titled: ëWEEE: How to maximise your business within new guidelinesí. Marketing and advertising law expert, Carl Rohsler of Hammonds will be speaking in a seminar titled: ëDealing with the Far East: The Facts vs. The Fictioní. In this presentation, the regulatory issues which companies face when dealing with the Far East will be raised, with the emphasis on helping them remain on the right side of the law.

Other key seminars include ìPurchasing and negotiating the best deal ñ both sides of the story,î which is to be presented by BPMA board member and MD of The Sourcing Team, Gill Thorpe. Incoming BPMA Chair, David Lebond, Executive Director of Fotorama will be presenting a seminar titled: ìDonít risk it. Fixed fee it,î which will highlight the benefits and dynamics of fixed free promotions.

Start the day onÖ A FREE breakfast!

For the first time ever, the BPMA will host free networking breakfasts at the BPMA stand hospitality area, which will be served from 9 to 10am each morning. Coffee, juice and pastries will be provided while invitations will be delivered to all exhibitors at the show.

For further information, please visit www.bpma.co.uk