THINKBEYOND - Navitor's Trends Guide Q4 2024

TH BEYOND INK Q4 2024 Your Guide to Print Marketing Trends + Insights

Take our 2-minute survey to shape the future of our content. 1. What topics spark your curiosity the most? 2. Rate this issue from 1 to 5 stars. What did you love about it? 3. If you could choose one subject for a future deepdive, what would it be? 4. What’s missing in our content that you’d like to see more of? Got opinions? We’re listening. Weigh in and be the influencer behind the scenes. Take the Survey What you thINK matters! Survey | 2 Minutes Trending in Marketing Event Marketing Trending in Print Sign Substrates Trending in Industries Nonprofits Trending in Products Wide-Format Signage Looking forward and anticipating what your customers will need and want next is vital. Awareness of trends keeps you competitive, in the moment and identified as the expert. See what’s exciting in the now so you can uncover new business opportunities and demands. Ready to distinguish yourself from your competition with forward-thinking ideas? Read on. SPILLING THE INK

Print Trends WHO IS BUYING WHAT IN Q4? Paper Board More sustainable and very versatile, paper board is perfect for eco-conscious brands. Its eco-friendlier nature makes it a top choice for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Paper-face Foam Board Foam board at a value price is cost-effective and lightweight, ideal for temporary displays. It offers the benefits of foam board at a more affordable price, making it accessible for budgetconscious projects. Corrugated Plastic The #1 material used for yard signs, corrugated plastic is durable and weather-resistant. Perfect for outdoor signage, its robustness and affordability make it the go-to material for outdoor advertising. Clear Acrylic Sleek and modern, it is ideal for high-quality photo prints and wall art. The popularity of personalized and highend wall art has boosted the use of clear acrylic for signage. Smooth Banner Vinyl Affordable and highquality, smooth banner vinyl is great for large banners. Its smooth surface ensures excellent image quality, making it a popular choice for promotional banners. SIGN SUBSTRATES There are several substrates gaining popularity in the signage industry. Here are the top trending materials and what makes them stand out: TOP SIGNS TOP CUSTOM PRINT TOP PROMO PRODUCTS TOP STAMPS Dater Stamps Self-Inking Stamp Self-Inking Round Stamp 2 in 1 Embosser Stamp Event Tickets Announcements/ Invitations Holiday Greeting Cards Napkins Calendars Ornaments TOP LABELS Packaging Tape Foil Stamped/ Embossed Labels Mailing Labels Yard Signs Foam Board Signs Magnetic Signs Wall Art Top Verticals Retail, Finance, Small Business, Nonprofits Visit our Content Calendar Page for fresh new content including booklets, flyers, and videos. Trending in PRINT

Trending in MARKETING EVENT MARKETING Meeting the evolving needs of event organizers. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Current trends in event marketing, such as hybrid events, immersive technologies, and sustainability, are driving demand for innovative print products. Exhibitors continue to attend major trade shows, but many are also experimenting with smaller, more frequent events to offer year-round engagement opportunities. WHY IT MATTERS Exhibitors need sustainable, scalable solutions that reflect positively on brand values as they inform and engage attendees. At the same time, rising costs place a premium on ROI, making technological integration that streamlines operations and facilitates the collection of valuable data crucial. Face-to-Face Wins Whether you’re looking for market dynamics, seeking inspiration from successful strategies, or aiming to stay ahead of emerging trends, The Ortus Club’s report offers valuable insights that will shape approaches to event marketing in 2025. Read more The 2025 Event Marketer’s Playbook Report | 10 Minutes As reported by Cvent and Forester Consulting, 89% of global event and meeting strategy leaders say in-person events are important or critical to increasing revenue. TOP 5 TRENDS IN EVENT MARKETING Personalization Enhanced Engagement Immersive Technologies Hybrid Events Sustainability Source: Cvent Where to Find Events Check out these resources to find event exhibitors in need of solutions: Local Chamber of Commerce Website Convention Center Websites Trade Show News Network (TSNN) Online City Events Calendar Local Conference Venue Websites Cvent – cvent.com Eventbrite – eventbrite.com Meetup – meetup.com Learn more Combining in-person and virtual elements, this trend increases the need for both digital and physical marketing materials. Products like brochures, flyers, and banners are essential for the in-person experience. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) create engaging and interactive experiences. Print integrates AR and VR, allowing attendees to scan folders, labels, and signage for more content and features. Sustainable practices are now a priority. This includes using ecofriendly materials for print and signage. Opt for recyclable or biodegradable materials to promote sustainability as part of a brand’s image. Customizing print like invitations, name badges, and tailored signage to reflect attendee interests is key to connecting. Leverage data to create targeted print and digital communications. Interactive signage, engaging print materials, custom promotional products, and dynamic displays capture attention and captivate audiences.

Trending in INDUSTRIES NONPROFITS TOP 5 TRENDS IN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Maximizing outreach and impact in today’s nonprofit organizations. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW There is a growing emphasis on personalized and impactful communication with donors and prospects. Print is evolving to meet these needs with technologies such as linking physical print to digital content, and variable data printing (VDP), allowing for highly personalized interactions. Ecofriendlier printing options are gaining traction as nonprofits aim to align their communication strategies with their sustainability goals. WHY IT MATTERS Nonprofits are increasingly looking for partners who can offer innovative and more sustainable solutions. By providing VDP, a full scope of integrated solutions, and eco-friendlier options, you can meet the evolving needs of your nonprofit customers and contribute to the success of their missions. Must-Have Products for Nonprofits Banners and Posters increase visibility and attract attention Stickers and Decals easily distributed or mailed Postcards and Invitations announce and invite Brochures and Flyers highlight the mission Envelopes, Letterhead make giving easier Business Cards networking powerhouses Folders keep event info organized Branded Apparel builds loyalty and drives enthusiasm Name Badges offer a personal connection Tote Bags for events or thank-you gifts Read more Increased Politicization Nonprofits must balance nonpartisanship with politically charged causes like environmental and DEI initiatives. Hybrid Events Nonprofits are focusing on hybrid events for fundraising, community building, education, and advocacy, engaging broader audiences and strengthening community ties. Predictive Analytics Predictive analytics help nonprofits understand donor behavior, predict giving patterns, target new segments, and create effective campaigns. Donor Retention With economic pressures and shifting priorities, nonprofits are focusing on personalized communication and meaningful experiences to retain donors and ensure financial stability. Merging of Nonprofits To amplify impact, some nonprofits are merging with similar organizations, pooling resources, reducing costs, and achieving greater results collectively. Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion Nonprofits are increasingly focusing on creating diverse and inclusive environments. This trend extends beyond staff recruitment to include donors, volunteers, and the communities they serve. Source: Land-Grant Press Nonprofits are increasingly adopting digital tools to enhance donor engagement. Read more Digital Engagement Report | 10 Minutes

Trending in PRODUCTS Blog | 3 Minutes TOP 5 TRENDS IN WIDE-FORMAT SIGNAGE WIDE-FORMAT SIGNAGE The future is bright for wide-format printing. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Wide-format printing is rapidly evolving with a focus on sustainability. Ecofriendlier inks, recyclable materials, and more energy-efficient processes are becoming standard. The range of materials is expanding beyond vinyl and paper to include unconventional substrates, meeting the demand for sustainability and offering unique textures and finishes. WHY IT MATTERS A focus on sustainability can differentiate a business, appealing to environmentally conscious customers. Offering a wider variety of materials allows brands to cater to diverse needs, from high-end displays to eco-friendlier event signage. By staying informed and adaptable, brands can meet current market demands and anticipate future trends, ensuring long-term success. Tech Developments AI, AR, VR, and IoTenabled signage are modernizing customer interaction and personalization. GROWTH THROUGH 2025 Within printed signage solutions, wide-format products are expected to grow the fastest. Source: Printing.org A look at disruptors like A.I. and sustainability that have the potential to impact the printing industry, particularly the wide-format segment. Read more Identifying the Industry’s Disruptors Sustainability The growing use of recycled and recyclable materials and energyefficient solutions are tied directly to rising environmental concerns. Unconventional Substrates Custom printing on a wider range of stocks including wood, metal, acrylics, and recycled materials. Print On Demand A surge in personalization plus an increase in demand for no minimums on short-run volumes. Design Trends Modest and simplified aesthetics, daring typography, and vintageinspired designs are all gaining popularity. Key Sectors Buying Wide-Format Retail Real Estate Healthcare Education Transportation Events and Trade Shows Corporations Hospitality Government Nonprofits

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