Types of Events & Venues

Cause-Related
Cause-related events attract a community of people who are united around a common cause or interest.  Events are often annual fundraisers for national or local support organizations.  Some examples are:

• Race for the Cure, Susan G. Komen for a Cure Foundation [link: www.komen.org ]
• Walk to Cure Diabetes, Junior Diabetes Research Foundation [link: www.jdrf.org ]
• Bike MS, National MS Society [link: www.nmss.org ]
• Diabetes Expos, American Diabetes Association [link: www.diabetes.org ]
• Jingle Bell Run, Arthritis Foundation [link: www.arthritis.org ]
• Local events for hospitals, animal shelters, zoos, etc.

Endurance
Endurance events target the fervent athlete.  Exhibitor participation can include everything from goody bags [link: Goody Bag page] inserts to an expo booth to on-course and finish line sampling.  Popular endurance events include:

• Marathon & Half Marathons, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon San Diego [link: www.rnrmarathon.com ]
• Triathlons, Chicago Triathlon [link: www.chicagotriathlon.com]
• Cycling, National Champions of Cycling [link: www.dgcycling.com ]
• Ironman [link: www.ironmanusa.com] & Iron Girl [link: www.irongirl.com ]

Sport
Athletes and active individuals participate in a variety of sports, in a team or individual setting.  People may be involved at a spectator, social, or highly competitive level.  Some example venues are:

• Fitness Centers
• Ski Resorts
• Trailheads
• Youth programs and tournaments
• Adult leagues and tournaments
• Professional sporting events & stadiums

Festivals & Fairs
Festivals draw large crowds and celebrate an assortment of culture attributes.

• Holiday, Oktoberfest Harvard Square [link: www.harvardsquare.com ]
• Cultural, Fiesta Atlanta [link: www.fiestaatlanta.com ]
• Food, Gilroy Garlic Festival [link: www.gilroygarlicfestival.com ]
• Music, Summerfest [link: www.summerfest.com ]
• State Fair, Minnesota State Fair [link: www.mnstatefair.org ]

Interest-based
Interest-based shows cover a broad assortment of pastimes and attract hobbyists by the thousands!  Here are just a few examples:

• RV Rallies, The Great Georgia Getaway [link: www.fmca.com/conventions ]
• Craft Shows, Scrapbook EXPO [link: www.scrapbookexpo.com ]
• Home & Garden, Colorado Garden & Home Show [link: www.gardeningcolorado.com ]
• Car/Motorcycle, LA Auto Show [link: www.laautoshow.com ]
• Bridal/Wedding, The Great Bridal Expo [link: www.greatbridalexpo.com ]

Lifestyle Expos
These expos focus on healthy living and improving your quality of life.

• Health & Fitness, KING 5 Healthy Living Expo [link:  www.networkevents.tv ]
• Going Green, The Green Living Expo [link: www.thegreenlivingexpo.com ]
• Women’s Shows, The Working Women’s Survival Show [link: www.wwssonline.com ]

Professional
Trade shows and professional conventions are popular and diverse events.  These are excellent venues to reach a very specific audience. 

• Trade Shows, Natural Products Expo West [link: www.expowest.com ]
• Professional Conventions, American Dietetic Association’s Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo [link: www.eatright.org ]

College
Colleges and universities offer a variety of organizations and activities to enhance student life.  This youthful demographic can be reached through numerous programs:

• Club & Intramural Sports
• Varsity Sporting Events & Tailgates
• Greek Life
• Student Orientation
• Campus Life Events (concert series, movie nights, etc.)

Intercept & Point of Use
Intercept programs provide the flexibility to determine your own venue.  These locations can be tailored to address specific needs and challenges and reach consumers at the point of product use.  Some example intercept venues are:

• Retail locations
• Transportation centers
• Business districts
• Parks & recreation centers
• Sporting events