Kickass Gimmicks
Flying 'ass' and William "Fridge" Perry continue to draw crowds for Big Ass Fans
Wai Li -- Design News, February 25, 2004
Sometimes you just need more than a fridge magnet to draw a crowd at an exhibit. How about the whole fridge? Chicago's favorite refrigerator-former Chicago Bears player William "Fridge" Perry-continues to help draw much attention to the Big Ass Fans (www.bigassfans.com) booth on Wednesday when he stopped by and autographed for his followers.
"Everybody says we have a cult following," Big Ass Fans' John Pennycuff says, adding that Perry often travels with the company to trade events nationwide. "We've had such good responses that we stayed so busy pretty much the whole time."
Some exhibitors of this year's National Manufacturing Week have expressed disappointment over the attendance, however, even though the organizer says pre-registrations have grown from last year. Official figures will be released later this week, the organizer adds.
In addition, Big Ass Fans also features another attention-grabber that always travels with the company-a stuffed donkey hanging down from the ceiling and flying backward in a circle, staring at its own rear.
"We do draw a lot of attention," contends Bill Buell of Big Ass Fans marketing, "especially with the name Big Ass."
Even those that lack the touch of novelty could still woo a big crowd if the names are well known enough, comments Tracy Brewer, Trade Show Manager of Grainger (www.grainger.com). Using only conventional trade show gimmicks such as freebies and raffles, the company has managed to attract a significant number of attendees, Brewer says.
"We have our own suppliers here," she adds. "We have knowledgeable staffs and lots of interactive things. We have received 6,000 surveys this year compared to 5,800 last year."
 
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ENCHANTE: Former Chicago Bears defensive player William "Fridge" Perry signs autographs at the Big Ass Fans booth on Tuesday. The sports star has been traveling with the company to trade shows over the years, drawing a cult-like following, says Big Ass Fans' John Pennycuff. At right, one of the Big Ass fans with the flying donkey. |
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