Roadshows are nothing new.

If you’re just starting out on your marketing career and planning to introduce the concept of a roadshow to your management committee as something revolutionary, well I’m sorry, but its all been done before. But please don’t in anyway be put off by this.  Even though many companies, charities, local authorities and even government departments have been undertaking roadshows for decades the concept has not been appreciated by all that could benefit from them.

So, the good news that I can assure you of is that for those planning to promote the roadshow concept for the very first time the opportunities and rewards of such an activity are there to be reaped.

Roadshows have proven hugely successful ventures for centuries and date back to the traditional peddlers of olden days who would most likely have carried their message and products on their backs.  Progress from there being the introduction of hand carts, followed by horse and cart followed by yes, you guessed it, the automobile! So let’s just take a very quick overview of them.

For what purposes can roadshows be used?

Now this really is a multi-million dollar question for which I suggest the answer is quite simply that they can be used in almost any industry for an infinite variety of purposes.  So let’s just consider a few that we at MVTech have been involved with.

Consumer Product launches:

There is no better way for prospective customers to touch, try out, taste or sample a new product than by taking it to them. Ideally where they would be most likely to make a purchase such as shopping precincts, fairs and shows. Whilst ideal for sampling new foods, all manor of consumer goods can benefit from being put into the hands of the potential customer.

Business to Business Product launch roadshows:

Business to business demonstrations work just as well as consumer samplign activities. I can think of one of our clients who launched a new product into the plumbing market who took their brand-new demonstration vehicle to their first trade venue with the result being an initial order worth more than the first years sales target!  This being achieved simply because the customer could see a demonstration, sample the quality on the spot in a way no car bases salesmen could possibly offer. The invstment in a roadshow vehicle also provides an ideal means for training retailers and distrubutors staff on more technical products. A double whammy!

Public Information and consultation: 

Our information vehicles built for the Highways Agency undertake gruelling roadshows wherever new roads or major works are to be undertaken.  Ideal for consulting and assessing public opinion at the early stage they return to fully inform once plans have been finalised.  A vital public service that can avoid misunderstandings and provide a well worthwhile public service.

Community outreach roadshows:

Many communities, for one reason or another, can feel themselves isolated and in need of local information, advice and in some instances assistance with either a personal or community issues.  Hence most Local Authorities, even in large conurbations (although especially useful in rural areas) use roadshows to provide a vital communal link.

Where we have designed and built roadshow vehicles for this purpose we have often combined a number of services into a one stop shop.  As an example we have recently undertake projects for cambridges County Council and Northumberland County Council where we have combined the services of more than one department by including library facilities, IT training, job search, along with advice and consultation services.

Not for profit roadshows:

Roadshow campaigns work well for charities and other not for profit organisations.  Not only can a vehicle be used to provide a service they enhance awareness campaigns.  Fundraising too is often a vital part of any such roadshow.

Take animal welfare charities as an example. Those campaigns in which we have played a part raise awareness of health and well being issues whilst being on hand to provide pet check-ups, sell merchandise and seek members and donations.

Public health roadshows:

Many aspects of public health benefit from roadshow campaigns where topics can be publicised and personal, one to one, advice provided. These range from subjects such as healthy eating to hearing loss, visual impairment along with many more issues

Roadshow vehicles in general

Roadshow vehicles come in all shapes and sizes and at MVTech we have used everything you can think of from the Austin Mini and Citroen H van through more traditional vans, chassis cabs, buses, ex mobile libraries and articulated trailers.

Time was when towed trailers formed the basis of most roadshow campaigns but their popularity waned on the introduction of the need to obtain an additional driving licence to facilitate towing a trailer.  Whilst the law has recently changed yet again to allow most to tow there is still the need for tachograph for all but the smallest of trailers.

So a powered vehicle of one sort or another, plated at no more than 3500 kgs (to avoid the need for an additional driving licence and tachograph) is now the way to go if you plan on your colleagues doing the driving.

This is not to say there is a limit on size.  If your product or activity requires a larger vehicle then you simply need a driver with the appropriate qualifications.  If in doubt I would recommend consulting the excellent government web site or better still give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

Interested in exploring how a roadshow could work for you?

If I’ve tickled your interest and you wish to talk through any ideas and thoughts that you have I know our very experienced team would be only too happy to hear from you, so do please call us on 0116 326 0989 and let’s have a chat.  If you’re looking for vehicle designs and concepts we can help you prepare your own presentations to your colleagues by providing 3D visuals and even prepare a walk through and walk around video.

At MVTech we specialise in creating and crafting unique vehicles for roadshows.

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