The importance of brand, appealing to mature customers, data protection, direct mail and loyalty schemes were just a few of the topics on the agenda at this week’s sell out HTA Marketing Forum.

This annual one-day event, aimed at all those involved in marketing and public relations in the garden industry, took place at Horticulture House, Chilton, Oxfordshire on 15 November.

Amongst the key learnings were…

Future proof your business by viewing it through mature eyes.

Make age irrelevant - there are many shades of grey.

Your brand is about what your customers tell each other about you.

Capitalise on the popularity of ‘indoor’ as a gateway to gardening.

Make sure you are GDPR compliant by 25 May 2018.

In this digital world don’t forget direct mail as part of the marketing mix.

Think mobile first to ensure reduced dropout rates for mobile transactions.

Don’t forget your existing customers when reaching out for new consumers.

Fake news makes professional PR more important than ever.

Simple initiatives and random acts of kindness can have a big and lasting impact.

Get involved in National Childrens’ Gardening Week – 26 May-3 June 2018.

Look out for HTA Gifting Scheme marketing materials and content to dovetail into your existing activities.

Join in with Poinsettia Day on 12 December.

Partnership marketing can bring great rewards for all.

Create memorable experiences for your customers.

To read the full event report visit: https://hta.org.uk/event_listing/hta-marketing-forum-2017.html