The Value of a Printed Event Program: A Tangible Guide for Memorable Experiences

In a world where digital is often the go-to solution, printed event programs remain an essential tool for enhancing attendee experiences. Whether it’s a marathon, conference, festival, concert, or fair, a well-designed event program provides a tangible guide, offers valuable information, and serves as a lasting keepsake. This 24-page event program that Executive Printing printed and Lancaster Design & Consulting designed for Hand-in-Hand Fire Company’s 2024 Half Marathon and 5K run is full of informational material.

Guidance and Clarity

At any event, attendees want to know what’s happening, when, and where. A printed event program offers a clear and organized schedule, making it easy for guests to navigate the day or weekend. From keynote speakers and performances to breakout sessions and social activities, having a physical guide allows attendees to quickly refer to the schedule without the need for technology. This reduces confusion and ensures everyone can participate in the events they care about most.

A printed program helps maintain the flow of an event. With clear timings and agendas laid out, both attendees and event staff can follow the event structure more easily. This reduces delays, keeps everything on schedule, and minimizes confusion about what’s happening next. 

This event program printed by Executive Printing provides details, times, and maps about the Bird-in-Hand Half Expo, Pizza and Pasta Meal, Kids Fun Run, Bonfire and S’mores Party, 5k Run, Half Marathon, and Community Picnic. It provides course safety information and food and rehab tents for all the runners. The maps show exactly where the water stations and rest stops are located.

A Tangible Experience

While digital apps and online schedules have become popular, they lack the tangible experience that printed programs provide. There’s something about holding a well-designed, physical program that makes an event feel more official and substantial. It’s not just a schedule, but a piece of the event that attendees can engage with physically, helping to create a more immersive experience.

This event program answers all your questions. There is a FAQ page and information about area attractions and lists all the partners in the race event. It even has a section about things for runners to look for along the race course – Amish one-room schoolhouse, road apples, camels – to mention a few.

Personal Connection

Printed programs can reflect the theme, branding, or aesthetic of your event, helping to establish a deeper connection with your audience. Whether it’s through elegant design, thoughtful messaging, or the inclusion of special features like quotes, sponsor messages, or a welcome note from the event host, printed programs add a personal touch.

This event program has a course record times to inspire you to beat these times. This event is loved by many because of the local Lancaster County features of this entire event. Not only is it a race – but it is also an event where you can explore and place yourself in the midst of the Amish culture. Many runners come to this event to absorb the unmatched beauty of these hidden corners of Lancaster County.

  • What half marathon has a horse drawn buggy pacers that guide you to the finish line? 
  • What half marathon has a Road Apple Award? The Road Apple Award is sure to remind you of your time spent in Lancaster County! “Drett net nei” – Don’t step in it! 
  • Many hydration stations are located near authentic Amish one-room schoolhouses. 
  • And who doesn’t want a horseshoe medal hung around their neck at the finish of the half marathon? Each shoe has been worn by an actual horse within miles of Bird-in-Hand. You get to bring home a piece of the community.

Keepsake and Souvenir

A beautifully printed event program often becomes a treasured keepsake. Guests may hold onto it as a reminder of a special day, such as a wedding, graduation, or a milestone anniversary celebration. For corporate events or industry conferences, attendees might keep the program as a reference for keynote speakers or breakout session details.

Brand Visibility

For organizations, sponsors, and event hosts, printed programs offer prime real estate for branding. Not only can a program showcase your company’s logo and mission, but they also offer space for sponsor ads and messages. Event programs also allow for providing information about your vision for the event and information about your company.  It creates a narrative that elevates your event beyond logistics, giving it heart and purpose.

This event program took the opportunity to tell the story of the event. More than 2,000 runners from around the world come to be a part of the Bird-in-Hand Half Marathon. This was the 15th year of this event and has been voted as the top half marathon in Pennsylvania.

Flexibility for All Events

Printed programs are versatile and can be tailored to any event type:

  • Weddings: Feature the order of events, key details about the couple, and thank-you messages for guests.
  • Corporate Conferences: Highlight speakers, session schedules, sponsor information, and maps of the venue.
  • Festivals/Fairs/Events: Provide a comprehensive schedule, maps of the grounds, vendor lists, and safety information.
  • Charity Galas: Include an agenda, a list of sponsors, an auction guide, and donor recognition.

Printed programs are a canvas for creativity. You can include visual elements such as artwork, photography, or a unique layout that resonates with your audience. This creative freedom allows you to turn a functional item into a memorable, visually appealing part of the event experience. A well-designed program can complement the event’s theme and provide an added layer of engagement for attendees.

Ready to create the perfect event program for your next big occasion? Contact us today, and we will provide you with a free quote and we’ll help you print and add finishing touches to your program that leaves a lasting impression on your attendees.