So, you’ve booked the DECC. That’s a huge first step, and it sets a certain expectation, doesn’t it? Hosting an event at a venue like the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center means everything has to be on point. Amid the chaos of logistics and speakers, it’s surprisingly easy to let your printed materials become an afterthought.
That’s a mistake. Your print work is what people see and touch. It guides them, it informs them, and most importantly, it says everything about your brand’s quality. At FOG, we’ve been in the trenches with countless businesses, turning their event chaos into polished success. To give you a hand, we’ve put together a real-world checklist for anyone planning an event at the DECC.
Phase 1: The Pre-Event Buzz
Long before the doors swing open, you’re setting the stage. This is how you build hype and get people to actually show up.
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Posters & Flyers: Don’t underestimate the classics. A sharp-looking poster or a well-placed flyer in the right spots around Doha can still work wonders for local awareness.
- A tip from our design team: Think “glance value.” Your event title, date, and “DECC” need to be readable from across the room. We always recommend adding a QR code that goes straight to your registration page—make it easy for people.
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The Right Invitations: Look, an email is fine, but for your VIPs, speakers, or key sponsors? A high-quality, physical invitation mailed out beforehand makes a powerful statement. It signals importance.
- A tip from our print shop: Don’t skimp on the paper. A heavy card stock and a custom-branded envelope tell a story of quality before it’s even opened.
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Consistent Social Media Graphics: This isn’t a print item, but it’s deeply connected. Your online look—on Instagram, LinkedIn, wherever—needs to match your print look perfectly. Same fonts, same colors, same logo. It’s all part of the same professional campaign.
Phase 2: On the Day at the DECC
This is showtime. Your printed materials are now working for you, acting as your silent brand ambassadors.
First Impressions & Getting Around
- A Big Welcome Banner: You need something impactful right at the entrance to your hall. It’s the first thing people see and instantly reassures them they’re in the right spot.
- Roll-Up Banners: The unsung heroes of any event. They’re incredibly versatile. Use them at registration, flank the stage with them, or mark out different zones. You can move them around as the day progresses.
- Directional Signs: The DECC is a massive space. You have to assume people will get lost. Clear, simple, well-branded signs pointing to the essentials (registration, Hall 1, restrooms, etc.) are a non-negotiable for a good guest experience.
Information & Networking
- Name Badges that Work: This is about more than just a name. A custom lanyard makes your event feel official. The badge itself needs a clean font that’s big enough to actually read from a conversational distance. Name, company—that’s what people need for networking.
- The Agenda: People need to know what’s happening and when. A clean, professionally printed schedule—whether it’s a single sheet or a folded leaflet—is something people will refer to all day.
- Brochures with a Purpose: This is your take-home piece. It should tell a potential client everything they need to know about you when they get back to their office.
- Business Cards: Obvious, right? But you’d be surprised how many people run out. Make sure your whole team is stocked with quality cards.
Giveaways People Actually Keep
- Branded Staff T-Shirts: Having your team in matching, branded polos or t-shirts makes them instantly recognizable when someone has a question. It just looks professional.
- Notepads & Pens: A genuinely useful giveaway. It has a life after your event, sitting on a desk with your logo on it. It’s a subtle but effective marketing tool.
- Stickers: People love stickers. It’s a low-cost, fun way to let people show their support by sticking your brand on their laptops or notebooks.
Phase 3: After the Event
The conversation doesn’t have to end when the lights go out.
- Thank You Cards: In a world of emails, a physical, branded thank you card sent to your speakers or sponsors really stands out. It’s a classy move.
- Certificates: If you ran a workshop or training session, a printed certificate of participation gives attendees a real sense of accomplishment.
Look, Anyone Can Print. We Want to Be Your Partner.
At the end of the day, putting ink on paper is the easy part. Making sure those printed pieces work as hard as you do during your event—that’s the real job.
Here in Doha, we pride ourselves on being more than just a printer. We’re the partner that sweats the details with you. If you’re planning your next event at the DECC, let’s talk. We can help you get it right.
