Stop giving away pens and candy at trade shows. Learn the science behind promotional items that actually work—and drive results—for senior living providers.
In this segment from our "Event Exhibiting Success for Senior Living" webinar, Adam Kaplan and Karen Kaplan from What’s Up Promotions break down the psychology of giveaways and reveal the items that seniors will actually keep (not throw away).
What You’ll Learn:
Why traditional giveaways (pill boxes, pens) fail
The 7 most effective promotional items for senior living events
How to choose giveaways that start conversations
The power of unusual items (Tide sticks, bladeless fans, umbrellas)
How to target VIP prospects with premium gifts
NFC-enabled items that drive digital engagement
Real-world examples: the teddy bear strategy, lottery giveaways, and more
Budget considerations and ROI for promotional items
Featured Experts:
Adam Kaplan & Karen Kaplan | What’s Up Promotions
Steve Gurney | Positive Aging Community + Beacon Media Solutions
Learn More:
📲 What’s Up Promotions: https://whatsuppromotions.com/
🏥 Beacon 50+ Expos: https://www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/50expos/
📧 Steve Gurney: [email protected] | 703-966-6182
Full Webinar Details:
This segment is from "Event Exhibiting Success for Senior Living: How to Choose Events, Booth Design, Staffing, Follow-Up, and Much More!" hosted on July 15, 2026.
👉 Watch the full webinar recording https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/event-exhibiting-success-for-senior-living-organizations
Ready to exhibit smarter?
Apply these strategies to the Beacon 50+ Expos (October 18 & November 8, 2026)
Work with What’s Up Promotions to design your next giveaway
Get more event exhibiting tips and strategies for senior living providers
#SeniorLiving #TradeShows #PromoItems #SeniorLivingMarketing #EventExhibiting
Steve Gurney founded Retirement Living SourceBook in 1990. Drawing from the experience of observing his family caring for Steve’s aging grandfather, he created a comprehensive publication to help others in the same situation. Over the next few years Steve expanded the publication to three regional editions, DC metro, State of Maryland, and the Philadelphia region. Steve has worked closely with nearly every regional and national organization on aging to help maximize their exposure and helping find solutions to their challenges.
In 1998, Mr. Gurney sold his company to The Washington Post where he served as General Manager of Sourcebook and the Senior Living Solutions Division. In 2019, Mr. Gurney acquired the resource back, and has re-branded as Positive Aging Community adding a new design and content, distribution partners, podcasts, and a robust schedule of live and interactive discussions with thought-leaders on a wide variety of topics.
In addition, Mr. Gurney founded ProAging Network meetings and leads the DC Senior Resource Group important resources for senior-serving professionals.
Mr. Gurney serves or has served on the board of directors for the Grass Roots Organization for the Well-Being of Seniors (GROWS), Alzheimer’s Association, Interages, Business and Aging Task Force, Virginia Intergenerational Task Force, and the Beacon Institute. Steve has served on countless committees and provided guidance to help organizations and businesses better serve the senior population. Mr. Gurney has received awards and recognition from the Seabury Resources for Aging, Maryland Assisted Living Association, the Senior Marketing Institute and other notable organizations. Steve is a regular speaker at local, regional and national events and has been featured in regional and national publications, electronic and broadcast media.
Steve Gurney received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and a Masters Degree from the Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).
Mr. Gurney served as an adjunct professor at Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), instructing in the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Steve is a competitive endurance athlete and certified level 2 Adaptive Snowboard Instructor with the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), a certified level 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor with the American Canoe Association (ACA). In the winter he instructs with Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports at Liberty Mountain Resort, and for over eight years he led operations and a team of instructors at Surf Reston Stand Up Paddleboarding, which he turned over to Reston Association.
