NCE’s 2023-2024 fiscal year, illustrating how the College is following through with our commitment to the betterment of education on both a local and national level.
NLU Marketing Department: Promotional Items & Swag Guidelines
Welcome! We're here to help you create impactful promotional materials and swag for National Louis University. Please review our guidelines below to ensure a smooth ordering process.
Timeline Expectations
Important: Please plan on 6-8 weeks before your event to allow time for design, proofs, ordering, and delivery of custom items. Questions to Consider 1. Who is my target audience? Will the swag appeal to the event's attendees and align with their interests or needs? 2. What is the goal of the swag? Is the purpose to raise brand awareness, incentivize engagement, or provide practical items attendees will use? 3. What is my budget? How much can I allocate per item while ensuring quality and value for both the recipient and the brand? 4. How will the swag be distributed? Will it be given out at the event, or do I need it to have a longer shelf life and be useful after the event?
Ordering Options
Option 1: NLU’s Online Distribution Center NLU’s Distribution Center is physically located in Wheeling but serves all campuses. We keep a stock of drinkware, posters, totes, pens, pennants, and more in stock at all times. ● Orders must be placed 5-7 business days before you need them through the Distribution Center website: https://www.nl.edu/dc/ ● Please note, the distribution center contacts are Karolynn Bones ( KBoness@nl.edu ) and Damarys Cruzado ( dcruzado@nl.edu )
Option 2: Self-Service Ordering
If you know what you want and are using an existing logo (NLU main or college-specific, downloadable from the nl.edu/identity site): 1. Select your items from our preferred vendors, or a vendor of your choice 2. Submit the proof (what the logo will look like on the item as printed) to Maggie for logo and color approval. Please note, if you design the swag with a logo or via canva (or some other template), the marketing department needs to sign off on it to make sure it aligns with brand standards. Please allow 3 business days for feedback or approval. 3. Place your order once approved Brand Guidelines: ● Blue is our preferred color for promotional items ● We can be flexible for special occasions ● All logo usage must be approved by Marketing Preferred Vendors: These are our wonderful vendors who are great to work with that can do orders for typically 25+ pieces. ● Semper Fi Printing ○ Online Store: https://store.semperfiprinting.com/ ○ Contact: Anthony Scerca, anthony@semperfiprinting.com , 847.640.7737 x 105 (Direct) ● Creative Studio Promotions ○ Website to view products: https://shop.creativestudiopromotions.com/ ○ Contact: Megan Bouwkamp, Account Executive, mbouwkamp@CreativeStudioPromo.com , 616-480-0065 ext. 114, ● Blue Sky ○ Website: https://buybluesky.com/promotional-products-catalog/ ○ Contact:Emily Larmee, ELarmee@buybluesky.com Additional Vendors to Consider: These options are often faster, but less reliable in terms of quality and attention to detail without the personal touch. They are good for lower quantities and quick service. ● 4Imprint
● CustomInk
Option 3: Marketing Department Assistance
For college-wide or large scale events, our marketing team can provide support. For clubs, departments, or smaller initiatives, we encourage you to use the o cial college logos provided above or create your own design using our resources.
How to Get Started
1. For New Logo Designs:
○ Submit a Creative Request Form ○ Our team will work with you on the design
2. For Reorders:
○ Provide previous order details or invoices if available ○ We'll help coordinate the reorder
3. For Product Selection Help: ○ Contact us with your:
■ Event details (what are you using this merchandise/ swag for?) ■ Target audience (who is this for?) ■ Budget ■ Timeline
○ We'll recommend appropriate options
Order Information Needed Order Details: Product: Color: Imprint: Quantity:
Contact Information
For any questions or assistance, please contact Director of Marketing, Brand Management Maggie McNamara at mmcnamara8@nl.edu
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3Powered by FlippingBook