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September 16, 2024

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Dear readers,

Just in time for Q4, our annual Counselor Gift Guide lays out the products and trends you need to know for a bright and shining fourth quarter. Be sure to browse the showcases with 30 items across a variety of categories, perfect for holiday gifting campaigns.

We also have continuing coverage from the PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas and a must-read report on steel and aluminum tariffs that were just finalized by the Biden administration. The development could have an impact on some of the industry’s most popular products, like drinkware and writing instruments.

Sara Lavenduski

Executive Director, Client Education & Content

The 2024 Counselor Gift Guide

After a relatively soft first half of the year for the industry, suppliers and distributors are looking forward to a brisker conclusion in Q4. We have the essential products and trends that are sure to communicate brand goodwill while generating sales.

PRINTING United Expo 2024: Panelists Detail How To Be Successful in Both Print & Promo

The session featured four print brokers who laid out how they added promo products to their businesses to diversify their offerings and expand their customer bases.

PRINTING United Expo 2024: Mastering the Efficiencies of Direct Mail

Panelists laid out the nuances of the direct mail world, from postal price loopholes to automation hacks.

PRINTING United Expo 2024: General Trends From the Show Floor

Attendees enjoyed eye-catching displays, multi-dimensional apparel decoration and more.

Federal Government Finalizes Tariff Increase on China-Made Steel, Aluminum

While promo executives are working to determine what precise impacts may be, some think the steeper levies could lead to higher prices on products that contain such materials, like drinkware.

The UK’s Biggest Promo Trade Show Kicks Off the Holiday Merch Gifting Season

Merchandise World was held Sept. 11 in Milton Keynes, England.

Joe’s Faves: On the Road

These creative product solutions will ensure recipients’ cars are well-stocked for road trips and travel emergencies alike.

Thom Browne Prevails Again Against Adidas in Trademark Dust Up

Following court wins in the United States, the fashion house has now successfully defeated the sportswear giant’s lawsuit in a German court.

New Supplier Showcase: Falling for New Promo

A customized fleece blanket and color-changing candles are autumn essentials.

SPOTLIGHT

Report: Single-Use Bag Bans Cutting Plastic Waste

The Ocean Conservancy said it found a 29% reduction in plastic grocery bags on beaches following an uptick in statewide bans.

Register for a PromoAlliance Webinar on the Upcoming Holiday Gifting Season

On Thursday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. ET, ASI will host the next quarterly PromoAlliance update on Q3 sales numbers and trends to know for the fourth quarter. Moderated by ASI’s Michele Bell, the panel will feature four suppliers from the U.S., U.K. and EU: Saadia Bryant, vice president of marketing, product and design at U.S.-based Counselor Top 40 supplier Gemline (asi/56070); Andrew Langley, managing director of U.K.-based supplier Juniper Trading Products Ltd.; Kathrin Halfar, CEO of EU-based supplier Halfar; and Rob Watson, CEO of U.S.-based Top 40 supplier Vantage Apparel (asi/93390). Among the topics to be discussed are changing buyer habits, in-demand products for Q4 and a sales outlook for the rest of the year. Register now for this free live webinar.

Send Us Your Products for October Showcases

ASI Media will publish five product showcases in October. Items in each showcase will be shown prominently on ASICentral.com and in PromoGram.

We’re looking for items in the following categories for free editorial exposure:

Shopping & Tote Bags
Booth & Display
Lanyards
Food & Beverage Gifts
T-shirts

Find out here how to submit products for consideration.

Increase Your Industry Expertise 24/7

ASIuniversity.com, your source for exclusive industry education, has added two new sections with classes to aid print brokers in adding promo to their offerings and to help promo distributors break into the print industry. Click on each section title below to view the brand-new webinars.

• The 3 Ways the Promo Industry is Similar to the Printing Industry (and 3 Ways It’s Not)

Please reach out to Kerry Boderman, ASI Education Director, with any questions you may have: kboderman@asicentral.com.

ASI Distributor Resources

ASI Show

Kickstart 2025 With ASI Orlando!

Begin the new year with a bang at ASI Show Orlando, January 4-6, the industry’s first promo event of the year. Explore thousands of innovative product ideas and forge valuable relationships with hundreds of top suppliers. Register today to stay ahead of the competition and set the tone for a successful year – you won’t want to start 2025 without it!

ASI UPDATES

ASI Expands Hosted-Buyer Events Schedule

One-on-one meetings between top suppliers and million-dollar distributors will be strategically located across nine key cities in 2025.
Find out more.

ASI Offers Dual Membership

ASI and PRINTING United Alliance now offer a dual membership with benefits from both organizations to help members unlock business growth in the print, decorator and promo markets.
Find out more.

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