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Texas Here We Come: Advantages Roadshow Continues 2010 Tour

Filed under: ASI Shows, Industry Initiatives, News About ASI

There’s no sweeter phrase in business than “We’re number one” and that distinction belongs to ASI’s Advantages Roadshow.  The industry’s most successful traveling show is just 5 weeks into its 16-week tour and has already attracted more than 3,000 distributors.

Next week, the 2010 tour hits Texas: Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston. Last year, the Texas portion of the tour drew 617 distributors and 73 supplier companies, giving exhibitors the opportunity to spend time with many more clients and prospects than they could by making traditional sales calls.  It’s free for distributors to attend!

Texas - home to the second largest number of distributors - is a lucky state for ASI. In February, ASI Show Dallas attracted distributors from 1,383 firms, along with about 500 suppliers. The show - the largest industry event in the Southwest - returns to Dallas next February 16-18, 2011, so mark your calendars.

Each year, the Advantages Roadshow visits more than 70 cities throughout North America, including Canada, providing suppliers with an intimate, one-on-one environment to introduce products and services to quality distributors and decorators. 

And, three times a year, the show co-locates with the Stitches Roadshow.  The two-for-one shows provide decorators with opportunities to meet equipment, software, supply and service providers face-to-face, see new wearables vendors, enjoy valuable education and network with other decorators.

Let me know how the Advantages Roadshows have worked for you by posting a comment or emailing me here.  I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.


The Power Within, California-style: Videos from ASI Show San Diego

Filed under: ASI Shows, News About ASI

This morning I took a cue from Tony Robbins and asked myself one important question: What will I focus on today to accomplish my goals?

Tony brought a packed house to its feet at ASI Show San Diego during his 2-hour motivational talk, which centered on what we ask of ourselves and how we look inside to find the answers.  Tony also turned us on to the “Emotion from Motion” theory, which explores the power of movement. Change your physiology and change your level of performance. It’s that simple.

For more on Tony Robbins, click here to watch my Tim’s Take video from San Diego.

Tony’s keynote was the perfect way to open the final day of our San Diego show. The pumped-up crowd flowed onto the show floor, where thousands of distributors converged over three days - exceeding expectations and setting the bar for our return to California next May.

Click here for my San Diego wrap-up.

And don’t forget to register at www.asishow.com for our next two shows in New York May 4-6 and Chicago July 13-15.

Let me know what question you asked yourself today by posting a comment or emailing me here.  I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.


ASI San Diego Launch Exceeds Expectations

Filed under: ASI Shows, News About ASI

I’m very happy to report ASI’s inaugural San Diego show just wrapped up after attracting more than 2,200 distributors, exceeding early projections.

Distributors were drawn from about 1,000 firms across the nation and many had great things to say.  Stephanie Critchfield, from The Vernon Company, asi/351700, enjoyed visiting with over 300 leading suppliers on the show floor and said, “The proximity for our California reps is terrific.  They are so excited to have a California show.”

Ross Silverstein, from iPROMOTEu, asi/232119, loved San Diego - and seeing all the hot new products.  And Beverly Walter, from Brown & Bigelow, asi/148500, is already planning for next year’s San Diego show:  ”The show is great.  We will definitely do it again!”

The show attracted more than 300 exhibitors and opened with more than 500 people attending a full day of 55 educational seminars and workshops (sponsored by Fields Mfg., asi/54100 and MediaTree, asi/70303). 

Attendees also enjoyed a number of spirited networking opportunities, including one at the fabulous Stingaree club, one of the hottest dance places I’ve been to.

Highlights of the three-day show included a standing-room-only keynote by legendary life coach Tony Robbins (pictured), who brought the crowd to its feet with empowering advice on achieving outstanding success through passion, focus and action.  

Let me know what you thought of the show by posting a comment or emailing me here.  I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.


New Full-Color Catalog Imprinting - Video

Filed under: ASI Shows, Industry Initiatives, News About ASI, Using Ad Specialties

“New” is the word of the week here at ASI Show San Diego. New show.  New city.  And a new full-color imprinting machine, featured for the first time at our catalog booth on the show floor.

Click here for my interview with ASI’s Jack Flohr, catalogs marketing director, as we demonstrate how quick and easy it is to imprint full-color logos. Distributors tell us this popular new feature is already ratcheting up their sales.

Every catalog you order can be imprinted and personalized with your logo and contact information in full-color any time throughout the year.  Catalogs, which are great for either mailing or a leave-behind, are a perfect vehicle for distributors to promote their brand and increase traffic to their website.

According to a recent ASI study of end-buyers, paper catalogs drive 93% of purchasing decisions  — and 91% of the time recipients take action as a result of something they noticed in a paper catalog, with nearly half (49%) purchasing a product. 

Let me know how catalogs have boosted your sales by posting a comment or emailing me here.  I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.


Tips for Marketing to Women

Filed under: ASI Shows, Using Ad Specialties

Today, more than half of all businesses are owned by women, who make or influence 85 percent of all purchasing decisions - to the tune of $7 trillion a year by some estimates. Their favorite products?  Ones that serve a dual purpose or support a good cause.

Click here for my video with some tips from an education session at the ASI Show San Diego on marketing to women.  I also showcased a number of great products I found at the show that women - and many men also - might enjoy, including:

  • Pack-A-Sack, from Bag Makers (asi/37940).  A big, sturdy imprintable bag with tailored edging that folds into a pocket-sized pouch for easy transport and helps support the Race for a Cure.
  • Walk-N-Roll, Ariel Premium Supply (asi/36730).  A radio pedometer that tracks how far you’ve run, walked or jogged - to the tune of an AM or FM station.
  • Eyeglass Cleaner Keychain, also from Ariel.  A handy cleaner complete with toggle and pads to quickly clear gunk from your glasses.
  • 5-Piece Manicure Set, from Sunscope (asi/90075).  Perfect compact carry-all comes in multiple colors with a large imprint area.  

And remember, every ASI Show features a women’s networking event and an education session with Promo Biz coach Rosalie Marcus.  Also, register now for our first-ever Women’s Summit May 4 in conjunction with ASI Show New York, with a keynote by celebrity real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran.

Which of your products are a hit with women? Let me know by posting a comment or emailing me here.  I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.


Educating San Diego on FOX TV

Filed under: ASI Shows, Media Coverage, News About ASI, Using Ad Specialties

There’s a noticeable vibe on the show floor here at ASI San Diego, so much so that FOX 5dispatched a crew to the convention center for a segment on products catching everyone’s eye.

Click here to watch the video.  And click here for photos and info about the products featured on-air, including:

  • Guitar Shirt, from Think Geek (asi/91123).  Strum and play the front of this unique shirt, sure to be a hit with music fans and aspiring Van Halens. 
  • Eco-Friendly Golf Balls, from Phoenix Sports Promos (asi/77961).  The culmination of efforts of scientists to deliver the first “eco-friendly” ball to actually perform on the course.
  • Foaming Hand Sanitizer, from Humphrey Line (asi/62050).  Comes in a clear bottle with a white pump-top and is great for people on the run.
  • Elephant Poo Journal, from Spector & Co. (asi/88631).  Perfect-bound 3″x5″ jotter has a hard cover and 32 blank sheets made from 100% recycled and odorless paper.  And, yes, it’s actually made from elephant poo.
  • BBQ Set with Apron, from Gold Bond Inc. (asi/57653).  Includes a large spatula, and fork and tongs with wooden handles.  Perfect for tailgaters and grill-outs.
  • Spirit Hair, from Vonco Products (asi/94180).  Mohawk-style hair attached to a matching headband.  Ideal for parades, fund raisers, parties and festivals.

Let me know your favorite products by posting a comment or emailing me here.  I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.


Find Your Way to San Diego – 2 Videos

Filed under: ASI Shows, Using Ad Specialties

We’re here in California enjoying day two of our very first show in San Diego. More than 5,000 sunshine state distributor firms belong to the ASI network. But guess what? More than half forgo trade shows.

What they’re missing is a prime opportunity, especially here at the San Diego Convention Center, where more than 300 exhibitors are ready and eager to do business.

ASI TV’s Melinda Ligos interviewed me on the show floor on ways distributors can maximize their trade show experience. Tip of the Day: Spend quality time with suppliers and ask them for 3 best practices for selling their products to your clients.

Watch the video: click here.

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to getting from point A to point B, I’m “Old School.” Instead of a disembodied computer voice telling me where to go, I prefer checking a map - especially when I’m driving in a new city like San Diego. 

Luckily, Pop-Up Products (asi/68650) makes handy compact maps that provide a terrific visual snapshot of numerous cities across America.

Click here to see my video showing this handy map, which your clients will love and I’m relying on to find my way to tonight’s networking bash at Stingaree Nightclub.

If you’re at the show, let me know your favorite part so far by posting a comment or emailing me here.  I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.


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