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Wednesday
May 9, 2012 Tweet This: ASI Hosts Randi ZuckerbergFiled under: ASI Shows, Community, Members, News About ASI We’re thrilled social media expert and entrepreneur Randi Zuckerberg is the keynote speaker at the ASI Show in NYC Thursday at 8:45 a.m. I’m sure she’ll help everyone in the audience better promote their business by tapping into every new social media tool available. Long known as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s sister, Randi’s really come into her own since leaving the company and forming her own enterprise, R to Z Media. Zuckerberg also recently signed as an executive producer for a new reality show about Silicon Valley entrepreneurs on Bravo. Zuckerberg, named No. 45 on the Hollywood Reporter’s list of “Digital Power Players,” will speak on “Social Change Through Social Media: How the Web Changes the Way We Live, Vote, Organize and Work.” I’m most interested in what she has to say about ways today’s politicians are using social media to garner votes. As you may have heard, Facebook is using its considerable power for good, launching a new initiative to get more organ donors registered in order to help the more than 114,000 people in the US waiting for lifesaving heart, kidney or liver transplants. Click here to see how Facebook is using its site to get out the word. Here in NY, a Port Jefferson distributor, Hal Kramer, of HDK Enterprises, Inc. (asi/216795), gave us a ton of info on his efforts on behalf of the NY Organ Donor’s Network, the second-largest of the nation’s 58 nonprofit, federally designated organ procurement organizations. His group is trying to get people to better understand the critical need for donated organs, eyes and tissues. One donor, he says, can save up to eight people, but on average, 18 people die every day for the want of an organ transplant. You can find out more at: www.nyhealth.gov/donatelife. Are you an organ donor? Let me know by posting a comment. And if you catch Randi’s keynote, please share the best tip you heard.
Friday
April 20, 2012 Earth FirstFiled under: Community, Industry Initiatives, Members, Using Ad Specialties I still have the $10 Earth Day T-shirt (my first ad specialty tee!) I helped sell in the quad in 1982 during my first fundraiser as secretary of the Society of Professional Journalists at Ball State University. I’m still involved in ad specialties and still concerned about doing all I can to help protect the Earth. Earth Day is celebrated worldwide on April 22, and more companies than ever before are using “green” giveaways to promote their commitment to the environment while advertising their brand, product or event. This year, in what’s become an annual Top 10 list of eco-friendly freebies from ASI®, the theme is products made from renewable resources like bamboo and using manufacturing processes that don’t harm the environment. It’s clear there’s no better way for a company to advertise its brand and its conscience all year long than with logoed giveaways that are biodegradable, all-natural or mercury-free. To see a Joe Show, photos and descriptions featured on this year’s Top 10 list, click here. ASI’s Top 10 Eco-Friendly Freebies: 1. Stone paper journal, from Yanlee Trading Co. (asi/98766). An eco-friendly alternative made from actual stone via a bleach-free process, making it recyclable, compostable, smudge-resistant, water-resistant and tear-proof. 2. Eco golf balls, from MVP Gift Bag (asi/68322). Made from recycled golf balls and packaged in boxes made from recycled paper. Comes with pre-addressed pouch so damaged balls can be returned, recycled and replaced by manufacturer. 3. Seeded paper, from Symphony Seed Paper (asi/74930). Honor Earth Day by planting flowers from seeds embedded in paper branded with company logo. 4. Wooden bead Karma bracelets (asi/78140) from Pinnacle Designs. Made from all-natural wood, easy to imprint. 5. Water bottle with carbon filter, from Ad-N-Art (asi/31518). BPA-free, squeezable water bottle with a carbon filter keeps 200 fewer water bottles from the landfill. Filter allows for turning public fountain or spigot water into clean drinking water. 6. Eco-tee, from Royal Apparel (asi/83731). Tee consists of 50% organic cotton and 50% polyester made from recycled water bottles. Imprinted with water-safe inks and made in the USA. 7. Bamboo serving utensils, from Bay State Specialty Co. (asi/38980). Bamboo grows upwards of 6 feet a day without fertilizers or pesticides. 8. Billboard bags, from Landes Inc. (asi/66230). Worried about your used vinyl billboards and banners clogging up landfills? Landes recycles them into attention-grabbing bags. 9. Dog training treats and pad balm, from Solar Advertising (asi/88148). Made from all-natural, organic materials. Tube is biodegradable. 10. Coco-Eco flip-flops, from Neet Feet (asi/73525). Made from recycled rubber and recycled coconut fibers, they’re great for promoting any company associated with the great outdoors. Let me know what Earth Day product is your current favorite or what your company is doing to promote Earth Day values by posting a comment or e-mailing me. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Monday
April 16, 2012 Media File: Big, Bigger, BestFiled under: ASI Shows, Members, News About ASI, Using Ad Specialties Sometimes, bigger is definitely better. Roller coasters, sales commissions, even juicy hamburgers – they’re all better bigger. To that list you can add 2012 Media File, the world’s largest promotional products catalog. This hardcover catalog is such an essential sales tool that we’ve already pre-sold 65% of all available copies. This year’s edition – incredibly, our 57th – contains thousands of products from hundreds of suppliers (including 49 new suppliers) in all price ranges, along with promotional planning guides and end-buyer case studies perfect to take along to your next sales call. Price and product indexes make it easy to choose products to suit any client’s budget. In addition, the 2012 Media File comes packed with ASI’s End Buyer Catalog Study facts to help prove the enduring ROI of ad specialties. But what really sets Media File apart are the products – everything from customized playing cards, colorful drinkware and cool USB flash drives to unique athletic souvenirs, awesome executive gifts, go-green items and even prize wheels, along with favorite campaign standards. It’s big, it’s undeniably beautiful and it’s selling fast. You can order yours online by clicking here. If you have any questions or want to discuss special offers, contact Dan Brown, ASI’s executive director of distributor services, at dbrown@asicentral.com or at 800-546-1365. And remember, selling through catalogs continues to be an effective marketing medium for distributors and suppliers. ASI studies show over 86% of active distributors declare catalogs to be important or even essential for generating sales. As we prepare to head to the Big Apple for our New York show, I want to share one last Tim’s Take video from San Diego. We shot this right after the Michael J. Fox keynote, which inspired an audience of about 500. I was particularly moved by his message of hope in the face of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, as my mom lived with the disease for over 35 years. If you haven’t already, please check out his foundation’s website and see the incredible things they’ve accomplished in their search for a cure. April, by the way, is Parkinson’s Awareness month. In California, I also checked out some fun products like a spinning dragonfly (at right) from Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125), colorful stress relievers from Target Line (asi/90640) and Rubik’s cubes from Prime Line (asi/79530). Click here to watch. And let me know what fun, funky ad specialty is your current favorite by posting a comment or e-mailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Tuesday
April 10, 2012 Lights, Camera, Ad SpecialtiesFiled under: ASI Shows, Media Coverage, Members, News About ASI Scores of reporters were drawn to ASI’s recent San Diego show, resulting in a ton of great press for the industry. One TV reporter called the show “the coolest convention of the year” thanks to the creativity and ingenuity on display. The TV reports and newspaper stories provided a strong showcase for the power of promotional products, along with terrific exposure for a number of companies, including BamBams (asi/38228), All-In-One (asi/34256), Pingline (asi/78137), Alight Promotional Products (asi/34194), Panther Vision (asi/75825), Outdoor Cap Co. (asi/75420), Yanlee Trading Co. (asi/98766), CleggPromo (asi/45450), PopOut Products (asi/68650) and A Plus Wine Designs (asi/30223). Reporters interviewed numerous people at the show, including Brett Gent of Openers Plus (asi/63073), Jeff Grippando of WorkflowOne (asi/333647) and Carl VanderSchuit of LiteFx (asi/67740). I hope they enjoyed their time in the media spotlight! ASI’s Dave Vagnoni was on hand to expertly guide the news crews through the trade show maze, show off products to the viewing audience and discuss the amazing ROI of our $18.5 billion industry – a number that really impressed the media. If you haven’t already, check out the coverage:
For all of ASI’s press coverage, visit our press page here. FYI, we hate the use of the word “swag” too but we can’t control what the press says – as hard as we try. Let me know what you think of the coverage by posting a comment or e-mailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Wednesday
April 4, 2012 Long Beach, Here We ComeFiled under: ASI Shows, Members, News About ASI We’re ending the ASI Show in San Diego after three strong days with a major announcement: We’re moving our West Coast show to Long Beach next year. The move was instigated in large part by ASI suppliers and distributors who wanted a more convenient and cost-effective venue. Of the 4,313 distributors we serve on the West Coast, 61% are located in the greater Los Angeles area. Central to three airports, the Long Beach Convention Center is easily accessible from all major thoroughfares. Lorenz Hassenstein, the new vice president and general manager of The ASI Show, did his due diligence and found attendees will be able to save $500 per person in Long Beach. Hotel rooms on average cost $50 less per night, and flights into Long Beach are 50% cheaper as compared to San Diego. The 2013 Long Beach show will feature the same great education and exhibits you expect from an ASI show, along with a full roster of networking and special events. The show opens Saturday, March 23, 2013 – so mark your calendars. Karen DiTomasso, vice president of sales for The ASI Show, says she expects the timing of the show – months away from other industry events taking place in the greater LA area – will result in a sellout. For more exhibition information on ASI Long Beach, visit www.asishow.com. Attendee registration will open this summer. The San Diego show ended on a high note with a keynote speech by actor and Parkinson’s activist Michael J. Fox. The standing-room-only event drew nearly 500 people who were really inspired by the remarkable personal lessons Fox shared about life with Parkinson’s disease. Calling on the old acting adage of “Don’t play the result,” the Family Ties and Back to the Future star urged people to live in the moment. “It’s about possibilities, and making sure you don’t shut those possibilities out because you’re blinded by what you think the future may hold. Life changes and you have to change with it,” he said. All told, the San Diego show attracted over 2,000 distributor attendees and 335 suppliers. The show earned great feedback from ASI members. Rick Greene from HALO Branded Solutions, asi/356000: “This is just a great show. In the first four rows I walked, I found two important apparel resources that I need for a huge project. Having access to the show floor is amazing.” Glenn Hersh from Admints and Zagabor, asi/31516: “We always look forward to the ASI shows because they give us a chance to interact with distributors and discuss specific projects.” There’s still more to come! The remaining two 2012 ASI shows are ASI New York (May 8-10) and ASI Chicago (July 17-19). ASI distributor and decorator members can register for free at www.asishow.com. To learn more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, contact Karen at kditomasso@asicentral.com. And please let me know what you think of the move to Long Beach by e-mailing me or leaving a comment.
Wednesday
March 14, 2012 Bow Wow WowFiled under: Members, News About ASI, Using Ad Specialties I think the world can be divided into Dog People and Cat People. Which one are you? Although I have nothing against cats, I think I fall into the “dog” camp. Either way, you should check out a recent hot list we sent out to press highlighting some of the industry’s top pet gifts. Statistically, an astonishing 62% of U.S. households now care for at least one pet, paying for everything from veterinary care and food to grooming, toys and treats. This month, ASI’s Advantages magazine offered a great business primer on the booming pet market. So if you haven’t yet added pet stores, vets, kennels, pet insurance companies, dog groomers and municipal dog parks to your roster of potential clients, now’s a great time to start. To me, a dog dish with a funny picture on it is fancy. So I was genuinely amazed at how creative some of these gifts are. Did you know, for instance, that you can now bake your own dog biscuits? Just don’t mix them up with the cookies you baked for your child’s school! Things like premium treats, natural food and fashion-forward accessories helped push U.S. pet industry sales to $58 billion in 2011, with sales expected to reach $74 billion in 2015, according to research firm Packaged Facts. For more info, click here for a “Joe Show” product video and click here for photos. Click here for the Advantages story on the burgeoning pet market. Below are some of the products we selected for this year’s pet gift list:
Let me know the greatest gift your pooch ever got by posting a comment or e-mailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Friday
February 3, 2012 A Record-Breaking Show In DallasFiled under: ASI Shows, Members, News About ASI They make everything big in Dallas – hats, steaks, hair and especially trade shows. We just ended our three-day event in Texas and set a new all-time record for distributor companies with 1,556. Dallas had it all – 837 distributors enjoying classes Wednesday, including the industry’s biggest speed networking event, and a keynote Friday by Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, who shared humorous comparisons between Twitter’s beginnings and the networking relationships built between industry suppliers and distributors. Stone was as laid-back as a highly-successful tech dude could be. He spoke in a series of stories, about everything from the founding of his mega-successful company to a German film that helped fuel his reach-for-the-stars philosophy. In the end, everyone in the audience was left with inspiring advice they can apply to their own business to boost their success rate. “The only real way to succeed is to just jump off the cliff,” said Stone, pictured with me here at the meet and greet. “You really have to go for it; you can’t hedge.” The three-day show itself drew a ton of raves, including ones from Missy Herring, of South Texas Custom Printing, asi/529109, who called it “tremendous,” and another from Sergio Munoz, of Debco, asi/48885, who said: “ASI Dallas has been just great for us – amazing traffic and a great quality of attendees. Distributors are asking questions and coming prepared with projects they need help with. We’ve been getting great leads, and it’s been a very productive show.” Last night we let loose at our very first gala at the Dallas House of Blues, where they celebrate America’s best musical art form with a giant dose of good ole fun. We’ll definitely be back. If you missed us in Dallas, check out photos and videos on www.asicentral.com. If you were at the show, let me know what you thought by posting a comment or e-mailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. And don’t forget to register at www.asishow.com for upcoming ASI Shows in San Diego (April 2-4), New York (May 8-10) and Chicago (July 17-19). To learn more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities for 2012, contact Karen DiTomasso, vice president of sales, at kditomasso@asicentral.com.
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