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Wednesday
August 19, 2009 Second virtual trade show a successFiled under: ASI Shows, Industry Initiatives, News About ASI Our second free online event just ended, and I’m happy to report we drew over 2,000 attendees – during the dog days of summer no less. More than 20 top suppliers exhibited, including Fields Manufacturing Inc. (asi/54100), Tri-Mountain Inc. (asi/92125) and Maple Ridge Farms Inc. (asi/68680). Distributors enjoyed online ASI Education sessions while all attendees networked and sold in real-time through interactive multimedia booths. Participants may have looked like avatars online, but the deal-making was as real as it gets. Our second show followed our first, held in May, and generated an equally enthusiastic response from attendees. Here’s a sampling of some comments from “real-time” chatters who posted their reactions throughout the day: “Wanted to let you know that I found the ASI virtual show helpful,” said Bob Roof, president of Business Partner of Polaris (asi/152973). “I look forward to hearing back from vendors that I have an interest in.” “Thank you for today’s show,” said Linda Richard, owner of K&B/Print City (asi/470621). “First time trying this. Found it very interesting and appreciate all the work and effort that went into doing something like this!” As you can see from the photos, ASI employees manned the computers in “tradeshow central,” solving issues, making suggestions and answering questions, acting pretty much like online tour guides to ensure everyone who attended enjoyed a fantastic virtual experience. Even if you couldn’t make it today, you can still access the show for a few months more, available on demand at www.asicentral.com/vts, beginning Monday, August 24. If you attended, I’d love to hear about your experiences, so please post a comment now or email me here.
Tuesday
August 18, 2009 General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) Speaking at Orlando ShowFiled under: ASI Shows, Industry Initiatives, News About ASI We’re all fighting to advance our businesses during tumultuous times, which is why I’m so pleased General Colin Powell – a dedicated soldier and accomplished statesman – is joining us in Orlando for a must-see event certain to propel us stronger and smarter into 2010 and beyond. General Powell electrified a packed house with an incredibly moving Throughout his distinguished career, General Powell looked well beyond single battles to strategies that changed the playing field altogether. That’s exactly what we all need to do now: determine where we want to go and then make it happen by changing business models, leading sales and pushing growth. During his exclusive presentation – “Leadership: Inspiration for Extraordinary Times” – General Powell will discuss how each of us can emulate the leadership skills needed to remain focused, take responsibility, work toward improving processes within our organizations and motivate our employees in challenging times. Strategies for practicing true leadership and taking charge during times of great change will be covered and discussed. General Powell is, in my mind, one of the most admired leadership experts in America. He’s been a leader most of his life and has received numerous military, civilian and foreign state awards, including an honorary knighthood bestowed by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. He’s also the best-selling author of My American Journey and remains active as founder of the Colin Powell Policy Center at the City College of New York (his alma mater). Seating for this extraordinary event will be limited and ASI members should register for ASI Orlando at www.asishow.com by September 30 to be guaranteed a seat. The ASI Show Orlando is the industry’s first national show of the year and largest event on the East Coast, is taking place on Sunday, January 3, through Tuesday, January 5, 2010. The schedule will feature a full day of ASI Education (January 3), followed by two exhibit days (January 4-5). General Powell’s keynote will be on Tuesday morning. General Powell’s topic will be timely, as distributors, suppliers and decorators aim to kick-off the New Year in a positive way. Let me know what you think of this announcement or the upcoming shows. Post a comment now or email me here.
Monday
August 17, 2009 ASI Presents Second Virtual Trade ShowFiled under: ASI Shows, Industry Initiatives, News About ASI Back by popular demand – the ASI Virtual Trade We heard your feedback following our inaugural show in May – which many attendees thought was very productive, educational and beneficial – and we’re hosting our second free online virtual trade show this Wednesday, August 19. The all-day event will feature more than 20 top suppliers, including Fields Manufacturing Inc. (asi/54100), Tri-Mountain Inc. (asi/92125) and Maple Ridge Farms Inc. (asi/68680). Distributors can participate in ASI Education sessions online, and distributors, suppliers and decorators can network and sell in real-time through interactive multimedia booths. Our first show in May attracted over 2,000 participants and averaged 1,300 visitors per booth. Attendees told us that the virtual experience was “awesome,” “easy to navigate” and “outstanding and innovative.” Margit Fawbush, marketing manager for Norwood Promotional Products, Inc. (asi/63110), said Norwood saw a big bump in norwood.com web traffic as a result of the links from their booth and described the show as “an excellent experience.” So we hustled to provide another smart opportunity for distributors, suppliers and decorators to connect, sell and build market share. This week’s show will have 11 new suppliers that weren’t at the first one. More information about the areas of the show are in the press release: click here. Registration for distributors for free. And when distributors register, they receive a free download of ASI’s new Distributor Success System – worth $299 – with tips and proven strategies to spur business. Attendees also have a chance to win over $17,000 in cash and prizes, just by visiting and interacting with suppliers in the Exhibit Hall. To register, click here. For more information, or to become an exhibitor, contact Dan Dienna, advertising director for catalogs and electronics, at ddienna@asicentral.com. I’d love to hear about your experiences with the virtual show, so post a comment now or email me here.
Thursday
August 13, 2009 SAAC and State of the IndustryFiled under: Community, Education, News About ASI, Research I participated in an industry event recently – the 2009 SAAC Show in Long Beach, California. The Specialty Advertising Association of California invited me to discuss the state of the industry before the APS Group (Advertising Products Suppliers). I shared results of our second quarter sales survey, conducted by ASI’s Larry Basinait, who takes the pulse of the industry through numerous research studies and surveys. I thought you might be interested since, not surprisingly, it shows ad specialty sales are off about 14%. The report broke down the forecast for the second half of the year by company size and it discovered something worth noting: the bigger the distributor, the more pessimistic. Of those reporting sales of less than $250,000, 26% expect sales to be higher, and 47% expect sales to be lower. Of those earning $1 million and up, 19% anticipate higher sales while 50% percent expect lower. As far as trends, the study showed that buyers want more services, like fulfillment. They also want more access to marketing program information, such as educational videos and materials beyond a product leave-behind. They want ideas on how to use promotional products, how to track ROI and how to educate their bosses, peers and colleagues. I also shared with the group recent improvements ASI has made to education – in direct response to what members are requesting. In sum, we took a great education program and made it even better, by merging it with our editorial team. You can see many of the new offerings by clicking here, including free access to the brand-new, 10-CD Distributor Success System. Tell me what you think about the current state of the industry by posting a comment now or emailing me here.
Wednesday
August 12, 2009 Who’s on the HOT List?Filed under: Community, Industry Initiatives, Members, News About ASI
Our magazine’s editors survey the scene and showcase the hottest people and products in the industry, and this year’s issue is no exception. You’ll discover some surprises among the 40 names on the HOT people list. Are you on it? To find out, click here. It never fails to amaze me just how innovative this industry is, which is reflected in the “Objects of Hotness” section, featuring dozens of great products to sell to clients. There’s everything from a biodegradable first aid kit and basketball-shaped foam hat to poolside saddle tote bags and an iPod speaker bag with a carabiner. For the complete montage of the products, click here. If that wasn’t enough, Counselor also reports on key business trends affecting how ad specialty companies are moving forward in today’s marketplace. For instance, did you know green is the new black? Hot people and products, valuable strategies and intriguing ideas. It’s all in the issue. Also, we hope to see you in Las Vegas at the HOT Party on Wednesday, September 16, at the Christian Audigier Nightclub in Treasure Island. It’ll be a celebration of all things hot and will be happening during the new ASI Holiday & Incentives Expo. Tell me what or who you think is hot – or even what we may have missed – by posting a comment now or emailing me here.
Monday
August 10, 2009 The Gift Book – Get More Profit NowFiled under: Members, News About ASI
When it comes to gift buying, that money is in the prime fourth-quarter selling season, when more industry sales occur than any other period. It’s the time of year when buyers are searching for quality incentive items and products for corporate gift-giving programs and the best place to look for those is in The Gift Book. Launched today, this elegant catalog features over 400 products from exclusive suppliers and is a proven selling tool that helps distributors drive those crucial fourth-quarter sales – your last major drive for extra profit this year. It’s clear to me companies should do everything they can to reinforce their relationships with their customers and what better way than to thank them with an unforgettable gift? Now is a great time to get a slice of next year’s promotional budget by presenting items from this catalog that create a positive impression and never go out of style. As a special offer, distributors ordering The Gift Book will also receive an e-Gift Book electronic catalog, accessible directly from their LogoMall website, to use as a follow-up tool in emails to customers and prospects. The e-Gift Book features the classy brown and tan cover pictured above – one of the two covers available for the print edition. To order The Gift Book online, click here. For more information, contact Dan Brown, director of distributor services, at dbrown@asicentral.com. I’d love to hear about your experiences with The Gift Book, so post a comment now or email me here.
Thursday
July 23, 2009 Chicago Hot Products VideoFiled under: ASI Shows, Industry Initiatives, News About ASI The ASI Show in Chicago ends later today and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed doing business in the Windy City, which has really come into its own as one of the most vibrant and sophisticated cities in the world to have a great time and have industry events. One of my favorite things to do at any show is check out the hottest new products and here in Chicago cleverness was abound. Click here to watch my video with a few of my picks, including:
Also, when the business day ended yesterday, we continued meeting and greeting on a truly spectacular evening cruise around Lake Michigan on the Spirit of Chicago, sponsored by SnugZ USA, asi/88060. It’s on to the final few hours and if you’re here, hopefully we’ll see each other on the floor. I’d love to hear about your experiences in Chicago, so post a comment now or email me here. |
and motivating speech at a 2007 show that pulled the entire crowd to its feet. I can’t wait to see how he inspires us in Orlando during such a critical time in our history. The former Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State will be our keynote speaker Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at The ASI Show.
Show. 
