Registration Open

West building outside of Hall F2

7:45 AM - 5:00 PM

Exhibitor Setup

Expo Hall

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Get the Most Out of Your Trade Show Experience (Free coffee & tea)

Room W192B

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

With so many great events taking place at the ASI Show, it can be a daunting task trying to fit everything in. As a new attendee, we know how important it is for you to get the most out of the time you have - but where do you start? Join ASI's Vice Chairman Matthew Cohn as he shares great tips for working the show more effectively, and hear about all the free services and amenities available to distributors/decorators while at an ASI Show.

""I'll Take It!"" How To Make Closing Quick & Easy

Room W196B

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

All of your work as a salesperson really comes down to one pivotal moment: when you either close the deal or don't. For many sales pros, closing is their #1 challenge … but it doesn't have to be difficult or daunting. In this illuminating session, you'll discover an easy-to-navigate path that ends with your client saying, “I'll take it!” You'll leave knowing:

• How to avoid the seven biggest mistakes most sales pros make
• The exact words to say that make closing fast and simple
• Eight myths that are holding you back
• The emotions you want your prospect to feel while they're talking with you
• How to ensure objections don't derail the sale.

Standing Out From the Crowd: The Art of Differentiation

Room W196C

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

In a crowded, competitive industry like promo, it's critical to set your company and offerings apart. One way to do so is by developing a differentiation strategy: building a brand and a business that's different from those of your peers. In this session, you'll discover five distinct categories of differentiation - with industry-specific examples for each - that will help empower your brand, fuel your content and drive sales.

Unlock the Power of Customized Promo Products With Heat Print on Demand

Room W194B

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

In this session, you'll see firsthand how you can heat print on demand to customize an assortment of products, including clothing, accessories and corporate gifts. This approach reduces your financial risks while broadening your company's decorating capabilities. Through interactive demonstrations, you'll learn valuable strategies and techniques for maximizing the potential of heat print on demand technology to craft compelling and lucrative branded merchandise.

From AI to Engagement: Discover the Future of Promo Technology With ESP+

Room W196A

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

In this session, you'll explore the new ESP+ platform, meticulously crafted over years of innovation. Discover all the newest features in the tool, including how we've incorporated AI to enhance product ideation and presentation customization. You'll see this new version of ESP in action and learn how it streamlines client interactions with a versatile online portal, facilitating seamless communication and order processing. Whether you're familiar with ESP Online or ESP Web, join us to learn about roll-out plans and preview ESP+. Embrace the future of client engagement and promo tech - where you'll spend less time in front of a screen and more time providing value to your clients.

Factory Tour of Soardist - Meet in the Registration Lobby by 9:50 am (Must be pre-registered. First come, first served.)

Registration Lobby

10:00 AM - 1:20 PM

Come see the action! Soardist is inviting you onsite to visit their brand-new domestic production facility in the heart of Chicago. Join their 5 Star rated team for an exclusive first look and educational adventure to see how they construct today's most popular and affordable display products.

You'll follow a full production lifecycle from artwork to final product, showcasing the team's cutting-edge sublimation technology. Plus, you'll take a guided tour of the showroom to see the entire product lineup, including tents, table covers, flags, fabric displays, apparel and bags. All attendees will receive a curated bag of Soardist material, samples and a special offer. Transportation and lunch are provided.

Meet in the Registration Lobby by 9:50 a.m. with your Show ID Badge. Tour attendance is limited and is strictly first come, first served.

The Importance of Being a Creative Chameleon

Room W196B

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

To succeed in this industry, you need to position yourself as a truly indispensable marketing resource rather than as a salesperson. To make this happen, it's critical to morph your creative approach for every buyer by understanding their needs before you meet with them. In this session, you'll receive an actionable blueprint to differentiate yourself from any competitor, plus the tools you need to be a “creative chameleon” regardless of your audience. You'll leave armed with the confidence that comes from knowing you'll create wow and wonder in every meeting - and win the sale.

Content Marketing Strategies for Reaching the Right Buyers

Room W196C

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

Content marketing puts you in control of your company's story. In this session, you'll learn essential content marketing strategies specifically designed for B2B businesses and discover how to create content that resonates with your target audience, builds trust and drives conversions from prospect to client. From developing a content plan to leveraging various channels, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to build your credibility and show your audience why you're the right choice for their promo needs.

Choosing the Right Apparel for Brand Promotion

Room W194B

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

In this interactive session, you'll dive deep into the critical role that the right apparel pieces play in helping you communicate brand messages. You'll discuss brand identity and target-audience analysis, and leave knowing fabric and garment types and decoration techniques that will elevate your - and your customers' - brand visibility and leave a lasting impression.

Tools To Help You Sell More Merch

Room W196A

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

Whether you're new to promo or a longtime veteran, this session will help increase your sales by sharing essential tools you can use today. PCNA experts will delve into common industry terminology, materials and subcategories, and discuss what you need to know about bags, drinkware, stationery, apparel and other top product categories. Elevate your knowledge to expert status, and leave ready to pitch the industry's leading styles and latest merch trends to your clients.

Lunch & Learn: Suppliers Share Trend-Driven Products & How To Sell Them (Tickets are limited: Get yours early at the Education Desk)

Room W192B

12:00 PM - 1:20 PM

During this event you'll enjoy lunch and conversation with your distributor peers, and see the latest products and trends from suppliers - plus, you'll learn the best ways to pitch them to your clients.

PLEASE NOTE: A ticket is required to guarantee your free lunch. Pick up your ticket (1 per person) at the Education Desk starting at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23. Ticket holders must arrive at by 12:10 p.m.

Self-Promo Campaign Workshop: Get Creative With Your Brand

Room W196B

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

While digital marketing is an important tool, people always enjoy receiving “lumpy mail” at their home or office. A package's bulk instantly sets it apart from regular flat letters and builds excitement - which means shipping a great self-promo item can significantly improve your prospecting and sales. In this interactive workshop, you'll share ideas with fellow distributors to collectively create an unforgettable marketing campaign based on self-promos. Plus, you'll learn how you can do the same for your clients' campaigns. Don't miss this unique, high-energy session that will spark your creativity and keep it burning long afterwards.

Video Marketing Workshop: Maximize the Power of Your Personality

Room W196C

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

During this fun, interactive session, you'll discover the immense potential of video marketing in the promo industry. You are your best brand ambassador - you need to showcase yourself by creating impactful videos that engage your audience, communicate your company's message and drive sales. From planning and simple scriptwriting tips to easy production tools and the best platforms to get your message seen, you'll leave armed with practical tips you can implement immediately to add quality videos to your marketing efforts.

Beyond the Logo: Impactful Apparel Branding Workshop

Room W194B

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Apparel decorating is easy - iconic branding is not! In this hands-on session, you'll discover how to transform your buyer's brand from a typical left-chest logo into a memorable, iconic fusion of brand strategy, emotion and creativity. Plus, you'll see examples of successful campaigns that were able to build brand awareness, communicate current trends and showcase unique decorating techniques. You'll leave ready to set your business apart as so much more than “just another T-shirt shop.”

Promo Industry 101: What To Do When You're New

Room W196A

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Starting out as a promotional products distributor is an exciting time, and with a little help from our experts, it can be a seamless transition for your business. Learn all about the industry and the first steps to take to ensure your success, including establishing a business plan, targeting the correct markets, using the right tools and resources, continuing your industry education and so much more.

Presentation Skills To Build Confidence & Get the Sale

Room W196B

3:10 PM - 4:00 PM

Whether you're meeting with clients and prospects one-on-one or in a group, face-to-face or online, one thing remains the same: The way you present your ideas can make or break the sale. In this session you'll discover the skills you need to present with confidence and ease, leading to a high-energy, unforgettable delivery. You'll leave knowing how to:Create memorable openings
• Share stories that connect with your buyer
• Convey complex ideas and information in creative and fun ways
• Understand how people perceive you
• Use body language and tone of voice to make a positive impression
• Manage distracting bad habits
• Keep people's attention in virtual meetings.

Create Your ""Personal Content Accelerator"" To Eliminate Social Media Stress

Room W196C

3:10 PM - 4:00 PM

To get your business noticed and spark conversations on social media, it's vital to share relevant, intriguing content that will have a positive impact on your core audience. But doing this every day (or even once a week) can feel overwhelming and stressful … unless you have a clear strategy to follow. In this session, you'll discover the four keys to creating your Personal Content Accelerator - a proven tool that will help you plan to quickly post the right content for the right followers.

You'll learn how to organize your thoughts, showcase what makes you unique and create online engagement that leads to sales. Plus, you'll see social media examples from some of best marketers in the industry and delve into how AI can help your efforts. Don't miss this chance to demystify the content-creation process once and for all.

Maximizing Your ROI: Efficient Ways To Print Headwear

Room W194B

3:10 PM - 4:00 PM

If you're not capitalizing on the growing headwear market, you need to start now. In this hands-on session, you'll gain headwear-specific insight and see decorating techniques that will help increase your company's decoration capability and profit. By mastering these efficient printing methods, you can enhance your productivity, reduce costs and deliver high-quality branded headwear for every buyer.

ESP Websites & Company Stores: Insider Tips To Get More Orders

Room W196A

3:10 PM - 4:00 PM

Join us to learn practical insights and best practices to create a unique online presence that aligns effortlessly with your goals and resonates well with your clients. Explore the details of customizing your ESP Website or Company Store in this demonstration.

Education Day Wrap-Up: Tactics & Takeaways (Free coffee, tea & lemonade)

Room W192B

4:10 PM - 5:00 PM

During this interactive final session of the day, you'll hear from many of the ASI Show's speakers as they recap the most important takeaways from their sessions. Don't miss this chance to pick up some effective strategies you may have missed.

NEW Product Preview Reception (Free beer, wine & snacks)

Room W196 Foyer

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Don't miss this exclusive preview of NEW products that suppliers will highlight in their booths on both Exhibit Days. You'll enjoy free beer, wine and snacks while getting insider sales tips from suppliers.