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Did you know that June 8th is World Oceans Day? We are constantly seeking partners that offer you value-add benefits. American Ad Bag has introduced a global initiative this year. They have partnered with the non-profit organization The Ocean Cleanup, which has developed technologies to rid the world's rivers and oceans of plastic. The goal of The Ocean Cleanup project is to tackle the 1,000 most polluted rivers, responsible for about 80% of the ocean plastic pollution, before the end of 2025. This is a huge task, an aggressive timeline and mission. To assist, our partner, American Ad Bag, is giving 10% of the EVERY sale of washable paper bags to The Ocean Cleanup Project. If you've never seen washable paper bags - we have samples in the showroom or we can send you a video. These products look and feel a lot like natural worn leather. The bags have options for various sizes and shapes as well as a single color and full-color imprints. While known for many types of bags since 1992, this washable line has also introduced a notebook for 2020. Take a look at this earth-friendly, well crafted Kraft Paper Padfolio featuring 2 credit card holders, 2 business card slots, and 2 interior slip pockets. This product also comes with a 5x8 double-sided 30 sheet notepad. This paper can be washed by hand or machine washed in cold water on the gentle cycle and laid flat to dry. How's that for a twist on washing away your germs?

Just because your event was canceled doesn't mean it can't continue, you'll need to consider new strategies. An option that's gaining acceptance is electronic group meetings. There are a variety of platform options, but we are more interested in the event. Just like the most popular bar in town- you'll need a bouncer. Always make sure you’re taking adequate precautions to prevent Zoombombing. The bouncer can also act as the point person for troubleshooting tech problems or outlining the rules in your meeting. Pants Required! Know what's expected. Will there be time for networking? Is there a theme or tone for the event? There are many questions, so you need to set expectations and communicate those expectations. Use your social media & marketing materials to make sure all attendees will be wearing pants when the head of human resources is providing tips for developing an employee manual. The elements to event planning are similar, only the logistics are different: Commemorate the event. Hire a photographer to take screenshots or create images the same way you would at an in-person event. Plan for group shots and more informal fun shots too. We all enjoy non-scripted authentic photos! Perhaps convert the budget you would have spent on a venue on creating a professional video or working with a tech guru to figure out how to house those power points & session videos into mini training sessions on demand. This approach generates revenue after the event and builds interest for 2021. Seize opportunity. Consider stretching out an event that would have been one day and breaking it up over several days. This approach will allow you to change the tone of each event. For example, when you show up to a 3-day conference, you usually have a fun theme inspired cocktail hour the first night. Wearing funny hats, encouraging folks to share the same beverages or dress up in a theme with destination wallpaper behind their face makes sense; and invites networking. When it's time to delve into serious topics, the look & feel should change to reflect the purpose of the event. Get Comfortable, but with pants. The tone has changed, keynote speakers or training sessions for professional development benefit from comfortable surroundings for attendees. Classics like drinkware, journals, pens and snacks provide new opportunities for sponsors because attendees can continue using them after the event. Think Bigger Picture. Sponsors want engagement. Instead of picking up swag at the event, sponsors can strategically benefit from kits built for attendees; adding value before, during and after the event. Create Hype. A coach motivates the players before the game, getting your Disney wristbands prior to your visit to Magic Kingdom adds excitement and builds momentum. Make kits with social media in mind, quality over quantity of items. Imaginatively themed packaging will generate shares on social media. It's all about the eyeballs my friend. Create kits! Mailing kits ahead of the event to attendees, add a perk for early bird registration. No budget for shipping? Is this a local event? Develop sponsor-attendee relationships with curbside pick up at sponsor locations. Even divide the attendee list among sponsors with strategic prospect pick up locations. Each sponsor would have time for one-on-one time with that registrant! Share Success! Let others know you rocked this event. Share on social media, through newsletters or video links in an email. (assuming you have everyone’s permission). Back to that question, which platform is right for your next event? We can build a kit that will add value to attendees and maximize sponsor engagement, but we aren't experts in video platforms. Here's a document to help you decide which platform works best for your needs.

Did you know that 80% of consumers own a branded tee and over 47% keep and wear that tee for about 2 years? That's a lot of return on your investment or ROI. While festival attendees want to capture the memory with collectible items, the social component brings people back year after year. Festivals for music or arts thrive in the spring to fall months. The festival tee just got better with this full-color combo. Double the impact of your message with commemorative tees in white or colors, paired with sunglasses. We have numerous clients that rely on our expertise for innovative ways to connect with attendees of local festivals, community programs, even the state fair. Our case studies are filled with stories from previous event success. However, we know starting from scratch can be intimidating. We've gotcha! Our festival planner guide helps reduce stress by outlining the ways we can be your one source partner in planning a rocking event! During our collaborative planning, we are going to discuss ways to add value for sponsors, ensure the staff is easily identified, and suggest ways to generate revenue with merchandise tents. What happens when your world hits a new reality? Adapt! According to Attopia, a mobile intelligence company, the use of ZOOM video conferencing app jumped from 171,000 users to 2 million in 6 weeks during COVID conditions. Our major networks featured everything from dance parties, reality singing competitions, watch parties and celebrity haircuts to connect us using electronic platforms. If this past spring has taught us anything, learning to groove to your own beat and an ability to rock on in any circumstance only requires some innovative thinking. We love new ideas! Getting creative will lead to a pattern of creative problem-solving. Author & Poet, Maya Angelou explained, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use it, the more you have." Need some more inspiration? Bruce Garrabrant said, "creativity does not wait for that perfect moment, it fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.

Let's be real, we know you don't like paying setup fees when ordering products, but it's a necessity due to the volume in production facilities. Imagine thousands of orders stacked up each day, each requiring different imprints and processes to decorate. The plates & screens are physically cataloged and stored for future orders. Machines have to been calibrated to clamp, roll and move products through the process. There are a lot of moving parts! Enough about production, let's get back to FREE! Some of our partners streamline their production processes, offering etching on all your products for example is quicker to calibrate, which also does not require saving plates or screens. The result- FREE setups! A popular reason for a low quantity request is a business start-up on a limited budget or for gifts were you many only need 1 for someone special. We've put together a quick guide to some of our favorite free set up and low quantity choices. Don't let fees keep you down- ask us to show you samples that are set up FREE! Speaking of FREE, a huge asset in working with our company is a team of expert professionals that free up your time by locating exactly what you need and comparing all the options for you. Like our tagline says; visionary assurance, united purpose.

Have you ever picked up a product and thought, that just feels good in my hand? The power of touch is significant because its the first sense we develop. The popularity of kits for welcoming employees to the team is on the rise; instead of waiting for recognition moments, employers are looking for ways to set the tone of their company's culture. Like what? How about a think tank in a box? Are you looking for a similar look, but more affordable for the masses? Let's construct your own kit to manage your budget. We can start with a box to accommodate the size of the products you select but more importantly provide a container that recipients will want to keep for future treasures. What can you insert? Doodlers to daily gratitude journalers will appreciate a journal that looks smart, feels good to the hand, and gives back by combining construction from recycled bottles. Multi-purpose tools to satisfy the "Macgyver" within you. Mark the page in your favorite book. A candle can immediately relax the senses delighting the eye, the nose, and touch! Not into candles? Maybe a diffuser instead? A trendy version of the classic tick tack toe? DIY enthusiasts at your workplace? Perhaps the team-building exercise might be a reward kit to use for home projects. A magnetic wristband will keep nails & screws within reach. Encourage recipients to share images of projects from their homes to invite conversation between teammates. No matter what you select, we know that the rustic look that feels good in your hand is a trend that will continue to be popular!

Ready for 5G? Would you like the ability to engage with the consumer holding your product? Send them messages or ask them questions? Data collection with products - it's a reality! Whether embedded into a product or applied as stickers to existing products, this type of technology is cutting edge. No app to download, does not require batteries and if embedded, it’s washable without damage; how's that for ease of use? Applications for use: Seasonal coupons or alerts about an upcoming event Generate lucky winner - a free trip to next conference Journal - create interactive polling or surveys all year to gauge learning from the event Unite attendees at events at a global level Offer advantage of real-time data collection from the recipient- big data collection Adaptable programming for style preferences to user around purchasing habits, areas of interest or e-learning Suggest companion pieces for items already purchased to make a set Seasonal offerings for your retail location More booth engagement at events for all attendees Can apply stickers to goods sold in the past to add more value now. Who's ready for this type of technology integration?

Who are you when I'm not looking? If you are a Blake Shelton fan, you will know that lyric. While do many of our blogs contain references to songs? Music has an ability to pull you into a narrative and keep focused on the story. Your brand is similar. Modern consumers want to know the back story. Who are you when I'm not looking? Like Blake, we want to know. As individuals we each gravitate to different causes, but we want to know social issues matter. Our industry is responding to consumer preference, by increasingly offering an ability to show our human side. It's exciting to see new products in our market, especially when products address social issues and create a the story that is relevant to our health & a greater good. What has us so excited? How about a line of personal care products that pamper & protect? Hand sanitizers, yes, but also gifts that revive, soothe, nourish and restore. Product sets that include lotions, soaps but do so much more than protect. By partnering this line with Soapbox Soaps; hope is born. Take a look at the video of this amazing initiative here. Who is Soapbox Soaps? A organization founded in 2010 with a simple mission: to empower people to change the world through everyday, quality purchases. Soap = Hope. For every Soapbox product you purchase, we, together, donate a bar of soap to someone in need either state-side or abroad. A pretty amazing yet simple concept! Brilliant! Eager for more stories like this one? Our blog consistently highlights products with impact in the cause section , including other posts about clean water and hygiene.

Last week I saw a news clip about the last remaining Blockbuster, in Oregon, still offering your racks of movies to rent even during the pandemic. In the early 90's there was a Blockbuster on nearly every corner, with 4,500 stores nationwide. The media also likes to tell us that "nostalgia is back, what's old is new" and if you've lived more than a couple decades you know that nostalgia always comes back in some shape or form. As a society, we seem to crave capturing memories that are part of a larger story. While we might not know what we will be talking about from this century, there surely will be room for some humor around zoom meetings! Meetings, whether virtual or gathered around a large table, are rarely fun. If your manager wanted to insert some fun, they could cater lunchboxes with fun pens instead, like an adult happy meal prize! After all, wouldn't your next zoom meeting be more exciting with a spinner pen or MopTopper product? PPAI studies conducted among media buyers and consumers reveal new insights into promotional products’ value and effectiveness. Of the consumers surveyed who could recall receiving a promotional product in the previous 12 months, 88 percent could recall the name of the advertiser, and 85 percent have done business with an advertiser as a result of receiving an item. Imagine the impact from your next lunch & learn session if attendees are rewarded with a gift that strategy relates to the touchpoints from the session. What did you highlight, what changes did you suggest that would free up attendees hands, what puzzle did you solve for consumers that brings your message back to their daily routine? As the advertiser, you are controlling the narrative and crafting individual messages to your target audience. Powerhouse advertisers aren’t just fortune 500 companies, they are mom & pop and everyone in between. What's cool about tangible branding is that there is no one product to select- there are products for any type of consumer and will fit any budget. While you may not be visiting your local blockbuster anymore, it's a memory you can't shake. The key to designing a successful campaign is selecting a product that your consumer will value and use, which will allow you to project your brand story on your vertical's big screen!

It's no secret, people love brand name products. How can you use this love to your advantage when choosing gifts to give your audience? How does a brand name help expand awareness of your brand? Well, keep reading to find out! 1. Popularity. Consumers are buying these brands in their personal life, therefore, demand and popularity are already established. Why not take advantage and give them what they already like. 2. Affordability. Surprisingly, premium brands are not always significantly more expensive than knock offs. There are many options at different price points, no need to worry about breaking the budget or compromising quality. 3. Brand Recognition. When marketers look for a way to elevate their brand status, they typically try to associate their brand with established brands consumers already know and trust, thus introducing your brand to an entirely new audience of loyalists. 4. High Perceived Value. The recipient feels "special" that you'd purchased a premium brand as a gift; elevating your brand. 5. Building trust. Like a third-party endorsement, consumers are ready to accept your message because of your brand alignment with a trusted brand. Provide products that consumers already know and trust, it'll make it easier for them to trust your brand in the end.

The phrase cookie cutter ideas is more commonly associated with a lack of creativity; however, in this case cookie cutters offer an innovative way to connect with consumers. Americans love making cookies! Americans consume over 2 billion cookies a year, which is about 300 cookies for each person. The average American eats 35,000 cookies in a lifetime. 95.2 percent of U.S. households consume cookies and it's no surprise to us that half of the cookies baked in American homes each year are chocolate chip. Why cookie cutters? April is stress awareness month and cooking is a great way to reduce stress and share quality time with friends or family. There are even recipes for dog cookies! Package cutters as singles and insert a recipe card to add to a branded cello bag, insert in a mailer boxes or to create a custom gift set ( yes, we can provide you all of those branded options). Ready for this as a fresh approach to stale branding ideas? If you have a monthly newsletter, share seasonal recipes. If you have a social media presence, encourage followers to post their own recipes or best results for decoration. Reward each quarter with a baker's package - of course, include branded measuring cups, spoons, aprons and other kitchen essentials along with the staple ingredients winners will need to create their next masterpiece in the kitchen. As a bonus, here is the newly released DoubleTree Cookie recipe! What's your favorite cookie?

As we sit in our homes, quarantined like the rest of the world, we find ourselves reflecting on what’s important – family, health, and living a more eco-conscious life. What is certain, is that there has been a huge boom in manufacturing technology lately that has allowed more consumer access to upcycled products, possibly, more than ever before. This exciting new normal has sparked a fire in every industry’s culture and left an impact that says, leave behind a better planet for the next generation. As for our partner, Vantage Apparel, well, they are always looking for the next trend while keeping our beautiful Mother Earth in mind. Their current line of products is broken up into Earthwise, high-performing essentials, Climate, all season outerwear, and Coastal, silhouettes that are relaxed and have a laid-back look and feel. Check out this video and read on to discover what this partner is doing to keep the planet green. Sustainable In manufacturing, materials that are certified recycled or organic are being used, along with dyes that don't contain harmful chemicals and utilize wastewater programs. The Vantage Earthwise Collection, which includes the Vansport Polo, Vansport Eureka Shirt and Vansport Trek Hoodie are the epitome of Feel Good Fashion. Earthwise offers high-performing essentials that are super comfy, easy-to-style and feature a broad range of decorating options that include embroidery, heat transfers, and screen printing. Each style is made with certified and traceable high-quality REPREVE® recycled polyester, plastic bottles that are collected (not produced), to help keep plastic bottles from ending up in our oceans and landfills. Additionally, they have partnered with 1% For The Planet and pledged to donate a portion of Earthwise sales to nonprofits committed to protecting our environment. Purposeful Consumers are looking for functional products that serve a purpose and meet an important need over fast fashion. Transitional items that are versatile enough to go from day to night or season to season. Our Climate Collection features versatile, all-season outerwear for unpredictable conditions. Both useful and fashionable, these transitional layers are crafted with comfortable fabrics (like the Denali Jacket), quality construction and timeless styling. These durable styles feature protection properties like UV protection, water-repellency or waterproof, as seen in the Newport Jacket, and breathability and stretch. Enjoy our Climate Collection digital catalog, which features an array of products that are sure to fit all seasonal layering needs. Mindful More and more you will notice that we are becoming a travel-centric generation and fulfilling that calling of wanderlust is certainly paramount. Consumers are looking for comfort in their apparel – less restrictive, ease of movement, flowy and relaxed silhouettes. In our Coastal Collection, silhouettes are more relaxed and looser with a laid-back look and feel like our Baja Hoodie. Design elements also take a nod from our coasts with watercolor prints and stripes and skyline views such as seen in our Vansport Pro Riviera Polo. Many performance-based fabrics are engineered to create a softer, luxurious hand. These silhouettes are commonly worn on vacation, holiday, amongst friends or can even be worked into everyday wardrobes. Decoration and Placement *Graphically Speaking Bonus* (because it’s all about the logo), we’ve highlighted the latest decoration trends so that you can feel confident in choosing the best placement and method to go with a specific style, fabric or theme. Use the garment design for logo placements - full front and chest blocks, side blocks, forward shoulder seams, and back seams. Screen Print and Heat transfers are no longer just for t-shirts – look to offer these throughout multiple categories like polos, pullovers, and fleece. Also, note the weight and smoothness of these methods complement lightweight and airy fabrics. Patches are very popular (in a variety of fabrics), especially on outerwear and layering styles. Patches are also a great solution for highly textured fabrics as the background prevents the logo from getting lost or sinking into the fabric of the garment. For personalized or discrete decoration, look for items with inner pockets, like their Zocket™ pocket, that can be used to feature a company message, monogram or icon using embroidery or heat transfer. For caps, create more interest utilizing the front side panel. This placement gives a unique look to a basic cap while keeping the embroidered logo visible from the front. Patch applique is a fun alternative for our flat knit beanie caps. Be sure to download our latest trend report for more tips.

Camping has become a favorite pass time for those who are eager to explore the great outdoors, enjoy music festivals and for those who are involved in outdoor clubs and associations. There are 78.8 million households that camp at least 3 times a year and has become increasingly popular among millennials. Over half of campers in the US are millennials with 53 percent spending over $200 on gear. Traditional camping typically involves taking a tent, backpack, food, water and a sleeping bag or a hammock to a remote location. Sometimes amenities like clean drinking water and a hot shower at the end of the day are another desire depending on where one camps. For those who prefer traditional style camping, branded mini LED lanterns or flashlights, multi-functional tools, blankets or backpacks can create a significant impression on the end user. Glamping is an emerging trend which provides the best of both worlds, amenities like running water and air conditioning but still having that experience of the outdoors and seclusion. Glampers tend to prefer amenities over simplicity, so promote your brand with foldable chairs, plush towels or blankets, power banks, portable fans, Bluetooth speakers and cutlery sets. Don’t forget your pets! Campers love to camp alongside their furry friends. Think about branded collapsible food dishes, waste disposal bags, canned food lids and clip on LED safety lights. Festival campers will make use of branded drawstring bag or fanny packs to hold all their essentials, sunglasses, water bottles, and sunscreen along with any necessary camping equipment. Whichever style of camping is preferred – if you are a beginner or an expert, young or old, campers share one thing in common – the outdoors. Convey your brands’ story through useful promotional products to create a memorable camping experience. Here are some camping ideas to help get you started on your next promotional campaign: Halcyon Collapsible Lantern This powerful lantern illuminates a tent with 100 lumens—the equivalent of 100 candles and offers adjustable brightness and foldable hooks for hanging. Wheat Utensil Set Stay Eco-friendly on your trip with this utensil set composed of reclaimed stalks from wheat which is renewable and sustainable. Comes in an individual protective case. High Sierra Outdoor Adventure Tool Kit Stay prepared with the High Sierra® Outdoor Adventure Kit which includes an emergency blanket, compass, flashlight, multitool, pocket knife, Paracord bracelet with fire starter, and a roll top waterproof bag to keep it all safe. Portable Hand Fan with Holder Stay cool with the Portable Hand Fan with Holder. Powered by USB or battery, this fan provides a cool breeze hands free or on the go! Mosquito Repelling Lantern Keep the pesky bugs away with the Mosquito Repellent Night Lamp. The lamp features a bottom light, a bug zapping light, and a hanging hook. The both lights are activated by touch on the top of the lamp. The bottom bulb is a bright LED light comparable to a filament bulb. Perfect for glampers who like the idea of camping, but without all those bugs! UL Fad 10000 mAh PD Fast Wireless Power Bank The UL Listed Fad 10000 mAh PD Fast Wireless Power Bank has a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that can work as a charging pad or a regular power bank on the go. The 18W USB-C port can provide enough power to charge a laptop that is powered through a Type C port and fast charge compatible devices. Silipint™ 1L Aqua-Fur Dog Bowl Ready for any pup-friendly endeavor, the collapsible Aqua-fur silicone dog bowl is foldable and lightweight. Holds a full liter of water but can also be used as a two-liter bucket. Sleek, transformer-like design is hailed for its ultra-portability. Hit the trail, dog park or beach with a carefree, friendly buddy bowl that won’t ever soak your pack. Whether you like to rough it in the woods or you prefer glamping, get out and celebrate all the beauty Mother Earth has to offer this Earth Day!