News May 12, 2026
Promotions East Show Moves to NYC; Daymond John To Give Keynote
The regional trade show put on by the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York will be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City from June 15 to 16.
Key Takeaways
• Promotions East is relocating to New York City for 2026, marking a major shift for SAAGNY’s longtime regional trade show.
• The event will feature networking, education and end-buyer engagement opportunities, including a keynote from Shark Tank investor Daymond John.
Promotions East is on the move for 2026.
The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York’s (SAAGNY) annual regional trade show is set to be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City in June. Daymond John, one of the shark investors on ABC’s Shark Tank, will deliver a keynote.
“Promotions East reflects where our industry is going,” said SAAGNY President Sara Levinson. “It’s not just about product anymore, it’s about ideas, partnerships and how programs come together. As a regional association, we’ve been intentional about creating an experience that brings all of that to life.”
After many years in Atlantic City, NJ, this is the first time Promotions East will be held in NYC, said SAAGNY’s Executive Director John Cudahy.
The event will kick off with a networking event at the DIMES speakeasy on the evening of June 15. The main show day on June 16 will feature an open trade show floor all day, John’s keynote and a networking happy hour to end the day. Education opportunities during the show include sessions on the Field Sales Method from Jenna Quaranta, director of sales training and development at Counselor Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966).
Because this year’s event is also an end-buyer show, Cudahy said, exhibitors have been encouraged to be creative and interactive in product displays to keep visitors engaged.
Josh Goodelman, president of writing instruments supplier Liqui-mark (asi/67675), and Josh Nachman, executive vice president at Zagwear (asi/365552) – two members of SAAGNY’s board of directors and organizers of this year’s Promotions East – said their priority was to create a memorable experience and meaningful connections between suppliers, distributors and end-buyers alike.
“That was the real important part – how could we evolve?” Josh Nachman said. “How could we get more people there?”
“I think it’s a great opportunity and venue for the distributor and the supplier to educate the end-buyer,” Goodelman added, “and for the distributors to have supplier face time.”
Distributors and exhibitors can register here.