Our Favorite Moments From ASI Fort Worth 2025
ASI Media Editors Sara Lavenduski and Hannah Rosenberger discuss the informational sessions on tariffs, classroom education with business experts, energizing keynote and trends from the bustling show floor.
Speakers, panelists, exhibitors and attendees brought Texas-sized energy to ASI Fort Worth.
Held from March 29 to 31 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, the event featured a busy exhibit hall, numerous business-building education sessions, a refreshing keynote address and the first-ever ESP+ User Conference. And ASI Media Editors Sara Lavenduski and Hannah Rosenberger were on hand to cover it all.
Among the noteworthy trends spotted on the show floor were intricate decorating techniques, retail-inspired women’s apparel, trendy colors and sustainable products. Two of the three days also opened with important discussions on tariffs – a Q&A with ASI President and CEO Tim Andrews, and a panel with Lori Bauer, CEO of Counselor Top 40 distributor iPROMOTEu (asi/232119), and Dan Jellinek, CRO of Top 40 distributor The Magnet Group (asi/68507). Both Bauer and Jellinek are members of Counselor’s Power 50 list.
“It makes sense that suppliers’ and distributors’ main concern right now is going to be dealing with price increases,” says Rosenberger. “But it’s important that people keep in mind the ROI that promo offers compared with other forms of advertising, and keep those stats handy when they’re pitching to end-buyers to make sure they know they should keep putting their dollars in promo.”
Key Takeaways
• Innovative Product Trends: Exhibitors at ASI Fort Worth showcased unique and innovative products, such as corduroy baseball hats with full-panel embroidery and drinkware with color-matched lids.
• Impact of Tariffs: The event featured various educational sessions, including the first ESP+ User Conference and classes on choosing the right apparel and “creating a frictionless client experience.” These sessions aimed to help distributors differentiate themselves and enhance their business strategies.
• Educational Opportunities: Building and nurturing relationships within the team and with customers is important to all three of them, especially when it comes to making sure they all prove themselves apart from their mother’s legacy and ensure there isn’t any familial favoritism. But overall, the family-like atmosphere at Maple Ridge Farms enhances their ability to work effectively together.
• A Thought-Provoking Keynote: Torsten Gross, a quadriplegic racecar driver, discussed resilience, managing failure and turning perceived weaknesses into strengths.