TREVOSE, PA - February 18, 2011 - The Advertising Specialty Institute announced today that its ASI Dallas Show attracted nearly 3,600 distributors, an increase of 8.6% from last year, representing 1,545 distributor firms, up 10.5% and a new record.

In addition to education and 500 exhibitors, the three-day event featured a keynote by first lady Laura W. Bush, who addressed nearly 600, a record keynote attendance. Mrs. Bush also hosted an intimate cocktail and lunch reception during the 2nd Annual ASI Women’s Summit.  From among 30 finalists, the summit included the first-ever “Top Women to Watch in the Advertising Specialty Industry” Awards ceremony.

“Based on our attendance numbers and the overwhelming response we’ve received from suppliers and distributors, our Dallas show was an undisputed hit,” said Timothy M. Andrews, president of The ASI Show and president and chief executive officer of ASI. “This show had it all: exciting new products, high-energy education, souped-up networking events and words of wisdom from a gracious first lady.”

“Without a doubt, our 2011 show momentum indicates no sign of stopping as we forge ahead to our next show in New York City in March,” he said. 

The Dallas show, held at the Dallas Convention Center from Wednesday, February 16, through Friday, February 18, is the largest industry event in the Southwest. ASI Dallas featured thousands of new products and services, with more than 700 attendees at 50+ education workshops (sponsored by Fields Mfg., asi/54100), and the ever-popular Ultimate Texas Bash at Eddie Deen’s Ranch.

Kristina Fredericks from Moderne Glass (asi/71920) was enthusiastic about the show. “ASI Dallas has been great,” she said. “The booth traffic has been extremely busy. We’ve received a lot of great leads and sample requests and are putting together a number of programs. It’s been a fabulous show and we’re very pleased.”

“ASI Dallas has been fabulous,” said Lori Bauer from Norwood BIC Graphic (asi/40480). “Distributors are excited for the new sales year. We are seeing lots of order opportunities and business is already coming in. ASI Dallas was the perfect event to launch our latest promotion for Norwood Bags and Drinkware.”

Dallas is home to the second-largest number of distributors in the U.S. Suppliers, including 120 not at last year’s show, were pleased with the quality of attendees and with the traffic during the two exhibition days.

"We are always excited to attend the ASI Dallas show," said Mark Gammon from The Vernon Company (asi/351700). “It’s a terrific event. We have a large contingency of our sales force here. It’s the perfect way to kick off the new year - by seeing our preferred suppliers and discussing our clients’ needs with them.” 

Michael Hartney from That First Impression LLC (asi/343536) said, “This show is phenomenal. I am enjoying it so much. It’s nice to see all the new product lines and the suppliers have been so informative. I’m leaving with great sales ideas. What a terrific way to start the new year.”

Register today for the ASI Show in New York, Tuesday, March 22, through Wednesday, March 24, and the ASI Show in San Diego, Wednesday, May 18 through Friday, May 20, 2011, at www.asishow.com. To learn more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, contact Karen DiTomasso, vice president of sales, at kditomasso@asicentral.com.

About ASI
The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) is the largest education, media and marketing organization serving the advertising specialty industry, with a membership of over 26,000 distributor firms (sellers) and supplier firms (manufacturers) of advertising specialties.  Supplier firms use ASI print and electronic resources to market products to over 22,000 ASI distributor firms.  Distributor firms use ASI print and electronic resources, which contain nearly every product in the industry from more than 3,500 reputable suppliers, to locate supplier firms and to market services to buyers.  ASI provides catalogs, information directories, newsletters, magazines, websites and databases, and offers e-commerce, marketing and selling tools.  Visit ASI online at asicentral.com and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, the CEO's blog and the ASI Social Network.

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Dawn Marie,
Executive director of corporate communications

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