The ASI Show New York Delivers the Full Package

The ASI Show, which took place Wednesday, May 8, and Thursday, May 9, at the Javits Center, featured a crowded show floor, standing-room-only keynote, free business-building education, 11 distinct distributor meetings and sizzling networking.

Enthusiastic distributors took advantage of the ASI Education offered both days, earning them credit toward their ASI Certification. Favorites among attendees included the Ad Specialty Crash Course: Sell Successfully Now workshop and the Distributor Success Lunch: Use Social Media for Sales Success (both part of the Distributor Success Track sponsored by Fields Mfg., asi/54100).

ASI New York moved to the North Pavilion at the Javits Center this year, offering a brighter and more modern space for exhibitors to display their newest products.

“ASI New York has been a really good show from the moment it opened,” said Steve Bloom, from Tattoo Factory (asi/90650). “Traffic has been non-stop. We’ve scanned a lot of people, handed out tons of catalogs and have gotten some great leads.”

“It’s great,” said Bill Holmes, from Blue Generation (asi/40653). “ASI New York is one of the best shows we’ve done. We’ve been very busy. And, the distributors are really high quality – asking good questions.”

At the show, ASI also announced it’s shifting the dates of the 2014 New York show to Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, at the Javits Center. “We chose the new weekdays so attendees and exhibitors could attend classes, meet with clients and prospects, and browse the show floor for new product ideas before enjoying a fun weekend in the city after the show closes Friday afternoon,” said Lorenz Hassenstein, vice president and general manager of The ASI Show.

“The show floor was buzzing with excitement and everyone I spoke to was bullish on the industry and looking forward to strong summer sales,” said Timothy M. Andrews, president of The ASI Show and president and chief executive officer of ASI. “There really is no place like New York when it comes to inspiring excellence. Salespeople who are serious about getting ahead are making new contacts and taking classes to better position themselves for the future.”

Exhibitors and distributors agreed.

“ASI New York is great,” said Wendy Cohen, from Avant Guard Printing and Promotions (asi/127845). “I found so many new products to bring back to my clients. I’m finding items I didn’t even know existed. I would recommend ASI New York to everyone.”

Carey Seekell, from Culver Company (asi/172223), said “The show has been really good. It’s the first time in quite some time that I’ve attended an industry event that’s been worth my time. I’m so glad I came.”

A highlight of the New York show included a keynote by local entrepreneur and family business owner Buddy Valastro Jr., known to millions as “The Cake Boss” from TLC’s hit reality show. Valastro dished up smart business tips to a packed house and later served cake from Hoboken’s famous Carlo’s Bakery in the Exhibit Hall. He topped off a delicious event by presenting The ASI Show with one of his unique masterpieces (sponsored by Showdown Displays, asi/87188).

“It’s a dream come true,” Valastro told a standing-room-only crowd of entrepreneurs who, he said, are just like him. “I own a family business. I can relate. I’m like you guys. I’m on TV, but at the end of the day I’ve got to make my payroll every week.”

Valastro advised the audience to stay true to their roots, remember where they come from and always be humble and respectful. “I’m my brand,” he said. “I do things the old-fashioned way. When kids come up to me and hug me, they look at me like I’m Superman – so I’m Superman for them.”

Like many in the audience, Scott Goldman from Into Graphics (asi/32021), could relate to Valastro. “Buddy is a real person – an entrepreneur at a very young age – with amazing business acumen. Buddy’s the kind of person you’d love to go out to dinner with. He’s making hard business decisions on his terms. He’s so inspirational. Thanks ASI – this keynote was a smart move.”

Counselor magazine’s annual Hot Party took place at rooftop nightclub 230 Fifth on Wednesday, where ASI named the industry’s hottest trendsetters. For a complete listing of the 49 winners, click here. The Hot Party was sponsored by AlightPromos (asi/34194), AIA Corporation (asi/109480), Delta Apparel (asi/49172), Castelli North America (asi/44305) and Chulani (asi/45100).

The next ASI Show is in Chicago (Tues., July 16 through Thurs., July 18) at McCormick Place, which features a keynote by Christopher Gardner, the inspiration behind the award-winning movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" starring Will Smith. On August 12, ASI hosts a brand new show in Dallas called Promotions Southwest. The Advantages Roadshow, the industry's No. 1 traveling roadshow, is in Canada May 14-16 before taking a break until starting again in early August. To learn more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, contact Karen DiTomasso, vice president of sales, at kditomasso@asicentral.com or register today at www.asishow.com.

Go to www.asicentral.com for complete coverage of the show, including blogs and videos.

About The ASI Show
The ASI Show was created for active ASI member distributors and suppliers, and attracts more distributors than any other industry show – with 20,000 attendees. Offering a full education conference, networking opportunities and a manageable one-floor/one-hall layout, The ASI Show provides a complete trade show experience. In five host cities per year (Orlando, Dallas, Long Beach, New York and Chicago), The ASI Show is ideal for advertising specialty businesses searching for new ideas and new business. Additionally, The ASI Show runs the Advantages Roadshow, the ad specialty industry’s most popular traveling show, the ASI Virtual Trade Show  and fASIlitate, ASI’s hosted buyer event.

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