The Branded Merch Network recently opened registration for the second annual Sustainable Merch Summit, noting that supplier Stanley/Stella (asi/89011) will be the presenting partner for the virtual event.

Set for Earth Day (April 22) at 1 p.m. Eastern, the Summit brings together professionals across promo, print and apparel for practical, working conversations focused on building real progress in responsible merchandising. The event is co-hosted by Branded Merch Network, ASI, Apparelist and the 2 Regular Guys podcast.

As part of its presenting partnership, Stanley/Stella will provide a limited run of sustainably made apparel pieces, available to the first 200 registered attendees, reinforcing the Summit’s commitment to tangible, real-world action.

“We don’t see sustainability as a limit,” said Jerome Thuillier, Stanley/Stella’s U.S. head of marketing. “We see it as the foundation for higher standards. From the finest organic cotton to garments engineered for superior decoration results, every detail is built to perform better. We’re proud to support the Sustainable Merch Summit 2026 and stand for higher standards across promo, print, and apparel.”

The Sustainable Merch Summit is designed as a multi-voice, working session – not a stage-driven experience.

“This event isn’t about polished presentations or big claims,” said Jay Busselle, co-founder of Branded Merch Network. “It’s about real answers to real questions. What’s actually happening, what’s working and what people can do next. No ballroom required.”

The 2026 Summit continues its collaborative approach with returning media co-hosts, including ASI and Apparelist, helping bring broader industry visibility and perspective to the event.

As part of that collaboration, Theresa Hegel, executive editor, special projects and sustainability at ASI, and Cassie Green, content director at Apparelist, will serve as moderators, guiding key conversations throughout the summit.

In addition, PRINTING United Alliance, ASI’s strategic content partner, joins the Summit as education sponsor, supporting the event’s mission to deliver clear, actionable insights to industry professionals. Sara Osorio, EHS affairs coordinator at PRINTING United Alliance, will be featured as a panelist, contributing expertise on sustainability and compliance in the print and apparel space.

The 2026 Summit will build on the success of last year’s event, which drew over 400 registrants, with a focus on:

• What’s really happening in sustainable merch right now
• What’s working in the real world
• Which certifications matter (and which don’t)
• How to build trust through transparency
• How sustainability can become a growth strategy

Registration is open, with early registrants eligible to receive the limited Stanley/Stella apparel offering. Register here: brandedmerchnetwork.com/sms.

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