The sun shone and the palm trees swayed as distributors and decorators gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando for promo’s first show of the year.

ASI Show Orlando, held Jan. 5-7, welcomed attendees from nearly all 50 states and 15 countries to browse 570 exhibitor booths and prepare for a new sales year.

In addition to product trends, attendees learned about sales, marketing and AI during Education Day; networked at the Caffeinate & Collaborate breakfast and ASI Gala; and gleaned inspiration from the story of Melissa Proctor, CMO of the Atlanta Hawks.

Trends for 2026

During the Caffeinate & Collaborate networking breakfast that took place just before the first day that the show floor opened, attendees worked in small groups to demonstrate their skills in quickly putting together a promotional products campaign. The winners – Jessica Sanchez and Judy Klahr from C By Me (asi/154734), Diana Michelotti from MichelottiMedia / Peacock Entities (asi/526860), Scott Waggoner from Fleet Graphics (asi/195123), Tim and Auztin Lunt from Stain Imaging and Drew Messina from Create A Card (asi/466790) – put together a marketing plan for a brand-new middle school in the Midwest looking to generate enthusiasm for the new location.

“I loved the session,” said Faith Amon, creative director at Florida-based Frecklefoot Creative (asi/526387). “It was easy to break the ice and it was really fun to hear everyone’s input.”

On the busy show floor, suppliers featured retail-inspired apparel, unique imprints, eco-friendly gifts and eye-catching print work.

Totally Chocolate Promo (asi/44897) showed off a custom gift box for Tiffany & Co. featuring the luxury jewelry retailer’s distinctive shade of blue.

Smaller companies also brought their wares – Khara Koffel, co-owner of Illinois-based Serious Lip Balm (asi/86432), had her company’s handmade lip balm, lotion and bug balm on display for the first time in Orlando.

“We specialize in small batches, not bulk orders,” said Koffel. “We employ team members experiencing emotional, mental and physical setbacks – they put the products together at our office. We also do all graphic design in-house.”

On a larger scale, AMI Graphics (asi/80160) in Florida announced that it’s now an official America250 licensee. The company is approved to produce official America250 feather flags, banners, pennants, backdrops and more for celebrations this year marking the country’s 250th birthday.

AMI Graphics (asi/80160) is now an official America250 licensee.

“They’re great for municipalities’ celebrations,” said Tracie Dawson, CSR manager and the 2024 ASI Media Supplier CSR of the Year. “Smaller organizations can use the pennants for indoor parties and to mark parking areas.”

Keith Pate, production coordinator at Jaxxon Promotions (asi/233755) in Lancaster, PA, and a first-time attendee, said he’ll be showing customers the recycled vinyl record clock (WL2174) from WOWLine (asi/98360) and cord organizers from CordBrick (asi/46672).

Nicholas Barrett of CordBrick (asi/46672) discusses the features of his company’s unique products.

“The CordBrick is a simple but useful solution to an everyday problem, and I personally liked the recycled vinyl record clock,” said Pate. “It’s easier to sell things you actually like.”

Inspiring Professional Development & a Winning Keynote

The day before the show opened, attendees had the opportunity to attend classes in areas such as sales, marketing, AI and product decoration.

Sessions included “Building Supplier Relationships That Drive Revenue” with Katie Kailik, director of sales for Peerless Umbrella (asi/76730) and the 2025 ASI Media Supplier Salesperson of the Year, and “Sustainability That Sells: Winning More Business Through Green Practices” with Lindsay Hampson, president of sustainability consultancy ThisRock.

“Avoid overclaiming, greenwashing language and jargon, and don’t wait until you’re asked for your sustainability policy,” said Hampson during the session. “Buyers want honesty, practicality and measurable practices that are aligned with their goals.”

Sterling McKinley of Clarity AI Solutions shares best tips on leveraging AI to boost sales.

Attendees also learned how to use AI for better business and more sales, courtesy of Sterling McKinley, a corporate trainer with Clarity AI Solutions. “AI isn’t your replacement,” he said. “It’s your competitive advantage.”

Pate said he came away with actionable takeaways from Education Day, including sales sessions and marketing best practices with Shawna Suckow of The Buyer Insider.

“My favorite class was ‘Niches Make Riches’ with Kevin Baumgart, especially now that my role is changing to full-time sales,” said Pate. “I found it useful to identify a niche and focus efforts there.”

Attendees also participated in real-time polling during the Education Day wrap-up session and discussed sales opportunities with suppliers at the New Product Preview Reception, with drinks and small-plate refreshments.

Power Sessions on the show floor during Exhibit Days included “Selling Smarter: How To Find the Real Decision-Maker & Close the Deal,” with Jason McCracken, senior account executive at Counselor Top 40 distributor Eagle Promotions (asi/185320) and a 2025 ASI Media Salesperson of the Year finalist, and “Partnering for Success: Building a Trusted Printer Network” with Allee Bruce of PRINTING United Alliance and a panel of print/promo distributors.

Day 2 opened with an inspiring keynote address by Melissa Proctor, CMO of the Atlanta Hawks, who shared her career story and how she’s overseen a successful rebranding of the NBA franchise.

Proctor, the first-ever ball girl for the Miami Heat, was committed to pursuing a career in professional basketball from an early age.

“We knew we could be the team for the next generation of Atlantans, to entertain and unite the city through basketball,” she said. “We continue to lean into our key brand values: inclusiveness, innovation and authenticity.”