In between the blitz of trade shows at the beginning of the year and the Q4 rush sits ASI Show Chicago, the promo industry’s signature summer show. This year nearly 5,000 promo professionals visited a bigger show floor that boasted 466 exhibitors, including 110 that were new to Chicago.

“Chicago is always a great show,” says Johanna Gottlieb, VP of business development for Top 40 distributor Genumark (asi/204588). “People are so excited to come to this great city in the summer. The energy on the show floor was vibrant.” In addition to seeking out new minority suppliers (“a true continuous passion project for me,” she says), she particularly enjoyed the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with supplier reps. “This is the best show to have real conversations in booths,” she says. “You don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed by crowds. Nothing can beat that.”

Liquid Screen Design (asi/254663) attended Education Day and walked the show floor. “For our team, ASI Shows are an absolute no-brainer,” says co-owner Benji Bearman. “These events consistently have the top distributors and suppliers, which we appreciate while walking the show floor.” The fully remote company (a member of this year's Counselor Best Places to Work list) makes sure to schedule time for its team to spend together in-person at the shows. “Our team went home this week with actionable tasks, new product ideas, and fresh energy,” adds Bearman. “Kudos to ASI for throwing this vibrant, impactful bash – can’t wait for January.”

The ASI Media team was there covering the Education Day sessions, keynotes and happenings on the show floor. Here’s our roundup of all our coverage from the show.

Staying Human in Today’s Digital World

A small-business expert, entrepreneur and motivational speaker who’s interviewed President Barack Obama and the sharks from Shark Tank, Ramon Ray gave a high-energy keynote to an enthusiastic crowd with tips to foster connections with clients.

The Secrets To Making Your Business Irresistible

In “‘I Want That’: 5 Ways To Make You and Your Company Irresistible,” sales and persuasion expert Carolyn Strauss delivered winning ideas to compel clients to fall in love with your company during a lively keynote.

The Biggest Trends & Newest Products From the Show Floor

Nineties fashion, mission-driven companies and product innovations all shined on the show floor. Here’s a look at the trends that left a mark.

Level Up Your Self-Promo Game

Cliff Quicksell, the veteran ASI speaker and consultant who boasts over four decades of industry experience, shared examples of self-promo campaigns that generated massive engagement and yielded big margins, sometimes of over 60%.

Digital Tools & Mental Tricks To Get Creative

Through an insight-packed discussion, Bill Petrie of brandivate explained how others in the promo industry can tap into their creativity and why it’s important to do so.

Attendees Weigh In on Sales Expectations, Sustainability & Product Trends

According to flash polls conducted during the Education Day Wrap-Up, cautious optimism is ruling the day in the promotional products industry. Attendees at the wrap-up also weighed in on sustainability, shifts in client spending and concert merch.

2024 Counselor Awards

As is customary at the show, ASI held its Counselor Awards ceremony and revealed its award recipients as well as the Counselor Top 40 distributors and suppliers. The awards profiles and Top 40 spotlights are also featured in Counselor’s summer State of the Industry print issue.