ASI’s parking lot was packed for the first time in six months on Thursday, Oct. 1, as more than 40 suppliers and dozens of distributors gathered for the Philadelphia Area Promotional Products Association (PAPPA) Fall Expo.

Suppliers took over ASI’s abandoned parking lot as part of the PAPPA Fall Expo.

With a cool breeze, plenty of sunshine and a high of 73 degrees, it was perfect weather for an outdoor trade show. Following CDC guidelines, attendees wore masks and vendors were socially distanced. Yet, there was a sense of normalcy as distributors shuffled back and forth from their cars, loading up on samples. Tim Andrews, president and CEO of ASI, wrapped up the event with a presentation and Q&A while attendees munched on a brown bag lunch.

“This is really the beginning of us all learning how to live in the next step of this pandemic,” Andrews said. “Exhibitors are thrilled that they’re getting to see distributors and some really well-known names, too. They’re also thrilled to get together for the first time in many months, talking with each other and sharing stories instead of being on Zoom.”

This was the first industry event that Brian Conway, owner of Collingdale, PA-based screen-printing shop A.I.R. Conway, had attended since the COVID-19 pandemic began. “For $100, if I get one new customer, that’s one more than I would have gotten from just sitting in my office,” Conway said. “Business has been tough – we’ve gotten no rush jobs and seen no spikes in sales. I have eight employees now, whereas I used to have 15. We’re just trying to stay positive.”

Brian Conway (left), owner of Collingdale, PA-based A.I.R. Conway, exhibits at his first trade show since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Meanwhile, this was Ken Rode’s eighth tailgate-style trade show. The independent sales rep with Top 40 supplier Cutter & Buck (asi/47965) first attended one back in June, earning a $15,000 order in the process. “It’s good to see customers mask to mask,” Rode said. “I’ve been doing every outdoor trade show at my disposal. With apparel, if you can’t feel or touch it, it’s harder for a customer to truly understand the product.”

Eric Campbell of @OrbusGroup invites you into his PPE-filled tent. #tradeshow #promo pic.twitter.com/rLu6sz9L42

— John Corrigan (@JCorr_ASI) October 1, 2020

Exhibiting at her fifth outdoor trade show, Danielle Luciani, regional manager with Victorinox Swiss Army (asi/93755), has adjusted well to the “new normal.” She understands the importance of face time with customers ahead of a hopefully busy holiday season. “It’s good for the soul to see people,” Luciani said. “If this is the medium we’re going to be doing for however long, this is what I’ll be doing.”

It's much easier to sell apparel when distributors can touch and feel the products.

Distributors echo that sentiment. “Today is another good step in the right direction,” said Mike Barrett, founder of The Personal Touch (asi/294265) in Jenkintown, PA, attending his first industry event since March.

Although virtual trade shows have attempted to fill the void, nothing is better than that in-person interaction between suppliers and distributors, said Jodi Frank of Wilmington, DE-based Frank Communication Solutions. “It’s important to be out there maintaining relationships with supplier reps, seeing what’s new and generating ideas,” Frank said. “If we can do it in a safe manner where everyone follows the rules, it’s a nice alternative during the pandemic.”

Tekweld’s (asi/90807) vast assortment of products was a huge hit with distributors.

Everybody wants to take a spin in the ASI Promocar, freshly cleaned during the shutdown.

The promotional products industry’s version of Trunk or Treat.