39 hours ago
There's something special about receiving a toy that brings out the kid in all of us - whether you're 5 or 55! Adding a little childhood fun to your client's day will surely help them remember your...
Continue ReadingJun 2
For Young and Old, Legos have a way of catching the eye and inviting a touch. 1. Property Management Last year, Crown Property Management was looking for a holiday gift idea to give to 1,000 ...
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In marketing terminology, perceived value is what consumers think a product is worth to them. Outside factors like personal memories or associations, celebrity endorsements, resemblance to a higher...
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Casinos are synonymous with excitement, luxury, and the thrill of gambling. Regarding promotional products for a casino night, you want to capture that same energy and leave a lasting impression on...
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1. Past and Present meet in Retro Campaign Thompson Tractor, a heavy equipment dealer, sought to increase sales of its compactor machines to select pavement customers in Alabama and the northw...
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Nothing helps morale more at your company than an employee recognition program! Whether it's quarterly, end-of-the-year, or just because, we have something for every budget! Say goodbye to pizza pa...
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Teachers are the backbone of our society! They help shape our little legends into the people they will become, give them the knowledge they need to succeed and support them through the ups and down...
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In the fast-paced world of the automotive industry, standing out takes more than just great service-it takes branding that sticks around long after customers hit the road. That's where promotional ...
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So, you're running out of gift ideas. Over the years, you've given your clients things they like, such as a cat Star Wars poster, tickets to see their favorite band, or even as far as their favorit...
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Yes, here we are at the climax of basketball's March Madness, but still, in the big scheme of things, nothing challenges the power of football in the world of margeting. Here are 2 examples fro...
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So, you're launching a new product or service? Congratulations – what an exciting time for your business! We understand that your next step is to develop your action plan to make this launch ...
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Disposable products are a common part of everyday life for most folks – think single-use items like plastic cutlery, paper plates, shopping bags from the grocery store, napkins, the coffee cu...
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Romanticizing medieval European life, particularly medieval fantasy life, has a distinctly modern allure. Americans especially have a deep affinity for medieval culture, evident not only in our med...
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Sustainability continues to be an important consideration for marketers, but it doesn't stop with recycling. Products made with recyclable materials are not necessarily the final frontier in s...
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Puptastic Promo! Looking for some puptastic promo? Put two paws up for you have found it! This promo is sure to please, and definitely deserves a treat! Frisbee Pet Bandana Pooch P...
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Who said the party had to stop when the rain started? Keep your hard work protected and the party going with some branded rain gear. Whether you're looking for your team customers or just something...
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Spring is here, and that means getting outside and enjoying the sunshine, leaving your window open during spring storms, and picnics! Get your clients and team ready for the spring with these perfe...
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We've been writing about safety programs for years. That's because they can be so much more effective when they include promotional products to communicate their message. Here are some more exa...
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Objective A bakery owner had built solid connections with other service providers within their local event industry. But they were looking to grow their business within the wedding market. Pro...
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Libraries are some of the most important hubs for the community! They are a place of knowledge and resources. They also have maker spaces that offer 3D printing services, engraving, and even basic ...
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Safety programs are vital for organizations in every field, from construction to education to healthcare and beyond. When done well, these programs can help minimize on-the-job risks, ensure co...
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There is a chill in the air, the leaves change colors, and pumpkins are gracing doorsteps - you know what that means! It's time to gear up for fall and winter and outfit your team and clients with ...
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Promotional products are a key component of any marketing strategy, as they help to increase brand visibility and awareness. However, when it comes to promoting workplace safety, adding your logo t...
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Ready to chop and kick your way into a win? Well, look no further! Here are five top-notch karate items that are perfect for any karate school! Karate Medal Karate Stress Reliever K...
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Normally, you plan your merchandise marketing carefully and strategically. But sometimes, you just have to react to a surprise. A London pub mentioned in a Taylor Swift song lost most of its l...
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Market: Real Estate Product Use: Incentive Gift Promotion: A high-end resort selected the Atlantis Mesh Beach Tote as an incentive gift for the visitors who attended their timeshare presentatio...
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Description: Custom Wave Table Tent Industry: Hospitality What it was purchased for: A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sale...
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We continue our look into marketing collaborations between major brands with a couple of weird ones. But in these cases, weird is good! 1. Sneaker Collab Features Eggo Waffles Sneakerheads wh...
Continue ReadingOct 30, 2024
Surf-inspired activewear brands like ROXY(r) are stoked with our YUKON design-fondly known as The Party Cup(tm). It's double-wall insulated, so it keeps refreshments cool on the beach while the t...
Continue ReadingOct 23, 2024
Oh, babies! What a joy to welcome. Bringing a new baby into the world is so exciting (but also stressful and frequently sleepless). New parents know that there's a lot to procure and prepare before...
Continue ReadingOct 16, 2024
Fanny packs are back and more fashionable than ever! It's not just moms wearing them to the park or on vacation, either. Millennials, Zennials, and Gen Alpha has been getting into the action with s...
Continue ReadingOct 9, 2024
It's time for fall, which means it's time to get cozy as the cooler weather hits and the days grow shorter. These 6 promo products are just the thing to keep your team and clients nice and snuggly....
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Recent releases include a tumbler carrier from drinkware juggernaut Stanley, as well as some catchy WNBA gear. 1. Stanley Creates A Bag Just For Quencher Fans Stanley keeps coming up with new...
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Virtual tradeshows are definitely here to stay, and that isn't a bad thing! Not only are virtual tradeshows a lot more cost-effective for the organization hosting them, but they're also cheaper for...
Continue ReadingSep 24, 2024
How about that Earth, huh? She sure is something. Fortunately, there are plenty of people in the promotional products industry that feel the same way. In fact, we can offer you thousands of product...
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As top brands seek new exposure, we see more and more co-branding arrangements. In these scenarios, companies that compete in completely different markets find they can help each other bring ne...
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Can't get enough of this milk-based product we call cheese? Whether it's presented on a charcuterie board or straight off the wheel, cheese is a delectable treat for us all (as long as you're not l...
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Did you know that between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, there are 15 different ecological regions in North America? Right in our own back yard, you can go from the frosty tundra of far nor...
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Are you looking for the perfect gift to show your employees how much you care about them? Something more than just a generic mug? Then these are the products for you! 1. Robert Dancebot Speaker ...
Continue ReadingAug 12, 2024
Whether it's a Big 12 university or an elementary school, people love to show off their school spirit! So, we chose eight promotional products that are perfect for both students and teachers of all...
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Clever merch and promos grab the attention of fans and make lasting impressions, so let's take a look at a couple of recent successful promotions that got great responses. 1. Broadway's Hottes...
Continue ReadingJul 29, 2024
The Eras: Promo Tour If there's one artist who knows how to craft hit albums that resonate with millions, it's Taylor Swift. From her country beginnings to her pop powerhouse status, Swift has cap...
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Objective: A university wanted a practical handout to give to prospective students, alumni, and other campus visitors. The handout was intended for first-time visitors and those who hadn't been o...
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5 New Ideas to Spark Creativity Needing new ideas to jump-start the creative bandwagon? We've cultivated five new ideas just for you to get those creative juices pumping! Paintbrushes Pa...
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Promotional products aren't just for niche industry operations. Whether you are a small organization looking to grow your business, or an established company wanting to reach a new market, a produc...
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As the 4th of July draws near, our hearts swell with pride at the sight of all the patriotic symbols that adorn our surroundings. From the majestic flags fluttering in the breeze to the dazz...
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Cooking up a storm can create a mess! Make sure to have the right gear with an out-of-this-world apron! Artists, chefs, bakers, and more will be delighted with a one-of-a-kind apron! 1. 100% Cot...
Continue ReadingJun 15, 2024
When it comes to cities and the businesses they house – nothing is more important than trade associations and civic clubs like your local chamber of commerce! So we've come up with 8 promotio...
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For decades, the promotional marketing industry has been closely tied to China. Of the hundreds of thousands of different items that are used in physical advertising, a large percentage have been...
Continue ReadingMay 24, 2024
Objective: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high-perceived value. Product: Beach Trifold Calendar Personalization: The bank ...
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Many people crave traveling! It allows us to explore new places and cultures and try new things that we may not have thought to try in our own hometowns. Not to mention, it gives us a break from ou...
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Sometimes, the best promotional tools are just the essentials! These products are the perfect items to have on hand for those last-minute meetings, sales calls, and more! Red & Black Desk Pad ...
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You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't use a digital device these days! As we continue to expand into the digital world, staying connected is more important than ever. With these six top...
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Instagram is a fun app where you can discover the latest info on celebrities, influencers, and yes, even inspiration for promo products! From mega water jugs to party décor, see what is tren...
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Description: Roll-Up Blanket Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: A reward to employees for good service. How it was distributed: These blankets were mailed to locations ...
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The point of a promotional product is to raise brand awareness, and, ideally, make the end-user perceive the brand in a more positive light than they did before. (End-user means the ultimate re...
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Step right up to Hobby Town! Little toy train sets are a blast from the past and are still a hit today! Did you know you can make a promotional product campaign around toy trains? Toy Train Stres...
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Promotional products can help your fundraising event get donors in the giving spirit and maximize the amount of money you raise for charity. These 6 products for fundraisers show off your charitabl...
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Objective: A village needed an easy way to let residents know when there were issues with their water meters. They wanted a faster method of communication than mailing letters, and something more...
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The holidays are here, and that means it's time to gear up and pick out the perfect gifts for your clients! From charcuterie kits to journals - these holiday gifts are perfect for the whole office ...
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Whether it's peanut butter and jelly or Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes, some combinations make more magic than you'd expect. Find out how clever partnerships have boosted these brands a...
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Sharks are some of the ocean's most beautiful creatures. With over 500 species and more being discovered, the world of sharks is absolutely fascinating, from the deep sea Greenland Shark which can ...
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When you advertise your business or organization with promotional products, you want those items to be unique, interesting, and memorable. So, shouldn't that same principle apply to the packaging f...
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Description: Keep Warm Buddy Set Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A local school was looking for a fundraiser item to help older kids raise money for an overnight camping trip. They...
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Nothing says fan like merch (which of course is the popular term for top promotional products associated with a brand). Whether you wait in line for hours or spend way more than you intended, b...
Continue ReadingJan 29, 2024
The weather outside is frightful, but the (weather-proof promotional products) are sooo delightful! No matter your climate or weather patterns, I've found some excellent promotional items that are ...
Continue ReadingJan 22, 2024
Your employees work hard - and often longer hours when they're working from home. Surprise them with a little treat like one of these 8 Home Office Essentials! Temblor Speaker + Wireless Charg...
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The truth is out: buying promotional products for your customers doesn't have to break the bank! Plus, everyone likes getting presents - no matter how big or small. So we've chosen six promotional ...
Continue ReadingJan 8, 2024
It's no mistake that the lines between corporate and retail apparel are blending, as more mainstream brands and consumer styles enter and impact the branded apparel market. For example, cropped...
Continue ReadingJan 7, 2024
Spring is finally here! You know what that means: flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the days are getting longer. It also means lots of rain, from light spring showers to booming thunder...
Continue ReadingDec 31, 2023
Winter can be a hard season for lots of people. Between the colder weather, shorter daylight hours, and increased social isolation this year, many folks will feel the winter blues. Also known as Se...
Continue ReadingDec 16, 2023
Carl Sagan once wrote, "preserve and cherish the pale blue dot; it's the only home we've ever known." And as we look towards the future of our planet, it has now become more important than ever to ...
Continue ReadingDec 9, 2023
People love plants! They live in our offices and our homes and whether you have a large flourishing garden or fake plants because you can't even keep a cactus alive, there's a plant-themed promo fo...
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Drawing inspiration from viral videos, memes and other pop culture moments, these promo items help end users make memories. 1. Oscar Mayer Makes Hot Dog Straws For Real You might re...
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Since the beginning of the corporate award dinners, the same type of glass award has been presented at each one, whether it is a banquet, end-of-year party, or even just a company-wide meeting. Whi...
Continue ReadingNov 12, 2023
Branded merchandise is all the rage. While many of the logoed products we provide are given away as part of promotional campaigns, there is a large segment that is sold. Think Hard Rock Cafe T-...
Continue ReadingNov 9, 2023
Who says you can't still spoil your employees if they work from home? Make everyone's day a little brighter with these super useful promo products! Temblor Speaker + Wireless Charger Shock the...
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Now, more than ever, people are looking toward eco-friendly companies. They want to know what their favorite brands are doing for sustainability and limiting their carbon footprint. So we picked ...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2023
Since the coronavirus outbreak has forced many schools and daycares to close, millions of children are experiencing a major disruption in their daily lives. Parents working from home may be struggl...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2023
October is here, and the Halloween pop-up stores are all around. While these types of pop-ups may cost upwards of $30,000, some retailers can run a short pop-up event for around $1,500. When pl...
Continue ReadingOct 3, 2023
Our pets are our family, and they deserve the best of the best when it comes to promotional products - just like humans do. So we've picked six perfect products for your customers' fluffy companion...
Continue ReadingSep 25, 2023
Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Employee Appreciation Promotion: A nationally known hotel chain gifted their staff the Everyday Sweet and Savory Gourmet Carry Caddy for Employee Appreci...
Continue ReadingSep 18, 2023
A shopping mall was holding a late-winter promotion to increase traffic during typically slower months. Visitors to the complex received a "passport" to take to different stores within the mall for...
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We've never been fond of terms like giveaway or swag. Promotional products serve a lot serve a lot of purposes, and extending the reach of branding is certainly one of them. But when a program ...
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Sometimes we all need an escape - even if it's just our own bathtub. Are your clients super busy and never seem to stop working? Or maybe your employees worked hard to get a product launched? Then ...
Continue ReadingAug 20, 2023
It seems like there are new cutting-edge gadgets coming to market every day. It's getting hard to keep up with what is really going to make your life easier and what's just hype. We've put togethe...
Continue ReadingAug 14, 2023
It won't be long before you start seeing those Halloween pop-up stores in your community. You know the ones – they appear in vacant storefronts, often before the leaves have even changed ...
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The Golf Mesh Shoe Bag is an essential accessory for association tournaments. Designed to keep golf shoes organized and protected, this bag is made of durable mesh material that allows for breat...
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Hosting your next 5K? Running out of ideas for what to giveaway at your next marathon? If so, check out these great promotional products. These items are proven to get people talking and will make ...
Continue ReadingJul 28, 2023
When you're looking for a promo product, you're probably going to be looking for something that your customers and team members can use daily - enter the tech promo product! These products are perf...
Continue ReadingJul 21, 2023
Come one, come all to the best party in town, the circus! Step on up to find neat promo products that are sure to wow a crowd! Toy Elephant At a Big-Top Circus, you are sure to see some amaz...
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This ambulance service is very active in its local community. They use this plush Saint Bernard for children faced with the trauma of when an ambulance is needed. They consider their Saint Bernard ...
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Wearing our favorite food brands has never been easier. Brands are getting more creative, designing products to mimic or represent our favorite snacks. Find out how these buzzworthy products in...
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Box office hits took a backseat this year as more people browsed through Netflix's new releases instead of venturing out to movie theaters. However, as many movie theaters reopen to the public, he...
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Market: Finance Product Use: Employee Recognition Promotion: A wealth management firm selected the Samsonite Executive Computer Backpack as an employee recognition gift. At the company's year-e...
Continue ReadingJun 22, 2023
It can be tough for people in the medical field to get their names out to new patients. If you own a restaurant, you can have your cool mascot show up at a local sports game and toss out t-shirts. ...
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The employees are the backbone of every company. And when your employees have been working hard all year to bring in tremendous results, nothing conveys your appreciation more than a corporate gift...
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Unconventional ideas paired with useful products can make lasting impressions. Though APTCO works mostly with small businesses, we love to see partnerships with national brands. It turns out th...
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When a distillery was launching a new line of spirits, they collaborated with a large chain of liquor stores to promote their new products. The stores gave all employees PrevaGuard(tm) Face Masks i...
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Description: Custom Cap Industry: Trade Show/Convention/Events What it was purchased for: A major national racing event was looking for giveaways to hand out to folks in suites and VIP sponsors. ...
Continue ReadingMay 23, 2023
Whether for birthdays, holidays, or milestone events like anniversaries or weddings, giving the perfect gift can be tricky. Sending gifts to clients is an easy way to foster a stronger relationship...
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Do you ever have that moment when you look at something and you get an overwhelming surge of nostalgia? Everyone loves a good throwback, especially when it's a cool, vintage product. Below are seve...
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Look around your office and you will probably find that your coworkers' desktops are riddled with a variety of knick-knacks, toys, puzzles, and stress balls. Office toys are a great way to stay ...
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For one week each year, the promotional marketing industry gathers to learn about all the new products. The 2023 event amounted to a reunion of sorts, after the long stay-at-home period and a r...
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Gift baskets are the best way to give a little something of everything. Whether your recipient is a fan of chocolate or cheese, show them a little love, all wrapped up in one! Here are five #trend...
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A few days ago, former president Donald Trump was indicted by New York grand jury relating to alleged hush money payments to adult entertainer Stormy Daniels. There are, of course, myriad takea...
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"Don't you just love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." Tom Hanks said it bes...
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Going green in marketing is getting a lot of attention lately. It's especially prominent with garments. But what does that mean on a practical level? Even in the face of inflation, Demand for ...
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It's no secret – people love “vintage” products. Just look at the huge resurgence in vintage clothing that began in the early 2010's and you'll see what we're talking about! For e...
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Hospitals are an essential part of our communities! From providing emergency services to someone who isn't feeling well or injured to providing services such as nutrition education, researching ill...
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In today's digital age, where everything is stored in the cloud, you may think that flash drives have gone the way of the floppy disc. But we're here to tell you that these handy little hard drives...
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Religion and spirituality are shared experiences that bring communities together, and promotional products are a great way to help get your message to those who want to hear it. Whether you're look...
Continue ReadingJan 21, 2023
Between all the different sports, clubs, and extracurriculars at school, there are plenty of reasons to raise money! Whether you're looking to fund the football team's trip to a tournament, the dra...
Continue ReadingJan 14, 2023
Almost everyone had a favorite stuffed animal growing up. They were a friend that you confided your deepest secrets to, a friend that could keep you company when thunderstorms rolled through the ni...
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Small businesses take note-this is how the big companies do it. Here are 5 recent promotions that brands used to reflect values, connect with consumers, and create exclusive experiences. 1. Hi...
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Item: WideBody(r) Message Pen Purpose: Inform people about range of services Audience: Clients and general public A chiropractic office wanted to inform clients and others about their range o...
Continue ReadingDec 30, 2022
Exercise is an important part of our overall wellness and many companies are using wellness initiatives to promote healthy choices like regular exercise. Whether your company is encouraging physica...
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Description: Oasis Recycled Bottle Pen Industry: Chemicals What it was purchased for: Trade Show Giveaways How it was distributed: A chemical company needed something to give away at a tradeshow...
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On a tight budget? Get more bang for your buck with these budget-friendly promo products! Paracord Bracelet with Whistle Going on a great adventure? Suit up with the ultimate hiking accessor...
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Classrooms have looked very different this year. Who agrees? Notebooks have turned into laptops, desks have turned into dining room tables, and students have kept their distance by learning and st...
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Technology advances exponentially. By the time you finish reading this article, you might be actually be reading it in some virtual reality café where Elvis is serving you a strawberry daiqu...
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If you've spent any time in fashion circles this year, you know that sustainability is the hot topic of the moment. With discussions swirling about fast fashion, ethical production, and everything ...
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Products Javalina(r) Classic Pen Industry Financial Application Direct Mail A local bank wanted to increase awareness of its low mortgage rates and decided to do a direct mailing ...
Continue ReadingNov 13, 2022
It seems like every article on menswear these days includes the phrase “Canadian tuxedo” – a cheeky term for head-to-toe denim. This is just one of the trends – neckties...
Continue ReadingNov 8, 2022
Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time Organization High School Product Featured Spray Hand Sanitizer Goal of Promotion To promote good health for the winter season Description of Cas...
Continue ReadingOct 23, 2022
If you're in the law business, you know that brand recognition is everything. In fact, repeat clients and referrals are some of the top avenues through which law firms gain business. If you're look...
Continue ReadingOct 16, 2022
Did you know that promotional products are one of the most cost-effective ways to market your business or organization? Because people hang on to promotional products and use them in their everyday...
Continue ReadingOct 9, 2022
Did you know that a new animal species is discovered in the Amazon Rainforest every two days? From pink dolphins to black caimans to jaguars and tiny frogs, the rainforest is home to some of the wo...
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Global supply chain pressure have left U.S. manufacturing struggling to keep up with demands for countless products. It's a predicament the country never wants to be in again. Now, the push for...
Continue ReadingOct 2, 2022
Admit it, when you get a goodie bag full of promotional products, or you see a booth at a trade show - you immediately gravitate towards the stress relievers. Stress relievers have evolved well bey...
Continue ReadingSep 24, 2022
Whether you're traveling by plane or by car, it's important to stay safe and comfortable. As COVID-19 cases continue to fall and the amount of vaccinated people rises, business travel is beginning ...
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Pet owners who have been working from home over the past few months have had their hands full. Juggling work along with dogs or cats requires attention, and many pets have likely adjusted to having...
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Finance-themed promotional products are a great marketing investment and help increase brand awareness and customer loyalty. These seven products can be used as financial seminar gifts, banking giv...
Continue ReadingAug 26, 2022
Each school year, millions of students hit the books, shoot some hoops, and work hard to bring home that golden 4.0 GPA. Sometimes, the best way to promote your brand is by supporting the students ...
Continue ReadingAug 18, 2022
In the fall, a car dealership introduced a new model and promoted it to potential customers. The car dealer purchased a mailing list and merged it with its own database. The Ranger Stylus Sati...
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The annual Pyramid Awards sponsored by PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) recognize creative marketing efforts that deliver results. We feature these on occasion to demonstra...
Continue ReadingJul 27, 2022
In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, a financial institution decided to provide single-use pens in all their locations and for drive thru banking. This idea was intended to help stop the spre...
Continue ReadingJul 19, 2022
What first comes to mind when you think of the phrase "made from sustainable materials"? Bamboo, of course! Bamboo, which is a type of grass (who knew!), is an incredible renewable and sustainable ...
Continue ReadingJul 10, 2022
After more than 2 years of freezes on many trade shows, exhibitors and attendees alike are fired up to mix and mingle in person again. While the year ahead may not look like the good ol' days o...
Continue ReadingJun 27, 2022
The hottest beauty trend of the late 2010s among millennials and Gen Zers was the dewy, bare-faced, minimal makeup look. This “Glossier girl” revolution led to a resurgence in skincare ...
Continue ReadingJun 20, 2022
A software company creates attention at tradeshow events with custom plush animal mascot giveaways. This plush Leonberger Dog Mascot for the company as giveaways at trade shows and other marketing ...
Continue ReadingJun 13, 2022
Country Western isn't just a type of music genre, it's become an entire culture in the American West and around the world. Cowboy culture dates back to the 19th century when ranchers settled in New...
Continue ReadingJun 10, 2022
There's no shortage of charitable organizations around the world. In the U.S. alone, there are nearly 2 million nonprofit organizations and 501(c) (3) charities. These groups are striving to ma...
Continue ReadingJun 6, 2022
We know how important it is to stay prepared for the unexpected. Whether your car breaks down or you're caught in a storm, emergency kits are essential tools to have on hand. Keep your clients or y...
Continue ReadingMay 22, 2022
The way restaurant patrons experience dining out has changed immensely since coronavirus cases have begun popping up in the U.S. Restaurants that were once packed to the brim with happy diners are ...
Continue ReadingMay 7, 2022
When deadlines really matter, we in the promotional products business can do some remarkable things. We have supplier partners lined up to imprint and ship custom branded products for next day ...
Continue ReadingMay 7, 2022
Physical fitness is an integral part of leading a healthy life, but it's not always easy to accomplish on one's own! That's where personal trainers, gyms, and fitness classes come in. If you own a ...
Continue ReadingApr 29, 2022
Description: Trifold Calendars Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high perceived va...
Continue ReadingApr 22, 2022
A realtor wanted to give a thank-you gift to those who purchased a new home with them. They chose the LED Carbon Fiber Aluminum Flashlight. They printed their logo along with the tagline, "We will ...
Continue ReadingApr 14, 2022
Have you ever worked at a 9 to 5 job where there is a mandatory uniform? But... this required uniform is old, frumpy, and 100 percent unflattering? We've been there too! There are benefits of unif...
Continue ReadingApr 11, 2022
Trade shows are back! Well, some of them. You may be starting with some of the smaller networking events put on by the chamber of commerce and the like. Anyone who's participated in a trade sho...
Continue ReadingMar 30, 2022
If you're looking for some awesome gear to support your team-or for some killer merch for your team's fans-we've got you covered with these awesome promotional products for sports lovers! 1. C...
Continue ReadingMar 23, 2022
You don't have to be a panda to love bamboo! This popular, eco-friendly renewable resource grows super-fast and is known to be one of the most adaptable materials on the planet. Bamboo is incredibl...
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Market: Automotive Objective: A motorcycle dealership wanted professional, branded document pouches to hold important paperwork for new customers to take home after their motorcycle purchase. Th...
Continue ReadingMar 8, 2022
You might remember the fidget spinner craze of 2017: seemingly overnight, the world became obsessed with those little plastic spinners. The spinning toys flew off the shelves across the country and...
Continue ReadingFeb 28, 2022
There are some things out there that are just undisputed classics – and when you think of a classic, what goes to your mind? Maybe it's a classic car like a 1950s era Cadillac, or perhaps it'...
Continue ReadingFeb 7, 2022
With all the shelter in place and social distancing rules to help flatten the curve of COVID-19, more people are working remotely than ever before. It's important to make sure your at-home workplac...
Continue ReadingFeb 6, 2022
As a consumer, how often have you picked up a promotional product offered to you at an event, accepted a branded product offered from an organization you belong to or used a promotional product...
Continue ReadingJan 23, 2022
You've probably noticed “Congrats Grad” painted on car windows, “Class of 2020” décor in every grocery store, and plenty of graduation-themed social media posts to kn...
Continue ReadingJan 16, 2022
Product: Phone Stand Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A local financial institution needed a giveaway item for current and potential clients. It had to be useful to keep their name ...
Continue ReadingJan 9, 2022
The lines have blurred between home and work and corporate and casual – a societal shift reflected in apparel this year, with many smaller trends consolidating under the umbrella of lifes...
Continue ReadingJan 8, 2022
Finding a new, good hot sauce nowadays is almost like when Indiana Jones triumphantly grabs the idol at the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark. It may have taken you traversing through the aisles...
Continue ReadingJan 1, 2022
Once you've found the perfect promotional product for your business or organization, the next step is to emblazon it with your logo or message. Depending on the item, there may be multiple decorati...
Continue ReadingDec 17, 2021
What's more impressive than an expertly crafted charcuterie board? Fancy cured meats, artisanal cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits… our mouths are watering just thinking about it. For all the c...
Continue ReadingDec 2, 2021
An insurance company signed up to be the “hydration” sponsor for a fun and colorful 5K run/walk for charity. The race was popular in the community because it was known as a vibrant, fun...
Continue ReadingNov 18, 2021
Objective: Department managers wanted their new employees to have an easy way to take notes during the onboarding process. They wanted to incorporate company branding to keep their image consiste...
Continue ReadingNov 11, 2021
If you're looking for a crowd-pleaser of a promotion, consider candy! Few people can resist the delicious charms of a tasty treat, and giving someone a sweet gift is a great way to have them rememb...
Continue ReadingNov 8, 2021
If there's one big lesson we've learned in the past year and a half, it's that wellness matters more than ever. It isn't only about washing your hands or masking up-it's about continuously and ...
Continue ReadingNov 4, 2021
Are you looking to capture people's attention? For a promotion that really packs a punch, consider choosing a product that partners your organization with a social good program. By giving back to a...
Continue ReadingOct 13, 2021
A hat is a hat, right? With so many different styles available, it's easy to get confused. With this quick guide to promotional headwear, you'll learn the differences between the various styles of ...
Continue ReadingSep 29, 2021
“The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades.” - Timbuk 3 Sunglasses have been and always will be one of the most popular promotional products. Why? Because practically everyone wears ...
Continue ReadingSep 22, 2021
Suppose you're looking for a cause to support to make sure that your business is responsible and giving back to the community. In that case, breast cancer awareness is an excellent choice because i...
Continue ReadingSep 15, 2021
Show your staff some much needed appreciation while they work from home with these inexpensive and mailable products. While many people are getting used to the “new normal” of working ...
Continue ReadingSep 13, 2021
Simple and efficient, lanyards keep important items close throughout day-to-day activities. In the early 1500s, lanyards were invented as a way to carry weapons and keep them accessible. Lanyar...
Continue ReadingSep 8, 2021
Objective: An insurance company wanted to send new customers home with a special gift and a way to keep their new insurance policy documentation organized. Product: Insurance Document Pouch & Fu...
Continue ReadingSep 1, 2021
Activewear promotional products are a great option for company wellness programs, fitness centers, or any brand promoting an active lifestyle! Exercise is an important part of our overall wellness ...
Continue ReadingAug 9, 2021
Medical Practice Promotion a Winner Central Family Medical wanted to accomplish two things: Simultaneously educate their community about common home ailments and how to treat them, and at the ...
Continue ReadingJul 26, 2021
Tradeshows are important opportunities for your company to reach out to customers and prospects face-to-face and make lasting impressions. Make sure you're prepared with the proper supplies to ensu...
Continue ReadingJul 18, 2021
Description: 16 Oz. Swiggy Stainless Steel Bottle Industry: Non-Profit What it was purchased for: The item was purchased for a youth camping trip. The bottles were meant to hold the water for...
Continue ReadingJul 12, 2021
Personally speaking, I love to learn. That's not to say I loved every moment of school! But I've always enjoyed learning new things, and that hasn't changed since school ended. In fact, curiosi...
Continue ReadingJul 11, 2021
It's 2020, and Generation Z is growing up. The generation includes people born between 1995 and the 2010s, putting the group's eldest squarely in their mid-twenties. Chances are that you may work a...
Continue ReadingJul 4, 2021
Even as much of our world goes digital and paperless, the pen remains an essential tool in both office and home life. With so many different types of pens, choosing the “write” one can ...
Continue ReadingJun 26, 2021
Now, more than ever before, people are focused on enriching their lives with healthy habits and wellbeing practices. In fact, the health & wellness industry has seen exponential growths over the pa...
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For the first time since Neil and Buzz took those first steps on July 16th, 1969, there hasn't been a more exciting time for space exploration than right now. Just recently, we landed another rover...
Continue ReadingJun 14, 2021
About 50,000 to 60,000 years B.C., the stone hand axe would have been the first tool to be used by humans in attempting to scratch patterns into stone. Many such scrapers and gravers/burins hav...
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Students are back in the classroom and parents are scrambling to purchase all of the necessary supplies on each teacher's checklist. From three different types of pencils, calculators, and folders ...
Continue ReadingMay 22, 2021
In recent years, home gardening has gone from a small hobby to a full-blown trend. Houseplants aren't just beautiful home décor- they're actually good for your health! Owning indoor plants c...
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As business' doors open back up and employees step into the office, it's essential to make sure they feel safe and comfortable as the return to their desks. Whether you own a business that has 3 em...
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How Many Sleeves Does Your T-shirt Have? Miller Lite Is Selling One-Sleeved 'Vax Time Tees' to Benefit Restaurant Workers We have beer can antennas for game day, and our Dive Bar candles are ...
Continue ReadingApr 30, 2021
Chocolate and candy can make everyone smile! From fudge and chocolate-covered almonds to saltwater taffy and sour gummies, there are thousands of options for you to send to customers! Here are 6 o...
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Have you heard the word? Indoor dining is back, baby! For restaurants, bars, cafes, and more looking to spread the good news that they're fully operational again, promotional products are a great ...
Continue ReadingApr 16, 2021
Description: Chenille Blanket Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A local hospital needed blankets to hand out to children who were currently patients that they coul...
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We often feature stories about marketing campaigns run by small neighborhood businesses-ones you've never met but that might have a lot in common with you. But this time we've found two example...
Continue ReadingApr 8, 2021
Whether you're looking to relax and recharge or seeking adventure, getting out into nature provides everyone some peace and quiet from our regular lives. Help your customers enjoy the great outd...
Continue ReadingMar 25, 2021
With March Madness about to peak, baseball beginning, and football season ahead, people are gearing up to support their favorite teams. Whether they're grilling hot dogs at a tailgate or cheering ...
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Ah yes, family picnics. The deli sandwiches, games, and abundance of sunshine. Summertime is the best time to fill up the basket, dust off the checkered blanket, and head out to your local park. ...
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Eating healthy. Weight management. Working out five times a week. There are many health-related resolutions we set at the beginning of a new year. But, do we follow through with them? Many times, t...
Continue ReadingFeb 10, 2021
The 2020-2021 school year is almost here, which means staff is preparing for an influx of students on college campuses. Due to health concerns this year, colleges are doing everything to heighten s...
Continue ReadingFeb 8, 2021
Every year, PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) recognizes promotional campaigns that have achieved extraordinary results with a Pyramid Award. These span a wide range of cate...
Continue ReadingJan 27, 2021
Objective: The city was celebrating National Public Works Week with a community event. The event provided education for community members, as well as games for entertainment. Event planners wante...
Continue ReadingJan 11, 2021
Small businesses are the lifeblood of the community. Even though APTCO is a national company, many of our clients are primarily focused on building and maintaining business in their local area....
Continue ReadingJan 6, 2021
Although 2020 has been over-saturated with PPE products, hospitals and medical offices still seek other promo product ideas (beyond PPE) to pass out to patients, nurses, and visitors. Whether be...
Continue ReadingDec 30, 2020
It's that time again! The holidays are around the corner and you're probably thinking about everything you need to do between now and the new year. For most of us, that includes client and employee...
Continue ReadingDec 8, 2020
As restaurants, salons, retail stores, and more begin reopening the doors, many business owners are trying to think of bold ways to visually attract customers to their businesses. From curbside foo...
Continue ReadingDec 1, 2020
Description: Standard Door Hangers Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: A collision center wanted to increase the number of customer satisfaction survey responses and boost online appo...
Continue ReadingNov 23, 2020
Since the CDC declared the COVID-19 virus a pandemic on March 11, 2020, various shelter-in-place and social distancing rules have been put into place to help slow the rate of infected peoples in th...
Continue ReadingNov 10, 2020
No doubt you're familiar with embroidery as a popular means of decorating garments with logos, names, and messages. It's been around for a long time, and we do a lot of it at APTCO. But do you ...
Continue ReadingNov 9, 2020
Firemen deserve a special kind of admiration. They spend their careers rushing into buildings while others are rushing out. Many departments require aid from the community, and that's where fund...
Continue ReadingOct 25, 2020
It's fun giving out promotional products like fidget spinners and stress balls, but sometimes you need an option for the guy that likes to keep it a bit more professional. These business casual ...
Continue ReadingOct 3, 2020
Employee engagement starts the second a new employee walks in the door, so it's important for companies to make a good impression on their first day! The onboarding process shouldn't just be about ...
Continue ReadingSep 19, 2020
When it's time to choose the perfect lanyard for your company or organization, you may not be aware of all the things to consider when purchasing your new supplies. Lanyards come in many different ...
Continue ReadingAug 11, 2020
Before the coronavirus, casual apparel had become more and more the norm in the business world. Of course, the nebulous standard of “business casual” kept things from getting too sl...
Continue ReadingJul 22, 2020
It's always a good idea to get those gifts planned out and ready to go before the holiday chaos begins, and that includes client appreciation gifts. But, what do you get them? Put in extra thought ...
Continue ReadingJul 15, 2020
We all strive to be our best selves, but sometimes it's easier said than done. We can all make excuses to make unhealthy choices. Your niece has a birthday and it would seem rude to turn down that ...
Continue ReadingJul 14, 2020
The world of Covid-19 has brought a wealth of new products to the attention of marketers. It began with traditional Personal Protective Equipment, which was in short supply for medical workers....
Continue ReadingJul 1, 2020
Market: Entertainment Product Use: Gift With Purchase Promotion: A major theme park chose the Safeguard Security Waist Belt as a gift with purchase for customers who bought season passes. The w...
Continue ReadingJun 9, 2020
From sea to sea, Canada is a large and beautiful country that produces a wide range of products. There are so many Canadian-made products to choose from, but we worked hard to narrow it down to a s...
Continue ReadingJun 9, 2020
Every January, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) draws thousands of attendees to EXPO, where new products of every description make their debut. Apparel is one of the larges...
Continue ReadingJun 2, 2020
Mugs, tumblers, and bottles…oh my! There is an abundance of variety available when it comes to promotional drinkware, which can make it difficult to decide what is the best choice for your b...
Continue ReadingMay 19, 2020
Everyone knows that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that cats have been living alongside humans as companions since at least 7500 BC? In 2017, cats were one of the most popular pets by...
Continue ReadingApr 20, 2020
Do you know what bokeh means? Aperture? That's ok if you don't, but many of your clients may know these terms if they are avid photographers! Whether they enjoy taking a flat lay shot of their lunc...
Continue ReadingApr 14, 2020
If you're still getting business email in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, then things are still moving along, albeit at a much slower pace. I hope that you are taking care as we are all s...
Continue ReadingMar 15, 2020
A company with many sales representatives needed an item for their top sales performers. Since their sales staff has both men and women, they needed an item that could be used by either gender....
Continue ReadingMar 10, 2020
Promotional Products are everywhere. Businesses of every size and non-profits of every stripe have them. Problem is, most of them just chose something to “get their name out there.”...
Continue ReadingMar 8, 2020
School clubs are an essential part of student life, and we've got the essential pieces you need to make the clubs a big success. These are promotional products that you can use for both to help ide...
Continue ReadingFeb 15, 2020
We all want to live healthier, sleep deeper, and work better. These motivational promotional products will help kickstart goals and increase your brand visibility! Exercise Band Let's get physi...
Continue ReadingFeb 11, 2020
Every year, Promotional Products Association International recognizes the most creative promotional marketing campaigns with Pyramid Awards. It's always fun to look at some examples to see the ...
Continue ReadingJan 31, 2020
Whether you are right or left, red or blue, or somewhere in the middle, if you're in need of political promotional product staples, we've got some great candidates for you! Yard Signs ...
Continue ReadingJan 17, 2020
Coffee enthusiasts will love these promotional products that look like they're straight from the coffee shop! Millions of people drink coffee and tea every day, even multiple times a day which mean...
Continue ReadingJan 14, 2020
It's mind-boggling how many companies, big and small, throw money away by purchasing and giving away promotional products. Now mind you, if you come to us and want to buy 5,000 cheap pens and g...
Continue ReadingJan 10, 2020
If you've ever run a 5k or attended a basketball game, chances are you've got a promotional shirt in your drawers somewhere. According to PPAI's 2019 Consumer Study, wearables are the #1 most popul...
Continue ReadingJan 2, 2020
Calendars, planners, and clocks are some of the most popular promotional products because they are useful, inexpensive, and receive innumerable impressions on a daily basis. Brand these everyday es...
Continue ReadingDec 26, 2019
Branding these car-accessory promotional products for a campaign will drive more customers to your business! In the U.S., the average daily work commute is 26 minutes and Americans spend around 38 ...
Continue ReadingDec 10, 2019
These days, any company looking to gain attention through marketing is bound to include social media in its plans. The smart ones don't stop there. They make sure to combine different channels....
Continue ReadingDec 4, 2019
From Friday night lights, Saturday morning tailgating, to Sunday watch parties, show support for your team with some promotional products for the win! Touchscreen Gloves Add your logo to these ...
Continue ReadingNov 27, 2019
Objective A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sales and highlight their weekly specials while encouraging enrollment for their...
Continue ReadingNov 13, 2019
The holidays can get pretty hectic, so it's always nice to receive some wise advice to help you through the celebrations. Our first piece of advice is to use mistletoe strategically. Your partner's...
Continue ReadingNov 12, 2019
No idea is original, or so they say. And with that expression in mind, tech products are invented, then reinvented or re-made to fit today's market. That's what we discovered for 2019. Yes, the...
Continue ReadingOct 30, 2019
Who didn't enjoy getting to dig through the prize basket after a trip to the dentist or the bank? It's a fact – children love giveaways. Get your brand, school, or organization in front of bo...
Continue ReadingOct 8, 2019
We've known it for a long time. Promotional products work. But we want to know why. Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) has done several studies over the years. The most recen...
Continue ReadingOct 8, 2019
Looking for some promotional products to outshine the competition? Need some LED magic to illuminate your brand? We've got you covered with this selection of super fun promotional products that ...
Continue ReadingSep 16, 2019
Grab your keys and prepare for a Bo Duke slide across the hood of your car. It's time to take a look at 10 promo products for auto-lovers. For this list, we put together a travel-bag of gear worthy...
Continue ReadingSep 10, 2019
In the world of advertising, effectiveness has to be one of the most important metrics. You can talk about exposure all day long, but if the receiver of the advertising doesn't take some kind o...
Continue ReadingSep 2, 2019
Adding names, monograms, or wedding dates to wedding favors is a great way to increase the wow-factor of any event. After everyone leaves the reception, these personalized gifts are there to help t...
Continue ReadingAug 25, 2019
There are a lot of branding opportunities that go unnoticed in a world of t-shirts and coffee mugs. In fact, there's an entire industry that spends every waking hour thinking of ways to help you ge...
Continue ReadingAug 18, 2019
These promotional products will be music to your ears! There are all kinds of music lovers out there, from fans of rock to jazz and everything in between, that would love to get any of these music-...
Continue ReadingAug 13, 2019
With today's hectic pace and the increasing amount of stress we shoulder, it's no wonder that people are looking for more ways to play. Many of them turn to toys and games that teach, entertain...
Continue ReadingAug 11, 2019
Whether you work with animals or want to show that your business is pet-friendly, there are plenty of products that will win over every dog breed! Here are 8 of our favorite pet products. Colla...
Continue ReadingAug 4, 2019
No matter what decade you think of when you think of “retro products”, you can bet there's a customizable product perfect for your next event. Using nostalgia to promote your business c...
Continue ReadingJul 21, 2019
Most people crave the feeling of class, power, and status that comes with enjoying luxury products. Those who claim they don't, just haven't gotten a chance to experience it for free. So, what bett...
Continue ReadingJul 14, 2019
According to a 2016 AAA Foundation report, American drivers spend an average of more than 17,600 minutes behind the wheel each year. Now, imagine that someone is looking at products with your logo ...
Continue ReadingJul 9, 2019
Summer means T-shirt season is here. 100% cotton has been the traditional go-to fabric for festivals, walks, and company events of all types. But that is changing. Specialty fabrics and decorat...
Continue ReadingJun 11, 2019
Structured Programs Help Meet Safety Goals Every responsible company understands that workplace safety should be a top priority. However, sometimes ensuring the health and well-being of employ...
Continue ReadingJun 1, 2019
Branding: it's something that every company needs but there can be a common misconception that you need a large budget to get started. That's not the case! Branding and promoting your company doesn...
Continue ReadingMay 17, 2019
With an array of outdoor events like concerts, company picnics, and festivals on deck this summer, immerse your brand in nights that last forever and days we will be dreaming about long after the s...
Continue ReadingMay 10, 2019
We've all been stuck in the same rut while trying to come up with some original ideas to appeal to customers. Are you in need of some extra product inspiration? If so, here's a little extra cup ...
Continue ReadingApr 4, 2019
If you work in real estate, you know that your field generates billions of dollars in revenue per year in residential, commercial and industrial sectors. And you could pocket a good amount of that ...
Continue ReadingMar 12, 2019
A trend started to emerge recently. Some pretty big corporate giants-like Hugo Boss-started noticing that its young consumers were choosing their branded apparel based on how the logo and desig...
Continue ReadingMar 6, 2019
A little branding goes a long way with these promo products perfect for the great outdoors! By adding your logo to these six sturdy items, your brand can be seen on hiking trails, huddled around a ...
Continue ReadingFeb 27, 2019
Description: Laundry Bag Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A credit union wanted to target college students and offer them an incentive to open a new account. They chose a design, &l...
Continue ReadingFeb 12, 2019
Last month we reviewed some of the expected trends in corporate apparel. But we couldn't cover if all. The largest trade show in the promotional products business just concluded, with booth aft...
Continue ReadingJan 15, 2019
At the end of the day, promotional products are really all about getting brands out in front of people to grow awareness and ultimately, increase sales! If you want to get strategic, there are a co...
Continue ReadingJan 8, 2019
With 2018 wrapped up and a new year here, we start taking stock of what's in store for 2019. In the decorated apparel world, there's a trend of new styles emerging as well as classic looks resu...
Continue ReadingJan 1, 2019
Take your corporate match to the next level! From team building sporting events to company-wide marathons, your customized products guarantee you beat the competition. Below is a list of 11 sports...
Continue ReadingDec 25, 2018
Do you remember the birthday parties you went to when you were a kid? And the party favors you received at the end of the festivities? Sometimes, those parting gifts were the highlight of the party...
Continue ReadingDec 11, 2018
Making Loyalty Programs Work For You Here's the good news…Loyalty programs are big business getters. But they can be even bigger when you use really cool promotional products that are t...
Continue ReadingNov 26, 2018
School promotions aren't just a thing for schools. It's very common and quite effective for businesses to support local schools and colleges with co-branded promotions. If you've ever been involved...
Continue ReadingNov 19, 2018
What better way to put your money where your mouth is than to add your logo to some stylish drinkware? We have six unique picks to inspire your next drinkware order! Moscow Mule Gift Set Cheers...
Continue ReadingOct 22, 2018
Like that classic Beatles song, sometimes it can feel like your working eight days a week. Maybe you've had back to back meetings or you've had a stressful travel week. Whatever the case, nothing h...
Continue ReadingOct 9, 2018
People are inundated with hundreds of marketing messages every day. An old marketing adage says it takes someone at least seven times to hear or see your message before they begin to remember...
Continue ReadingOct 8, 2018
You don't have to work in the field of promotional products to notice the impact they can have on any organization's marketing efforts. As the most effective medium of advertising across all genera...
Continue ReadingSep 16, 2018
Most of us spend as much time at our desks as we do in our homes. If that's the case, we should all put some time and effort into making sure our workspace is as happy and motivating as possible. T...
Continue ReadingSep 11, 2018
We could have checked the statistics on our 850,000 item database, but instead, we conducted an informal survey asking consumers to name their favorite promotional products. We think that...
Continue ReadingAug 19, 2018
Sometimes it's good to take a moment and get in touch with Mother Earth. Not only are these products great for printing your company logo or message, but they also serve dual purposes. The products...
Continue ReadingAug 14, 2018
The Do's 1. Do: Always Focus on Your Target Audience. Get to know who your current customers are, and then you can really target them and new customers. It's imperative to know your target au...
Continue ReadingJul 22, 2018
Are you looking for a marketing campaign that is not only successful but budget-friendly? Good news! You don't have to break the bank to find promotional products that get the job done and leave la...
Continue ReadingJun 8, 2018
The infographic says it all. Wellness programs work, by improving employee engagement, morale, and of course, health. When properly executed, the company benefits with increased productivity an...
Continue ReadingJun 1, 2018
Collin Street Bakery, a highly respected Texas-based bakery, had an image problem. It sold fruitcake in a world that makes fun of fruitcakes. “Collin Street Bakery has been shipping to 200 c...
Continue ReadingMay 22, 2018
23 fun facts about effective advertising Last week, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) held a national awareness campaign called Promotional Products Work Week. Activities and...
Continue ReadingMay 1, 2018
T-shirt season is here. Festivals, races, walks, tournaments, competitions, you name it. Organizations of all types are ordering T-shirts to advertise an event or commemorate an occasion. Too m...
Continue ReadingApr 1, 2018
With spring in the air and the winter blues almost a cold memory, it's time to start thinking about and implementing spring promotion ideas for your business. Many businesses depend on the year-end...
Continue ReadingMar 1, 2018
Branded apparel means more than just slapping your logo on a T-shirt. Companies can burnish their image by staying on top of the latest fashion trends. And let's face it, some of them are a bit wei...
Continue ReadingJan 1, 2018
For the past 22 years, APTCO has helped companies large and small to prepare to exhibit at trade shows. Most of our business activity is focused on that. Next week, I'll be attending one of the big...
Continue ReadingDec 26, 2017
How in the world did we get here? December got here faster than ever, and is flying by. If you're anything like me, you haven't even had time to evaluate the success of all your promotional cam...
Continue ReadingNov 1, 2017
Exhibiting at a trade show can be an effective way to gain new business, while connecting with current clients. But in many cases they represent a sizable investment, so it takes detailed atten...
Continue ReadingSep 17, 2017
For decades, golf has been known as America's favorite pastime; where men, and now many women, go for friendly competition, cold beverages and good old-fashioned fun. According to the Natio...
Continue ReadingAug 12, 2017
Last month we wrote about how promotions can actually reduce insurance costs. We learned about the five ways promotional products can help to drive such programs - promoting, maintaining intere...
Continue ReadingJun 10, 2017
These walking billboards are everywhere. And they have been for a long time, about 80 years. That is, the promotional variety. Plain T-shirts are older than that, starting as underwear around 1...
Continue ReadingMay 10, 2017
Advertising comes in many forms - radio, television, newspapers, magazines, brochures, and increasingly, online tools such as websites, blogs, and emails. But study after study shows that one o...
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Consumers like promotional products. Consumers keep promotional products. Consumers have spoken and they praise promotional products as the leading advertising vehicle for brands. Those are som...
Continue ReadingJan 7, 2017
Medallion Labs planned to set meetings with qualified prospects during a trade show. Previous shows had been lackluster; no more than 10 prospects had signed up in the previous year. New strateg...
Continue ReadingJan 1, 2017
Happy new year, everyone. Looking out over a changing business climate, as more and more sales and marketing move to the online world, it's easy to overlook the traditional channels. But across...
Continue ReadingDec 10, 2016
Everything Old Is New Again. More than a song title, it's an apt description of the fashion cycle we're about to see in the coming year, according to a recent feature in Advantages magazine. Re...
Continue ReadingOct 12, 2016
We hear a lot about “Made in America” these days. Election season has done nothing to slow down the interest in the subject, but honestly, it's a topic that never goes away. Accordi...
Continue ReadingSep 7, 2016
Breast cancer awareness gets a lot of attention. And rightfully so. There are a lot of people working very hard to ensure that Breast Cancer is a “Top Of Mind” issue. However, there are...
Continue ReadingAug 9, 2016
How much do injuries or illness cost your company? It's a question worth asking. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's estimate, employers collectively pay almost $1 bi...
Continue ReadingJul 12, 2016
Sleeping is all in a days' work at Aetna. The U.S. health insurance giant recently announced it would pay employees to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Workers use their own device...
Continue ReadingJun 12, 2016
Successful promotion campaigns don't happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional products programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and, of course, ...
Continue ReadingMay 12, 2016
It's called gamification - turning a business objective into a game. Supposing you have a goal of getting employees more deeply engaged in creative processes that result in product improvements...
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Last month we featured some creative marketing campaigns that received awards from Promotional Products Association International - PPAI. We continue in this issue with some more promotions tha...
Continue ReadingMar 12, 2016
Promotional Products Association International - PPAI - recently awarded the most effective promotional campaigns of the past year. Note: not the coolest products, but the promotions that deliv...
Continue ReadingFeb 15, 2016
There's always something new, isn't there? So much that it takes two floors of the Las Vegas convention center where the Expo is put on every January by PPAI - Promotional Products Association ...
Continue ReadingJan 10, 2016
No, we're not talking about the water falling from the sky, or even the water overflowing from the rivers. We've heard enough about that lately from national news outlets. This is about the wat...
Continue ReadingDec 15, 2015
Marketing through promotional products may date back to campaign buttons for George Washington over 200 years ago, but the branded T-shirt has a shorter history. The T-shirt itself (in its plai...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2015
What does a business do when they want to reduce accidents in the workplace? Or when they want to reduce health insurance costs? They create an incentive program. Of course, incentive programs ...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2015
Establish Objectives: Identify three to five goals or objectives that are a) measurable, b) attainable and c) simple to understand and communicate. Analyze the Audience: The entire workforc...
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>Universal Pictures dug deep to promote this past summer's animated Minions movie. The marketing leading up to, and during the release of Minions was an absolute blitz. The creatures were every...
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Targeted tactics for trade show marketing set the stage for long-term success. Many exhibitors fail to think of retention and reuse when selecting products for trade show marketing. Do you han...
Continue ReadingJul 13, 2015
Garden gnomes, soap dispensers, fedoras and replica championship rings are just a few of the new promotional items MLB teams will give away at ballparks this season. Still, the promo product th...
Continue ReadingJun 10, 2015
A lot of people say they do. When professions are ranked by public perception of honesty and ethics, the bottom positions are held by stockbrokers and members of Congress, but right next to tha...
Continue ReadingMay 19, 2015
It's true - promotional products get results. Maybe you have a problem that needs a knockout punch.
Continue ReadingMay 18, 2015
This is the week of a nationwide campaign reminding advertisers that promotional products are one of the most effective channels of advertising. What are you waiting for? Make someone's day!
Continue ReadingMay 14, 2015
Everything from plastic fangs promoting the latest vampire flick to whoopee cushions decorated with the title of an upcoming slapstick comedy has been used in product advertising for motion pic...
Continue ReadingApr 10, 2015
The annual price tag on occupational injuries and illnesses is a staggering $250 billion, according to a study by the University of California Davis. The National Safety Council states that the...
Continue ReadingMar 10, 2015
The NBA and NHL seasons are into their second acts, spring training is already here for major league baseball (even if Spring isn't). Professional sports takes marketing seriously. Those seats ...
Continue ReadingFeb 21, 2015
Whether in an industrial art class in high school or when ordering custom t-shirts, screen printing is often a person's first contact with printing other than desktop computer printing. So s...
Continue ReadingFeb 10, 2015
Anybody watch the Super Bowl commercials? Anyone NOT watch them? Some were pretty entertaining, others were duds, and at least one backfired. Meanwhile, there was a football game in between all...
Continue ReadingJan 10, 2015
With the proliferation of email for marketing (yes, including this very newsletter), old fashioned physical mail can have a bigger impact than ever. That is, if it gets attention. Here's an exa...
Continue ReadingDec 15, 2014
Branded apparel remains one of the most effective and popular categories in the promotional products world. Far from the days when it was limited to the simple imprinted T-shirt, today's offeri...
Continue ReadingNov 12, 2014
This month we bring you a guest column from our friend Michael Crooks. APTCO's approach to promotional marketing has been influenced by Michael's brand of thinking. Forget about the “outs...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2014
It's that time of year. Once the 4th quarter hits, businesses start thinking about all they have to get done before the year ends. There are client gifts, employee gifts and awards, a couple mo...
Continue ReadingSep 10, 2014
Pens are one of the most popular promotional items. Imprinting them with a company name, logo, contact information and marketing message is just the first step. That's not a promotion, it's jus...
Continue ReadingAug 10, 2014
Promotional products are everywhere. From screen printed T-shirts to pens to mugs to key tags, company logos are viewed thousands of times per day. But so what? Branded promotional items are a ...
Continue ReadingJul 10, 2014
Nonprofit organizations face many challenges. Their marketing budgets are generally much smaller than those of major corporations. They have to depend on donations rather than sales to generate...
Continue ReadingJun 12, 2014
We work with a lot of companies as they prepare to exhibit at a trade show. In addition to the long-time clients that we know well, there are lots of requests that come because Google led someo...
Continue ReadingMay 16, 2014
Trade association Printing Industries of the Carolinas (PICA) compiled statistics from numerous sources showing how print marketing combines with other methods such as online, to ...
Continue ReadingMay 14, 2014
For most of the past decade, the majority of the most popular promotional products have been coming from China. When you are looking at the big categories, including writing instruments, drinkware,...
Continue ReadingMay 10, 2014
Apparel is available these days in the widest range of choices ever. So the right one for your needs may be wildly different from someone else's. Before we even get into the style and color are...
Continue ReadingApr 10, 2014
It's probably a surprise to nobody that surveys rating satisfaction with customer service usually have cable TV providers near the bottom of the list. “Waiting for the cable guy” is...
Continue ReadingMar 12, 2014
With virtually every cell phone, whether smartphone or simple flip phone, having a camera, the “selfie” has become a cultural phenomenon. People are not just taking photos of themse...
Continue ReadingFeb 10, 2014
The recording industry has undergone tremendous changes over the past few years. Gone are the days when artists depended on signing with a major label, who would then handle all the promotion. ...
Continue ReadingJan 10, 2014
Let's face it - we're in a new world of marketing. The traditional channels of the Mad Men era have been supplemented by multiple new digital channels. We're bombarded with marketing messages e...
Continue ReadingDec 10, 2013
Motivation Done Right and Wrong 'Tis the season to be jolly, but for some, it can be difficult when there are so many things to get done in such a short time. Our schedules get packed with all...
Continue ReadingNov 12, 2013
KPMG, an audit, tax and advisory services firm, recently developed a brand-boosting marketing campaign. They developed a tagline – “The Right Team” – and recognized that...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2013
1896 The “original polo shirt” wasn't actually a polo at all. Rather, it was a white button-down shirt, created by John E. Brooks of Brooks Brothers. Taking in a polo match in Eng...
Continue ReadingSep 26, 2013
Earlier this month we were talking about what a powerful promotion a bobblehead day could be for major league baseball teams. They've been proven to drive sales in a big way. The NY Yankees pla...
Continue ReadingSep 13, 2013
Regular readers of this newsletter know how we feel about the word giveaway. We believe in promotions but hate giveaways. Though a large portion of our business is in providing branded promotio...
Continue ReadingAug 12, 2013
Viral marketing is the practice of building a campaign intended to be spread from one message recipient to another. Long before the days of social media, promotional products were one of the fi...
Continue ReadingJul 27, 2013
by Larry Triplett In 1913, the T-shirt as we now know it made its appearance as standard-issue gear for the US Navy. Lightweight and cool, they were easy to care for and popular with sailors. It d...
Continue ReadingJul 10, 2013
Payroll managers can be the Rodney Dangerfields of a business. No respect. When everyone's check is perfect, who bothers to thank them? But they're surely going to hear about it when there's an...
Continue ReadingJun 10, 2013
Back in the day, if you wanted corporate branding on shirts, jackets, or caps, you had two choices - screen printing or embroidery. In 2013, the landscape is a lot broader. These standby techni...
Continue ReadingJun 7, 2013
California could be considered the epicenter of the fight to ban single-use bags from grocery stores and other retailers. More than 75 cities and counties in California, including Malibu, Sa...
Continue ReadingMay 27, 2013
by Larry Triplett Did you know that May was Fitness Month? Human Resource Directors probably do. A healthy staff is an important objective for any company. It reduces absenteeism and keeps...
Continue ReadingMay 12, 2013
Year after year, tote bags are in the top 10 list of promotional product categories. There are many reasons. Disposable shopping bags, whether paper or plastic, do not always end up being recyc...
Continue ReadingApr 10, 2013
It used to be that when you thought of mugs, you meant ceramic coffee mugs. Nowadays, there are many other materials use for mugs. Each serves a particular purpose. As always, we recommend that...
Continue ReadingMar 10, 2013
The week just completed - Feb. 25 - Mar 1, 2013, marks the first observance of Promotional Products Work! Week. The global awareness event, sponsored by Promotional Products Association Interna...
Continue ReadingMar 7, 2013
What are we talking about? There are many different ways to print promotional products. The size, shape, and type of product, as well as the number of colors in the imprint, will suggest the bes...
Continue ReadingFeb 24, 2013
Print meets video in this remarkable new technology. Full motion video and stereo sound in a brochure. The future is here now.
Continue ReadingFeb 11, 2013
With more and more devices becoming portable, the desktop needs a way to keep them at the ready. Stoppi is the answer, and your brand will be there every day.
Continue ReadingFeb 10, 2013
Here we are just one month into a new year, and already two major promotional product shows have been held. While new products are introduced constantly throughout the year, January always brin...
Continue ReadingFeb 8, 2013
Designed for the skinniest of cords - earbud cords - the Twisti makes them neat and compact. Use this handy device to carry your branding where it will see daily use.
Continue ReadingFeb 7, 2013
Eliminate the web of cables tangled in the average computer bag. Snappi solves the problem in a most stylish fashion, and makes a great branding vehicle along the way.
Continue ReadingFeb 6, 2013
Always having USB cables slip off the desk after you unplug your mobile device? Clippi comes to the rescue, and delivers your brand along the way.
Continue ReadingFeb 5, 2013
Hold your cell phone anywhere, in any position. This will be a very popular product, one that can proudly carry your brand.
Continue ReadingFeb 4, 2013
by Larry Triplett Who was it that thought a stylus should feel like a pen? The Styli delivers the experience you always wanted with the iPad and other tablets. Make it your promotional tool.
Continue ReadingJan 8, 2013
A new year, a new start. What would your business like to accomplish in 2013? Maybe you have a detailed marketing plan, or perhaps just the broad strokes of goals. That's fine, because all mark...
Continue ReadingDec 10, 2012
As reported in the NY Times, Coca Cola has expanded their use of branded products. Last week saw the launch of a big new campaign. December has always been a big time for Coke advertising, ever...
Continue ReadingNov 10, 2012
In the twenty-first century we've seen immense diversification of marketing channels. While direct mail and many other traditional channels continue (see part one of this series), we see more a...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2012
The twenty-first century has brought increased awareness across all marketing channels of the importance of environmentally responsible practices. In a two-part series, we'll take a look at are...
Continue ReadingSep 11, 2012
Even in a challenging economy, Americans are a generous lot. People organize and rally to help a neighbor, the school systems, or anything needing assistance. Charitable organizations throughou...
Continue ReadingAug 14, 2012
As part of a well-planned marketing campaign, nothing can be as effective as the right promotional product, with the right message, distributed in the right manner to the right audience. They h...
Continue ReadingJul 10, 2012
How do human resource professionals motivate employees, boost productivity, and improve customer service? These were some of the questions asked by Promotional Products Association Internationa...
Continue ReadingJun 22, 2012
A lot of people want you to think so, but viral marketing actually has a much longer history, going way back before web 2.0. Before web 1.0, once know simply as "the internet". Let's start with ...
Continue ReadingJun 12, 2012
When it came time to unveil a new promotion, Jack Link's Beef Jerky turned to Sasquatch. The big furry guy is the brand's icon. The brand recently unveiled new television commercials, refreshin...
Continue ReadingMay 29, 2012
Smart businesses are introducing wellness programs for their employees. The benefits go both directions! Healthier employees result in reduced health insurance premiums, due to fewer clai...
Continue ReadingMay 8, 2012
The US Postal Service has had to endure hearing the term “snail mail” for over a decade. As internet usage has become mainstream, mail volume has seriously declined to the point tha...
Continue ReadingApr 10, 2012
Promotional products are extremely popular, and there are good reasons. But many users don't seem to be aware of those reasons. All too often, we get requests for an item “just to keep ou...
Continue ReadingMar 13, 2012
If you have any employees, even just one, then chances are, you have to carry Worker's Compensation insurance. If you carry Worker's Comp., you have to pay insurance premiums. The amount you ha...
Continue ReadingMar 5, 2012
Well, everyone who works in an office, that is. Paper Mate(r) (who has quite an interest in pens) commissioned a survey of 1000 people from around the US who are full time office workers. Scott Cri...
Continue ReadingFeb 14, 2012
Rising health-care costs have made wellness programs a good deal for companies that invest in them, and now Uncle Sam has stepped in to make it easier to create and fund them. The new Health Ca...
Continue ReadingJan 10, 2012
As we're all in the process of rebooting from a busy holiday season, surely we can appreciate this story. Last Thanksgiving, besides enjoying a big turkey, about 11,000 people took a pledge to ...
Continue ReadingDec 13, 2011
Sports fans will do anything for their teams, right? Marketers tested this theory during last college basketball season by pitting three Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, area colleges against e...
Continue ReadingNov 15, 2011
How do recipients feel about receiving a promotional product? What purpose do they think the item serves? What actions do they take? These are crucial questions every advertiser should know and...
Continue ReadingNov 8, 2011
The State Bar of South Dakota had a problem. The supply of lawyers in rural areas of the state had been dwindling over a period of several years. Law school graduates were more attracted to joi...
Continue ReadingOct 18, 2011
Producers of The Mechanic, an action thriller starring Jason Statham as a hit man, needed a unique promo to stand out amid the din of movie madness bombarding the media and consumers today. The...
Continue ReadingOct 11, 2011
Corporate wellness programs that offer employees rewards can help significantly reduce the cost of health care, according to a new report released a few weeks ago. Data shows that wellness ince...
Continue ReadingSep 20, 2011
Is there a marketing manager anywhere who hasn't heard that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? There are countless charitable causes that claim a month, a week or a day to try to capture...
Continue ReadingSep 13, 2011
1. Get your own prospects If you want lots of qualified attendees, it's essential to create your own audience. You can do this by utilizing house files, prospect lists, direct mail and electr...
Continue ReadingAug 16, 2011
Low tech. Old hat. You've heard it all. With smart phones expected to reach 50% market penetration this year, surely the paper calendar is a dying breed. Not really. Even if appointment reminder...
Continue ReadingAug 9, 2011
Avoiding Random Acts of Marketing is a key recommendation of the latest “State of Marketing” report from the Chief Marketing Officer Council, a 6,000 member global association. CMO'...
Continue ReadingJul 19, 2011
Promotional Products Association International (PPAI; ppai.org) the not-for-profit association for more than 8,000 members of the $16 billion promotional products industry, has published studie...
Continue ReadingJul 12, 2011
Let's face it. In this age of internet marketing, postal mail suffers from the Rodney Dangerfield complex - it just can't get any respect. When you bring in the daily mail, if you're like most ...
Continue ReadingJun 21, 2011
Back in May, we teased you with a story about a promotion that combined a unique promotional product with a clever viral marketing technique to achieve a huge increase in trade show booth traff...
Continue ReadingJun 17, 2011
Custom labeled sunscreen products have long been popular in marketing and promotion. As summer finally becomes official, we find more and more companies including sunscreen in their summe...
Continue ReadingJun 14, 2011
USB Flash Drives are continuing to grow as a popular medium that is, in many cases, actually replacing print. Many a conference handout has moved from paper booklets to CD's and now, to thumb d...
Continue ReadingMay 17, 2011
As the economy slowly continues its recovery, marketers are making careful decisions about the best use of marketing budgets. A recent study from the Advertising Specialty Institute compared th...
Continue ReadingMay 10, 2011
The wedding of England's Prince William and Catherine Middleton, which practically the whole world knows took place on April 29, has been almost impossible to miss in London for the past few mo...
Continue ReadingApr 12, 2011
Virus. What a word! Loaded. It used to pertain strictly to disease - the human kind. Then we began to think of our computers as living. So we ascribed all sorts of human characteristics to them...
Continue ReadingMar 8, 2011
The latest high-tech gadget is likely to be given away by a number of exhibitors at the typical trade show. This year, the iPad is it. Later in the year or next year, it will be something else....
Continue ReadingFeb 15, 2011
The promotional products used in our marketing programs are overwhelmingly imprinted in the USA, but most are manufactured in China and surrounding companies in the far east. This is also true ...
Continue ReadingFeb 8, 2011
According to a Maritz Research study, employees who participate in creative recognition programs at work are five times more likely to feel valued, 11 times more likely to feel committed and se...
Continue ReadingJan 11, 2011
1. Data is king The quality of your list will directly correlate to the results of your campaign. First, it is important to make sure the data is “clean”, ensuring that your piec...
Continue ReadingJan 11, 2011
Challenging times can lead to innovation. The economic slowdown of the past two years has led many companies to hold back on major print marketing. Large catalogs have been replaced by files dist...
Continue ReadingDec 21, 2010
An unusual product requires an unusual promotion. Culturelle, a company that makes dietary supplements that aid in digestive health and immune-system functioning, was looking to promote its bra...
Continue ReadingDec 14, 2010
Face it, a turn of the calendar page (as if all the Black Friday hubbub wasn't enough) tells us that time is getting short for holiday gifts. We've been busy helping a variety of businesses to ...
Continue ReadingNov 26, 2010
Recently, several grocery store chains, including Publix, Sweetbay, Winn-Dixie, Walmart and Target, reported the existence of varying levels of lead in some reusable grocery bags. A fires...
Continue ReadingNov 16, 2010
Real Estate sales is all about personal branding. This is not to say that a corporate brand isn't important; it can certainly add some credibility. But it's really about the agent. Susan Singer, ...
Continue ReadingNov 9, 2010
Though politics is on everyone's mind these days, most people try to avoid discussing it in a business situation. And though businesses may be making contributions to campaigns, you won't gener...
Continue ReadingNov 9, 2010
Hand sanitizers have been an effective and popular promotional product for a few years. Our customers have used them to put their names in front of their customers in all kinds of different sit...
Continue ReadingOct 19, 2010
Magazines, like newspapers, have faced a challenging market the past few years. Many have been forced to close as both subscriptions and advertising revenue have declined, while printing costs ha...
Continue ReadingOct 12, 2010
Let's be honest, pens are one of the most over-used promotional products. Who doesn't have a drawer full of neglected pens with somebody's name or logo on them, set aside because they were cheap,...
Continue ReadingSep 21, 2010
We're glad to hear this news. As “green” has evolved to mean so much more than a color, a majority of consumers and businesses have taken an interest in environmental responsibility...
Continue ReadingSep 14, 2010
Direct mail has been the mainstay marketing solution for many businesses for decades, but it has faced more than its share of challenges in the past few years. The expanding use of online marke...
Continue ReadingAug 17, 2010
Publishers have a tough task trying to get attention for new novels in a crowded and competitive field. Booksellers have so many options to choose from, that even works from well-known authors ...
Continue ReadingAug 15, 2010
Q: How do you get a mail list? A: List brokers are generally considered the most effective sources for vetted mail lists. "Vetted" is a key operative word. There are lots of garbage lists ou...
Continue ReadingAug 10, 2010
Cause Marketing is becoming increasingly popular as a means for businesses to build a positive reputation while helping out a worthwhile charity. If a company's products and market align well w...
Continue ReadingJul 20, 2010
Select small businesses in Manhattan and Brooklyn recently received an unexpected gift - a live fern. The fern served as an introduction to The Park Avenue Bank, a local New York City bank that...
Continue ReadingJul 13, 2010
If you're evaluating your company's recognition program, the first place to start is by thinking about the goals of the program. It needs to be closely aligned with the company's overall goals....
Continue ReadingJul 12, 2010
What's the best promotional product to drive home the theme of a marketing campaign or event? It's a never-ending question. The marketing idea is always more important than the product, but when th...
Continue ReadingJun 21, 2010
Companies who use promotional products as part of their marketing campaigns took notice a couple of weeks ago when 12 million Shrek-branded drinking glasses were recalled by McDonald's. The paint...
Continue ReadingJun 15, 2010
After extensive discussions, the planners decided on the theme, “Love Versus Cancer,” and launched an accompanying Web site (www.loveversuscancer.org) at the beginning of February. ...
Continue ReadingJun 6, 2010
Two things are up with cotton - sales and prices! Organic cotton emerged as a leader within the cotton segment when a green image is important. Sales of organic cotton increased 35% last year, in k...
Continue ReadingMay 31, 2010
With 70 percent of the Earth covered in water, it's a wonder we don't say "go blue." But "go green" is how the environmental movement was branded. So take a cue from earth lovers and tie ...
Continue ReadingMay 29, 2010
Successful promotional campaigns don't happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional products programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and, of ...
Continue ReadingMay 18, 2010
When you're one of many technical support services looking to stand out at industry events, it helps to be colorful. PlumChoice has recognized this simple fact and chosen to firmly embrace its ...
Continue ReadingMay 11, 2010
Colorado residents rank as the nation's leanest, and they're not resting on their laurels. “The fact that nearly 19% of adults in our state are obese is cause for concern,” says Mar...
Continue ReadingApr 20, 2010
There can be a certain stigma attached to attending a community college. That's why Onondaga Community College (OCC) decided not only to revamp the image of its educational institution, but als...
Continue ReadingApr 13, 2010
There's no replacement for real-world experience. 10 years ago, startup beverage brand SoBe made the right marketing choices, and the result was the acquisition by PepsiCo for about $370 millio...
Continue ReadingMar 9, 2010
If you were visiting Chicago last summer and you thought you saw a giant owl, you weren't hallucinating. You likely saw Ollie, the TripAdvisor mascot. The owl and a TripAdvisor street team targ...
Continue ReadingFeb 9, 2010
Trade show season has begun again, so many of our clients are looking at their calendars and making plans for an effective approach to this most important component of their annual marketing. T...
Continue ReadingJan 12, 2010
This summer, Jones Soda proudly proclaimed that it was “the official soda of the road trip.” To prove it, the premium soda brand teamed with Griffin Technology to reward people for ...
Continue ReadingDec 8, 2009
Did you survive Black Friday? I did. But then, I'm a guy, so it wasn't that difficult. In fact, I'm a lucky guy because my wife is averse to holiday crowds. She's also allergic to mornings, so ...
Continue ReadingOct 20, 2009
A recent survey in Print Solutions magazine and Appleton Papers shows surprising growth in eco-friendly printing over the past year. Among the unexpected materials used is chipboard to make pre...
Continue ReadingOct 13, 2009
Developing a comprehensive recognition program is an in-depth process that can have a direct positive effect on employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and company profitability. Far from...
Continue ReadingSep 15, 2009
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion needed to increase event media coverage and ticket sales. Traditional print and radio advertising had proven to be very expensive in past seasons. They knew ...
Continue ReadingSep 8, 2009
With Breast Cancer Awareness month coming up soon, Mott's got a head start this summer with a well-thought-out campaign to raise awareness. They chose a theme to prove they are “Pink to t...
Continue ReadingAug 18, 2009
International Dairy Queen may be onto something. The fast food chain, which specializes in frozen treats, recently used a promotional product to “bribe” bloggers to write about its ...
Continue ReadingAug 11, 2009
Anybody can give away pens, key chains, and T-shirts at a trade show. But it's how you use these products to interact - and even play - with show attendees that makes them linger in your booth ...
Continue ReadingJul 21, 2009
High-tech company Integrated Chipware was looking forward to a trade show to introduce their new icWORKSHOP product. The target audience consisted of programmers and engineers. Since this was i...
Continue ReadingJun 9, 2009
When is the last time someone gave you a paper gift certificate? Probably a very long time ago! There are lots of good reasons for this. Gift cards are increasing in popularity because they hav...
Continue ReadingMay 19, 2009
Earlier this year, select reporters, bloggers and key “influencers” received a mysterious box in the mail. In it was a single metal cog engraved with a series of letters and numeral...
Continue ReadingMar 17, 2009
A recent survey by the Association of National Advertisers verifies that the recession is having an effect on advertising decisions across a range of industries. When compared to a similar surv...
Continue ReadingMar 10, 2009
Last month we invited our readers to contribute to a list of creative uses for a simple coffee mug. We had quite a list already, but some of the submissions were surprising. We thought the firs...
Continue ReadingFeb 17, 2009
Search for “mug” on our web site, and you'll find over 12,000 different items. Can you say overwhelming? Of course, you can narrow that down in many ways by adding keywords to the s...
Continue ReadingJan 20, 2009
As we've discussed, a good program begins with setting a clear objective. The non-profit organization Meeting Professionals International knew they wanted to increase their membership. They set...
Continue ReadingJan 13, 2009
The news is in. No, I'm not referring to the dismal economic news that has everyone holding their breath to find out the next steps to be taken by a governmental rescue plan. I mean the news ab...
Continue ReadingDec 16, 2008
On-the-job training is an essential part of business, but what about on-the-job marketing? It works for creative-staffing firm The Boss Group. The company makes sure to provide the talent it pl...
Continue ReadingDec 9, 2008
Advertising Specialty Institute(r), the largest media and marketing organization serving the advertising specialty industry, revealed this month in a groundbreaking new study that advertising s...
Continue ReadingNov 18, 2008
Dragon boat racing originated as an ancient Chinese ritual intended to win the good graces of river dragons. Today, it's a widely growing sport, reminiscent of crew – and at least one gro...
Continue ReadingNov 11, 2008
For the up-and-coming frozen treats company Dippin' Dots, its movie tie-in with New Line Cinema's Journey to the Center of the Earth was a big deal. To get the most out of its first-ever movie ...
Continue ReadingOct 21, 2008
Convenience store chain 7-Eleven was looking to get consumers to “walk this way” right into its stores with its May Guitar Hero: Aerosmith promotion. To promote the debut of its Ful...
Continue ReadingOct 14, 2008
Monroe Shocks and Struts has a message for all of the animal lovers of the world: “Replacing worn ride control components could improve vehicle steering, stopping and stability – an...
Continue ReadingSep 16, 2008
How does a wildly successful sales consultant and author of a New York Times bestseller (The Ultimate Sales Machine) promote himself to his top prospects? With promotional products, of course. ...
Continue ReadingSep 9, 2008
It is frightening when cracks suddenly appear in the cement in and around your home. The first thought is “Uh-oh, this is going to cost me a small fortune to fix.” There's not a who...
Continue ReadingAug 19, 2008
When marketing a fitness center, the first promo items that come to mind are probably exercise-related: sports bottles, gym bags, bottled water, etc. But June Hines, of June Hines Pilates, figu...
Continue ReadingAug 12, 2008
How does a smaller restaurant chain compete locally with the huge international franchises? One way is to take an established idea – kids' premiums – and give it a local twist. That...
Continue ReadingJul 8, 2008
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP's practice in environmental law goes back to “the dawning of the Age of Aquarius” (the late 1960s, that is). After decades of serving client needs ...
Continue ReadingJun 10, 2008
Upfront gifts from non-profits to prospective donors are nothing new, but they're usually low-cost items like address labels, greeting cards and notepads. Not so with a recent mailing from the ...
Continue ReadingMay 20, 2008
No, they weren't cooking up brontosaurus burgers at Chicago's John Hancock Center on March 7. Rather, it was a giant bratwurst. Johnsonville Sausages set up a 30-foot grill, above which a 250-p...
Continue ReadingMay 13, 2008
A study released in April 2008 by research firm PQ Media, titled Alternative Media Forecast: 2008-2012, reports that marketing spending on online, digital and other forms of out-of-the-box adve...
Continue ReadingApr 15, 2008
The U.S. Organic Industry continues to expand, reaching $17.8 billion in consumer sales in 2006 - an increase of 21.8% over 2005. Industry experts expect that once the tally is complete, 2007's...
Continue ReadingApr 8, 2008
With so many important issues to address and so much need in the world, non-profit organizations are faced with a daunting proposition: How do they generate public awareness for their cause; an...
Continue ReadingMar 18, 2008
Season tickets carry no small price tag, so the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club wanted to do something special to show appreciation to these valued fans. Season ticket holders received a complet...
Continue ReadingMar 11, 2008
You know the cliché “yeah, the day pigs fly.” You've probably even used it yourself at one point or another. Well, Capital One is taking the term literally. In November, Cap...
Continue ReadingFeb 19, 2008
Cotton Inc. exists to promote the cotton industry, through technical services, information, and market trend analysis. It sought to create awareness and increase the use of cotton fabric produc...
Continue ReadingFeb 12, 2008
At Massey Energy's 15 different coal mining sites, safety is a moment-by-moment concern. A recent campaign had the objectives of increasing awareness of safety habits in the workplace, improvin...
Continue ReadingJan 15, 2008
TeleVox Software sought to generate interest in a product for orthodontists during the introduction of a national tradeshow and drive attendees to the tradeshow booth. Software products have a ...
Continue ReadingJan 8, 2008
Borax is an old brand, 115 years old, to be exact. Like many veteran brands, its consumer base tends to be, well, a bit older. To draw in a younger generation of women who were unfamiliar with ...
Continue ReadingDec 18, 2007
NewsU is a nonprofit entity that provides online training for journalists and journalism students. It sought to create awareness of News University and extend the reach of the organization. Th...
Continue ReadingDec 11, 2007
The first three hours after an abduction are the most critical in recovery efforts. This statistic was the driving force behind the creation of the AMBER alerts program, an early response syste...
Continue ReadingNov 20, 2007
Whether it is a bank, a credit union, an investment firm, or a credit card company, financial institutions have one major thing in common: they all want to tap into the middle school, high scho...
Continue ReadingNov 20, 2007
Nike employs factory workers around the world. Without enough workers on the line, production must shut down, which can cost the company tens of thousands of dollars per occurrence. Every manuf...
Continue ReadingNov 13, 2007
The Arizona Department of Health Services wanted to generate community awareness of the risks of second-hand smoke, particularly as it affects children. The campaign, first introduced with TV ...
Continue ReadingOct 9, 2007
“Family values” is one of the most common phrases you'll hear in the typical politician's repertoire. The last thing a candidate or elected official wants is to be associated with a...
Continue ReadingSep 18, 2007
When you have a mascot as memorable as Queenie the Cow, you want to milk her for all she's worth. Penn Maid Dairy in Philadelphia does that by taking its message to local schools. Queenie and o...
Continue ReadingSep 11, 2007
Successful promotional campaigns don't happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional products programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and, of course...
Continue ReadingAug 21, 2007
Canadian clothing company Roots wouldn't live up to it's name if it wasn't committed to Earth's wellbeing. “Dating back to the inception of Roots, the company has always been active in va...
Continue ReadingAug 14, 2007
Philly Cheese Steak Pizza versus Brooklyn Style Pizza: Which one's the better pie, and why? That's the buzz behind Domino's latest national product promotion, which brought the two regionally ...
Continue ReadingJul 17, 2007
The ancient Greek goddess Gaia is a personification of the earth, and Napa Valley's Gaia Hotel and Spa is named after her for a good reason. Billed as “the first fully environmentally sus...
Continue ReadingJul 10, 2007
Summer is here. Marketers who incorporate a summer theme into their programs started long ago to develop their programs. Abbott Laboratories was about to unveil a new “Get Healthy for Sum...
Continue ReadingJun 12, 2007
Can two words sum up what a hospital and its staff are all about? Sure, when they're backed up by a huge marketing program like the Hello Life campaign launched by Brookwood Medical Center in B...
Continue ReadingMay 15, 2007
In an age where an abundance of home entertainment turns many people into couch potatoes, movie theaters are eager to reach out to those willing to leave the house for entertainment. Figuring t...
Continue ReadingMay 8, 2007
We hope not! But you have to wonder, after reading a recent study. People are all different, being motivated by different things. Some enjoy non-monetary incentives, such as award merchandise, ...
Continue ReadingApr 17, 2007
A Profession and a Passion Often described as an art and a science, nursing is a profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths and passions because of the many opp...
Continue ReadingApr 10, 2007
Promoting a line of pre-cast concrete school buildings may seem like a non-glamorous task, but that only made this lively, creative campaign that much more of a surprise and a success. Fibrebo...
Continue ReadingMar 20, 2007
National Doctors' Day is always March 30. In 2007, it is on Friday. The first Doctors' Day observance was March 30, 1933, in Winder, Ga. The idea came from Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Cha ...
Continue ReadingMar 13, 2007
In these times when so many people rely on PDA's, Blackberrys, and even cell phones to keep track of appointments, you'd think printed calendars would be disappearing. But that's kind of like t...
Continue ReadingFeb 20, 2007
With 70 percent of the Earth covered in water, it's a wonder we don't say “go blue.” But “go green” is how the environmental movement was branded. So take a cue from earth...
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Walk around any trade show and you will be able to collect a bag full of trade show promotional items all designed to promote business. Everyone enjoys receiving a gift. Gift giving creates a f...
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Loctite Sumo Glue is a new, heavy-duty, universal glue with a name that emphasizes its bonding strength. Realizing the the sumo wrestler image is a powerful one, maker Hekel Consumer Adhesives ...
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A new study, just released by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), empirically proves that promotional products are an effective ad medium and key to integrated marketing ...
Continue ReadingDec 19, 2006
On average, tradeshows account for 5% to 20% of an annual marketing budget. To help you get a clear picture of where your marketing dollars are going so you can make wise spending decisions, he...
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As the winter cold and flu season arrives, more and more businesses are including antibacterial hand sanitizers in their promotional programs. It makes good sense. Sales of these products in th...
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The Jack O'Lanterns are gone and the smell of turkey and freshly baked apple pie will be here in a couple of days. Brightly wrapped gifts under a tree sparkling with twinkling lights and tinsel...
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Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions. When they do a promotion, they do it big-time. For example, for the home opener for the Carolina Panthers NFL season this y...
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The St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership was formed in 1995 to raise awareness of air-quality issues and to encourage people in the area to help reduce air pollution. Each summer - typicall...
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The signs were everywhere: billboards, newspapers, even posters on the subway. To promote its new “no ATM fees at any bank anywhere” policy, TD Banknorth kicked off a multi-tiered c...
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Knowing a person's dietary restrictions can make all the difference between an appreciated food gift and one that goes to waste. Andrea Nirenberg, president of The Nierenberg Group, a communica...
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On the weekend of last summer's Formula I U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis, tire supplier Michelin North America found that their tires were dangerously incompatible with the newly resurfaced tr...
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For the launch of its UltraSteel construction framing product, manufacturer Clark Western was preparing for an industry trade show and wanted something more attention-grabbing than literature t...
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When Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee wanted to increase awareness of the Starbucks Holiday Red Cup, it took its campaign to the streets. “We designed replicas of the vente coffee cups,&rdquo...
Continue ReadingJul 11, 2006
A hugely successful campaign done for an auto insurance company was targeted at the Hispanic population in Southern California. Guerilla marketing techniques were used in a three-month marketin...
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In the two years since its launch, Virginia Beach's Live the Life campaign has won 67 national marketing and travel-and-tourism awards. And there are other numbers indicating how effective it is...
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When The Quigley Corporation - the makers of Cold-Eeze products like KidzEeze sore throat pops and bubble gum - wanted to target the parents of young children for a recent marketing effort, it ...
Continue ReadingMay 16, 2006
Hot-tub dealer Paradise Spas was looking for a way to build traffic for their booth at an upcoming home show. They wanted to use an affordable gift, but had several stipulations for it: Ideally...
Continue ReadingMay 9, 2006
The decline in film use and increasing popularity of online digital photo-processing meant plummeting sales for the photo department of Walgreens. The large drugstore chain needed a way to draw...
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April 10, 2006 - Trevose, PA - The Advertising Specialty Institute(r) (ASI) released results of its annual promotional products industry sales analysis, indicating revenues jumped 5.1 percent f...
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The Cleveland Museum of natural history is a world-class destination for visitors and researchers. For nearly a century it has served as an outstanding resource for public education and environ...
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No matter what business you're in, it's a good idea to think about branding. Whether you operate a medical practice, a construction company, or a food distributor, you should be thinking about ...
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With so many important issues to address and so much need in the world, non-profit organizations are faced with a daunting proposition: How do they generate public awareness for their cause; an...
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The dot.com era brought with it a lot of change, including over-priced stocks, get-rich-quick schemes and the end of the corporate tie culture. Remember those first images out of Silicon Valley...
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Life Pointe Christian Church, in Charlotte, NC, was nearing completion of its new church and needed to make its presence known because this wasn't just a new building, it was the opening of a n...
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71% of business travelers interviewed at a major airport reported they received a promotional product in the last 12 months. 33.7% had the item on their person. 76.1% recalled the advertise...
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What do the phrases “Run Your Own Race” and “Don't Cry Til' You Get to the Car” have in common? They're both albums by Mulberry Lane, a Nebraska-born pop group made up o...
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Trade show season is right around the corner. We help lots of companies to prepare for exhibiting at trade shows. With ever-increasing travel costs, people don't attend on a whim. Today's trade...
Continue ReadingNov 15, 2005
Every week dozens of movie titles are released for the home-viewing market on DVD. So, a non-blockbuster new release has to get creative in its marketing efforts to stand out from the crowd. W...
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The National Basketball Association, which recently adopted a more formal dress code, and got a lot of press coverage in the process, is not the only organization requiring more professional dr...
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I have two missions: one of utility, one of sentiment. I am the symbol of time, combining the past, present and future. As the clock records the seconds, minutes and hours, I record the da...
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Can bobbleheads attract new members to an organization? That's what The Association Forum of Chicagoland (AFC), an association of over 1,500 businesses, charities, civic and professional organi...
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This summer, the Pennsylvania/New Jersey regional branch of the American Red Cross invited people to get their kicks on Route 56. Huh? That's the name of the summer blood drive campaign just c...
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In a recent case study, a business owner sent personalized pizza cutters in custom-made boxes to a dozen key decision-makers that he wanted to get appointments with. The boxes, which contained ...
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Choosing that perfect holiday gift for an employee or client is a difficult task. Here are several points to remember when going through your holiday list. Build a relationship! The holidays...
Continue ReadingAug 23, 2005
It's no secret that online training can increase employees' sales power and effectiveness. However, getting them to participate isn't always easy. Microsoft discovered incentives could make a t...
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Calendars Keep Your Name in View There's nothing like a calendar to keep your name in view of your customer every day. Most people have several calendars, which they refer to repeatedly throug...
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You're about to invest a big chunk of your marketing budget on a big tradeshow exhibition. Should you spend even more money on promotional items? Georgia Southern University conducted a study a...
Continue ReadingJun 29, 2019
Unpredictable weather is a shared experience in life. No matter your age, geographical location, job, or personality, it will always rain. These unique and functional promotional products are sure ...
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