ASI Show Chicago:
The Industry's Midyear Moment

In July, Chicago becomes the place to get a first look at emerging product trends, hear directly from the industry's most influential voices and connect with peers who are shaping what's next.

Come ready to rethink, refine and return to your clients with ideas that drive real results.

Register Now Upgrade to the VIP Experience
ASI Show Chicago
McCormick Place - North Building
Education Day

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Exhibit Days

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Expo Hall Open • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday, July 23, 2026 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Expo Hall Open • 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

 
 
KEYNOTE

Keynote With Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun FREE

Charting a New Course: Lessons From a Legacy Brand Turnaround

Thursday, July 23, 2026 8:30 - 9:45 a.m.

Free coffee & hot tea Red Lobster's Famous Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix free to the first 200 attendees!

At just 36 years old, Damola Adamolekun took the helm of Red Lobster as it navigated rough waters that threatened to sink it – including bankruptcy, shuttered locations and more than $1 billion in debt. Under his leadership, the company has reset its course, and sales are on the rise as younger guests discover the iconic brand.

In this candid Q&A, Adamolekun will share how he helped steady the ship – what he tackled first, what he cut loose and what he rebuilt from the keel up – offering practical moves you can use in your own business. You'll discover how to:

  • Refresh the customer experience, elevate your service and create standards that keep buyers coming back – and earn five-star reviews.
  • Read the tides and use social media to cast a wider net for your brand.
  • Create brand alignment that holds steady, even in shifting currents.
  • Avoid promotions that drain resources without delivering a big catch.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain a proven strategy for winning customers, restoring relevance, earning loyalty and driving profitable growth – no matter the size of your ship.

 

Networking Events

At ASI Show Chicago, these events give you plenty of chances to connect in person with old friends and meet new ones.

 
Factory Tour of Soardist

Factory Tour of Soardist FREE

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 10 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.

Come experience the action firsthand! Soardist USA (asi/88083) is inviting you to visit their domestic production facility in the heart of Chicago. Join the team for an expert-led tour and discover how Soardist creates popular, affordable display and apparel products.

You'll follow a full production life cycle from artwork to final product, showcasing industry-leading print technology from Durst. Plus, you'll learn about the full product lineup, including tents, table covers, flags, fabric displays, bags and apparel. All attendees will receive Soardist samples and a special discount offer. Free transportation and lunch from a Chicago-favorite taco truck will be provided.

Meet in the Registration Lobby by 9:50 a.m. with your Show ID Badge.
Tour attendance is limited and is strictly first come, first served.

 
Spirit of Chicago

ASI Gala Cruise

Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Spirit of Chicago

Set sail for an unforgettable evening aboard the Spirit of Chicago. Enjoy a night of music, great food and high-energy fun as we celebrate America250 in true patriotic style!

The experience begins at 6:45 p.m. with boarding at Navy Pier. At PROMPTLY 7:15 p.m., the ship departs for a spectacular dinner cruise, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display over the Chicago skyline. Stars, stripes and celebration – this is one night you don't want to miss.

Shuttle Service: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Pick-up times from show hotels: 6-6:45 p.m.
Return buses to hotels at approximately 10 p.m., following disembarkation.

Tickets are $25 until June 24, 2026.

Reserve Ticket

 
Closing Celebration

Closing Celebration FREE

Thursday, July 23, 2026 2:30 - 3 p.m.
Registration Lobby

Cap off your ASI Show Chicago experience in style at our Closing Celebration. Mix and mingle, collect new friends' business cards and unwind with beer, wine and other beverages. Experience the thrill of exciting prize giveaways during the ASI Passport drawing. Remember, you've got to be there to win the grand prize and first prize – don't miss out on the ultimate wrap-up party!

 

Expo Hall Activities

 

Mix & Merch

Dive into a hands-on swag experience and discover fresh products, mix and match your favorites, and build the perfect kit for you and your clients. Explore what ASI suppliers are showcasing – and rediscover the fun of choosing what inspires you most.

AdCapitol, asi/31260 Pouch with Headband & Cloth
Fey Promo, asi/54040 Swedish Dishcloth
Koozie Group, asi/40480 Water Bottles & Calendars
The Magnet Group, asi/68507 Magnets & Towel
The Magnet Guys, asi/68524 Luggage Tags
Pepco Promotional, asi/77280 Poms
SIMBA, asi/87296 Label Pins
Sock Fancy, asi/88073 Socks
Mix & Merch
 

Mix & Mingle

ASI Lounge

These scheduled networking groups are open to all attendees. Choose any of the sessions below that apply to you, and simply stop by to learn (or share) with your peers!

Click the title to learn more.

Wednesday, July 22

2 p.m. Empower, connect, and amplify women's voices.
Join peers and industry champions for a high energy meetup built to empower, connect and amplify women's voices across print and promo. Whether you work on the supplier or distributor side – or in sales, ops, design or leadership – you'll tap into diverse perspectives and walk away with practical, immediately useful insights. A brief opening speaker sets the tone before guided group discussions help you build new connections, gather fresh tactics and leave with clear next steps.
4 p.m. Expand your knowledge and gain industry insights.
This quick, beginner friendly meetup is designed to help newcomers build confidence and understand the basics of the promo world. In a guided, small group setting, you'll learn how the supplier-distributor model works, pick up practical tips for navigating events and get answers to the questions everyone has when they're starting out. You'll leave with helpful insights, useful resources and a few new contacts to support your growth.

Thursday, July 23

1 p.m. Discuss generational differences, shared values, and working better together.
Coming soon.
Mix & Merch
 

ASI Member Passport

Visit participating suppliers found on the passport inserted into your Show Directory. Find out what their hottest promo products are, collect their stamps then submit your completed passport to be entered to win amazing prizes.

Get More Information

The Best of ASI Show Chicago 2025

ASI Show Chicago 2025 was a launchpad for momentum; a three-day celebration of fresh ideas, emerging trends and real-world connections powering the second half of the year. Thousands of promo pros gathered, eager to spark inspiration, learn from expert voices and uncover products built to break the mold.

Event Recap
Top Finds From the Show Floor
Closing the Year Strong
Product Showcase Winners

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

98%
reported ASI Shows are critical to product sourcing.
99%
found products and services to meet their clients' immediate needs.
96%
found products and/or services that will allow them to expand their markets.

Why Attend ASI Trade Shows?

  • Discover new trends & products: See the latest innovations in promo to help you generate ideas for your clients.
  • Network at scale: Strengthen ties face to face with hundreds of suppliers across all categories.
  • Learn & grow: Tap into education sessions and workshops led by industry experts to sharpen your skills and accelerate your business.
Count Me In!

Why Exhibit at ASI Trade Shows?

  • Amplify brand awareness: Get in front of thousands of distributors, all under one roof, eager to experience your product hands-on.
  • Build relationships that grow your pipeline: Watch how making a personal connection with distributors makes you their go-to supplier.
  • Stay ahead of the curve: Gain competitive insights, learn what's in demand, and maximize your ROI.
I Want To Exhibit

Be where the industry sets the pace for promo.

I'm Ready For Chicago!

ASI Members Get More

ASI members can take advantage of these benefits at ASI Show® Orlando, Fort Worth and Chicago:

Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI) is the world's largest membership organization serving the $26.6 billion promotional products industry. ASI members have access to marketing services, sales tools, free education and networking events to help them build sustainable businesses.

Join ASI Now
 

What Promo Pros Say About ASI Trade Shows

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