Show & Education Schedule

Grow your business with information-packed sessions to help you stay ahead of the competition, connect with clients and close more deals.

These sessions will show you how to successfully market your business - and yourself. You'll learn to use social media tools to achieve your goals, and leave with strategies and tips to really stand out from the crowd.

Taught by decoration experts, these interactive sessions feature innovative heat press techniques, decorating machinery in action, and advice on choosing the best products and printing methods for your clients' campaigns.

In these sessions you'll dive into the latest version of ASI's ESP+ – the industry's largest, most accurate sourcing and marketing service – and see how AI can help grow your sales. Plus, you'll find out how you can enter the printing industry, and see the product trends that will drive Q4 and holiday gifting.

Take a break from the show floor and discover ways to improve your sales and social media skills, and dive into the latest version of ASI's ESP+.

Details coming soon

Matthew Cohn is Co-Chair of the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). He was born in Philadelphia, and while in college at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, he led the team that developed ESP; it quickly became the promotional products industry's most widely used research tool and business platform - and continues to be the most important tool for distributors today. In 1998, he launched ASI Show, which made the Tradeshow Week 200, a listing of the largest shows in the U.S. The show has also been recognized by the Tradeshow Week Fastest 50 as one of the fastest-growing shows in North America, as well as twice named to the Inc. 500 fastest-growing companies in the U.S.

The Philadelphia Business Journal has recognized Matthew in its “40 Under 40” awards; he's been named among the “Top 100 People to Watch” by Business Philadelphia magazine; and he's been honored as one of the “100 Most Influential People” in the trade show industry by Tradeshow Week. Matthew and his wife, Lea, have two children, Sydney and Mackenzie Skylar; these fourth-generation family members have completed internships at ASI and worked at numerous ASI Shows.

With so many great events taking place at the ASI Show, it can be a daunting task trying to fit everything in. As a new attendee, we know how important it is for you to get the most out of the time you have - but where do you start? Join ASI Co-Chair Matthew Cohn as he shares great tips for working the show more effectively, and hear about all the free services and amenities available to distributors/decorators while at an ASI Show.

Sam Maule is an expert in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of human behavior. Known for making complex technology easy to understand, he works with business leaders and salespeople to turn AI from a buzzword into a tool that drives productivity, creativity and sales growth.

As Head of Business Development at Moov, Maule leads growth initiatives for a platform that is reshaping digital banking infrastructure. He is also co-host of the Artificially Intelligent podcast and author of Under Pressure: Leadership Lessons From Under the Surface. Drawing on a career that spans the U.S. Navy, enterprise technology and the AI revolution, he shares actionable insights that help businesses adapt, innovate and stay competitive.

Between managing orders, solving problems and serving customers, it can be difficult to prioritize consistent sales activity. In this practical session, you'll discover:

• A precise 15-minute daily routine that tells you what to do first, second and third to stay connected with clients.
• How AI can help you follow up consistently and generate more repeat business.
• Outreach scripts you can use repeatedly.
• A weekly cadence that keeps orders coming in.

Mary Furto is the VP of marketing for Counselor Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/66887), responsible for brand strategy, demand generation, marketing communications and digital experience. Before joining PCNA, she was the CMO of the safety division of Honeywell, and she has over 20 years of marketing experience at Boise Paper. She is passionate about utilizing digital marketing and data analytics to drive customer engagement with compelling value propositions and messaging. She enjoys collaborating with distributor partners on the latest trends and modern marketing tactics to help them succeed.

Liz Haesler is the global chief merchandising officer for Counselor Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/66887), responsible for retail brands, product development, supply chain and pricing. Prior to joining PCNA in 2019, she worked with product and supply chain in leadership roles at Target, Best Buy, Staples and Dick's Sporting Goods.

Consumer preferences, workplace habits and cultural influences are constantly evolving, which creates new opportunities for promo. In this session, you'll dive into the key trends expected to shape 2027, plus:

• How changing buyer priorities, end-user expectations and workplace behaviors are influencing purchasing decisions.
• The emerging product categories and design influences that are gaining momentum and creating new opportunities.
• How to turn trend insights into promo solutions that resonate with clients.
• Sales strategies and conversation techniques that help you stay ahead of the market, strengthen client relationships and win more business.

Sponsor

asi/66887

During this event you'll enjoy lunch and conversation with your distributor peers, and see the latest products and trends from suppliers - plus, you'll learn the best ways to pitch them to your clients.

PLEASE NOTE: A ticket is required to guarantee your free lunch. Pick up your ticket (1 per person) at the Education Desk starting at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5. Ticket holders must arrive by 12:05 p.m.

Scott Anderson is vice president of sales and marketing at Arch Promo Group (asi/36663). An industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, he has proven success in direct sales as well as leading large teams. He specializes in developing sales strategies and implementing processes that drive results for companies of all sizes.

Many distributors focus on finding new customers when some of their greatest potential for sales growth is already within reach. Strengthening connections with existing accounts and uncovering new ways to expand every order can lead to significant results. This session will explore practical ways to increase your efficiencies, deepen customer relationships and drive revenue without adding staff or extending your workday. You’ll discover how to:

• Use AI to prepare for client meetings, streamline administrative tasks and free up more time for account growth.
• Ask strategic questions that uncover needs beyond the current order and open doors to new departments, decision-makers and projects.
• Turn individual orders into larger, ongoing programs through smarter account planning and a proactive follow-up process.

Sponsor

asi/36663

Sam Maule is an expert in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of human behavior. Known for making complex technology easy to understand, he works with business leaders and salespeople to turn AI from a buzzword into a tool that drives productivity, creativity and sales growth.

As Head of Business Development at Moov, Maule leads growth initiatives for a platform that is reshaping digital banking infrastructure. He is also co-host of the Artificially Intelligent podcast and author of Under Pressure: Leadership Lessons From Under the Surface. Drawing on a career that spans the U.S. Navy, enterprise technology and the AI revolution, he shares actionable insights that help businesses adapt, innovate and stay competitive.

The most successful distributors don't wait for customers to ask what's new. They reach out with fresh ideas, creative solutions and strategic recommendations that help clients achieve their goals and keep coming back. In this session, you'll learn:

• How to use AI to quickly generate ideas, recommendations and sales concepts without spending hours brainstorming or creating presentations.
• Ways to start larger, more strategic conversations with clients that lead to bigger orders and uncover new opportunities.
• Simple outreach strategies that help position you as a trusted advisor who brings value beyond individual transactions.
• Practical techniques for strengthening client relationships, increasing customer loyalty and driving more sales.

Jennifer Darling is a high-energy sales strategist, executive coach and keynote speaker known for empowering business leaders and sales teams to accelerate revenue, master modern buyer psychology and drive high-performance results. With over two decades of advertising sales leadership experience, she delivers research-backed insights that bridge human intelligence with cutting-edge sales strategy.

As the owner of sales consulting and training firm Darling Coaching and the retail business Bliss Hydration & Wellness, she understands firsthand the daily challenges, opportunities and grit inherent in running and growing a small business. She delivers the practical strategies that salespeople and leaders need to adapt to changing markets, build strong client connections and get more wins.

Today's promo buyers often research online and use AI-powered tools long before they reach out to a distributor. In an industry built on relationship selling, this can feel like the ground shifting beneath your feet. In this session, sales strategist Jennifer Darling will share the exact approach she used to rebuild her business from zero to six figures in only eight months and create a steady pipeline of qualified buyers who chose her – not low prices. You'll leave knowing how to:

• Establish your promo authority by using three high-impact visibility channels that get you known, trusted and chosen before you ever pitch.
• Build a simple, consistent digital presence across the platforms that modern clients search, ensuring you show up inside the AI tools and channels shaping buying decisions today.
• Systemize your entire network, from happy clients to referral partners, into a repeatable engine for warm, high-converting introductions.

During this interactive final session of the day, you'll hear from many of the ASI Show's speakers as they recap the most important takeaways from their sessions. Don't miss this chance to pick up some effective strategies you may have missed.

Join us the night before the Expo Hall opens for an exclusive sneak peek at the hottest new products hitting the market. Enjoy light snacks, beer, and wine as you get the first look at what suppliers will showcase in their booths on both exhibit days. It's your chance to mingle, preview and toast to innovation!

Jennifer Darling is a high-energy sales strategist, executive coach and keynote speaker known for empowering business leaders and sales teams to accelerate revenue, master modern buyer psychology and drive high-performance results. With over two decades of advertising sales leadership experience, she delivers research-backed insights that bridge human intelligence with cutting-edge sales strategy.

As the owner of sales consulting and training firm Darling Coaching and the retail business Bliss Hydration & Wellness, she understands firsthand the daily challenges, opportunities and grit inherent in running and growing a small business. She delivers the practical strategies that salespeople and leaders need to adapt to changing markets, build strong client connections and get more wins.

Elevating your LinkedIn profile is one of the most effective and low-cost ways to make sure your sales network – and the AI tools your future clients are starting to use – recognize you as a go-to promo expert. Your digital presence needs to work as hard as you do, and in this session, you'll learn how to:

• Create a simple, sustainable rhythm of posting and engagement that keeps you top-of-mind with the clients and referral partners between orders, not just when they need products.
• Move beyond random networking to build a purposeful “Circle of Influence” that drives high-value partnerships and consistent, quality referrals.
• Transform your LinkedIn profile into a high-value resource that speaks directly to the needs of your ideal prospects.

Kevin Baumgart is the President of Sales Ink. He has over 20 years of sales leadership experience in entrepreneurial companies and has helped hundreds of promo and print companies of all sizes to improve sales and drive more revenue to their business. He holds an advisor role at multiple growth companies and has managed sales teams of over 70 while scaling revenues to $100M+.

New customers don't just appear – you need a plan to reach them. Yet many promo distributors lack a consistent approach to marketing their businesses and generating new opportunities. In this session, you'll discover how proactive outreach, creative kits and targeted campaigns can help you get noticed, start conversations and build a stronger pipeline of potential customers. You'll walk away with:

• Tips for crafting relevant, personalized messages that grab attention without sounding like a sales pitch.
• Creative ways to use promo products and outreach campaigns to open doors with prospects.
• Actionable steps you can put to work immediately to attract new buyers and fuel future growth.

Cliff Quicksell, CSP, is the president and CEO of Cliff Quicksell & Associates. During his 35+ years in the industry, his passion for education and training has been exemplified by his having served five terms as the education chairperson for the regional trade association CPPA of Maryland, and he currently serves on the CPPA board as president. The author of over 1,200 articles and recipient of numerous awards for innovation and creativity, Cliff speaks, trains and consults internationally to associations and national business groups on more effective ways to market themselves and their products and services, as well as how to motivate their personnel.

You and your clients are likely working with tight budgets, so it's vital to market effectively without overspending. In this session, you'll explore practical ways to achieve strong results, including:

• Innovative strategies for creating cost-effective marketing touchpoints that help your brand stand out.
• Techniques for utilizing marketing resources more efficiently and effectively.
• Approaches for remaining competitive without increasing your marketing spend.

Kevin Baumgart is the President of Sales Ink. He has over 20 years of sales leadership experience in entrepreneurial companies and has helped hundreds of promo and print companies of all sizes to improve sales and drive more revenue to their business. He holds an advisor role at multiple growth companies and has managed sales teams of over 70 while scaling revenues to $100M+.

Past clients already know your business, but that doesn't mean they'll automatically think of you when their next project comes along. With the right marketing approach, you can stay top of mind, reconnect with customers and turn one-time orders into lasting relationships. In this session, you'll discover practical ways to keep the conversation going within your existing client base. You'll learn how to:

• Build a 90-day marketing plan that keeps new customers engaged and your company on their radar after the initial purchase.
• Segment your customer list to create targeted outreach campaigns that reconnect with past buyers and generate repeat business.
• Use timely, relevant messaging to encourage reorders, reactivate dormant customers and generate referrals.

Cliff Quicksell, CSP, is the president and CEO of Cliff Quicksell & Associates. During his 35+ years in the industry, his passion for education and training has been exemplified by his having served five terms as the education chairperson for the regional trade association CPPA of Maryland, and he currently serves on the CPPA board as president. The author of over 1,200 articles and recipient of numerous awards for innovation and creativity, Cliff speaks, trains and consults internationally to associations and national business groups on more effective ways to market themselves and their products and services, as well as how to motivate their personnel.

While digital marketing is an important tool, people will always enjoy receiving “lumpy mail” at their home or office. A package's bulk instantly sets it apart from regular flat letters and builds excitement, making self-promotions a powerful way to stay top of mind with clients and attract new prospects. In this session, you'll unlock your creativity and discover:

• Why self-promo campaigns continue to be effective for prospecting, relationship-building and generating sales opportunities.
• A step-by-step process for creating a memorable and effective self-promo campaign from scratch.
• Proven strategies for developing self-promotions that capture attention and deliver outstanding results.

Dr. Steve Treat is CEO emeritus of Council for Relationships (CFR), the nation's oldest and largest counseling agency. He currently consults with family businesses and philanthropies on family unity and challenges of succession. He has coauthored two books, in addition to numerous book chapters and articles on process and content of marital and family therapy.

Good employee communication is vital to the success of any company, and even more so in a family enterprise. During this interactive session, you'll examine family dynamics as they pertain to running a promo company, and leave with:

• Insights that can help family members of all ages get past their differences.
• Skills that lead to better communication.
• Tactics to improve your business practices and interpersonal relationships.

Matthew Cohn is Co-Chair of the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). He was born in Philadelphia, and while in college at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, he led the team that developed ESP; it quickly became the promotional products industry's most widely used research tool and business platform - and continues to be the most important tool for distributors today. In 1998, he launched ASI Show, which made the Tradeshow Week 200, a listing of the largest shows in the U.S. The show has also been recognized by the Tradeshow Week Fastest 50 as one of the fastest-growing shows in North America, as well as twice named to the Inc. 500 fastest-growing companies in the U.S.

The Philadelphia Business Journal has recognized Matthew in its “40 Under 40” awards; he's been named among the “Top 100 People to Watch” by Business Philadelphia magazine; and he's been honored as one of the “100 Most Influential People” in the trade show industry by Tradeshow Week. Matthew and his wife, Lea, have two children, Sydney and Mackenzie Skylar; these fourth-generation family members have completed internships at ASI and worked at numerous ASI Shows.

Dave Conner is the director of product marketing for Stahls' Fulfill Engine. With over 15 years in the apparel decorating and custom print industry, he blends creativity, technology and market insights to help brands and decorators succeed in the evolving world of print on demand.

In Conner's role at Stahls' Fulfill Engine, he leads product marketing and education, making it easier for businesses to sell, scale and fulfill custom products. He has helped thousands of apparel decorators of all sizes achieve their goals and become confident, capable professionals in control of their businesses.

Details coming soon

Herschenia A. “Hershey” Brown is a corporate conflict resolution strategist, workplace mediator and award-winning author. She helps individuals and organizations navigate difficult conversations, resolve disputes and build stronger working relationships. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in corporate America, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of balancing family and personal relationships with business responsibilities.

Having experienced intense workplace conflict firsthand – and spending her career helping organizations address it – Brown understands both the employee and the leadership perspective when disputes occur. This balanced approach enables her to help people move beyond misunderstandings, strengthen communication, improve workplace culture and find productive paths forward.

Family businesses run on something no org chart can capture: historical relationship dynamics. That mix of personal relationships and commerce is exactly what makes conflict in a family-owned business so different from conflict in other companies. Sometimes, that discord spills over into productivity, client relations and growth. This session will give you a practical framework to help you:

• Recognize the difference between a business disagreement and an unhealed family wound.
• De-escalate conflict before it reaches your staff, suppliers or clients.
• Set boundaries that protect relationships without avoiding the hard conversations.

Dr. Steve Treat is CEO emeritus of Council for Relationships (CFR), the nation's oldest and largest counseling agency. He currently consults with family businesses and philanthropies on family unity and challenges of succession. He has coauthored two books, in addition to numerous book chapters and articles on process and content of marital and family therapy.

Many family businesses hope to create a lasting legacy, yet few successfully thrive beyond the third generation. Leadership transitions can be one of the greatest challenges a family business will face, making early planning essential for long-term success. This session will explore:

• Steps families can take to prepare for leadership upheaval.
• Common roadblocks that can arise during a leadership transition and strategies for navigating them effectively.
• How to develop contingency plans for unexpected circumstances.
• Practical approaches for helping your family business remain strong, resilient and successful for decades to come.

Herschenia A. “Hershey” Brown is a corporate conflict resolution strategist, workplace mediator and award-winning author. She helps individuals and organizations navigate difficult conversations, resolve disputes and build stronger working relationships. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in corporate America, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of balancing family and personal relationships with business responsibilities.

Having experienced intense workplace conflict firsthand – and spending her career helping organizations address it – Brown understands both the employee and the leadership perspective when disputes occur. This balanced approach enables her to help people move beyond misunderstandings, strengthen communication, improve workplace culture and find productive paths forward.

After a full day of learning, this collaborative discussion will bring family-business members together to exchange ideas and explore how to apply new insights back at home. Guided conversations will spark fresh ideas as you share experiences and talk about the opportunities and challenges of family-run companies. This is a unique chance to:

• Reflect on the day's sessions and identify the ideas that best fit your business.
• Gain new perspectives on working, planning and growing together as a family unit.
• Connect with peers from other family-owned companies and expand your professional network.

Joan Miracle is an executive director of corporate accounts at ASI. She's been providing business counseling to entrepreneurs for over 30 years, with 15 years in the ad specialty industry. Her background includes successfully running a $46M operation, including the startup of numerous businesses from real estate development and acquisition to open profitable operations. Her focus and passion have been in sales and sales training, assisting new business owners with startup marketing, leveraging technology for success, and helping established businesses grow through strategic marketing plans that emphasize online marketing and improving operational efficiency.

Starting out as a promotional products distributor is an exciting time, and with a little help from ASI's experts, it can be a seamless transition for your business. In this session, you'll learn about the industry and the first steps to help ensure your success, including:

• Establishing a business plan.
• Targeting the correct markets and using the right tools and resources.
• Continuing your industry education as you build your business.

Pablo Pizzichini es ejecutivo comercial con más de 30 años de experiencia en ventas y desarrollo empresarial. A lo largo de su carrera, ha impulsado la expansión de empresas fomentando relaciones sólidas, ventas inteligentes y tecnología aplicada a la excelencia operativa. Comenzó su trayectoria estableciendo exitosos distribuidores internacionales en la industria de productos médicos y dentales.

Desde hace 25 años, es una voz respetada en la industria de productos promocionales, donde trabaja de la mano con distribuidores miembros de ASI, desde empresas emergentes hasta corporaciones consolidadas. Los ayuda a captar nuevos clientes, fortalecer sus cuentas actuales y aplicar mejores prácticas para lograr resultados medibles, combinando experiencia comprobada y ejecución disciplinada para construir relaciones de confianza duraderas con sus clients.

Liz Haesler is the global chief merchandising officer for Counselor Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/66887), responsible for retail brands, product development, supply chain and pricing. Prior to joining PCNA in 2019, she worked with product and supply chain in leadership roles at Target, Best Buy, Staples and Dick's Sporting Goods.

Hoy, los clientes buscan distribuidores que aporten valor y no solo productos. En esta sesión práctica, explorará cómo destacarse y generar mejores resultados. Saldrá con ideas para:

• Posicionarse como experto en la industria de sus clientes y atraer nuevas oportunidades.
• Crear propuestas más sólidas y acortar el ciclo de la venta.
• Aplicar pasos claros y prácticos de inmediato para cerrar más ventas.

Please note, this session is entirely in Spanish.

Rusty Pepper is a leading and trusted voice in the print industry and a print-on-demand (POD) expert. With over two decades of executive leadership experience in promo, print and POD, he helps organizations navigate the shift from analog workflows to modern, digital on-demand production. At Taylor, parent company of Counselor Top 40 distributor Taylor Promo Marketing (asi/333647), he works across brands, platforms and fulfillment networks to modernize how print, promo, apparel, packaging and signage are created, routed and delivered. Pepper also co-hosts the Print-On-Demand Playbook Podcast and supports several community initiatives that strengthen knowledge-sharing across the evolving POD landscape.

Print on demand (POD) is opening up new opportunities for promo distributors, but there's still plenty of confusion about what's going on behind the scenes. This panel of specialists from across the POD ecosystem will break down the full process, with a simple goal: to show you what it really takes to put POD into practice for your business. You'll walk away with:

• A clear understanding of how the POD process works, from product sourcing and decoration to fulfillment and delivery.
• Knowledge of the technology, partnerships and resources needed to successfully launch and manage a POD program.
• Practical ways to use POD to expand your offerings and create new revenue opportunities.

Allee Bruce is an editor at PRINTING United Alliance, where she leads content for Promo Impressions and contributes across the Alliance's portfolio of print-focused brands. With eight years in the printing industry, she has covered various segments, including apparel decoration, wide-format and promotional products.

As print on demand (POD) continues to grow, promo distributors can benefit from lessons the print industry learned over years of developing web-to-print and on-demand workflows. This session will break down what POD is and explore:

• Where POD overlaps and differs between print and promo.
• Best practices in variable data, automation and fulfillment.
• What it takes to build a POD program that's efficient, scalable and realistic for your business.

Sarah Unruh is executive director of corporate accounts at ASI, where she leads strategic growth initiatives and builds powerful partnerships across the promo products industry. With over 17 years of experience spanning sales, marketing and business development, she has built a reputation for connecting strategy, relationships and execution to drive measurable results. A recognized industry leader and speaker, she brings a practical, real-world perspective on growth, connection and modern branding helping organizations move faster, think bigger and create lasting impact.

In this session, you'll learn how to drive traffic to your ESP+ website, position ESP+ Stores as a compelling client-facing sales tool, and manage, promote and scale everything seamlessly within the ESP+ ecosystem to grow your business.

Danica Patrick has broken countless barriers and set records with her performance in the male-dominated world of professional motorsports. She has earned a place on TIME's “100 Most Influential People” list, appeared on the covers of numerous major publications and starred in a record-setting 14 Super Bowl commercials, including 13 for longtime partner GoDaddy.

At just 10 years old, Patrick's racing career began when her parents bought her a go-kart. After winning numerous regional and national go-kart titles, she left the Midwest at 16 years old to compete in the cutthroat world of European road racing.

In 2005, she became the first woman to lead laps and earn a top-five finish at the Indianapolis 500. Three years later, she again made history as the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in a North America series with her victory in the IndyCar Series Indy Japan 300. In 2013, she became the first woman to win NASCAR Cup Series pole position for the Daytona 500 and achieved the highest finish by a woman in the race's history.

After retiring from racing in 2018, she shattered another glass ceiling when she became the first female host of the ESPY Awards. Today, she is an entrepreneur, podcast host and author of Pretty Intense, which reflects her passion for personal growth and performance. In addition to running a Nappa Valley vineyard, a women's clothing line and a home scent collection, she is a motorsports commentator for Fox Sports.

Danica Patrick has always challenged convention and refused to settle for the limits others placed on her. From leaving home at 16 to compete in European racing to setting records at the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500, she built a legacy and a personal brand by taking risks, staying focused and finding the fastest way forward. Today, the motorsports pioneer is a wildly successful entrepreneur, podcaster and author who continues to seize new opportunities and defy expectations.

In an engaging Q&A with ASI CEO Ashish Mittal, Patrick will share the lessons that have fueled her accomplishments, from tackling obstacles and handling pressure to building the confidence to move toward ambitious goals at full speed. You'll discover how to:

• Navigate change with confidence and turn possibilities into wins.
• Create an authentic and memorable personal brand that stands out in a crowded field.
• Build resilience and maintain momentum when obstacles threaten to slow your progress.
• Develop the focus and discipline required to stay ahead of the pack.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical insights on overcoming setbacks, embracing change and creating lasting success, no matter where the road leads.

Sponsor

Label Specialties
asi/66361

Toni McQuilken has been writing about the print and graphics industry for more than two decades. With experience covering every segment and facet of the business of print, she has dedicated her career to providing shop owners with the information they need to run their operations more efficiently. She is currently the Senior Content Editor for PRINTING United Alliance media brands.

Details coming soon

Toni McQuilken has been writing about the print and graphics industry for more than two decades. With experience covering every segment and facet of the business of print, she has dedicated her career to providing shop owners with the information they need to run their operations more efficiently. She is currently the Senior Content Editor for PRINTING United Alliance media brands.

Direct mail can be a natural extension of promotional products, giving distributors another way to support clients' broader marketing efforts. This session will cover the basics and help you identify opportunities to incorporate print and mail into your client campaigns. You'll gain practical insight into how to:

• Recognize what makes an effective direct-mail piece.
• Start building productive relationships with direct-mail printers.

Jason McCracken is an account executive at Counselor Top 40 distributor BAMKO (asi/131431) and the architect behind large-scale programs for T-Mobile, Uber Eats and USAA. A U.S. military veteran, he mixes classic discipline with modern, data-driven execution: transparent pricing, margin integrity and ecommerce + fulfillment that simply works. He trains teams to win enterprise RFPs, standardize SOPs and turn chaotic quoting into clean, scalable operations. McCracken is equal parts storyteller and operator – think measurable takeaways, not buzzwords, plus a little humor that even finance signs off on.

Too often, distributors mistake their daily point-of-contact for the person who holds the power to approve a deal. In this session, you'll learn how to tell when you're stuck too low in the organization, how to respectfully navigate upward and how to tailor your pitch to resonate with the real decision-makers. You'll leave ready to:

• Recognize when you're spending time on activity instead of progress.
• Map organizational influence to discover who controls outcomes.
• Use tools like annual reports and press releases to understand the decision-maker's priorities.
• Build urgency and excitement at the executive level.

Pablo Pizzichini es ejecutivo comercial con más de 30 años de experiencia en ventas y desarrollo empresarial. A lo largo de su carrera, ha impulsado la expansión de empresas fomentando relaciones sólidas, ventas inteligentes y tecnología aplicada a la excelencia operativa. Comenzó su trayectoria estableciendo exitosos distribuidores internacionales en la industria de productos médicos y dentales.

Desde hace 25 años, es una voz respetada en la industria de productos promocionales, donde trabaja de la mano con distribuidores miembros de ASI, desde empresas emergentes hasta corporaciones consolidadas. Los ayuda a captar nuevos clientes, fortalecer sus cuentas actuales y aplicar mejores prácticas para lograr resultados medibles, combinando experiencia comprobada y ejecución disciplinada para construir relaciones de confianza duraderas con sus clients.

A sus clientes les gusta trabajar con distribuidores que les facilitan la vida con procesos simples y efectivos. En esta sesión, descubrirá cómo:

• Convertir clientes transaccionales en alianzas a largo plazo.
• Lograr ventas más sencillas, con ingresos recurrentes y mayor retención.
• Presentar el valor de una tienda corporativa y demostrar su retorno de inversión.

Please note, this session is entirely in Spanish.

Caleb Churchill is the director of national accounts for Workwear Outfitters (asi/98258), the manufacturer of leading brands such as Red Kap, Dickies B2B, Bulwark FR, and Oobe. Workwear Outfitters is committed to educating end-users and distributor partners on the intricacies of uniform programs, safety and compliance, ensuring organizations have the knowledge and tools to protect their workforce. With over 24 years of experience in the uniform, PPE apparel and textile industry, Churchill specializes in developing and delivering dynamic sales training and marketing programs for companies and trade associations, equipping teams with the knowledge and strategies needed to bridge technical compliance with practical solutions and to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

Selling uniform programs offers distributors a powerful opportunity to create long-term, predictable income through ongoing replenishment, seasonal updates and employee turnover. These programs also strengthen customer relationships by embedding your services into their daily operations, making you a trusted partner rather than a transactional vendor. In this session, you'll discover tips and tactics for selling uniforms to some of the top promo markets, and see how programs also encourage upselling of complementary products like PPE, footwear and branded accessories.

Sponsor

asi/98258

Allee Bruce is an editor at PRINTING United Alliance, where she leads content for Promo Impressions and contributes across the Alliance's portfolio of print-focused brands. With eight years in the printing industry, she has covered various segments, including apparel decoration, wide-format and promotional products.

Promo distributors may not print products themselves, but their reputation hinges on the quality and consistency of the print partners they choose. In this session, you'll learn how to build and maintain a strong, diversified printer network that supports your business goals and delivers exceptional results for your clients. From vetting suppliers to managing proofing and quality control, you'll hear practical insights to help you become a trusted print consultant and grow your sales without added overhead.

This invitation-only event honors outstanding individuals in the promo industry including the Person of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Distributor and Supplier Entrepreneurs of the Year, and many more, as well as recognizes the Top 40 suppliers and distributors.

Experience the ultimate networking celebration at the ASI Show Orlando Gala, exclusively taking over Universal CityWalk^™! Enjoy a delicious dinner buffet and open bar while exploring all the excitement throughout the venue. Experience live entertainment at these restaurants: Bob Marley featuring a live reggae band; Pat O'Brien's with energetic dueling piano players; CityWalk's Rising Star where you can sing along with a live karaoke band! The fun doesn't stop there! The excitement continues throughout the evening with a live DJ, stilt walkers roaming the streets, and a mobile photo booth to help you capture memories with friends and colleagues. It's sure to be a memorable night and a fantastic time for everyone!

Purchase tickets in registration.

Kick off the first Exhibit Day with engaging, energized networking. This interactive session opens with an easy stretching session led by Lori Bolton, a licensed yoga instructor, wellness coach and VP of key accounts at Counselor Top 40 supplier The Magnet Group (asi/68507). After loosening up body and mind, you'll dive into small-group problem-solving with other distributors to work out key business concerns, pain points and obstacles to overcome. Mark your calendar for this dynamic mix of discussion and discovery, plus a free breakfast!

Sponsor

asi/68507

John Young is a director of software engineering at ASI who's been writing code and leading teams of developers since 1999. He firmly believes that a piece of software is doing its job not when the software is performing flawlessly, but when the person using that software feels like THEY are performing flawlessly. John is excited to demonstrate how ASI distributors can use ESP+ to get their jobs done more quickly, have more fun and get on with the exciting parts of their day.

ESP+ Stores simplify how you sell, serve clients and grow your business. The best client relationship is one that reorders without you having to re-sell. In this session, you'll see how ESP+ Stores can be set up to serve long-term accounts – think corporate uniform programs, PPE suppliers or any client with predictable repeat needs – so the store handles the transaction, and you collect the revenue. You'll learn how to structure a store for a long-term client, what keeps them coming back, and how to make recurring revenue a repeatable part of your business model.

John Young is a director of software engineering at ASI who's been writing code and leading teams of developers since 1999. He firmly believes that a piece of software is doing its job not when the software is performing flawlessly, but when the person using that software feels like THEY are performing flawlessly. John is excited to demonstrate how ASI distributors can use ESP+ to get their jobs done more quickly, have more fun and get on with the exciting parts of their day.

ESP+ Stores streamline your sales process, deepen client relationships and unlock new growth. Most distributors use ESP+ Stores to get started – building a self-service storefront where clients browse, order and reorder on their own – but fewer use the tools that manage everything that comes after. This session covers the order-management features inside ESP+ Stores that reduce admin work, keep clients informed and free you up to focus on selling instead of tracking. If you've set up a store but haven't gone deep into what it can do once orders start coming in, this is the session that pays off.

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.

The best way to end your ASI Show experience is at the Closing Celebration, where you can collect new friends' business cards and relax before heading home. Enjoy beer, wine and other beverages while the DJ spins some tunes.

Exciting prizes will also be given away during the ASI Passport drawing.