Editor

Destiny Maruri

June 9, 2025

Webinar (On-Demand): Maximizing Supplier Membership at ASI Shows

We’ll walk you through how ASI Shows can be a game-changer for your business, with practical, actionable insights that help you increase visibility, connect with serious buyers, and drive long-term success. In this webinar you’ll learn how to: ✅ Exhibit effectively and connect with thousands of high-intent distributors ✅ Maximize booth traffic and enhance brand visibility at ASI Shows ✅ Tap into ASI tools to support year-round growth ✅ Build stronger partnerships with distributors who are ready to buy   Whether you’re just getting started with ASI or looking to get more from your membership, this is your chance to discover how ASI Shows…

May 21, 2025

Growth Through Promo: Unlocking A New Revenue Stream

INTRO Joe Michmershuizen of Promotions by Design (asi/301205) faced a career crossroads during the 2008 recession. Confronting challenges like thinner margins and increased competition from larger publishing companies, he needed to pivot to keep his business afloat. Equipped with a large library of client logos, he decided to expand their offerings to include promotional products – a choice that not only saved the business but also allowed them to thrive. At the start of his promo journey, Joe partnered with a local distributor with extensive promo experience, which allowed him to leverage the distributor’s supplier connects and back-office support. Over…

May 21, 2025

3 Generations of Promo Excellence

INTRO Allison Fine, VP of Operations and part of the third generation of the Fine family at Illini (asi/62190), understands that being a proud family-run business is the key to her company’s 75 years of success in the promotional products industry. Illini’s roots can be traced to her grandfather, Jerry Fine, who worked for his uncle’s business until they were forced out by a larger competitor. Despite the hardship he and his family faced in this difficult moment, he took it as an opportunity to showcase his entrepreneurial acumen by making the unexpected, forward-thinking pivot to the promotional products industry….

May 16, 2025

What Is Digital Printing?

What is digital printing? Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media. Unlike traditional printing methods like lithography, which require a printing plate, digital printing eliminates this step. This allows for shorter runs, on-demand printing, and cost-effective customization. Think of it like your home inkjet printer, but on a larger and more sophisticated scale, capable of handling various materials from paper and fabric to promotional products. What are the main advantages of digital printing? Digital printing boasts several key benefits. Firstly, it enables short print runs to be economical, as there…

May 9, 2025

What Is A Distributor?

In the promotional products industry, a distributor acts as a crucial intermediary, purchasing goods from suppliers and then selling them to end-buyers. Think of them as solution providers who understand a client’s marketing needs and source the perfect promotional items to meet those objectives. They handle everything from product selection and customization to order fulfillment and delivery. You can explore more about the role of distributors through our become an ASI distributors page How does a distributor differ from a supplier? While both are vital in the promotional products ecosystem, their roles differ significantly. Suppliers manufacture or import the promotional…

May 9, 2025

What Is A Supplier?

In the promotional products industry, a supplier is a company that manufactures, imports, or otherwise sources products that can be customized with a logo or design for promotional purposes. These suppliers sell their blank goods to distributors, who then work with end-buyers to add the branding and fulfill the final order. Think of suppliers as the backbone of the industry, providing the diverse range of products that make promotional campaigns possible. You can explore a wide array of these businesses on our dedicated supplier directory. What types of products do suppliers offer? Promotional product suppliers offer an incredibly diverse range…