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 2025.

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.

Take a break from the show floor and dive into the latest version of ASI's ESP, see how AI can help grow your sales, and learn how to make the best product recommendations for your buyers.

Matthew Cohn is vice chairman 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's Vice Chairman 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.

Joan Miracle, BASI, is an executive director of corporate accounts at ASI. She's been providing business counseling to entrepreneurs for over 30 years, with 14 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 our experts, it can be a seamless transition for your business. Learn all about the industry and the first steps to take to ensure your success, including establishing a business plan, targeting the correct markets, using the right tools and resources, continuing your industry education and so much more.

Mimi Brown, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) is a dynamic sales, communication and leadership expert, known for her ability to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to make an influential impact on the world. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, coaching and training, she has helped countless people enhance their skills and achieve their goals. As the CEO of AMP Up Success, Brown is a sought-after speaker, author and media personality. The author of three books, her engaging and humorous speaking style has made her a hit with audiences as she combines practical tips with fun anecdotes to make learning enjoyable and memorable.

In this highly competitive industry, standing out and closing deals requires more than just great products – it demands the ability to influence, persuade and truly connect with every client. This dynamic, high-energy session is designed to help you master the art of influence and move your buyers in the direction of success. By learning how to effectively sway opinions, gain enthusiastic buy-in and turn your ideas into winning solutions, you'll lead with confidence and clarity, making your message resonate in every room. With a focus on actionable strategies and hands-on exercises, this session will give you the tools to amplify your impact, create lasting partnerships and increase your sales.

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 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22. Ticket holders must arrive at by 12:10 p.m.

Mimi Brown, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) is a dynamic sales, communication and leadership expert, known for her ability to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to make an influential impact on the world. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, coaching and training, she has helped countless people enhance their skills and achieve their goals. As the CEO of AMP Up Success, Brown is a sought-after speaker, author and media personality. The author of three books, her engaging and humorous speaking style has made her a hit with audiences as she combines practical tips with fun anecdotes to make learning enjoyable and memorable.

With a focus on the DISC assessment tool to identify buyer behavior styles, this workshop offers unparalleled insights into adapting sales techniques to enhance your communication and connections. You'll discover the keys to building rapport across diverse buyer personalities, ensuring your pitches resonate deeply and drive results, and leave armed with strategies that transform your understanding of buyer needs into compelling sales narratives that set the stage for success in every interaction.

C.J. Mittica is the editor-in-chief of Counselor Magazine and ASI Media. He began his professional writing career as a high school senior and worked at The Philadelphia Bulletin before joining ASI in 2008. Under his leadership, ASI's publications have won multiple Jesse H. Neal awards and were named an ASBPE Top 10 Magazine of the Year six times.

Unlock the secrets to scaling your promo business with insights from industry leaders. Moderated by ASI Media Editor-in-Chief C.J. Mittica, this session with Advisory Board members from Counselor magazine – the industry's flagship publication – will provide actionable insights on hiring, operations, sales and marketing. Whether you're looking to add your first employee or refine your branding strategy, you'll hear practical advice and proven techniques to help you achieve your business goals. Don't miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge and take your business to the next level.

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.

Don't miss this exclusive preview of NEW products that suppliers will highlight in their booths on both Exhibit Days. You'll enjoy free beer, wine and soft drinks while getting insider sales tips from suppliers.

Janet Johnson is a marketing expert with over 20 years of experience who has earned millions of dollars for her clients and her own business using online marketing strategies. She launched her digital marketing career when she began selling on eBay and has continued to embrace this ever-evolving field. She specializes in the areas of Strategy and Content Marketing, Facebook, Instagram, Video Marketing and Advertising, and regularly creates videos and live shows, hosts webinars and hosts the podcast Business Growth Time – recognized as one of the Top 25 Social Media Podcasts by Report Garden.

Advertising your business profitably is one of the most important things you can do to attract qualified leads and keep your sales pipeline full. Facebook and Instagram – both part of Meta – are two of the most popular social platforms, and in this session you'll learn the fundamentals of success with Meta Ads. You'll dive into case studies and examples of top-performing Ads, see creative ideas you can incorporate into your strategy and find out how to easily post your Ads on TikTok. Don't miss this chance to ensure your business gets as much social engagement as possible.

Sameena Safdar is a social media and personal branding strategist. A former practicing attorney, in 2021 she founded her company to help individuals find their voice and niche in the world, define and hone their brand, then use social media and business development to share that authentically and boost visibility. She frequently speaks to audiences across the U.S., and is passionate about justice, diversity, and the power of emerging and innovative technologies to change our work and lives.

Social media plays a critical role in shaping your audience's perceptions, growing your client base and ultimately enhancing your professional success. Successful social selling also allows you to transition from just another salesperson into a trusted consultant who educates every customer and adds value to every project. In this session, you'll discover how to maximize the power of social selling in today's market and learn quick engagement strategies for different social media platforms that take only 15, 30 or 45 minutes per week to implement but result in closer relationships that help you close the deal.

Sameena Safdar is a social media and personal branding strategist. A former practicing attorney, in 2021 she founded her company to help individuals find their voice and niche in the world, define and hone their brand, then use social media and business development to share that authentically and boost visibility. She frequently speaks to audiences across the U.S., and is passionate about justice, diversity, and the power of emerging and innovative technologies to change our work and lives.

Whether they're new to the industry or a veteran, many distributors are hesitant to promote themselves as the promo pros that they are. This interactive session will address common reservations – including not wanting to be seen as bragging, uncertainty about whether your message will resonate with the audience and fear of rejection – and provide strategies to overcome them. You'll leave confident in your ability to:

• Craft your personal brand and elevator pitch by genuinely reflecting your unique values
• Build organic relationships through natural networking to reinforce your brand
• Share your expertise in engaging ways to create value-driven content
• Maintain and evolve your personal branding as do the same with your skills and goals.

Janet Johnson is a marketing expert with over 20 years of experience who has earned millions of dollars for her clients and her own business using online marketing strategies. She launched her digital marketing career when she began selling on eBay and has continued to embrace this ever-evolving field. She specializes in the areas of Strategy and Content Marketing, Facebook, Instagram, Video Marketing and Advertising, and regularly creates videos and live shows, hosts webinars and hosts the podcast Business Growth Time – recognized as one of the Top 25 Social Media Podcasts by Report Garden.

ChatGPT and other AI tools can save you time in planning and creating your social media content … but only if you know how to use them. In this session, you'll discover how to leverage AI to write copy for your marketing pieces and social posts, create a content calendar for the entire year, quickly shoot and post videos, and create and use eye-catching images.

Lizz Riedy is the content marketing specialist at GroupeSTAHL, playing a pivotal role in collaborating with customers to boost sales, foster business growth and simplify processes through innovative decorating solutions. She accomplishes this by seamlessly sharing invaluable insights into current industry trends, educating clients on cutting-edge products, and introducing inventive decorating techniques. With a tenure of 7 years at STAHLS', Lizz brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for the apparel decorating industry. Through her dedication and expertise, she empowers clients to unlock the full potential of their enterprises, fostering a partnership that propels both STAHLS' and its customers to new heights.

In this session, you'll explore and compare the latest heat transfer innovations – and learn how to avoid costly mistakes by selecting the right transfer for any fabric. You'll also discover strategies to streamline production with contract decorators, ensuring efficiency and quality in every project.

Lizz Riedy is the content marketing specialist at GroupeSTAHL, playing a pivotal role in collaborating with customers to boost sales, foster business growth and simplify processes through innovative decorating solutions. She accomplishes this by seamlessly sharing invaluable insights into current industry trends, educating clients on cutting-edge products, and introducing inventive decorating techniques. With a tenure of 7 years at STAHLS', Lizz brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for the apparel decorating industry. Through her dedication and expertise, she empowers clients to unlock the full potential of their enterprises, fostering a partnership that propels both STAHLS' and its customers to new heights.

Hats are one of the fastest-growing promotional products, and this session will demonstrate how you can capitalize on this expanding opportunity. You'll see popular styles, including trucker hats, snapbacks, dad hats and beanies, and learn how heat printing with retail-trending patches and emblems creates bold, on-brand designs that maximize visibility and impressions for your clients.

Lizz Riedy is the content marketing specialist at GroupeSTAHL, playing a pivotal role in collaborating with customers to boost sales, foster business growth and simplify processes through innovative decorating solutions. She accomplishes this by seamlessly sharing invaluable insights into current industry trends, educating clients on cutting-edge products, and introducing inventive decorating techniques. With a tenure of 7 years at STAHLS', Lizz brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for the apparel decorating industry. Through her dedication and expertise, she empowers clients to unlock the full potential of their enterprises, fostering a partnership that propels both STAHLS' and its customers to new heights.

This session will explore ways you can tap into the growing demand for personalized promotional products like umbrellas, backpacks, tumblers and tech accessories. You'll see how high-quality transfers can be applied to non-traditional materials – often without needing a heat press – and learn how interchangeable heat press platens make decorating hard-to-print items easier than ever.

Lizz Riedy is the content marketing specialist at GroupeSTAHL, playing a pivotal role in collaborating with customers to boost sales, foster business growth and simplify processes through innovative decorating solutions. She accomplishes this by seamlessly sharing invaluable insights into current industry trends, educating clients on cutting-edge products, and introducing inventive decorating techniques. With a tenure of 7 years at STAHLS', Lizz brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for the apparel decorating industry. Through her dedication and expertise, she empowers clients to unlock the full potential of their enterprises, fostering a partnership that propels both STAHLS' and its customers to new heights.

In this session, you'll discover how to mix vinyl, DTF and screen-printed transfers to create eye-catching, multi-dimensional designs that stand out. Whether you're layering for texture or combining decoration methods for a bold new look, you'll leave knowing how to expertly customize promo apparel with the latest techniques.

Michael D'Ottaviano, MASI, is an executive director of corporate accounts at ASI. He specializes in strategic solutions, helping ASI distributors members realize opportunity and grow their businesses by utilizing creative website design combined with innovative marketing campaigns. He also works with distributors to develop social media campaigns to increase web presence and grow their customer base. Michael is passionate about technology and implementing integrated solutions to help distributors streamline their business processes and grow their businesses.

Explore the newest features in ESP+ and see how AI-powered tools help you generate product ideas faster, build smarter presentations and streamline client interactions through a versatile online portal. Whether you're already using ESP+ or just getting started, this session will show you how to save time and maximize your impact while using the industry's most popular search platform.

Liz Haesler is the global chief merchandising officer for Counselor Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/78897), 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.

Stephanie Preston is senior director of partner growth at Counselor Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/78897). An accomplished marketing executive with a strong track record of building and leading high-impact teams, launching scalable programs and driving growth across new and existing markets, she leads go-to-market initiatives with a focus on creativity, execution and measurable results. Prior to joining PCNA in 2023, she spent nearly 18 years with Counselor Top 40 distributor HALO Branded Solutions (asi/356000).

Holiday gifting is about more than just seasonal cheer – it's an opportunity to tap into consumer desires and deliver memorable, on-trend experiences. Today's top gift ideas are shaped by shifting demographics, changing lifestyles and evolving expectations around convenience, sustainability and unique experiences.

Each year, the experts at PCNA dive deep into the market to identify the trends driving gift-giving decisions – and this year is no exception. In this session, they'll uncover the biggest Q4 and holiday gifting trends, helping you align your product recommendations with what end-users really want. Get ready to elevate your campaigns, inspire your clients and finish 2025 with standout sales.

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.

Take your client relationships to the next level by mastering the tools and features in ESP+ that simplify the post-presentation process. In this session, you'll learn how to simplify quotes, orders and invoices in ESP+ to save time, reduce errors and deliver a seamless client experience from approval to delivery.

Dave Leskusky is a 29-year veteran of the printing industry and currently serves as President of PRINTING United Alliance, the largest member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America. With a background that spans executive leadership in the printing and promotional products industries, he brings a unique, cross-sector perspective to where print and promo converge. A recognized thought leader, he is deeply committed to the continued growth, innovation and sustainability of the printing industry and its community of professionals.

Print is a broad and profitable product category – in fact, it has annual revenue of $100 billion. Many of your current promo clients already use print to support their operations, create market awareness and sell products. In this session, you'll dive into the print industry and learn about the key players, profitable product opportunities, demand trends, production methods and how you can add print to your promo business.

Kick off the first Exhibit Day with engaging, energized networking. During this highly interactive session, you'll problem-solve with other distributors in small groups 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!

Co-Sponsors

Label Specialties
asi/66361

All American Writing Instruments
asi/76811

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.

Learn how to launch and manage professional websites and customized stores with ESP+ – ASI's all-in-one platform – to boost visibility, simplify your process and deliver easy, branded online experiences for your clients.

Denise M. Gustavson is the Editorial Director for the Media Brands at PRINTING United Alliance, responsible for analyzing and reporting on the news, issues, challenges, triumphs and technologies in the printing industry. Her primary responsibility, however, is being an observer of the industry, listening carefully to the issues and concerns of company owners, executives, and managers, and providing intelligence about how business owners can continue to grow and thrive. Gustavson has more than 25 years of experience in the printing, packaging, wide-format and visual communication industries, and is responsible for the editorial content for seven brands under the PRINTING United Alliance umbrella.

The same buyers who purchase promotional products often buy print solutions, including direct mail, brochures, flyers and even annual reports. In this session, you'll explore case studies of promo distributors who've added print to their offerings, turning their company into a one-stop shop for clients – and an indispensable resource. You'll find out how they broke into the print industry and continue to grow, and how you can apply their lessons learned to your own business.

Janet Johnson is a marketing expert with over 20 years of experience who has earned millions of dollars for her clients and her own business using online marketing strategies. She launched her digital marketing career when she began selling on eBay and has continued to embrace this ever-evolving field. She specializes in the areas of Strategy and Content Marketing, Facebook, Instagram, Video Marketing and Advertising, and regularly creates videos and live shows, hosts webinars and hosts the podcast Business Growth Time – recognized as one of the Top 25 Social Media Podcasts by Report Garden.

Video is one of the best ways to connect with clients and showcase products on social media, and people are much more likely to remember your brand after watching a video vs. reading a post. In this session, you'll discover:

• Tools that make it easy to create quality videos
• The types of videos that get the best reach
• How to repurpose videos to save time and effort
• The best ways to use videos in ads
• Plus, you'll shoot a video at a supplier's booth and upload it immediately.

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.

The same buyers who purchase promotional products often buy print solutions, including direct mail, brochures, flyers and even annual reports. In this session, you'll explore case studies of promo distributors who've added print to their offerings, turning their company into a one-stop shop for clients – and an indispensable resource. You'll find out how they broke into the print industry and continue to grow, and how you can apply their lessons learned to your own company.

Dave Saracino is senior vice president of sales and support for Counselor Top 40 distributor iPROMOTEu (asi/232119). He leads the sales development and support teams to accelerate growth within the Affiliate network and ensure all Affiliates have the support they need to succeed. Before joining iPROMOTEu, he helped develop corporate strategies focused on enhancing revenue, culture and EBITDA in executive positions with Counselor Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480) and Charles River Apparel (asi/44620). In addition to honing his skills over more than three decades in the promotional products industry, Dave has held various board positions and earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including the 2016 Counselor Lifetime Achievement Award.

Today's promo buyers span four generations, each with their own unique preferences and purchasing habits. In this session, you'll learn how to connect with clients by adapting your sales approach to meet their specific needs and expectations. You'll leave knowing how to refine your sales messaging, build trust and communicate effectively with everyone from Baby Boomers through Gen Z.

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.

Get ready for a night of excitement at one of Chicago's hottest venues! Whether you're into bowling, arcade games, private karaoke rooms, or shuffleboard, we've got something for everyone. Indulge in a delicious dinner buffet and enjoy an open bar as you mingle and celebrate with your Promo peers in style. The venue's industrial-chic design, blending vintage and modern elements, creates a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that's perfect for fun and networking.

Brian Urlacher is one of the most celebrated linebackers in NFL history, having played his entire career with the Chicago Bears. Known for his impressive athleticism, intelligence on the field and leadership, Urlacher was instrumental in the Bears' defense during his tenure. He was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and earned All-Pro honors five times. The 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a first-ballot selection in 2018.

Urlacher's story is one of determination, perseverance and gratitude, illustrating how he overcame multiple obstacles to achieve his goals while honoring the sacrifices made by his family. His journey from small-town Lovington, NM, to becoming a celebrated NFL player serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of hard work and seizing opportunities when they arise.

Having worked with major brands like Nike, Old Spice and Restore Hair, Urlacher understands the immense power of marketing and strong personal branding. A sought-after public speaker, he's also a philanthropist supporting various organizations, including the Special Olympics, Wounded Warriors and Make-A-Wish, and he volunteers and raises awareness for animal welfare groups.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is proof that a strong work ethic is critical to achieving sustained success. Throughout his 13 years with the Bears, his dedication and resilience helped him overcome obstacles, and he triumphed through reaching personal and team goals. He has worked with major brands including Nike, Old Spice and Restore Hair, and is an active philanthropist supporting organizations benefitting both people and animals.

In this lively, candid conversation with ASI's President & CEO Tim Andrews, Urlacher will share fascinating personal anecdotes along with actionable lessons on accountability, teamwork, character, perseverance and pushing through adversity. You're sure to leave feeling empowered and prepared to push your business to new heights in today's competitive environment.

Sponsor

Label Specialties
asi/66361

Ryan Beletz is a senior director of corporate accounts at ASI. A 13-year promo veteran, he joined the industry by helping distributors enhance their online presence at Promo Marketing Group. He later led AIM's sales division, developing programs to support distributor goals. At ASI, he manages key corporate accounts, driving growth and strengthening partnerships.

As the industry's most popular search platform, ASI's ESP+ enables you to quickly search through over 1.2 million promotional products to find the right merch for your clients' events and promotions. In this session, you'll learn how to transform your recommended products into polished, client-ready presentations inside ESP+, helping you highlight value, boost engagement and close more deals.

Ryan Beletz is a senior director of corporate accounts at ASI. A 13-year promo veteran, he joined the industry by helping distributors enhance their online presence at Promo Marketing Group. He later led AIM's sales division, developing programs to support distributor goals. At ASI, he manages key corporate accounts, driving growth and strengthening partnerships.

Learn how to boost your business's online visibility and help nearby customers find you faster. This session will show you how to manage your company's info across popular search, map, and review sites so you can stand out, build trust and attract more local business.

Step into the world of commercial printing and learn how you can grow your revenue and become even more invaluable to your clients. Selling print is the perfect opportunity to diversify and add balance to your promo business during market ups and downs.

You'll enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour and discover how DFS produces everything from checks and business cards to catalogs and signage. You'll also see some of the incredible custom capabilities they offer, so you can give your clients exactly the look they want. Plus, you'll get a sneak peek at an exciting, brand-new product made with a patented process that will be revealed at ASI Show Chicago!

All attendees will receive a "Big Opportunities" bag of gifts, samples, exclusive offers and more, plus free transportation and lunch. No open-toed shoes, please.

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.