Shows / Advertising Specialty Institute
Advertising Specialty Institute
The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) is the largest media, marketing and education organization serving the promotional products industry, with a network of over 25,000 distributors and suppliers throughout North America. ASI leads the industry in technology solutions, providing cloud-based e-commerce, enterprise resource planning software (ERP) and customer relationship management software (CRM). ESP Web is the industry's leading tool for sourcing hundreds of thousands of products. A…
Episodes
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Intriguing Insights from the 2026 ASI Power Summit
Counselor editors Sara Lavenduski and C.J. Mittica recap the most eye-opening talks and biggest themes from this year’s ASI Power Summit.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Breaking Down Promo’s Q3 Growth, Cost Pressures and What’s Next
Counselor’s editors share their top takeaways from the Q3 sales report, including the industry’s uneven sales growth, mounting shipping delays and how…
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Rodney Double's Career in Promo Started With a Trial By Fire
The branded merchandise manager for The Imagine Group began in promo with a difficult order, but things have gotten easier.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Crafting a Tequila Powerhouse with Juan Jose Sánchez
The chairman of Clase Azul México, and a keynote speaker at the 2026 ASI Power Summit, shares highlights of his professional journey, from financial services…
Advertising Specialty InstituteBranding Together: In Search of the ‘Unicorn’ Who Can Sell Both Print & Promo
Dana Schumacher of Quality Resource Group shares her insights on the differences between selling commercial print and promotional products – and how to succeed…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Highlights & Takeaways From PRINTING United Expo
Counselor and PPM editors discuss the ASI Pavilion and other significant developments from the show.
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Branding Together: Why Print and Promo are Winning With the Human Touch
In a special, in-person episode, the hosts sit down with Mike Smith of Aclymate to talk about sustainability in the print and promo industries.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Mary Kelly Discusses the State of the Economy Ahead of Q4
Dr. Kelly, a returning speaker to this year’s ASI Power Summit, reflects on important data ahead of the midterms, ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and what the…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders Deep Dive: Should We Worry About the US Dollar’s Decline?
Experts in international business and economics explain the phenomenon of de-dollarization and what it could mean for promo businesses.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Isar Meitis on Going From AI Slop to AI Magic
Ahead of the ASI Power Summit, the CEO of Multiplai pulls back the curtain on agentic AI and discusses how it’s changing sales, operations, marketing and other…
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: How Don Klumbach Creates a Top-to-Bottom Branding Experience
The owner of Signarama and Fully Promoted in Sugar Land, TX, details how distributors can create fully immersive and engaging brand identities.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders : The Brain-Body Connection with Neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola
Louisa Nicola, a neurophysiologist who works with business executives and elite athletes to tap into the power of their brains, gives us a sneak peek into her…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: The Importance of Human Connection in the Age of AI
Dr. Ryan Sauers, president and founder of Sauers Consulting Strategies, shares best practices for leveraging the power of AI in sales while maintaining an…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Josh Militello on Leading PCNA Into Its Next Chapter
The new CEO (who’s also new to promo) joined Michele Bell, ASI’s senior vice president of Editorial, Education & Global Alliances, to discuss opportunities he…
Advertising Specialty InstituteMore Than a Supplier: How To Build Better Branded Gift Solutions Together
It’s hard to believe it, but the holidays are already right around the corner. Now’s the time to make sure you know how to deliver memorable and successful…
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Branding Together: Why Attending In-Person Industry Events Is Key
With PRINTING United Expo around the corner, Cassie Green and Theresa Hegel discuss the value of attending trade shows and conferences in the digital age.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Katie Grimes Delivers Custom-Made Magic
The account executive from MadeToOrder walks through a custom order that required a bit of imagination.
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Promo Insiders Deep Dive: The Growing Threat of Natural Disasters
In honor of FEMA’s National Preparedness Month, Counselor Digital News Editor Tara Lerman sits down with experts across the emergency response and logistics…
Advertising Specialty InstituteHow Promo Can Make a Positive Global Impact with Parker Clay’s CEO and Cofounder
Ian Bentley, who founded the leather goods brand with his wife Brittany in 2014, is on a mission to empower women in Ethiopia through sustainable job…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Revealing Trends from the 2026 Counselor State of the Industry Report
Counselor Editor-in-Chief C.J. Mittica and ASI Research Director Nate Kucsma
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Branding Together: Finding Opportunities Within Failures
Colin Sinclair McDermott, the Online Print Coach, talks helping printers learn from the mistakes he’s made over the years and the differences between the U.S…
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Denise Gustavson Explains Why Print Isn't As Scary as It Seems
The vice president of editorial and content strategy for PRINTING United Alliance delivers key points from her ASI Show Chicago presentation.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Megan Spire on Leading BELLA+CANVAS Into Next Chapter
The executive vice president of the fashion blanks supplier discusses what the acquisition by Counselor Top 40 supplier SanMar means for its future.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Inside The Promo Industry’s Uneven Second Quarter
ASI’s Nate Kucsma and Hannah Rosenberger break down the promotional products industry’s 2.5% second quarter sales growth – and why some distributors thrived…
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Promo Insiders Deep Dive: Inside Trade Talks Between U.S., Canada and Mexico
In this episode of Counselor’s Promo Insiders Deep Dive podcast, Digital News Editor Tara Lerman uncovers the intricacies of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement –…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: All the Highlights From ASI Show Chicago
Brendan Menapace, content director for Print & Promo Marketing, reflects on covering his first ASI Show at McCormick Place, from insightful professional…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Counselor’s 2026 Woman of Distinction on Mentorship, Meaning & Leading with Humanity
Jodie Schillinger, executive vice president at Maple Ridge Farms and Counselor’s 2026 Woman of Distinction. joins this week’s episode of Promo Insiders to…
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Justin Zavadil on ASB's Print & Promo History & His New Role
Justin Zavadil, recently named CEO & president, reflects on the company's history in print and transition to promo.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Lessons on Leading Through Crisis From Counselor’s 2026 Person of the Year
Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem, talks about how fear built his family business and his bold plan to future-proof the company.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Our Print and Promo Takeaways from the 2026 FIFA World Cup
ASI’s Brendan Menapace and Emily Wilson share how print and promotional products have become key players at the global sporting event.
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Branding Together: A Decorated-Apparel Industry Legend on Making a Lasting Impact
Rick Roth of Mirror Image and The Ink Kitchen reflects on his long career in the screen-printing industry and explains why, for him, business and activism go…
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Amy Wolf on Creating Exciting & Immersive Branding
The CEO and founder of Evo3 Marketing discusses brand engagement through activations and events.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Breaking Down the Details of ASI Research’s European Promo Market Study
ASI’s Michele Bell and Nate Kucsma join this week’s episode of Promo Insiders to share key takeaways on trends and key findings from ASI Research’s fourth…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: How to Reach Your ‘Exact Right Customer’
Shawna Suckow, who will be speaking at ASI Chicago this July, shares tips for adding a human touch to marketing messages.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders Deep Dive: The Hidden Complexity Behind the Tariff Refund Process
In Counselor’s inaugural episode of the Promo Insiders Deep Dive podcast, Digital News Editor Tara Lerman sits down with three experts to find out how promo…
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Kevin Baumgart on Helping Businesses Grow
The president of Sales Ink talks about guiding print and promo distributors to reach new heights
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: 4 Consumer Purchasing Habits Shaping End-Buyer Demand
Stephanie Preston of PCNA (asi/66887) discusses the Counselor Top 40 supplier’s current trend forecast and what it means for the promo industry in the months…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Red Lobster CEO on Pivoting From Crisis to Comeback
Damola Adamolekun, who will be the keynote speaker at ASI Chicago in July, talks about the power of “red carpet hospitality,” building company culture and…
Advertising Specialty InstituteBranding Together: Opportunities (and Limitations) of AI in Print & Promo
Aly Banholzer and Marshall Atkinson of ShirtLab talk about why artificial intelligence is a competitive advantage for the decorated apparel and branded merch…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Playing the Long Game with Counselor’s 2026 Supplier Salesperson of the Year
Alissa Succi of Counselor Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480) shares valuable insights gleaned over nearly 30 years in the promo industry.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Winning Advice from Matt Kirsh, Counselor Distributor Salesperson of the Year
The client experience executive for Score Promotions (asi/321353) shares how he went from a teenage warehouse worker for a distributor to a trusted partner for…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: What ASI’s 2026 Ad Impressions Study Revealed About the International Market
ASI’s Michele Bell and Nate Kucsma take a deep dive into key insights on the international market from the 2026 Ad Impressions Study.
Advertising Specialty InstituteBuild the Look, Not Just the Logo: How To Use Heat Printing for Promo Success
Today’s end-buyers are looking for more than just logos on a product: they’re looking for a full branding service that fits into their overall marketing…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Vera Muzzillo & Michael Roney Break Down Proforma’s Blockbuster Safeguard Deal
Proforma CEO Vera Muzzillo and Chief Strategy Officer Michael Roney discuss how one of the biggest distributor deals in promotional products history came…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: How To Build a Brand with Lisa Hu of Lux & Nyx
Lisa Hu, the founder of Lux & Nyx (asi/88973), shares her journey from a career in corporate finance to the CEO of her own brand, with product in both promo…
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Branding Together: How Creative Merch & Sales Strategies Shape Future of Print & Promo
Mark Pomerantz of SalesWisdom shares his tips on how to build a better sales program.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Dave Sarro on Strategy Changes & Modernization
The CEO of PromoDirect discusses the company's growth from print catalogs to a full-service distributor for the digital age
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Key Findings from ASI’s 2026 Canadian Ad Impressions Study
Counselor’s Sara Lavenduski and Hannah Rosenberger discuss three important takeaways from the new data and what it means for promo companies doing business in…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: What’s Next At Fully Promoted
Walter Miska, new brand president of Counselor Top 40 distributor Fully Promoted (asi/384000) and Andrew Titus, president of United Franchise Group (UFG)…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Staying Resilient Amid Economic and Political Uncertainty
Dilip Bhavnani, chief operating officer at Counselor Top 40 supplier Sunscope, discusses the War in Iran and its impact on promo.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: How to Build a Best Place to Work
Counselor editors chat with leaders at three of the companies on the 2026 list to determine what makes them such great places to work.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Thea Rodrigue and RED Swag Turned a Meeting Into an Opportunity for Fun
The CEO of Red Swag made what could've been a dull job something memorable using print and promo.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Navigating Industry Shifts
Michelle Chen of Fossa Apparel (asi/55141) discusses macro forces affecting sourcing and the supply chain, and how she and her team stay in step with consumer…
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Branding Together: How Small Sustainability Changes Can Have a Big Impact
Julie Schneiderman of EcoStiks talks about sustainable merch, a new spin on brand activations, the “Skip the Lid, Savor the Moment” movement and more.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Jill Spencer on Closing the Gaps for Customers
The VP of Swag at Radar Promotions discusses how she and her team can offer (almost) anything a campaign might require.
Advertising Specialty InstituteASI’s New CEO Ashish Mittal Talks First Impressions & Industry’s Tech-Driven Future
As he embarks on his new role, Mittal shares why ASI’s culture stands out, where he sees opportunity in a complex supply chain and how technology – especially…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Top Takeaways From ASI’s 2026 U.S. Ad Impressions Study
ASI’s Nate Kucsma and Hannah Rosenberger dive into the key findings from the just-released 2026 Ad Impressions Study, which highlights the continued…
Advertising Specialty InstituteDiving Into the ASI/PPAI Carbon Impact Study & What Comes Next
Andrew Kelly of Overture Promotions and Laura Smith of Storm Creek share their reactions to the study that measures promo’s carbon impact against other…
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: How Brandon Lutz & The Foundry Use Print & Promo for Beverage Industry Customers
Lutz discusses how he found his place in print and promo and grew his brand's niche.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Our Favorite Trends, Ideas and Moments from ASI Show Fort Worth 2026
The Counselor editors recap all the highlights from ASI’s signature southwest trade show.