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: Trends & Opportunities in the Wide World of Print
Ashley Roberts, content director of Printing Impressions, talks about some of the biggest trends in commercial printing right now and how promo distributors…
Advertising Specialty InstituteBranding Together: Retail Brand-Building Secrets From the Creator of Atomicchild
Jimmy Bryant talks about how he launched his nature-inspired apparel and accessories brand that’s sold in every REI store across the country.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Here Comes the Sun
Counselor editors taste-test fun snacks and discuss sales ideas for spring and summer campaigns.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Building Retail Brand Relationships with Compass Industries
Compass Industries President Mike Levy joins Promo Insiders to discuss how the third-generation family business built its product niche and how it tackles…
- Advertising Specialty Institute
Branding Together: Using Promo Products to Support Literacy Programs
Christy and Brian Floriani, owners of BUKU Branded, talk about why they’ve chosen to devote 100% of the net profits from their distributorship to advancing…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Expert Tips on Selling Sustainable Branded Merch
Liz Haesler, chief merchandising officer at PCNA and a member of the ASI Promo for the Planet advisory board, says that buyers are no longer asking why…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Why the Best Businesses Thrive on Connection
Nick Friedman, co-founder of multimillion dollar moving company College Hunks Hauling Junk and the keynote speaker at ASI Fort Worth 2026, explains how…
Advertising Specialty InstituteWhy Patches & Emblems Are a Beginner-Friendly Decoration Favorite
Have you ever thought about decorating with patches and emblems, but weren’t sure where to start? Consider this podcast your crash course on how to get…
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: John Vo & WHOOPLA's Creative Kitting Solutions
The owner of WHOOPLA (asi/522701) explains how the distributor brought print into the fold and how it executes creative kit ideas for customers.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: What’s the Latest With Tariffs?
ASI Media’s Sara Lavenduski and Tara Lerman talk about the current situation with the levies and how trade relations with the U.S. have shifted in recent…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Obsess Over Creating a Better Customer Experience
Tej Shah, CEO of Counselor Top 40 distributor Overture Promotions, explains how hyper-focusing on client needs and challenges can be the key to building a…
- Advertising Specialty Institute
Branding Together: The Importance of Transparent Supply Chains, Featuring Atlantis Headwear
Co-hosts Cassie Green and Theresa Hegel chat with Elisa Pavan about the Italian headwear brand and the importance of incorporating sustainable practices at…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Lance Stier of NC Custom on Innovations & Trends in Food Gifts
The Counselor Top 40 supplier recently acquired Confection 360, and Stier explains how its high-speed etching process is expanding the company’s offerings.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Gerardo Alvarado Talks Eco-Conscious Customers & Creative Solutions
The national sales manager for Canadian distributor Logic Group traces his history in print and promo and his company's full suite of services
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Recapping ASI Show Orlando
ASI Media’s Sara Lavenduski and Hannah Rosenberger reflect on three energetic days in sunny Florida that kicked off a new year of sales.
- Advertising Specialty Institute
Branding Together: Unveiling Our Special Merch Project, With Stanley/Stella
Co-hosts Theresa Hegel and Cassie Green talk about working with industry suppliers and decorators to create custom podcast merch, welcoming Jeremy Morillo of…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: 7 Bold Predictions for 2026
ASI Media’s editors forecast the year in promo, from tariffs to AI to their prediction for Product of the Year.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Kate Vanmarum Explains How A Delicious Food Promo Can Start with Packaging
Kate Vanmarum, sales representative for The Promo Addict Inc., discusses finding the right (literal) flavor profile for a campaign and pairing it with creative…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Build a Competitive Advantage with AI
Sterling McKinley of Clarity AI Solutions, a speaker at the upcoming ASI Show in Orlando, discusses AI’s capabilities as a powerful and essential assistant for…
Advertising Specialty InstituteJustin Washburn on Creating Repeat Business in Print & Promo
The owner of Full Throttle Marketing Powered by Proforma says the best thing a distributor can be for a client is a pain reliever.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: The Impact of Counselor’s 2025 Product of the Year
Personalized accessories – Counselor’s 2025 Product of the Year – have made waves by turning promo’s smallest items into major vessels for personal expression…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Avoid Greenwashing and Grow Sales With Data-Driven Sustainability Practices
Lindsay Hampson of ThisRock explains why sustainability is a must-have for promotional products distributors of all sizes and how taking simple steps to…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: How to Build an Authentic Brand with Atlanta Hawks CMO Melissa Proctor
Proctor, the keynote speaker at ASI Orlando in January, offers her top tips for brand relevance and connecting to target audiences in a crowded marketplace.
- Advertising Specialty Institute
Branding Together: Previewing the 2026 Sustainable Merch Summit
Jay Busselle and Jeff Solomon of Branded Merch Network visit the show to look back on the inaugural summit and share a sneak peek of what’s planned for next…
Advertising Specialty InstituteInternational Trade Negotiations, Supply Chain Destruction and the Legality of Trump's Tariffs
In this episode of Promo Insiders, international trade and policy expert Babak Hafezi discusses modern supply chain challenges, the recent Supreme Court case…
- Advertising Specialty Institute
Branding Together: Unboxing the Power of Custom Packaging
Lauren Davis and Sean Doherty of Box Genie explain the emotional impact of a well-designed unboxing experience and explore some current trends in packaging.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Lessons From Starbucks, Taylor Swift & Other Viral Merch Moments
In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI Media editors break down some of their favorite “merch in the wild” stories of the past few weeks.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Harnessing Creativity & Finding Repeat Customers with Jeff Grippando
The president of GBS BrandConnect traces his career from print beginnings to full-service present.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: The Next 5 Years of Tech from the ASI Power Summit
Tech futurist Sam Maule discusses the key takeaways from his Power Summit session on what to expect from now through 2030 in the areas of tech, AI and…
Advertising Specialty InstituteBranding Together: Reflections on M&A Activity With Rusty Pepper
Rusty Pepper, head of global markets and partnerships at Taylor Corp., discusses mergers and acquisitions in an episode recorded at PRINTING United Expo in…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Reflections from PRINTING United Expo 2025
ASI Media editors Theresa Hegel and Brendan Menapace discuss some of the biggest trends and takeaways from this year’s show, held Oct. 22 to 24 in Orlando.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: AI, Tariffs and Highlights from the ASI Power Summit
ASI Media’s editors offer up their biggest takeaways from the conference that brings together leaders in the promo industry.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Premier Press's Laura Mazy & Geoff Brown Talk Kitting Creativity & USPS Woes
Premier Press transformed from print provider to full-service firm with the addition of promotional products.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Seasonal Sweets & Q4 Sales Tips
In this episode, ASI Media editors Theresa Hegel, Sara Lavenduski, Tara Lerman and Hannah Rosenberger sample fall goodies and break down some tips for promo…
Advertising Specialty InstituteJeremy Picker Shares His Secrets to Creative Merch Design
In this episode of Branding Together, the CEO and creative director of AMB3R, talks about how he got his start in the apparel and promo industries, and where…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Economist Mary Kelly on Tariffs and Geopolitical Concerns
Dr. Kelly will return to the ASI Power Summit in October to discuss the state of the economy after a tumultuous 2025.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Online Stores & Managing Inventory with Jennifer Lowry
The senior account executive from Digital Marketing and Print Solutions traces her company's growth from catering to the restaurant industry to managing…
- Advertising Specialty Institute
Branding Together: The Latest Trends in Print & Promo
In this mini-episode, co-hosts Theresa Hegel and Cassie Green chat about some of the biggest trends they’re seeing in the industry right now.
Advertising Specialty InstituteASI Power Summit Keynote Preview: Tim Andrews & Sophia the Robot
ASI CEO Tim Andrews in candid conversation with Sophia, the world’s most famous humanoid robot, previewing her keynote at the ASI Power Summit 2025, Oct. 12–14…
Advertising Specialty Institute‘Supply Chains Run the World’ & Other Expert Insights From Simon Croom
In this episode of Promo Insiders, Simon Croom, a speaker at the upcoming ASI Power Summit, discusses how to build agile supply chains, navigate tariffs and…
- Advertising Specialty Institute
Branding Together: Cutter & Buck’s Joel Freet Shares Journey From Intern to CEO
Freet also discusses print on demand in retail and promo, the role of AI in operation, supply chain challenges and his company’s commitment to sustainability.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Fostering Growth Through Print & Promo with Dean Manzetti
CDP vice president Dean Manzetti explains how he incorporated promo into his print business over the years, and remembers one case study that created customer…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePremium Apparel With a Purpose: How BELLA+CANVAS Combines Sustainability & Style
BELLA+CANVAS (/39590) is committed to even more than creating the premium apparel you know and love. This iconic supplier is also leading the charge on…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Inside BDA’s Acquisition of Harper + Scott
Jay Deutsch, CEO of Counselor Top 40 distributor BDA (asi/137616), and Harper + Scott (asi/220052) co-founders Michael Scott Cohen and Jon Alagem join Promo…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Find the (Real) Decision-Maker
Jason McCracken of Eagle Promotions (asi/185320) and an ASI Media 2025 Distributor Salesperson Finalist, offers tips for saving time and closing more sales by…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: PromoKitchen & the Importance of Mentorship
Ashley Coulatti and Halle Moore, both “Chefs” on PromoKitchen’s board, join Promo Insiders to discuss the importance of mentorship in promo ahead of the…
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Thinking Outside the Box (and the Bathroom) for Toiletries Campaigns with Dan Lunoe & Matthew Whitely
Dan Lunoe and Matthew Whitely from BAMKO discuss how the Counselor Top 40 distributor has expanded into commercial print, and how it incorporated its print…
Advertising Specialty InstituteTim Andrews & Dave Leskusky Dish on Why PRINTING United Expo Is the Place To Be for Promo
In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI’s president and CEO teams up with the president of PRINTING United Alliance to talk about the continued convergence of…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: The Most Intriguing Findings from the Counselor 2025 State of the Industry Report
ASI Media’s editors discuss the biggest topics from Counselor’s annual promo industry report, including tariffs, Q2 sales and top markets & products.
Advertising Specialty InstituteHit Promo & iClick CEOs Share Story Behind New Partnership
In this episode of Promo Insiders, CJ Schmidt and Jeff Roberts also weigh in on tariffs, tech, print on demand and other industry trends.
Advertising Specialty InstituteBranding Together: How Print on Demand Is Reshaping the Industry
Maddy Alcala, president of Gooten, discusses the rise of print on demand and gives her best advice for print and promo professionals who want to implement the…
Advertising Specialty InstituteHow To Master Direct-to-Film Decoration: Benefits, Best Practices & More
Get ready to learn everything you need to know to become a direct-to-film decoration expert. On today’s podcast, we’re joined by Jennifer Johnson, strategic…
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Cohesion Through Color & High Perceived Value with David Grossman
The Grossman Marketing Group co-president discusses his company's growth into promo from print, and how color is everything when it comes to brand cohesion.
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Recapping the Best of ASI Show Chicago
ASI Media’s editors recount their top takeaways and product finds from the signature promo tradeshow of the summer.
Advertising Specialty InstituteCounselor’s 2025 Woman of Distinction Brings Her Service & Sustainability Mindset to Promo
Mandi Rudd, director of new markets at Genumark (asi/204588), joins Promo Insiders to share where her dedication to service grew from – and how it shapes her…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Counselor’s 2025 International Person of the Year Shares Brand-Building Tips
Carleen Gray, CEO of GroupeSTAHL (asi/88984), shares her 35-year journey from customer service to the C suite and how she helped transform Stahls’ into a…
Advertising Specialty InstitutePromo Insiders: Talking Leadership, Family & Promo With Counselor’s 2025 Person of the Year
Justin Zavadil, president of American Solutions For Business (ASB, asi/120075), has earned industry-wide acclaim for his superb leadership and genuine Midwest…
Advertising Specialty InstituteAnnouncing the Launch of the ASI Learning Network
ASI’s Michele Bell and Sara Lavenduski discuss the new online education platform available to ASI members, featuring tracks on sales, marketing, AI, ESP+ and…
Advertising Specialty InstituteBranding Together: A Decorator’s Journey From Teenaged Graphic Designer to Big Frog Business Owner
Billy Snyder, owner of Big Frog Custom T-shirts & More in Cumming, GA, offers valuable advice for budding industry professionals.
Advertising Specialty InstituteConvergence Corner: Lessons In Growth from Brewery Branding Co.
Brewery Branding Co. founder Jeremy Wood details how his distributor grew alongside the craft beer boom, leading to where they are now bringing a majority of…