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While you don’t need to be a member to attend, joining ASI unlocks key benefits that can help you save money, access VIP experiences and get more out of the show. Here’s how an ASI membership can take your show experience to the next level.

Exclusive Perks That Make Attending Even Better

1. Access to Education Day

At ASI Show Chicago, you’ll have the chance to learn from industry experts through Education Day sessions, packed with insights on sales strategies, marketing trends and business growth. ASI members receive complimentary access to these sessions – a $200 value – giving them an extra edge.

2. Hotel Reimbursement

Travel costs can add up, but ASI members receive up to $300 in hotel reimbursement at ASI Show Chicago, making it more affordable to attend. Just book through ASI’s housing vendor, Connections Housing, and get scanned on both show days to qualify. This exclusive benefit helps cover a significant portion of your expenses, allowing you to invest more into growing your business.

3. Discounted Tickets for the ASI Gala

ASI members get early discounts on ASI Gala tickets, making it easier to attend one of the show’s most exciting networking events. Enjoy great food, drinks and entertainment while connecting with your peers and industry leaders.

4. Special Onsite Benefits & VIP Experiences

All attendees will enjoy a jam-packed show experience, but ASI members get extra perks, including:

• Package shipping services to make it easier to bring back samples and marketing materials
• Members-only events where you can network with top industry professionals and participate in raffles and win prizes
• Opportunities to upgrade to a Platinum Experience for even more benefits

5. Travel Discounts for Extra Savings

Make your trip even more affordable by taking advantage of travel discounts through the ASI Business Savings Program. Vendors in this program offer special discounts to ASI members. Whether it’s rental cars or discounted shipping costs, your membership can help you save even more.

Want an Even More VIP Experience? Upgrade to Platinum!

For those looking for a stress-free, VIP-level experience, an upgrade to the Platinum Experience is available to all ASI members. This premium package includes:

• Express registration for a faster check-in process
• Easier hotel reimbursement for added convenience
• Vouchers for the ASI Gala and concessions to enhance your experience
• Free coffee and water in the Expo Hall to keep you energized
• A bag full of exclusive swag with must-have industry goodies

Don’t Miss Your Chance – Register for ASI Show Chicago

ASI Show Chicago, is perfectly timed for end-of-year selling, making it an essential event for distributors looking to discover new products, strengthen supplier relationships and grow their business.

Ready to experience everything ASI Show Chicago has to offer? Register today or become an ASI member to get even more out of the ASI Show Chicago experience.

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1. Recognize the Value of Attending

Before anything else, remind yourself why attending ASI Show is worth it. This event isn’t just a break from the office – it’s a business growth opportunity timed exactly when you need it. By attending, you’ll:

• Find the latest products to wow your clients
• Meet top suppliers and build relationships that lead to better deals
• Gain sales strategies from expert-led education sessions
• Network with industry peers and uncover new opportunities
• Prep for the busy third and fourth quarters
• Stay on target to hit your year-end goals

When you see ASI Show as an investment in your future, it’s easier to justify the time away.

2. Plan Ahead for a Smooth Departure

The key to stepping away without disruption is preparation. Here’s how:

• Mark the dates on your calendar early. Commit to attending and treat it as a nonnegotiable business event.
• Involve your clients: Don’t just communicate that you’ll be away but ask for specific requests or wish lists. This not only gives you a glimpse into their future projects but allows you to deliver exactly what they need, and gives you a great reason to follow up when you get back.
• Delegate tasks to your team. If you have employees, assign responsibilities so operations continue smoothly. If you’re a solo operation, schedule designated times while you’re away to check your messages and emails and only do it at those times.
• Automate what you can. Set up email autoreplies and schedule social media or marketing efforts in advance.

3. Make the Most of Your Time at the Show

Since you’ve committed to attending, maximize every moment at ASI Show:

• Decide which education sessions you want to attend on Education Day. There are a variety of choices, so select the ones you think will best benefit your business.
• Plan your booth visits for both exhibit days. Identify the key suppliers you want to meet and create a schedule.
• Gather samples and marketing materials. Bring back physical products to showcase to clients.
• Visit the ASI booth where you can get hands-on tech support and product demos that’ll help you to become more efficient and productive.
• Engage in networking events like the Welcome Reception, ASI Gala and Closing Celebration. The connections you make in person can lead to new business opportunities.

The more intentional you are with your time, the greater the return on your investment of time and travel.

4. Stay Connected While You’re Away

Even though you’re out of the office, staying in touch is easier than ever:

• Check emails and messages periodically. Set designated times to respond to important inquiries.
• Use a virtual assistant or auto-responder. Let people know when you’ll be back and who to contact in your absence.
• Share live updates. Post photos or insights from the show on social media to engage clients and followers, positioning you as a leader and innovative thinker.

This ensures that business keeps running while you focus on growth opportunities at the show.

5. Put Your Show Experience To Work

Once you return, apply what you’ve learned to drive your business forward:

• Follow up with new connections. Reach out to suppliers and industry contacts while the conversations are fresh.
• Share key takeaways with your team, including new strategies, sales tips, business solutions and product trends you discovered.
• Use samples and insights to excite clients. Introduce them to fresh ideas and innovative products.

By taking action on what you gained at ASI Show, you’ll see the real value of stepping away from your daily routine.

Make It Happen

Taking time off to attend ASI Show isn’t time lost – it’s time invested in your business’ future. With the right planning, you can step away from the office confidently, knowing that the knowledge, connections and products you gain will fuel growth and success for the rest of the year.

Join us at ASI Show! Register today.

The post 5 Ways To Take Time Out of the Office & Attend a Trade Show appeared first on ASI.

The post Maximize Your ROI at ASI Show 2026 appeared first on ASI.

Strengthen Business Relationships

In-person interactions at ASI Shows are about more than just initial introductions – they provide an opportunity to nurture and strengthen business relationships. Distributors can follow up on previous conversations, discuss ongoing projects and explore new collaboration opportunities. These face-to-face connections help solidify partnerships and lay the foundation for long-term success, fostering increased loyalty and mutual support. Personal interactions create a sense of reliability and trust that virtual communication often lacks. When suppliers see the genuine interest and commitment from distributors, they’re more likely to prioritize these relationships, offering better deals and support in return.

Discover Innovative Products

ASI Shows are a treasure trove of innovative branded merch. Distributors have the chance to explore a wide range of logoed items, from the latest tech gadgets to eco-friendly merchandise. Seeing and handling these products in person provides a deeper understanding of their quality and potential impact. This firsthand experience enables distributors to make informed decisions about which products will resonate with their clients and enhance their marketing campaigns.

Get Ideas on How To Sell Into New Markets

Attending ASI Shows provides a unique opportunity for distributors to engage in in-depth discussions with suppliers, gaining valuable insight into how their products can be sold into additional markets. These conversations often lead to discovering new strategies, product adaptations or market trends you may not have considered. By learning how to diversify your product offerings and target different customer segments, you can expand your reach and drive new business. Additionally, many suppliers offer training sessions at the shows, giving you the knowledge and tools needed to effectively pitch these products to untapped industries. Whether it’s exploring vertical markets or finding creative applications for existing products, these interactions open doors to endless possibilities and set you up for long-term success.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is a cornerstone of business growth, and ASI Shows offer unparalleled opportunities for distributors to connect with industry peers and suppliers. These events are designed to facilitate interactions through various activities, including seminars, workshops and social gatherings where distributors can expand their professional network, share experiences and gain valuable insights into industry trends and best practices.

Gain a Competitive Advantage

Attending ASI Shows provides distributors with a competitive edge. By staying updated on the latest products and industry trends, distributors can offer their clients fresh and innovative solutions. The knowledge gained from these events positions distributors as industry experts, enhancing their reputation and attracting more business. Additionally, the relationships built at ASI Shows can lead to exclusive access to new products and special promotions, further differentiating distributors from their competitors.

Learn More

The power of in-person relationships is undeniable. ASI Shows offer a unique platform for distributors to connect with suppliers, discover new products and strengthen business relationships. By attending these events, distributors like you can build trust, gain insights and achieve a competitive advantage that drives your business forward. Consider adding one or more of the ASI Shows onto your calendar for 2026 to drive your business through the year:

• ASI Show Orlando – January 2026 – First Industry Show of the Year!
• ASI Show Fort Worth – March 2026 – Spring & Summer Inspiration
• ASI Show Chicago – July 2026 – 3^rd & 4^th Quarter Sales Driver

Visit asishow.com to learn more about ASI Show and make sure you’re prioritizing in-person relationships.

The post The Power of In-Person Relationships: Why Attending ASI Shows Is Essential for Promo Products Distributors appeared first on ASI.

Why Sponsorships Matter

Exhibiting at ASI Show already puts your business in front of hundreds of qualified distributors, but a sponsorship ensures that you stand out before, during and after the show. When you’re a sponsor, your logo, company name, booth number and sometimes even product are displayed in prominent locations, attracting the attention of more distributor attendees. But does this work? YES! In fact, sponsorships can increase booth traffic by 104%, generating more leads and value for your marketing dollar.

Here’s why investing in a sponsorship will help your business:

• Increased brand awareness – Your brand will be prominently featured, making it more recognizable and memorable to attendees.
• More booth traffic – Drive more distributors directly to your booth by keeping your brand top of mind.
• Stronger lead generation – Sponsorships enhance engagement, giving you more opportunities to connect with potential buyers.
• Stand out from competitors – You’ll elevate your brand by making it more visible to attendees.
• Ongoing ROI – Exposure doesn’t stop when the show ends – certain sponsorships keep your brand in front of buyers even after they’ve left the show.

High-Impact Sponsorship Opportunities

If you want to make a lasting impression at an ASI Show, there are plenty of sponsorships to choose from, and there’s definitely one that fits your budget. Here are just a few of the many options.

Keynote Sponsorship – Gain high-profile visibility by aligning your brand with an engaging keynote speaker. You’ll receive various promotion before the event, including signage, emails, a pre-session video and more. Keynote sponsors get 28% more leads!

ASI Passport – Every distributor attendee receives an ASI Passport with their badge. They must visit every sponsor’s booth and turn in the passport at the end of the show to be eligible for thousands of dollars in prizes. ASI Passport sponsors get 51% more booth scans!

High-Profile Listing in the Show Directory – All exhibiting suppliers are listed in the directory – you need to stand out! Get a larger full-color listing that includes more details about what you offer (products, specials, etc.).

Power Hour Raffle – Pick a prize to raffle during the show. All attendees will get raffle tickets with their badge that display your logo, name, ASI number and booth number. When it’s time for your raffle, distributors will flock to your booth! Power Hour Raffle sponsors get 93% more leads!

Exclusive Display Pod or Wearables Rack – Get your product seen by attendees before they enter the Expo Hall, sending them right to your booth. Suppliers who put their products in an Exclusive Display Pod see 63% more leads.

Meter Board in Registration – Promote your brand and booth right when attendees arrive.

ASI Gala – Your logo will appear on web pages, in marketing emails and on display at the event, positioning your brand in front of distributors who want to meet you. ASI Gala sponsors get 151% more booth scans!

Pre-Show Email Blast – Drive booth visits and tell pre-registered attendees where to find you.

Lunch & Learn – Present products, key markets and selling angles to a captive distributor audience over lunch. Leave with a valuable attendee list for follow-up. These suppliers get 38% more booth scans.

New Product Preview Reception – Showcase your latest products to hundreds of eager distributors at this cocktail event at the end of Education Day.

Product Distribution – Put your product in distributors’ hands right when they pick up their badge, and give them a reason to swing by your booth.

Post-Show Email Blast – Reconnect with distributors you met and introduce yourself to those you didn’t after the show.

Not sure what sponsorship is right for you? There are packages available that include a little taste of everything!

Reserve Now

Sponsorships are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Maximize your investment, elevate your brand and make the most of your ASI Show experience. Don’t wait until it’s too late – secure your sponsorship today and ensure your brand is front and center at ASI Show.

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