Thousands of members. Endless branded merch. One unforgettable Expo.

In this special episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook leans into the heart of the podcast’s name by bringing you real perspectives from across the promotional products industry following the largest trade show of the year, PPAI Expo in Las Vegas.

Rather than offering a single recap, Nicole gathers voices from every angle of the show floor, including suppliers, organizers, first-time attendees, industry veterans, and members of the SAGE team, to answer one simple question:

How would you describe your time at Expo?

You will hear from:

• Kristina Beal of Totally Chocolate Promo on relaunching a brand, experiential merch, and the power of collaboration

• Anne-Marie Bolton from SAGE on the rise of dual and triple-use products that stood out on the floor

• Josh Ellis of PPAI on the unexpected networking moments that make Expo special

• Renee Ward on what it takes to execute an event of this scale

• Megan Dean’s first-time Expo impressions and her perfect social caption

From experiential merchandise and product innovation to meaningful connections and after-hours networking, this episode captures the energy, momentum, and community that define Expo 2026.

Whether you attended in person or followed from afar, this recap delivers insights, trends, and perspectives you will not want to miss.

Tune in for Part One of our Expo Recap Perspectives and stay tuned for more.

This episode is brought to you by Brentwood Line

https://www.brentwoodline.com/

In this SAGE Conference 2026 session, Matt explores key trends shaping the promotional products industry and what suppliers and distributors should be paying attention to right now.

From evolving customer expectations to smarter ways of leveraging tools and technology, Matt offers a forward-looking perspective backed by practical examples. This session is designed to help attendees think strategically, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions that support sustainable growth.

If you want a clearer understanding of where the industry is headed and how to prepare your business for what’s next, this session provides valuable insight and direction.

At SAGE Conference 2026, Amanda delivers a practical, insight-packed session focused on helping promotional professionals work smarter, stay adaptable, and make confident decisions in a rapidly changing industry.

In this session, Amanda breaks down real-world strategies you can apply immediately, from improving day-to-day workflows to thinking more strategically about growth, efficiency, and long-term success. Whether you’re refining existing processes or exploring new approaches, this talk offers clear takeaways designed to help you move forward with intention.

Perfect for distributors, suppliers, and marketers looking to sharpen their skills, gain perspective, and leave with actionable ideas they can put to work right away.

Andy takes the stage at SAGE Conference 2026 with a forward-thinking session that explores how technology, data, and smarter tools are shaping the future of the promotional products industry.

This session focuses on leveraging modern solutions to streamline operations, improve visibility, and make better business decisions. Andy shares practical insights on embracing change, using available tools more effectively, and positioning your business for sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.

If you’re looking to better understand where the industry is headed and how to stay ahead of the curve, this session delivers valuable perspective and clear direction.

In this SAGE Conference 2026 session, Eric dives into practical strategies designed to help promotional product professionals work smarter, adapt faster, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Eric shares real-world insights on improving workflows, leveraging technology more effectively, and making strategic decisions that support long-term business growth. From simplifying everyday processes to identifying opportunities for greater efficiency, this session focuses on actionable takeaways you can apply immediately.

Whether you’re looking to refine how you use SAGE tools, strengthen your operational approach, or better position your business for what’s next, this session offers valuable guidance rooted in experience and industry knowledge.

Watch now to gain clarity, confidence, and practical ideas you can put to work right away.

Thinking about becoming a supplier in the promotional products industry, or looking to strengthen your presence in SAGE?

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook is joined by Jonathan Webb from SAGE’s Supplier Sales team for a practical, high-level guide to getting started as a supplier and growing successfully inside the SAGE ecosystem.

Jonathan breaks down what it really means to be a supplier in the promo industry, why this relationship-driven space offers massive opportunity for small businesses, and how new suppliers can get listed, verified, and discovered by over 45,000 distributors using SAGE every day.

You’ll also learn:

• The step-by-step process to becoming a SAGE Advantage supplier

• How product verification and supplier ratings impact search visibility

• Best practices for building trust and credibility as a new supplier

• How to upload and manage products in the SAGE Supplier Center

• Smart ways to use advertising and data to drive long-term growth

Whether you’re brand new to the industry or ready to take your supplier strategy to the next level, this episode offers actionable insights straight from the experts who help suppliers succeed every day.

🎧 Tune in to learn how SAGE supports suppliers from onboarding to growth—and why the right tools, relationships, and strategy make all the difference.

As the new year approaches, what trends are shaping the promotional products industry? In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook is joined by SAGE Distributor Account Advisor Matt Parisi to break down what distributors and their clients are really looking for as they head into 2026.

They discuss the shift from uncertainty to confidence in the market, how buying behavior has evolved over the past year, and why premium, functional products are gaining momentum. From drinkware innovations to recognizable name-brand apparel, Matt shares real-world insights straight from conversations with distributors of all sizes.

You’ll also hear practical advice for distributors on presenting higher-quality options, building confidence with clients, and using SAGE Workplace tools and resources to stay ahead of trends. Whether you’re planning for the new year or refining your product strategy, this episode offers a valuable perspective to help you start strong.

Be sure to explore SAGE’s quarterly STAT reports, product filters, and catalog resources mentioned in the episode to dive even deeper into what’s trending now and what’s next.

Featuring: Jessica Del Rio, Director of Trade Shows & Events, and Halayne Noah, Trade Show Coordinator at SAGE Hosted by Nicole Cook

Ever wonder what it actually takes to prepare for a trade show as massive as The PPAI Expo? In this episode, we take you behind the scenes with the SAGE team responsible for bringing it all to life.

Jessica and Halayne share: ✔ When Expo planning really starts ✔ How shipping, booth builds, electrical, union rules, and deadlines all come together ✔ The most common surprises new exhibitors never expect ✔ Tips to avoid costly mistakes ✔ What makes a trade show booth stand out today ✔ Their most rewarding moments from the show floor ✔ Why documentation, checklists, and backup plans are everything

Whether you’re an exhibitor preparing for your first show or a seasoned pro looking to tighten up your strategy, this episode gives you a practical and highly entertaining look at the process.

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