Pedre Promotional Products

THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS industry is an evolving one. Case in point: a little over five years ago when this writer first came aboard the Promo Marketing (formerly Promotional Marketing) ship, there was little, if any, talk of the environment and what the industry could do to preserve it. However, within the past two years alone, it seems the entire industry has gone “green,” with both suppliers and distributors heralding their environmentally responsible business practices and industry publications dedicating entire issues to the topic. Even with the widespread attention environmental safety has received, there are other notable topics brewing in the industry these days.

Alan Goldfarb, widely regarded as the organizer of the industry’s most successful traveling trade shows, has launched his own company, SHOWTIME, LLC, Greenland, N.H. Florida’s Gold Coast Promotional Products Association (GCPPA) is the first to take advantage of SHOWTIME’s services, with an event scheduled for Oct. 10. A schedule is already announced for events in Aug., Sept. and Oct. 2007, and a full calendar of SHOWTIME events in 2008 will soon follow. Suppliers planning their exhibit schedules and budgets will receive a SHOWTIME contract before June 1, 2007. Goldfarb, a 30-year industry veteran, began his career as a distributor. He is credited with the

One shouldn’t underestimate the importance of using well known brands in promotions. Big names will help draw end-users for more reason than just the prestige associated with the name. The business world is often thought to be dry and uptight. Authentic brands, such as Nike, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger, drive demand and create excitement within the corporate environment. End-users will be wearing a piece of logoed apparel in conjunction with other clothing; this is an opportunity to create additional sales by suggesting matching garments. Offering authentic retail brands along with private label and activewear products opens up a multitude of opportunities within