Every year, the Promotional Product Association International (PPAI) Expo brings together thousands of industry professionals from all over, serving as a vital platform to collaborate and discover the latest technologies, products, and trends. This year, our team was fortunate to attend and explore the ever-evolving promotional product landscape. Here’s a recap of our experience and the growing trends that caught our eye.
Embracing Diversity
At OneHum, we pride ourselves on understanding the core values of our clients. Of those values, diversity is largely important to us, and that same sentiment was reflected in this year’s expo. The traditional “one size fits all” approach is evolving, with a focus on customization that resonates with both individual values and preferences.
The Eco-Friendly Evolution
Of all the trends we observed, the spike in demand for eco-friendly and sustainably sourced products stood out. Consumers are increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment, driving a shift towards the proliferation of sustainable promotional items. In fact, in an effort to further reduce waste, this trend has gone beyond the products and now encompasses the packaging they arrive in!
Quality Over Quantity
Walking through the expo, a significant change in consumer behavior was evident, with a movement from quantity-focused purchasing to an emphasis on quality. Buyers are no longer content with commonplace items bought in bulk. Instead, their focus is now on products that both align with their values and provide lasting utility to their prospects.
Retail Brands Entering the Wholesale Promo Arena
Another exciting development we noticed was the entry of notable retail brands into the wholesale promo space. Brands like Marine Layer, Allmade, Owala, and Paper Shoot are rapidly expanding their presence, bringing fresh perspectives—and diverse offerings—to the industry.
Promotional Products as an Experience
Promo isn’t just about the products anymore—but about creating an engaging and holistic experience for the end user. Brands are now focusing on crafting meaningful interactions with their offerings, which in turn elevates the overall promotional experience.
Standout Products and Other Highlights
A highlight of our visit was the New Product Pavilion, where we took a sneak peek at the hottest, up-and-coming items. This platform allowed us the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate the trends that’ll shape the industry for the upcoming year. Likewise, we discovered the standout line of products from Desk Plants. Their unique collection of plants and succulents not only helps add a touch of greenery to your prospect’s desk, but also serves as a valuable item that’s always in sight, creating a lasting brand impression. And, of course, brands like Stanley, Brooks Brothers, JanSport, and Herschel had their products on proud display. Proving why they’ve become such important players in the promo industry (and even the subject of a whole tumbler-collecting craze)!
The PPAI Expo was a true testament to the dynamic—and powerful—nature of the promotional products industry. We’re excited to incorporate these trends and insights into our approach, while continuing to provide innovative and value-driven solutions to our clients!
To get a step up on your ordering for this year, check out our 2024 promotional products catalog: https://viewer.zoomcats.com/priced-2024
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