PPPC National Tradeshow: Live Coverage

Join Neil Mihan as he goes live from the PPPC National Tradeshow, conducting exclusive 1-on-1 interviews with our top suppliers in their Natcon booths. Get the inside scoop on the latest products, trends, and innovations directly from the experts! Don’t miss out—tune in for all the action!

Ariel Premium Booth Tour - Amy & Neil

Amy Kitzman from Ariel Premium highlights their latest offerings, including a pickleball set, eco-friendly RPET bags, foldable tote bags, and stress relievers with new shapes. Also showcasing wellness products like microwavable comfort items, full-wrap decorated drinkware, and recycled material accessories. Ariel Premium continues to expand its sustainable and innovative product lines while maintaining a focus on quality and customization.

Goldstar Booth Tour - Charles & Neil

Charles Duggan from Goldstar highlights some key updates: free freight on all items, no setup fees, and an eco-friendly product line with 72+ new items. He showcases eco-conscious backpacks, stainless steel tumblers with ceramic interiors, and recycled aluminum drinkware. Goldstar is also committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040. They are introducing more trendy products and are focused on global solutions, making it easier for clients to order and receive products worldwide. For custom orders, Goldstar offers virtual design boards with an 81% close rate.

3M Promotional Markets Booth Tour - Misty & Neil

Misty Friedrichs from 3M highlights their latest offerings in the booth. Key products include new 6×8 notepads with customizable designs, activity and coloring pads, and a French version coming soon. She also showcases how repositionable Post-it®️ notes, are perfect for brand visibility, and that they offer a wide range of die-cut shapes. Misty emphasizes functional uses like coupons and door toppers, with cubes and lint packs as popular promotional items. Lastly, 3M’s eco-friendly pad options and command hooks that are priced lower than retail, and how they are a hit for universities and trade shows.

Keystone Booth Tour - Pete & Neil

Pete Gleason from Keystone highlights key products and features. Keystone offers a Canadian-friendly website with pricing FOB Concord, Ontario, and tools like live inventory, a freight calculator and easy access to compliance documents. Keystone’s “Mega Deals” offer great value, including four imprint locations on bottles for one setup fee. Popular NEW items include color-changing stadium cups, double-wall stainless whisky tumbler, and eco-friendly products like RPET totes and sustainable cork coasters. Keystone emphasizes sustainability, fast shipping, and excellent customer service to make distributors’ lives easier.

Compass Booth Tour - Mike & Neil

Mike Levy, President of Compass Industries, highlights popular products like Zippo lighters with full-wrap logos, Boogie Board reusable notepads, and electric lighters. Compass also excels with name brands like Leatherman tools, Kershaw knives, and Swiss Army products and much more. New additions include Rains waterproof bags, hot-stamped with custom logos. A snowflake tool featuring 17 functions and a TSA-friendly design, perfect for the holidays. Compass also offers stain-resistant mats, acrylic trays. Their website provides videos on almost every product and hosts a ton of useful “digital” product decks for various industries!

Faro Booth Tour - Tony & Neil

Tony Ronci, President of Faro. Sharing that while not much has changed, they have exciting new styles, like their popular Digi Print, all made in Canada. This process allows for creative designs, from sports-themed items to full-color metal magnets, and is competitive with overseas products. Faro’s line includes ornaments, pins, key chains, and belt buckles, with quick-turn SOS items and 3D-printed replicas. Their Action Series features pins with moving parts, and they cater to collectors with custom lapel pins, challenge coins, and zipper pulls.

Tony also highlights Faro’s attention to detail with texturing and realism, offering products that stand out and are memorable for events.

Soft Stuff Promotions Booth Tour - Sharon & Neil

At the Soft Stuff booth with Sharon Griffith. She highlights new Puff Plushies, which are soft, squishy, and customizable with hidden zippers for easy embroidery or transfers. They’re in stock by November. New 11-inch plush clothing items include hoodies and lab coats. The Mini Me collection is a top seller, and Soft Stuff is expanding their Indigenous collection.

With Christmas 109 days away, Sharon recommends ordering holiday items now, like Christmas pajamas and eco-friendly plush toys. Soft Stuff specializes in quick, in-house decoration for fast turnaround. Reach out for help with custom designs and holiday ideas!