Promotional Product Trends from the 2023 PPAI EXPO

Trade Show Giveaways Events Marketing Trends

 

Welcome to your inside look into the 2023 PPAI Expo held in January in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada!

PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) is an association comprised of promotional product suppliers and distributors. PPAI provides industry partnerships, education, certifications, product safety awareness, media, and research to its members. It was announced that last year, 2022, the current estimate of the industry's sales volume stands at more than $25 billion.

This annual industry event, PPAI Expo, is a trade show that offers promotional product distributors the opportunity to advance education through sessions, meet new suppliers, strengthen relationships with current suppliers, and physically see thousands of new, trendy or popular customizable promo items.

This year certainly did not disappoint! The event attracted thousands of supplier and distributor companies in the promotional product industry to showcase their specialties and make new connections. After seeing thousands of products, walking through hundreds of booths and brainstorming with our top suppliers, we are excited to bring you the top trends in promo we are seeing for 2023!

 

 

2023 Promotional Product Trends

Start getting your marketing juices flowing with these awesome promo products spotted at this year's PPAI Expo. We're focusing on the top trends that stood out to us as popular and easy ways to promote your business. Read on to discover what's hot in product categories - specifically custom drinkware, what wearables you should print your logo on, and what the stand-out color and patterns are this year to customize with your brand.

 

The Thirst is Real:

Stay Hydrated with Custom Drinkware

Customized drinkware consistently remains as one of the top promotional product categories to print your logo on and get your brand out to customers. Branded drinkware, such as personalized water bottles, mugs, and cups, is popular as a promotional tool because it is a practical item that people use daily. It provides a constant reminder of a brand, and it is also a cost-effective way to promote a business or organization. Additionally, custom drinkware can be designed in a unique way that reflects the brand identity which allows it to stand out and make an impression.

 

Print Your Logo on The Influencer Cup

The “influencer cup” is a type of insulated stainless steel tumbler that is commonly used by influencers and outdoor enthusiasts, manufactured by the brand Stanley. These cups are known for their durability and ability to keep drinks hot or cold for extended periods of time. They are typically available in a range of sizes and often feature a leak-proof design, making them ideal for use while on the go. Influencers often promote these cups on social media and through video reviews, and they are often used as a giveaway item for their followers.

Your brand can get the same look of this infamous cup, but without the price tag. The 40 oz Intrepid stainless steel tumbler is a quality custom logo drinkware item. It is a vacuum insulated tumbler that can keep drinks hot or cold for hours. This tumbler is made of stainless steel and it has a capacity of 40 oz. It features a custom logo on the side, which can be used for promotional or branding purposes. Laser engraving your logo on this custom tumbler will also give the item a higher perceived value. The tumbler is also BPA-free and it has a spill-proof lid. It is a durable and long-lasting product that can be used for a variety of occasions such as office, outdoor activities, and travel.

 

Handles are Making a Come Back in Customized Drinkware

Cups with handles have become trendy due to their practicality and aesthetic appeal. Handles make it easier to hold and drink from the cup, and they also add a decorative element to the design. Additionally, the trend of coffee shops and cafes focusing on the experience of drinking coffee and tea has led to an increased interest in unique and stylish cups. This has led to an increase in the popularity of cups with handles as they are seen as fashionable and functional.

 

Drinkware Brands

Customers may trust well-known drinkware brands like Corkcicle because of their reputation for producing high-quality, durable products. Additionally, these brands often have strong marketing and branding strategies that create a sense of trust and reliability in the minds of consumers. They also have a wide range of products that are well-designed, and are made to fit any lifestyle. They also have been in the market for a long time and have a good track record of satisfied customers who have used their products and have given positive feedback. This helps in building trust and credibility among new customers.

 

Fashion Forward:

Keeping Up with the Latest Promotional Wearables

Lululemon belt bag is a type of waist pack or fanny pack which is designed by Lululemon. These bags are made of durable and water-resistant materials and typically feature multiple pockets and compartments for storing personal items such as keys, phone, money, and other small essentials. They are designed to be worn around the waist, making them convenient for activities such as running, hiking, and traveling. Lululemon's belt bags are popular with fitness enthusiasts and other active individuals because they allow them to keep their hands free while still having their essentials close at hand.

The custom logo "Anywhere and Everywhere Belt Bag" is a small, waist-worn bag that can be worn around the middle or across the body. The bag features a zippered main compartment and an adjustable waist strap. It can be customized with a logo or design of your choice, making it a great option for businesses, organizations, or events looking for a unique and functional promotional item.

 

Bucket hats have been popular for many years for a variety of reasons. One reason is that they provide a stylish and unique look. Additionally, they offer sun protection for the face and head, making them a popular choice for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. Furthermore, they are often made from durable and water-resistant materials, which adds to their functionality. Bucket hats have been worn by many celebrities and cultural icons, which has also contributed to their popularity. Another name for a bucket hat is a fisherman's hat or a bush hat. When embroidered with your logo, customized bucket hats gain an even higher perceived value.

 

Similar to a bucket hat, a boonie hat, also known as a boonie cap or jungle hat, is a type of wide-brimmed hat that is typically made from a lightweight and breathable material. The difference from a bucket hat is that a boony hat typically has a wider brim and a chin strap to keep the hat securely on the head. Boonie hats are often used by military personnel, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts as they provide sun protection and help to keep the face and neck shaded from the sun. They also have a good camouflage value. They are also made from durable and water-resistant materials which are ideal for outdoor activities.

 

Fully dye sublimated custom apparel is a type of clothing that is created using a process called dye sublimation. In this process, a design is printed onto a special transfer paper using a sublimation printer. The transfer paper is then pressed onto the fabric using a heat press. The heat and pressure cause the dye particles to turn into a gas, which then permeates the fibers of the fabric. This results in a full-color, high-resolution image that is embedded into the fabric, creating a durable and long-lasting design. This method allows for a wide range of customization options, and the design will not fade or peel over time.

 

A custom logo neck fan is popular because it allows companies to promote their brand while also providing a useful and practical product to customers. The neck fan can also serve as a way for people to stay cool and comfortable during outdoor events or in hot weather. Additionally, the custom logo feature allows companies to create a unique and personalized product that can be used as a promotional giveaway or sold as a branded merchandise.

 

Color Craze:

The Hottest Hues to Focus On Customizing

Viva Magenta: Color of the Year

Pantone's color of the year for 2023 is VIVA MAGENTA (18-1750). Here are some promos for you to incorporate your logo with this trendy color!

 

 

The Perfect Complement to Viva Magenta

Dark green is another hot color of 2023, especially in the world of custom promotional products! This green hue provides the perfect complement to the rosy color of the year above. Look out for hunter green or olive green as a new trending color, especially in branded bags!

 
 

Speckled Pattern: Not just for mugs!

Once only used on stainless steel or ceramic mugs, the campfire design aesthetic is branching out to all types of promotional products! The speckled campfire look has been often used to give a rustic, outdoorsy, and adventurous feel, becoming a popular design choice for camping and outdoor enthusiasts. But now, that the trend is…on fire…(no pun intended) it works for a multitude of advertising scenarios. The speckled look appeals to custom pens, promotional candles and branded notebooks! 

 

 

Are you feeling inspired?

We hope you've found some promo-inspiration to get your marketing started for the year! From custom branded drinkware to promotional apparel, we have explored options that are both functional and stylish. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends and innovative technologies, businesses can effectively communicate their brand message and make a lasting impression on their customers. Whether it's for a corporate event, trade show, or marketing campaign, the right promotional product can help drive brand awareness, customer engagement, and ultimately, drive sales.

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