Unfortunately, not everyone was able to make the hugely popular Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) Show in Orlando, which took place January 16 – January 18.  Attendees watched a thrilling debate between journalist Bill O’Reilly and author James Carville, learned skills and information during educational seminars, and most importantly were introduced to exciting, new promotional items.

Couldn’t travel to Florida for the show?  No need to fret — ASI has posted some of the show’s highlights on its YouTube page!

In this episode of “The Joe Show,” Joe Haley showcases some stand-out new products from the ASI Show in Orlando.  We love the new items, which include wallet readers, golf kits, and more.  Check out all of Joe’s favorite products in the video below:

My favorite? The Smencil Co.’s scented pens and pencils are great.  Not only will their aroma attract customers, but they’re also made from recycled newspapers — how eco-friendly!

What are your preferred items from the ASI Orlando Show?

Face it:  It wouldn’t be the holidays without some ridiculously ugly sweaters.  In the past, they’ve been reserved for grandparents and fashion victims. 

But awful holiday knitwear has actually become cool; many people take part in ugly sweater parties, contests, and more.  This year, the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI)’s Editorial Department held an ugly holiday sweater competition of its own.  Let’s take a look at some of the nominees:

Those are some pretty foul-looking sweaters!  To view the full list of nominees and to cast your vote for the ugliest, click here.  Thanks for the laugh, guys!

We love the Advertising Specialty Institute’s The Joe Show –  Joe’s always got a great group of products to show off.  The latest episode is no exception!  Check out the video below, in which Joe gives us a look at friendship bracelets, watches, and more!

The great thing about The Joe Show is that Joe gives you ideas for how to appeal to specific audiences.  For example, Joe asserts that friendship bracelets and watches will be popular among “teens, tweens, and early twenty-somethings.”  It’s always important to have an idea about who your giveaways will be aimed at!

Despite huge advancements in the digital world over the past decade, print media are still extremely effective.  An Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) media release distributed today reports that the institute has already sold almost 300,000 copies of its highly-anticipated 2012 Spectrum catalogue.

According to Timothy M. Andrews, ASI President and CEO, “…Studies show that catalogs work and, in fact, 91% of the time, recipients take action as a result of something they noticed in a catalog, with nearly half buying a product.”  Andrews attributes this year’s already exceptional feedback to the catalogue’s wide array of products.

The catalogue, ASI reports, is filled with a large amount of items throughout 26 categories such as computer accessories, travel and health and beauty.  Through purchasing the catalogue, distributors have access to fun and inexpensive items under $1 as well as to more upscale products such as leather iPad covers.  These giveaways and more are all featured in ASI‘s “digest-size catalog” which gives “you the ability to satisfy a variety of your customers’ needs.”

Spectrum offers over 500 products from more than 100 top-notch suppliers, 65 of the year’s best sellers, specially-marked, free shipping, and much more! For a free sample look at the 2012 Spectrum catalogue, click here.

Turtlenecks often get a bad rap.  They’re associated with nerds, dorks, and villians from awful 80s movies.  But, in reality, they’re actually quite stylish!

According to Wearables magazine, turtlenecks are making a resurgance.  Editor C.J. Mittica says that even “…publications like Glamour and GQ have given turtlenecks their official endorsement.”  Take a look at the Advertising Specialty Institute’s latest video that shows off some of the hottest turtlenecks available NOW:

What do you think — would you wear one of these trendy turtlenecks? Share your thoughts; we’d love to hear from you!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or, at least, we’re almost there.  How will you attract new clients and customers this holiday season?  The latest episode of the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI)’s The Joe Show covers some of the industry’s most useful and appealing holiday products.  Check out the clip below!

So what’s your favorite holiday gift? Is it the custom designed holiday ornament? Maybe you like the tough and durable custom imprinted gloves.  Whatever you choose, your clients are sure to love ‘em!

Are there any products that you think Joe missed?  Share your comments!

Are you an avid Advantages magazine reader? Are you a promotional products company located in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic?  If so, you’ll be thrilled to know that the Advantages Roadshow is coming to your area this January!

According to a statement released by the Advertising Specialty Institute, the Advantages Roadshow is a free opportunity to see the beloved magazine come to life. The show will be on the move between January 23 and January 27.  Participants will “discover hot, new products and attend cutting-edge education without having to travel far from home.”

The Advantages Roadshow is your key to the inside scoop on top suppliers’ 2012 product lines and best-selling promotional items. Perhaps more importantly, the traveling show will help increase your ad specialty knowledge base and help you earn credit toward your ASI Certification.  Check out the schedule below to see when the Advantages Roadshow is coming to your town!

Boston | January 23

Long Island | January 24

Secaucus | January 25

Philadelphia | January 26

Baltimore | January 27

For more information on the ASI event, click here!

Wondering how to promote your organization throughout the cool seasons of fall and winter? The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI)’s Joe Haley has got you covered. Check out the latest episode of The Joe Show below for products that’ll impress all your customers this autumn and through till spring:

My favorites? I love the pink gloves from Worldwide Glove & Supply — distributing these accessories is a great way to wrap up National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and provide your customers with a lasting reminder for their yearly mammograms. I’m also a fan of Joe’s featured gym bag. It’s ideal for promoting wellness this winter!

Did Joe miss anything? Leave a comment and fill us in on your preferred fall and winter handouts for 2011!

I love Advantages Magazine.  The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) publication offers advice on how to sell in today’s ever-evolving market.  For example, the cover story of its most recent issue makes mention of Jersey Shore’s Snooki — who knew a promotional products magazine could be so modern?

Recently, the publication’s Editor, Kathy Huston, began making YouTube videos for ASI.  I love being able to see the more human side of the promotional items magazine.  Take a look at Kathy’s most recent video below:

We appreciate the tips, Kathy!  Sales advice is always welcome.  Follow Kathy Huston on Twitter @kathyadvantages!

The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI)’s Holiday Preview Tour made its third stop in Atlanta yesterday.  The Tour, which features “leading ad specialty suppliers showcasing their seasonal products in a tabletop setting, along with free hot-topic education focused on ways to boost your revenue along with valuable networking,” raked in a whopping 450 distributors at its Atlanta location, according to an ASI press release.

Among the event’s impressive exhibitors were American Ad Bag Co., Prime Resources, and American Apparel.  Attendees and exhibitors alike report that the event was a success.

The tour will make its way to Philadelphia next week, and is sure to be just as productive and exciting.  What a fantastic way to get ready for the holiday season!