Dozens of new exhibitors will be appearing at The PPAI Expo 2026, the largest and longest-running trade show in the promotional products industry.
Distributors can whet their appetite by swinging by the First-Time Exhibitors pavilion, which is literally the spot to find the next big thing in branded merchandise. Natalie O’Leary, director of business development at BAMKO, PPAI 100’s No. 4 distributor, considers new exhibitors the “gold mines” of the more than 2,500 booths on the show floor.
“I really love visiting those booths, meeting those folks and seeing what’s coming into our industry that I should know about that might be something I could offer and bring to the table to my clients,” O’Leary says.
Natalie O’Leary
Director of Business Development, BAMKO
Expo Newcomers
Naples, Florida-based CordBrick produces the eponymous cord holder that’s billed as an 8-in-1 device. Not only does it organize and hold cords without sticky adhesives, but it also doubles as a phone stand, shortens long cords and securely holds AirPods, according to the website.
“We have a hot, new and unique product for promo,” says Nick Barrett, founder and CEO of CordBrick. Barrett will be exhibiting both the CordBrick and the GlowBrick, which does everything the former does, except it also glows.
Barrett says he wasn’t prepared to start a business when he conceived the CordBrick a decade ago. It wasn’t until 2017 when he quit drinking that all the pieces in his professional and personal life came together. “It didn’t happen overnight; only with the support of family, friends and frankly, a group of total strangers who shared with me their common solution of using a design for living,” he says. “It has worked.”
To help support causes like ones that helped him, the company donates a portion of proceeds from every “Brick” sold to 501(c)(3) organizations who are constructing or maintaining housing for substance recovery and treatment programs.
Nick Barrett
Founder/CEO, CordBrick
Founded in New Zealand in 2005, AS Colour provides wholesale blank apparel.The company, which has distribution centers in California and North Carolina, has been receiving increasing interest from the promotional products channel, according to GM Rick Strassner.
“We’ve been hearing that The PPAI Expo would be a great show for AS Colour to attend,” says Strassner, adding that the supplier will be showcasing its wide collection of apparel and accessories.
“With 27 retail stores internationally and more coming soon to the U.S., we offer a broad spectrum of products that are all ‘retail ready,’” he says. “Our premium garments are built to last and offer creators a blank canvas for self-expression.”
Rick Strassner
GM, AS Colour
New York City-based Dagne Dover, which specializes in bags, is coming to The PPAI Expo 2026 to showcase its corporate orders program to expand its network within the promotional products industry and connect in person with distributors it has already been partnering with.
The firm will be highlighting its corporate bestsellers along with an exclusive new style launching next year that will be available specifically for distributors, according to Mashlie Sanchez, corporate and bulk orders senior associate at Dagne Dover.
“Gifting doesn’t have to be boring,” Sanchez says. “Dagne Dover blends functionality, sustainability and modern design to create thoughtful, retail-quality gifts that people actually use and love.”
Mashlie Sanchez
Corporate & Bulk Orders Sr. Associate, Dagne Dover
One day after the Glen Holt & Fran Ford Memorial Golf Tournament, which raises funds for the Promotional Products Education Foundation’s college scholarship program, Encino, California-based Caddy Splash will make its debut at The PPAI Expo.
The Caddy Splash Pro is a golf club cleaning brush with a built-in water reservoir for on-the-go cleaning. Its durable bristles and sleek, leak-proof design help golfers keep their clubs spotless for better performance on the course. “This product is something we’ve been working on for years and can’t wait to show it off at The PPAI Expo,” says Jason Waldman, vice president of business development at Caddy Splash.
“Caddy Splash products are unique because they’re designed to stay right on the golf bag, unlike other accessories that can get lost or misplaced. Having your branding visible to the customer at all times is something that makes our accessories stand out. We make the ordering and customization process easy, communicate every step of the way and ensure fast, reliable fulfillment – so our partners can count on a smooth experience from start to finish.”
Jason Waldman
VP of Business Development, Caddy Splash
Despite being in business for 13 years, Roseville, California-based supplier NVS Promo has never set up shop at a major trade show. Well, that’s about to change on January 13 as CEO Nate Tangerini is excited to finally put faces to names.
“We also realize that there are probably thousands of distributors who have never heard of us before and we want to introduce ourselves,” Tangerini says. “With its huge reach across the industry, The PPAI Expo seems like the perfect venue to do that.”
Tangerini says the company will be showing new selections with upgraded features from its technology, drinkware and bag lines, along with additional selections in some new product lines that may surprise people.
“We’re a scrappy, resourceful supplier who can do a lot more than just what you’ll see on our website at any given time,” Tangerini says. “Don’t see it on our site? We’ll get it for you. You want something custom? We have the sourcing and manufacturing relationships to do that for you. If you need a proof turned around in 10 minutes, you’re going to get it.
Nate Tangerini
CEO, NVS Promo
“You need your artwork redrawn? We’ll do it for free. If you need a quote, you’ll get it right away. If you need logistical support for specialized deliveries, we can handle that. You’ll get all of the above and more – all from a single assigned point of contact that will be with you from quote to delivery and available even after hours in many cases.”
Register Now
Don’t wait any longer – register and book your trip to The PPAI Expo 2026 right now.
PPAI member distributors may have their registration fees waived based on their membership tier. It’s $50 per person for additional registrants.
Qualified nonmember distributors may access the exhibits and conference for $350 per person. Members of industry regional associations but not PPAI can receive a code from their executive director for a discounted rate.
Suppliers and business services providers who are members but not exhibiting will be charged $750 per person for access to the exhibit hall but may attend The PPAI Expo Conference for no additional cost.
Nonmember, nonexhibiting suppliers/business services providers are not permitted to attend The PPAI Expo.
