Most merch pros can’t wait to leave the house. They flock to buzzing trade show floors, insightful conferences and even laid-back hangouts. After all, these gatherings fuel learning and networking. With a packed industry calendar, organizers are dialing up creativity to deliver experiences that are as fun as they are essential for business growth.
From unique trade shows to educational opportunities to just good ol’ fun in the sun, here are the coolest events in merch.
Coolest Cast Of Ladies Since ‘Bridesmaids’
A fashion show, self-defense class and bonfire were just a few of the activities at the Ohio Promotional Products Association’s Women In Merch event in Newark, Ohio. The retreat, designed to empower and uplift women in promo, offered ample opportunities for networking. “There’s a real need to bring our huge industry into a smaller arena where everyone can connect,” says OPPA Executive Director LaDonna Belcher. “After all, women need fellowship in a cozy way.”
Coolest Volkswagen Type 2 Ride
Peace, love and promo … can you dig it? The J Paul Company’s Vendor Showcase was a groovy, far-out trip back to the ’70s with disco balls, Saturday Night Fever fashion and even a flower power van. The Texas-based distributor invited clients to check out the latest products from prominent suppliers in between chowing down from a local food truck, spinning a prize wheel, experiencing a heat press demonstration and taking home a stuffed swag bag. Right on!
Coolest Sneak Peek
If you want to be the first to find out which promo firms made this year’s PPAI 100, then you must attend PPAI’s North American Leadership Conference. The unveiling of the annual list has become a highly anticipated staple of NALC, which features engaging sessions and exclusive speakers tailored specifically for top-level executives and industry visionaries. This year’s event takes place in San Diego from May 12-14. Register now!
Coolest Way To Study Abroad
France’s largest branded merchandise trade show, Salon CTCO in Lyon, allows visitors from around the world to see the innovations and trends, especially regarding sustainability, coming out of Europe. Because European trade show booths tend to have a larger footprint than their American counterparts, as well as a lounge feel, distributors are more likely to have deeper conversations with exhibitors.
Coolest Day At The Racetrack
And they’re off! Distributors and their clients galloped throughout the Chesapeake Promotional Products Association’s Fall Expo, held at Maryland’s Laurel Park, which happens to be the home of The 2026 Preakness. As if discovering unique products and making new connections in such a historic venue wasn’t enough, the night before consisted of bowling, apps and cocktails with industry peers.
Coolest Reason To Drive For Show And Putt For Dough
Before The PPAI Expo trade show floor opens, a hundred promo pros tee up at Las Vegas’s Bali Hai Golf Club for the Glen Holt & Fran Ford Memorial Golf Tournament. It’s the largest fundraiser of the year for the Promotional Products Education Foundation, which has awarded over $4 million in scholarships since its inception in 1989. PPEF uses industry donations to fund scholarships for education of industry professionals or their family members.
Coolest Wine Mixer (Not In Catalina)
In the heart of Washington State’s wine country, Image Source’s Fall Showcase drew more than 500 attendees for an event overflowing with collaboration and inspiration. Guests could sample the latest sustainable materials, explore new retail-inspired apparel, enjoy local seasonal wine and food pairings and participate in hands-on activities like on-site T-shirt printing and fortune telling. “Each and every year the Image Source team delivers, providing its Pacific Northwest clients with new, fresh and trusted branded merchandise coupled with great ideas and a ton of fun,” says Joel Freet, CEO of Cutter & Buck.
Coolest Boot Camp Without A Drill Sergeant
As summer comes to an end, commonsku’s skucamp gathers promo pros for candid conversations and scintillating educational sessions. Last year’s four-day event featured some of the biggest names in the industry discussing the hottest topics, such as AI, tariffs and how to grow your business amid economic uncertainty. “Radical ideas have always been part of skucamp’s DNA,” says Mark Graham, commonsku’s co-founder and president.
Coolest DIY Headwear Experience
More than 200 New Hampshire business leaders attended Fully Promote NH Businesses, Fully Promoted of Southern NH’s second annual client appreciation event. The main attraction was a Hat Bar, in which attendees could create and customize their own headwear with locally themed patches designed by the FPSNH team. “This event is our way of giving back while giving fellow business owners the chance to grow their networks and their businesses,” says Sal Calautti, owner and president of FPSNH.
