What made PPAI Expo 2026 so memorable? In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook shares insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives from industry professionals who experienced the show firsthand.

From exciting booth activations like the SAGE slot machine giveaway to discussions about new product features, sustainability trends, industry data, and networking across the global promotional products community, this episode explores what made this year’s Expo so impactful.

You’ll hear perspectives from members of the SAGE distributor sales team as well as leaders from PPAI, including insights on industry growth, challenges facing profitability, sustainability initiatives at large events, and why the Expo continues to be one of the most important gatherings in the branded merchandise industry.

Whether you attended PPAI Expo 2026 or missed it this year, this episode offers a deeper look at the trends, conversations, and energy that defined the event.

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This episode is brought to you by Promotoss. https://www.promotoss.com

Live from the SAGE Conference at the PPAI Expo, we asked attendees to share their real-time reactions to the newly released SAGE features — and the feedback was clear.

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with distributors to talk about what stood out most — from powerful AI integrations to one-click logo uploads, full-presentation branding, virtual mockups, and lifestyle scene creation.

The trend? Speed, simplicity, and smarter selling.

If you’re in the promotional products industry and want to see how these tools can help you create better presentations, move faster, and close more deals, this episode is for you.

👉 Drop a comment and tell us which feature you’re most excited about.

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This episode is brought to you by Promotoss. https://www.promotoss.com

What if creating realistic product mockups didn’t require five different tools and 20 open tabs?

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with SAGE Creative Director Cristi Brinkman to break down the all-new SAGE Design Studio and how it transforms the mockup workflow for designers and non-designers alike.

From bloated, multi-step processes to a purpose-built workflow designed specifically for promo, Cristi shares what it actually looks like behind the scenes when creating client visuals and how the new Design Studio simplifies everything.

You’ll learn:

• How layers help you experiment without starting over

• Why realistic skewing, shadows, and gradients matter more than you think

• How AI-powered logo upscaling eliminates low-quality artwork headaches

• The difference between a mockup and a mockup in context

• Why “Create a Scene” changes client buy-in instantly

• How Design Studio keeps momentum moving instead of stalling projects

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or someone who just needs fast, professional virtual samples, this conversation offers a practical, real-world perspective on why a purpose-built mockup tool matters.

Subscribe for more insights from the promotional products industry and deeper dives into the tools that help you sell smarter.

This episode is brought to you by Promotoss. https://www.promotoss.com