What does Gen Z actually want from promotional products?

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Anne Marie sits down with fellow Gen Z team member Emily Pritchard to discuss what makes branded merchandise worth keeping—and what ends up in the trash. From quality and usefulness to sustainability and memorable brand experiences, they share an honest Gen Z perspective on what today's consumers value most.

You'll also hear their thoughts on why subtle branding beats constant advertising, the products they reach for every day, and a rapid-fire "Keep or Toss" challenge featuring some of the most common promotional products in the industry.

Whether you're a distributor, supplier, marketer, or brand looking to connect with younger audiences, this conversation offers practical insights into creating promotional products that people actually want to use.

In this episode:

What Gen Z values most in promotional products

Why quality and usefulness matter more than ever

The role sustainability plays in purchasing decisions

How thoughtful experiences create lasting brand impressions

Favorite promotional products—and the ones they'd leave behind

Advice for distributors marketing to Gen Z

Subscribe for more conversations about trends, products, and strategies shaping the promotional products industry.

This episode is brought to you by Safety Made

How do custom journals become powerful brand experiences?

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Don Manchester from JournalBooks, a division of PCNA, to explore the world of custom journal sourcing and how distributors can create memorable branded experiences for their clients.

Don shares insights into JournalBooks' 50+ years of U.S.-based manufacturing, the sourcing process behind custom notebooks and journals, and how distributors can move beyond simply placing a logo on a product to creating something truly meaningful.

Topics include:

📓 What makes JournalBooks different from traditional notebook suppliers

📓 How sourcing works from a supplier perspective

📓 Creating custom journals for onboarding, events, and premium gifting

📓 Custom inserts, packaging, QR codes, and other creative enhancements

📓 The benefits of collaborating with suppliers during the sourcing process

📓 How distributors can become more valuable to their clients through custom solutions

📓 What information helps suppliers create the best recommendations

Whether you're new to promotional products or looking for fresh ideas to elevate your next project, this episode offers practical insights into creating branded experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Subscribe for more Promo Perspectives episodes featuring industry experts, marketing strategies, and promotional product insights.

This episode is brought to you by JournalBooks.

#PromoPerspectives #JournalBooks #PCNA #PromotionalProducts #BrandedMerchandise #CustomJournals #Marketing #BrandExperience #PromotionalMarketing #SupplierSpotlight

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet, and with the 2026 tournament coming to North America, the promotional products industry has a unique opportunity to get involved.

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with SAGE Supplier Sales Representative and soccer enthusiast Cody Smith to discuss how the World Cup impacts promotional products, branded merchandise, advertising, and marketing campaigns.

They explore:

⚽ Why the World Cup is the world's largest sporting event

⚽ The economic impact of hosting the 2026 tournament

⚽ Memorable World Cup advertising campaigns from brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's

⚽ Creative ways distributors can capitalize on World Cup excitement

⚽ Fan engagement, watch parties, national pride, and branded merchandise opportunities

⚽ Cody's predictions and hopes for Team USA

Whether you're a distributor, supplier, marketer, or soccer fan, this episode offers valuable insights into how one of the world's biggest events creates opportunities for branding and promotional products.

Subscribe for more Promo Perspectives episodes featuring industry trends, marketing insights, and promotional product strategies.

This episode is brought to you by JournalBooks

#PromoPerspectives #WorldCup2026 #PromotionalProducts #BrandedMerchandise #Marketing #PromotionalMarketing #FIFAWorldCup #SoccerMarketing #Branding #SAGE