Back-to-school season is about more than backpacks and notebooks.

It's one of the biggest business opportunities of the year. In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook is joined by SAGE Distributor Account Advisor Sage Thomas to discuss how distributors can rethink the back-to-school season and uncover opportunities far beyond traditional school products.

From hiring initiatives and workplace routines to community sponsorships, sports, fall events, and holiday planning, Sage explains why this season is really about helping businesses reconnect with customers as they transition into one of the busiest times of the year.

You'll also hear practical ideas for positioning promotional products, identifying new prospects, and creating seasonal campaigns that resonate with clients, even if they don't sell directly to schools.

Whether you're looking for fresh sales ideas or a new perspective on seasonal marketing, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you make the most of back-to-school season.

This episode is brought to you by Brighter Promotions.

Planning your 2027 advertising strategy? Now is the time to start.

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with John Griffin, Senior Account Advisor on the SAGE Supplier Sales team, to discuss why suppliers should begin planning their advertising well before the new media guide is released.

John shares how the SAGE Supplier Sales team works with suppliers to build customized advertising strategies based on business goals, budgets, product launches, and seasonal promotions, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. They also discuss why premium placements fill quickly, how themed advertising opportunities can increase visibility, and why early planning leads to better long-term results.

Whether you're advertising with SAGE for the first time or looking to maximize your marketing investment, this episode offers valuable insights into making your advertising dollars work harder.

Learn more about advertising opportunities with SAGE by reaching out to your Supplier Account Advisor or visiting sageworld.com.

This episode is brought to you by Brighter Promotions

What makes a great leader, and how do you become one?

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook is joined by Megan Dean (PPAI), Jill Begun (PPAI), and Halle Moore (BAYSTATE) to discuss the PPAI Leadership Development Conference (LDC), an event designed to help emerging leaders, young professionals, and regional volunteers develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to grow their careers.

Whether you're just getting started in the promotional products industry or looking to strengthen your leadership abilities, this conversation explores why LDC has become one of the industry's most impactful professional development events.

In this episode, you'll learn:

What makes the PPAI Leadership Development Conference unique

Who should attend (hint: you don't need to be a manager!)

The practical leadership skills attendees take back to work

Why networking at LDC creates lasting career relationships

How regional volunteers and young professionals learn from one another

Why attendees leave with greater confidence, stronger connections, and actionable leadership tools

If you're looking to invest in your professional growth, this episode is a great introduction to everything LDC has to offer.

👍 Like this episode, subscribe for more Promo Perspectives, and leave a comment sharing what leadership skill has had the biggest impact on your career.

To register for LDC, click here: https://www.ppai.org/event/leadership-development-conference/

This episode is brought to you by Brighter Promotions.