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

Why do some promotional products become cultural phenomena while others are quickly forgotten?

In this solo episode of Promo Perspectives, Nicole explores the surprising ways branded merchandise creates connection, community, and lasting emotional impact. Drawing from our LinkedIn article, "Five Swag Stories You May Not Have Heard About," she breaks down real-world examples of promotional products that went beyond the logo to become symbols of belonging, identity, and brand loyalty.

From viral tote bags and event merchandise to unexpected product success stories, this episode highlights what distributors, marketers, and brands can learn about creating promo that people genuinely want to use, wear, and talk about.

Key topics include:

• Why certain swag goes viral

• The role of community and belonging in promotional products

• Unexpected merch success stories

• How distributors can elevate their role beyond product sourcing

• Why emotion matters more than the item itself

Read the full LinkedIn article:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-swag-stories-you-may-have-heard-sage-quick-technologies-bj6ic

Subscribe for more insights into promotional products, branding, marketing strategy, and industry trends.

This episode is brought to you by JournalBooks

#PromoPerspectives #PromotionalProducts #BrandedMerchandise #Swag #MarketingStrategy #Branding #PromotionalMarketing #BrandLoyalty #CommunityBuilding

Discover how SAGE’s Information Services team helps distributors solve impossible product searches, verify suppliers, and navigate the promotional products industry with real human support.

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, Nicole sits down with Kassondra and Alan from SAGE’s Information Services team to talk about live product research, supplier verification, unusual customer requests, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the promotional products industry running smoothly.

From chicken nugget scented candles to propane-scented business cards and even pig-shaped propane tanks, this conversation highlights how SAGE goes beyond simple search tools to help distributors find exactly what they need.

You’ll also learn:

• How SAGE Live Research Assistance works

• Why real human support still matters

• How SAGE verifies distributors and suppliers

• Tips for improving product searches inside SAGE

• The importance of maintaining integrity in the promo industry

Whether you're a distributor, supplier, or just curious about how product sourcing works in promo, this episode offers valuable insight into the people and systems powering the industry.

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

This episode is brought to you by JournalBooks

#PromotionalProducts #SAGE #PromoPerspectives #ProductResearch #PromoIndustry #SupplierVerification #BrandedMerchandise #PromotionalMarketing

What makes a website truly effective in 2026? In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Patty McGowan and Brittany Davis from the SAGE web team to discuss what separates an average website from a winning one in the promotional products industry.

From mobile responsiveness and personalization to custom forms, branding, and customer experience, this conversation is packed with practical advice for distributors and suppliers looking to improve their online presence and generate better results from their websites.

They discuss:

• Why having a strong website matters more than ever
• Common mistakes distributors make with their sites
• How personalization impacts customer engagement
• The importance of mobile-friendly design
• Ways to optimize navigation and user experience
• New SAGE website customization features
• How custom forms and company store tools streamline workflows
• Simple website updates you can make today
• Tips for improving credibility and visibility online

Whether you’re building a new site or refreshing an existing one, this episode offers actionable strategies to help your website better support your business goals.

This episode is brought to you by Tranter Graphics, INC.

#PromoPerspectives #SAGE #WebsiteDesign #PromotionalProducts #Ecommerce #DigitalMarketing #PromoIndustry #WebDesign #SmallBusinessMarketing

Get a fast-paced look at the latest trends, products, and innovations shaping the promotional products industry. From low-minimum custom food service products and ultra-fast large format displays to AI-powered presentation tools, premium apparel, branded footwear, sustainable gifting, and cutting-edge promo tech, this session is packed with ideas distributors can bring directly to clients.

Featured highlights include:

• USA-made food & beverage service wear
• No-flip badge technology
• Experiential promo trends
• Promo calendar stats & strategies
• 48-hour large format displays and tents
• Self-deploying InstaStand displays
• Sustainable sailcloth corporate gifts
• Seed ball eco-promotions
• Simplified presentation workflows
• Retail-inspired custom apparel
• Premium trucker caps & embroidery
• Custom-branded Nike, New Balance & Jordan footwear
• AI-powered product sourcing tools

Whether you're looking for faster turnaround times, unique promo ideas, or smarter sales tools, this video covers practical strategies and standout products that can help elevate your next campaign.

This episode is brought to you by Tranter Graphics, INC

#PromoProducts #PromotionalProducts #Branding #CorporateGifting #TradeShow #ApparelDecoration #CustomMerch #MarketingIdeas #PromoIndustry

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Cat Gagliardo to explore the Co-Creative Exchange (CC|X)—one of the newest and most exciting communities in the promotional products industry.

CC|X is bringing together content creators, distributors, suppliers, and industry leaders to collaborate, grow their online presence, and help move the promo industry forward. From shared playbooks and real relationships to educational opportunities and business growth, this conversation breaks down why CC|X is gaining so much attention.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

What the Co-Creative Exchange (CC|X) is and how it started

Who it’s for and how members are selected

The value of community, collaboration, and content creation in promo

How CC|X supports both personal and professional growth

Real examples of how social content can drive business results

What’s next for the organization and how to get involved

If you’re looking to grow your presence, build stronger industry relationships, and stay ahead in promo—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

This episode is brought to you by Tranter Graphics, INC.