ASI Orlando 2018: Trade Show Floor Trends

We’re back from ASI Orlando, the first show of the new year. It was fun walking this show, as there’s always a high-level of energy in the crowd. Marketers are eager to identify new trends and talk 2017 success stories with their partners. That’s probably the case with many trade shows, but being since this one took place January 2-5, 2018, everyone had resolutions fresh in their minds.

For me, in particular, this meant getting a feel for what trends would be big this season, and making that trend come to life for our avid readers. We’ll briefly explore some of the findings from the show today, and follow up in greater detail when we summarize our findings from the PPAI Expo show in Las Vegas, later this quarter.
 

Most-Seen Color on the floor:

Pantone’s color of the year, ultra violet, which was featured in the New York Times, as a color which “communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking”. Duly noted.

Custom Packaging:

Whether you’re a new company trying to break through the clutter, or an established business thanking your customers, presentation is everything.

Upscale Design:

Two decorating methods, which can be combined, stood out to me as game changers. The Spectrum printing, shown in the stars below as a tone-on-tone, and the Chisel method, where the imprint is cut out, revealing the actual color of the bottle. 

Cell Phone Accessories:

Still hot! In 2015 we talked a lot about this, with the focus being on selfie sticks. One of our partners did great with these selfie lights as a giveaway to promote a concert. It was a huge hit. Even more the craze? PopSockets®. 

Chip on Board (COB) Lighting:

in lanterns, flashlights and key rings. Significantly brighter, less expensive and lasts longer, this technology is slowly replacing traditional LED.

Growlers:

They were everywhere! The Craft Beer industry has been increasing, as are visits and experiences around microbreweries. I loved this bottle in particular because it had a drink-easy access cap on the top. Great not only for retail, but also as a giveaway for trips to the beach, tailgating and company events. The 64 oz. holds a six-pack.

Augmented Reality:

(technology that superimposes a CGI on a user’s view of the real world): You’d be surprised how many of our partners are dabbling in this. Think of what this means for the future of sales pitches for ad agencies!

Don’t forget, we’re the Promo Know-How People. Call us to bring your ideas to life.

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