2026 got off to a strong start, with ASI Show Orlando welcoming attendees from almost every state and 15 countries to the Orange County Convention Center from Jan. 5 to 7. There were plenty of new products and promo trends to browse among the 572 exhibitors, but there was also a slew of educational and networking opportunities on hand.
Here are four of the most significant takeaways from the show.
Though 2025 had its share of ups and downs, the promo industry ultimately ended on an upswing. In fact, North American promotional products distributors generated a record $27.7 billion in sales for 2025, up 4.2% from 2024’s figure of 26.6 billion.
Real-time polling ASI Orlando attendees revealed confidence that 2026 will be even better: 93% of distributors expect an increase in sales this year. Other key stats? Nearly 60% currently offer print-on-demand services to clients, and 88% believe AI will positively impact their business.
Lindsay Hapmson, president and founder of ThisRock, explained that printers and promo distributors need to have their sustainability bona fides in place to remain competitive. “Doing nothing now is a business risk,” she added.
For those just getting started on the journey, she recommended crafting a basic sustainability statement and reporting Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions whenever possible. It’s also worth considering pursuing certifications that make sense for their size, budget and client expectations, like EcoVadis.
Read the rest of this article on Printing Impressions, a publication of PRINTING United Alliance, ASI’s strategic partner.
