New Promotional Product Ideas from ASI Show Chicago

A few weeks ago, I attended the ASI Chicago Show, a trade-only promotional products show where new promotional products for the mid-year were introduced. I always find these shows inspirational for thinking up new, unique ways to help my clients promote their business at trade shows, events, grand openings, or through promotions. I wanted to share some of the more unusual ideas to inspire you with some out-of-the-box promotional thinking.

Milk Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
A great perk to going to one of these large trade shows is getting to sample a variety of delicious treats, so it won't surprise you when I start off talking about food.  The first promotional product idea is Milk Chocolate Covered Potato Chips.

The manufacturer describes it as a "sensational marriage of sweet and salty, with a kick of crunch" and I can't improve on that description.  Best of all, there are two sizes an eight ounce or a 16 ounce box, both at affordable prices that even include a four-color imprinted label for you to promote your brand. These would be a great item to have out on a snack table if you were sponsoring lunch or snack time at a large conference.

Cookie Dipper

Staying with the food theme, it's time to go retro and think fondly on the days when you dunked chocolate cookies into milk for a tasty treat. (Maybe you still do!) Now you can look like a professional cookie dipper with this dipping utensil that takes away the messiness, yet leaves all the fun in cookie dunking!  

The dipper can be purchased on its own or in sets with a mug and even a packet of cookies to get you started--yum! This would be a unique promotional idea to leave in your guests' hotel rooms at night for corporate retreats, company-wide conferences, or VIP customer travel trips. 

Beach Towel Clip

Two unique summer items are worth mentioning.  One is a plastic clip that slips right over your beach towel and clips it on to the frame of a chair, boat rails, or balcony railings to keep it in place. This handy clip can also hold a sign, a tote bag or even to prevent a trash bag from blowing away at a sponsored event to give you one more logo placement.  At 6" long, the clip features a large imprint area. 

Floating Beverage Holder

The second summer item is another revolutionary outdoor leisure product, the BevBoy.  This item is a floating cup holder that allows your beverage of choice to float in a body of water without spilling. The patented "tail" prevents the holder from tipping over, yet keeps the beverage floating nearby.  If you have ever wanted to relax in the pool enjoying your favorite drink without having to hold it, then this product is for you!  The cup holder can be printed so that your corporate brand will be seen above the waterline when floating. How fun and impactful would it be to walk into a poolside event and have these custom logoed cup holders floating all around the pool?

Golf Club Cleaner

The game of golf just got a little easier with this new product. Although it doesn't actually improve your game, the ShoeToothe does make playing a little more convenient. The handy ShoeToothe clips onto your shoe and allows you to remove debris from your golf club with one swipe. You don't need to bend down and use your glove or have to wipe dirt onto your pants or shorts.  You don't have swing with a dirty club or get your hand wet or dirty.  It comes in a variety of colors to tie in with most corporate brands. 

Team Spirit Clips

A great way to show spirit to a sports team or corporate team is to wear that team's logo and the new FanFlair logo makes it easy to do that.  The logo is attached to a patented clip that allows the embroidered logo to be easily attached (and detached) from shirts, hats, bags and even as a hair barrette! It's a fun item that gives you endless ways to show who you are rooting for. But more importantly for marketers, you don't have to worry about ordering the right sizes for people. Just give them the clip with your logo or sports team logo and let them clip it to their own apparel. 

Fingernail Tattoos

If you are looking for a more subtle way to show your team spirit or promote your logo, what about tattoos for your fingernails? Nail art has become all the rage so why not give people an easy way to show their love for your team or even company? These peel-and-stick, hypoallergenic tattoos can be applied without water for instant nail art. 

Cold Weather Touch Screen Gloves

Speaking of fingers, another new promotional item addresses a big cold-weather dilemma for business people and teens alike--how can you keep your hands warm but still use your touch screen device?  Thumb Dogs were created so that users can stay in touch, get directions, and access the internet with their gloves on while its cold outside. Thumb Dogs are an add-on that stretches and grips the users' own gloves; you no longer have to own special texting gloves. There is even a "leash" to keep the item on securely. ThumbDogs are made of medical-grade conductive fabric for ease of using a touch screen. This unique item can be printed with a one-color corporate logo and comes with a stock card and instructions. 

Which item inspired you most? If you need help with a unique promotional product for an upcoming trade show, travel trip, event, or even an impactful direct mail promotion, give me a call. I'd be happy to brainstorm ideas on how to promote your brand most effectively. You can reach me at 847-398-5500 or dona.blunt@newportpros.com.