Promo Insiders: Recapping ASI Show Orlando
ASI Media’s Sara Lavenduski and Hannah Rosenberger reflect on three energetic days in sunny Florida that kicked off a new year of sales.
One thing that was definitely on display at ASI Show Orlando: optimism for 2026. And after a tumultuous 2025, it felt refreshing.
ASI Media editors Sara Lavenduski and Hannah Rosenberger were there to document everything – from well-received professional development sessions to the brand-new Caffeinate & Collaborate networking breakfast, to the busy show floor, to the inspiring keynote address from Melissa Proctor, CMO of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team.
Rosenberger said the enthusiasm among attendees and exhibitors at her second-ever ASI Show was palpable, and she appreciated the keynote address at the beginning of Exhibit Day 2. “Melissa was fascinating,” she said. “She was very down-to-earth, very real about her headspace during all these various stages of her career. And she was very candid about the comprehensive rebrand they undertook at the Hawks.”
Among the noteworthy products on the show floor were retail-inspired garments and sustainable items. Lavenduski appreciated the mini-grow sets and seed pod bracelets from Seeded Promotions (asi/86180) and compostable iPad cases from EcoLibrium Compostable Products (asi/51577).
“If you want to work with Fortune 500 companies, sustainability is now a nonnegotiable for all of them,” said Lavenduski, referring to Lindsay Hampson’s “Sustainability That Sells” session on Education Day. “And so you really need to have your documentation in place. That’s going to give you an edge over your competition.”
Key Takeaways
• As the first promo show of the year, ASI Orlando attendees and exhibitors brought notable momentum, signaling confidence and eagerness to start 2026 strong after a more cautious 2025.
• Education sessions emphasized that both AI adoption and sustainability initiatives must be customized to individual businesses. Success comes from experimentation, intentional use and selecting certifications or tools that align with company size, clients and goals, rather than trying to follow rigid formulas.
• Sustainability is now a nonnegotiable factor in RFPs, particularly for large clients. Companies must back up claims with documentation and relevant certifications, as buyers can easily spot greenwashing. Credibility provides a clear competitive advantage.
• Apparel trends on the show floor leaned heavily toward soft fabrics, athleisure and styles that closely mirror retail fashion. Women-first designs, boxy tees and polished comfort pieces that transition seamlessly between corporate and casual settings stood out on the show floor.
• Interactive sessions like Caffeinate & Collaborate highlighted the industry’s creativity and teamwork. Even under tight time constraints, participants produced fully developed campaign ideas, reinforcing that collaboration and fresh thinking remain core strengths of the promo industry.