ASI Orlando

I was impressed by the size and scope of the ASI show this past week in Orlando. This organization's following encompasses so many people from so many industries - it is worthy to see in person how big ASI is. There are plenty of suppliers at the centerpiece event, a trade show. Hundreds of comapnies that brought their products to hopefully "wow" attendees, who lined up and down every aisle to see what was new. I saw things I easily recognized as promo items - plenty of pens, mousepads, keychains, etc. The "expected" giveaways known to be popular in the promotional product industry. Then I saw sign companies, umbrellas, kitchen knives, high-end engraved products, and very impressive incentive gifts. There was training avaiable on the trade show floor and at breakout events happening concurrent to the vendor show. Tony Robbins, famed motivational speaker, was giving an 8 hour boot camp. Bill O'Reilly was a keynote speaker. ASI has it's own certification system, broken into two levels mirroring college achievements. The BASI (Bachelors) and MASI (Masters) track of advertising specialties competency classes were happening throughout the event. The organization of ASI's event was well done, they have a very powerful brand. It's notable to see how many of our franchisees came to participate in piggyback events we hosted at the show. We had an EmbroidMe Regional Meeting, a "messaging platform" meeting to focus and create a newer tagline and direction for the brand's advertising and a software demo for EmbroidMe franchisees. Plan Ahead Events franchisees came to see the trade show, participate in a dinner sponsored by Hilton Hotels and attend meetings for their brand. Co-branding our meetings with industry shows worked well... I would like to see us do more in this vein. The blend of experiences that occur in a short but busy few days helps franchisees and franchisor alike.