New Products & Trends for Corporate Branding in 2013
The largest tradeshow of the year, the PPAI Expo, took place in Las Vegas in January. After attending the show, here are some of our observations on the coolest new products, programs and trends for the promotional industry this year.
Direct and High Tech
The Paper iCue® brings direct mail and technology together. Create an interactive campaign by sending out postcards with a detachable iCue® webkey. The first time the iCue® is plugged into a computer, the user is brought to a registration page. Once registered, the user is redirected to any internet landing page - a website, online coupon, special incentive, product information, etc. What makes the iCue® so much better than a standard USB drive or webkey, is that it can be reprogrammed. The destination page can be changed with a few simple clicks, allowing the sender to bring users to a different page or promotion each time they plug it in. The sender can change the destination for all, some or just one iCue® at a time. Every iCue® also has a unique identifier, allowing the sender to know how many are used, how often, when, where and by who. This product offers limitless possibilities for creative, lasting and traceable campaigns.
Quick Custom Uniforms
In the past, custom manufactured uniforms have only been an option for companies willing to order thousands of pieces months in advance. A new program now offers minimums as low as 50 pieces and a 5-6 week production time. Purchasers are given a choice of 5 fabrics, hundreds of color combinations and multiple styles. This quick turn program is perfect for corporate uniforms, schools and sports teams.
Cool New Coasters
Drink Safe Technologies has a line of products that allow users to test if their drink has been drugged. The beverage coasters, each containing two test strips to detect GHB and Ketamine, are now available with a custom imprint. This smart and unique product is perfect for women's groups, colleges, bars and more.
U.S.A. & Union Made Products
American Made products are making a comeback and there are a number of manufacturers now featuring complete lines of products that are USA Made and sometimes even Union Made. There are many new options available both in apparel and promotional products that offer quality goods at similar prices you would find for their overseas counterparts.
Smens and Smencils
The sense of smell and sense of sight are both linked to memory functions. Smens and Smencils are fun promotional products that take advantage of both, making them an extra effective marketing tool. The gourmet scented pens and pencils are made from 100% recycled newspaper and recycled plastic and come packaged in their own biodegradable freshness tube to keep them smelling stronger for longer.
Digital Watermarks
A promotional bag manufacturer announced their capability of combining full-color printing with digital watermarking. This new technology replaces unsightly QR codes and provides a more interactive experience for end-users. A hidden graphic is embedded into a full-color design and can be scanned with a mobile app to bring the user to a designated destination on the internet. It can lead to a web page, video or social media outlet, which can be edited at any time to keep the user experience unique each time the watermark is scanned. Furthermore, each scan of the digital watermark is captured for recording purposes, allowing the account holder to see exactly how many times the watermark is scanned and viewed.
Direct and High Tech
The Paper iCue® brings direct mail and technology together. Create an interactive campaign by sending out postcards with a detachable iCue® webkey. The first time the iCue® is plugged into a computer, the user is brought to a registration page. Once registered, the user is redirected to any internet landing page - a website, online coupon, special incentive, product information, etc. What makes the iCue® so much better than a standard USB drive or webkey, is that it can be reprogrammed. The destination page can be changed with a few simple clicks, allowing the sender to bring users to a different page or promotion each time they plug it in. The sender can change the destination for all, some or just one iCue® at a time. Every iCue® also has a unique identifier, allowing the sender to know how many are used, how often, when, where and by who. This product offers limitless possibilities for creative, lasting and traceable campaigns.
Quick Custom Uniforms
In the past, custom manufactured uniforms have only been an option for companies willing to order thousands of pieces months in advance. A new program now offers minimums as low as 50 pieces and a 5-6 week production time. Purchasers are given a choice of 5 fabrics, hundreds of color combinations and multiple styles. This quick turn program is perfect for corporate uniforms, schools and sports teams.
Cool New Coasters
Drink Safe Technologies has a line of products that allow users to test if their drink has been drugged. The beverage coasters, each containing two test strips to detect GHB and Ketamine, are now available with a custom imprint. This smart and unique product is perfect for women's groups, colleges, bars and more.
U.S.A. & Union Made Products
American Made products are making a comeback and there are a number of manufacturers now featuring complete lines of products that are USA Made and sometimes even Union Made. There are many new options available both in apparel and promotional products that offer quality goods at similar prices you would find for their overseas counterparts.
Smens and Smencils
The sense of smell and sense of sight are both linked to memory functions. Smens and Smencils are fun promotional products that take advantage of both, making them an extra effective marketing tool. The gourmet scented pens and pencils are made from 100% recycled newspaper and recycled plastic and come packaged in their own biodegradable freshness tube to keep them smelling stronger for longer.
Digital Watermarks
A promotional bag manufacturer announced their capability of combining full-color printing with digital watermarking. This new technology replaces unsightly QR codes and provides a more interactive experience for end-users. A hidden graphic is embedded into a full-color design and can be scanned with a mobile app to bring the user to a designated destination on the internet. It can lead to a web page, video or social media outlet, which can be edited at any time to keep the user experience unique each time the watermark is scanned. Furthermore, each scan of the digital watermark is captured for recording purposes, allowing the account holder to see exactly how many times the watermark is scanned and viewed.
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Give the gift of pain relief with the new Head & Sinus Thermal Wrap. Filled with non-toxic gel-filled beads, this wrap can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer. |
Sleek and stylish, the new iCooler bag has non-toxic cooling gel built right into all sides. Freeze the bag overnight and keep food cool for hours the next day. |
The new Clean Bottle lives up to its name, with a top and bottom that screw off for easy cleaning. The bottle seals using silicone washers, ensuring it stays leak proof as well. |
