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I’ve spent the last two years solo traveling through 20+ countries after completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Washington in Seattle. From walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, studying yoga in India, and exploring the Amazon rainforest to name a few highlights- I’ve learned to navigate unexpected situations and immersed myself in different cultures.
This next chapter has brought me into the world of promotional products. I’ve quickly felt at home joining a driven team at Evo3 Marketing– a women-owned business helping businesses grow through digital solutions, custom merch and events on an international scale.
My time traveling has emphasized the importance of building genuine, long term connections– as it really all comes down to the people in our lives that make the biggest difference. To immerse myself in this new industry and start building meaningful relationships, there was no better place than the PSI Show in Düsseldorf—Europe’s leading trade fair for promotional products.
A New Beginning in the Promo Products Industry
It’s one thing to read about an industry, but it’s another to experience it firsthand. The sheer scale of the event and the variety of companies, products and innovations was incredible with 600 exhibitors and 11,062 visitors from 74 countries. I wasn’t just walking through aisles filled with products; I was discovering an entire world of unique solutions in an industry with a shared goal of collaboration to help brands increase exposure and build loyalty and business in creative ways.
Building Relationships with Suppliers
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One of the most important aspects of the PSI Show (Promotional Products Service Institute) was the opportunity to connect with suppliers to learn more about their processes and to put a face to the teams I work with. I learned about the power of something as simple as a logoed pen can add to brand awareness.
I was impressed with the countless options from suppliers like UMA, Stabilo and Tancia Group, who also developed clever planning for their displays– making it an interactive, immersive experience. Not only were you able to browse products, but also sit down with suppliers over espresso, appetizers, and even champagne. (Cheers!) Meeting suppliers in person has brought my day to day work to life– especially being in the digital age. Now while coordinating a project with a supplier- I’ll always remember getting to know the individuals on the other side of the phone and the partnership built in achieving our shared goals of client success.
Discovering Innovative Products and European Market Trends
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I was impressed by the variety of innovative, stainable products available in the European market. While the promotional product industry in North America is nearly double the size of the EU’s, the European market focuses more on quality, product safety, and less packaging waste. As someone passionate about sustainability from conscious traveling to being mindful of a product’s lifecycle, this was a key point I’ll continue to emphasize within the US market. From items like seeded, biodegradable cards, portable chargers made from recycled materials, to AI printing technology, there was no shortage of inspiration. Going forward, it's essential for the industry as a whole from suppliers to distributors to clients to invest in quality and consciousness. It's those longer lasting products that become our favorites anyways, right?
Learning from Industry Veterans and Other Distributors
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Attending the PSI Show also gave me the chance to interact with seasoned professionals in the industry. I was able to hear their stories, and gather insights into the evolving trends within the promotional products space. Connecting with other distributors, in particular, was eye-opening. It was clear that, despite the different approaches and specializations within the industry, everyone was working towards the same goal: to find the best products and solutions for customers.
I spoke with distributors who had been in the industry for decades and newcomers like myself who were still learning the ropes. These conversations helped me understand how distributors approach product selection and client relationships. These insights will be invaluable as I continue to build my own book of business and create value for current and future customers.
Moving Forward with New Connections and Ideas
If you're just starting out in this industry, or if you’re looking to take your business to the next level, I highly recommend attending the PSI Show. It’s more than just a trade fair—it’s a place to learn, connect, and grow.
I’m grateful to have made invaluable connections with suppliers, distributors, and industry experts all over the world, all of whom were eager to share their knowledge and experiences. This deeper understanding of how the promo products industry works has opened my eyes to new possibilities to make an impact with my team. See you there next year!
