In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, Senior Manager of Professional Development at PPAI, to explore the future of continuing education in the promotional products industry.

Jessica shares her passion for learning and innovation—discussing how PPAI is modernizing education through modular learning, certifications, micro-credentials, and interactive workshops that meet today’s diverse learning styles. She also dives into PPAI Advance, the organization’s revamped professional development program, and offers insights on how continuing education empowers professionals, strengthens companies, and elevates the entire promo industry.

🎓 Topics Covered:

The role of ongoing education in advancing the promo industry

How learning styles are evolving in 2025 and beyond

PPAI Advance and its “choose your own journey” certification model

Collaboration between PPAI and other associations

The future of professional development and education outreach

💡 Whether you’re new to promo or a seasoned pro, this episode offers practical insights into how education is shaping the next generation of industry leaders.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with industry experts and innovators shaping the future of promo!

#PromotionalProducts #PPAI #ProfessionalDevelopment #PromoPerspectives #ContinuingEducation #MarketingEducation #IndustryPodcast

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Alok from PPAI to unpack the latest research and insights shaping the promotional products industry heading into 2026.

They discuss key economic trends, growth opportunities, and the challenges suppliers and distributors can expect in the coming year — from inflation and tariffs to AI-driven efficiency and the rising demand for sustainable products.

You’ll also learn which product categories are leading the way, how technology is transforming buyer expectations, and what upcoming policy changes could impact the promo space.

Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, or industry enthusiast, this episode will help you navigate what’s next for promo with clarity and confidence.

🎧 Topics Covered:

2026 economic outlook and industry growth

Top product categories and buyer trends

Sustainability and ESG’s growing influence

AI, personalization, and automation in promo

Tariffs, compliance, and workforce legislation updates

📈 Stay informed and get ahead of the curve with this insightful discussion!

🍫 In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook chats with David Miller of NC Custom about one of the sweetest segments in the promotional products industry, food promos!

David shares how his family business evolved from a small chocolate manufacturer into one of the top suppliers in the industry, creating everything from custom-shaped mints to gourmet chocolates and branded gift sets. Discover why food remains one of the most powerful (and underused) promotional tools, how distributors can tap into the opportunity, and how personalization and packaging can make food gifts truly unforgettable.

You’ll also hear fun stories, like the time they made a pastrami-flavored mint, and how one simple conversation led to a $500,000 order.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your brand more memorable, or just love hearing about creative marketing ideas that taste as good as they look, this episode’s for you.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about NC Custom at nccustom.com and explore more promo insights at SAGEworld.com/podcast.

🌍 In this episode of Promo Perspectives, Nicole Cook sits down with David and Scott from PromoCares to talk about their inspiring Water4Good initiative. Learn how the promotional products industry is coming together to fund clean water towers around the world, impacting communities, schools, and supply chain regions where access to safe water is limited.

From the origins of PromoCares to the ripple effects of clean water on health, education, and opportunity, this conversation highlights the power of social purpose in business. You’ll hear stories from on-the-ground deployments in places like Vietnam and Mexico, the role of suppliers and distributors in driving change, and how anyone in the industry (or beyond) can get involved.

💧 Discover how small actions, whether through products, campaigns, or direct support, can add up to life-changing impact.

👉 Learn more and get involved at PromoCares.org.

In this episode, we sit down with William Rubsamen, who runs marketing for a small business called Whirlix Design. William uses AI every day in his workflow, so we dive into:

✨ Our favorite AI tools

🚧 Common hurdles when getting started

⚖️ How to set responsible, ethical guidelines for using AI in your own business

Whether you’re curious about AI or already experimenting, this conversation is packed with practical tips and real-world insights you can apply right away.

🤖 What’s your gut feeling about AI? Is it the breakthrough that will take humanity to new heights? A powerful tool that works best with humans in control? A benevolent force (with great dental plans)? Or are you convinced Skynet is inevitable?

Welcome to Promo Perspectives, a live podcast presented by SAGE. Each episode delivers tips, tricks, and insights designed to help promotional products suppliers and distributors grow their businesses, while tackling the big conversations shaping our industry.

On the final episode of our Band Merch Series, we're handing the mic over to the musicians themselves! Join us as we sit down with four different artists—Chris Jordan, Joshua Stone, Bradley Blackwell, and Myles Maestro—to get their real-world perspective on promotional products.

You'll hear directly from your customers about what they want and need from their merch. They share honest stories about the lessons they've learned, the challenges they've faced, and what they're looking for in a reliable promotional products partner. From figuring out the right apparel to wear on stage to choosing between screen printing and direct-to-garment, these musicians reveal the struggles and successes behind building their brands.

This episode is packed with invaluable insights, including:

Why merch is critical for band revenue and legitimacy.

The importance of material, fit, and design for both comfort and conversation.

The challenges of finding the right products and decorators.

Tips for creating professional branding that makes a band unforgettable.

How distributors can build trust and grow with artists as their partners.

Don't miss this crucial look into the mind of a musician. Whether you're a supplier or distributor, this episode will help you understand how to best serve artists, outfit their dreams, and turn their passion into a professional brand.

Turn up the volume and get ready to rock with this episode of Promo Perspectives! We’re continuing our series on band merch and bringing you a conversation with Angelica and Caleb from Merch Media.

Angelica and Caleb are music lovers at heart, and they've turned that passion into a business that helps independent artists create awesome promotional products. You'll hear about their own love for music, from the iconic concert experiences that shaped them to the artists that inspire them every day.

We dive deep into the world of band merchandise, covering topics like:

The difference between official and "unofficial" merch.

How to get creative and stand out in the music market.

Why band merch is a vital source of income for artists.

The importance of online stores and other emerging tech like NFC chips.

The value of networking and building connections within the music community.

Whether you're a supplier, distributor, or a fan who wants to support your favorite artists, this episode is packed with great tips and insights.

On this episode of the Promo Perspectives podcast, we dive into the world of band merchandise from the distributor's point of view. We're joined by Adrian and Shadow from Seven Sins Printing and Embroidery, a company dedicated to helping artists translate their visual identity into profitable merch.

Adrian and Shadow share their story of how they immersed themselves in the Texas music scene and the unique challenges and triumphs of working with bands. They discuss the importance of understanding different music genres' preferences, from the types of garments to specific artwork styles. They also reveal the secrets behind their success, including their commitment to fair pricing, lightning-fast communication, and building strong, lasting relationships with their clients.

Whether you're a distributor looking to break into the band merch market or a supplier wanting to understand this niche better, Adrian and Shadow offer invaluable insights and practical advice. They touch on everything from navigating the unpredictability of tour life to the power of word-of-mouth marketing within the music community.

Episode Highlights:

The Nuances of Merch: Discover how different music genres, from death metal to alternative, have distinct preferences for apparel types, artwork sizing, and even colors.

The Power of Connection: Learn why communication and building a relationship with your clients are just as important as the quality of your product.

Beyond the T-Shirt: Adrian and Shadow discuss the deeper meaning of band merch as a "badge of honor" and a conversation starter, fostering a sense of community among fans.

Don't miss this insightful conversation with two passionate professionals who are making a real impact in the music industry.

The live entertainment industry is booming, and promotional products distributors have a massive opportunity to profit from this growth. In this episode of Promo Perspectives, we take a deep dive into the $14 billion band merchandise industry.

Hosted by SAGE's Gabe Gotay, a musician himself, this podcast explores the history of band merch, from Elvis Presley's "I Love Elvis" buttons to the Grateful Dead's iconic t-shirts and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. We break down the stats and explore why band merchandise is not just a side hustle, but a crucial revenue stream for artists.

In this episode, we discuss:

The numbers: The band merch industry is projected to reach over $16 billion by 2030. Learn which genres and products are driving the most sales.

The history: We trace the evolution of band merch, from early pioneers like Elvis and the Beatles to modern-day icons and the rise of the t-shirt as a cultural canvas.

The strategy: Discover how to find and connect with independent artists and mid-tier touring acts—the ideal clients for distributors. We'll also cover common pain points and how you can position yourself as a valuable partner.

This is the first episode in a series all about the music merch market. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where we'll hear from distributors and musicians themselves!