PPAI.ORG/MEDIA 10.26 Cool Kicks p. 14 Wellness Merch: A Natural Fit p. 22 The State Of Responsibility p. 26 An Even Brighter Future With over $4 million in scholarships so far, just wait until you see what's next. p. 40
AUG 2026 ASI 43792 PPAI 111597 SAGE 50597 DC 101506 CAPAMRCA Cap America is proud to have earned an EcoVadis Gold Medal for the second consecutive year, placing us among the top 5% of companies assessed by EcoVadis. This year’s assessment also placed us in the 98th percentile among promotional product suppliers for the second time. This recognition reflects the strength of our sustainability management system and our continued commitment to responsible business practices across environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Proud of the progress. Committed to the work ahead. Environment Labor & Human Rights Ethics Sustainable Procurement GOLD, TWO YEARS RUNNING!
4 From PPAI Merch Never Stands Still 7 Creative Calendar Essentials 10 Use Case When Money Is No Object 14 In Style Cool Kicks 18 Solutions Spotlight Outsourcing Must Read 22 A Natural Fit Merch That Keeps The Wellness Going Community 56 PPPC Communiqué Catalyst 2027 Heads To Québec City 57 New Members 61 Datebook 64 Merch Moves Us CONTENTS VOLUME 50, ISSUE 09 Better Merch Is Better Marketing PPAI Research’s latest study seeks what end buyers and agencies are most looking for in suppliers, distributors and the branded merchandise they provide. 44 44 An Even Brighter Future PPEF has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to students. Wait until you see what it wants to accomplish next. 40 40 The State Of Responsibility 2026 PPAI Research has examined benchmarking data on corporate social responsibility from distributors and suppliers of all sizes. 26 26 10.26 • OCTOBER 2026 • 3
One of the things I love most about our industry is that we never stand still. EVERY DAY, PEOPLE ACROSS THE BRANDED MERCHANDISE community are creating new ways to connect brands and audiences, strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful experiences. That same spirit is driving the work happening at PPAI as we continue bringing our Strategic Plan to life. Over the past several months, our team has been focused on turning vision into action. You’ve likely seen Merch Moves Us, our targeted, global marketing initiative designed to elevate branded merchandise and reinforce its role as a powerful marketing channel that powers lasting connections. It’s one of the most ambitious efforts our industry has undertaken to tell a more unified and compelling story about this medium. We’ve also launched the Branded Merchandise Global Market Report, developed with Oxford Economics. For the first time, our industry has independent data that demonstrates the significant economic impact of branded merchandise around the world, giving all of us stronger tools for advocacy, credibility and growth. Meanwhile, our redesigned member portal makes it easier to access benefits, engage with PPAI and manage your membership experience. Beyond these major initiatives, important progress is happening throughout the organization. PPAI Advance continues expanding opportunities for professional development and leadership growth. Our signature events team continues to deliver world-class experiences that help members learn, connect and build stronger businesses. Across advocacy, research, education, technology and events, our focus remains the same: helping our members succeed. While I’m incredibly proud of the work our staff is doing, the truth is that PPAI’s greatest strength has always been its members. Highlighted by those who volunteer their time to aid in our vision and mission. PPAI volunteers help shape strategy, bring fresh perspectives, challenge our thinking and ensure we’re addressing the needs of a rapidly evolving industry. They help us innovate, stay relevant and keep our mission and vision connected to the realities our members face every day. Simply put, PPAI is stronger because members choose to lead. With our call for volunteers currently open, now is your opportunity. If you’ve ever considered becoming more involved, I encourage you to take a look. Whatever your passion to improve this community, there is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. Volunteering is also an investment in yourself. It develops leadership skills, builds valuable relationships, offers visibility into industry strategy and allows you the chance to influence the future of branded merchandise in areas where you have expertise. To learn more and apply, visit ppai.org/volunteers. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t share my excitement as well that registration is now open for The PPAI Expo. I truly believe it remains the most important gathering of the year for our community. This year will feel markedly different as we refresh Expo by introducing new experiences, testing new ideas and enhancing how we serve our members. After all, if we’re not innovating, we’re just putting our logo on the same old thing. (And none of us want that!) More importantly, Expo is where our community comes together to learn, connect and help shape the future of branded merchandise. It’s where you’ll see our vision in action as we continue elevating merch and showcasing how it powers lasting connections between brands and the people they serve. Thank you for your membership, your partnership and your commitment to this community. Every volunteer hour, every event attended and every contribution made helps move our industry forward. I’m grateful to be on this journey with you. Let’s go! From PPAI Drew Holmgreen, CAS President & CEO 10.26 Thank you for your membership, your partnership and your commitment to this community. Every volunteer hour, every event attended and every contribution made helps move our industry forward. 4 • OCTOBER 2026 •
SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEDIA, RESEARCH & PUBLIC AFFAIRS Josh Ellis JoshE@ppai.org DEPUTY EDITOR John Corrigan JohnC@ppai.org SENIOR NEWS EDITOR Jonny Auping JonnyA@ppai.org ASSOCIATE EDITOR Hanna Brookshire HannaB@ppai.org MARKET ECONOMIST & SENIOR MANAGER, RESEARCH Alok Bhat AlokB@ppai.org PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER Rachel Zoch, CAS RachelZ@ppai.org RESEARCH COORDINATOR Shiella Aparis ShiellaA@ppai.org CONTENT SPECIALIST Russ Tan RussT@ppai.org ART DIRECTION SPARK Publications SPARKpublications.com 704-844-6080 ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT MANAGERS Connie Brazil Nick DiNicola Luke Huebsch Heather Mangold Mark Rykojc PPAI.org/account-managers ADVERTISING CONTACT Danah Dean 972-258-3031 DanahD@ppai.org PRESIDENT & CEO Drew Holmgreen, CAS 888-I-AM-PPAI CHIEF REVENUE & EXPERIENCE OFFICER Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Renae Ward CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Melissa Ralston, CAS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Christopher Cheney DIRECTOR OF SALES Michele Schwartz, CAS DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY John Twist DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY Elizabeth Wimbush, CAS DIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Jessica GibbonsRauch, MAS SENIOR DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES Eliana White BOARD OFFICERS CHAIR OF THE BOARD Danny Rosin, CAS Brand Fuel IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Denise Taschereau, CAS Fairware CHAIR-ELECT OF THE BOARD Zack Ottenstein The Image Group VICE CHAIR, FINANCE SERVICES Mark Gammon PCNA BOARD MEMBERS REGIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE DELEGATE TERM EXPIRING 2027 Kara Keister, MAS Social Good Promotions AT LARGE DIRECTOR Samantha Kates Spector TERMS EXPIRING 2027 Frank Myers S&S Activewear TERMS EXPIRING 2028 Erin Reilly Pop! Promos TERMS EXPIRING 2029 Mark Gammon PCNA Kate Alavez PromoShop TERMS EXPIRING 2030 Joseph Sommer Whitestone Bruce Barnet Charles River Apparel PPAI HEADQUARTERS 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038-3526 Phone: 888-IAM-PPAI (426-7724) www.ppai.org, pubs. ppai.org READER RESOURCES SUBSCRIBE TO PPAI MAGAZINE: Subscribe online at pubs.ppai.org or send your name, title, company name and mailing address, along with phone and fax, to PPB Subscriptions, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038. Or phone in your subscription to 972-258-3019. Include payment with your order. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted, along with checks. Additional member subscriptions are $58 for PPAI member companies (U.S.), $70 (Canada and Mexico) and $75 (international). Nonmember subscriptions are $72 (U.S.), $82 (Canada and Mexico) and $92 (international). Please allow four to six weeks for start of subscription. ADVERTISE IN PPAI MAGAZINE: Download a media kit with rates and specs for all PPAI print and digital publications at media.ppai.org, or call 972-258-3019 or email mediasales@ppai.org. Promotional Products Association International 6 • OCTOBER 2026 •
If this calendar is helpful or if you have ideas for ways that we can better provide this information, email the editors at magazine@ppai.org. Exceptional Promotions SPECIAL OBSERVANCES CALL FOR Use these key dates and seasonal celebrations to spark creative campaigns your clients will love. Compiled by Hanna Brookshire NATIONAL GRATITUDE MONTH Product Idea: A Gratitude Journal is a thoughtful way to encourage giving thanks in November and beyond. The journal is entirely customizable, allowing you to design the cover and pick the ribbon color. Each page has “Good Morning” and “Good Evening” prompts to help make journaling easy. Chameleon Like / PPAI 209189, Silver chameleonlike.com November 4 NATIONAL CANDY DAY 13 WORLD KINDNESS DAY 28 SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH Product Idea: This Chocolate Favorites Crate is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The crate contains English butter toffee, caramel pecan clusters and milk chocolate covered almonds. Add a full-color insert and fire-branded imprint on the wooden crate to make this gift your own. You can also include a greeting card for an extra personal touch. Maple Ridge Farms / PPAI 114165, Gold mapleridge.com December 1 NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING 4 NATIONAL SOCK DAY 16 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED ANYTHING DAY NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH Product Idea: The Newton Foldable Compact Wireless Charger is a must-have for those with lots of tech accessories or who travel often. This portable charger can charge earbuds, smartphones and smartwatches all in one place. The charger is PVCfree and includes the charging cable. Customize with a one-color or multicolor imprint on the earbud charging center for added branding. Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum / gemline.com 6 NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY 13 NATIONAL STICKER DAY 18 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER DAY January • OCTOBER 2026 • 7
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PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS TO BE UNIVERSALLY VALUED 10.26 Essentials USE CASE p. 10 SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT p. 18 COOL KICKS Footwear is an unsung hero of the branded merchandise industry. Discover some stylish and practical options to inspire your next project. page 14 • OCTOBER 2026 • 9
THE HOLIDAYS ARE RAPIDLY approaching, which means corporate gifting is in full swing. A high-quality and thoughtfully designed product makes receivers feel important, valued and appreciated. But luxury doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank. Items made of high-quality materials with minimalistic or timeless designs can create a feeling of comfort and elegance. When Money Is No Object Nick Augustine of Innovative Office Solutions shares his top elevated branded merchandise picks, including tech, apparel and kitchenware. By Hanna Brookshire Nick Augustine Branded Solutions Specialist Innovative Office Solutions PPAI 102575, Silver Burnsville, Minnesota One of Augustine’s go-to items is the Daybreak Wool-Like Shirt Jacket, which comes in women’s and men’s versions and timeless color options. “This piece is going to be a part of my wardrobe and proposals to clients looking for a nicer outerwear piece,” Augustine says. “It’s fashion forward and less corporate than other options but is more distinctive than a quarter zip.” Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold stormcreek.com Tetiana Shumbasova / Shutterstock.com 10 • OCTOBER 2026 • Essentials | Use Case
Another recommendation from Augustine that is ideal for the office is the Mira Backpack, which has a 100% recycled nylon quilted exterior with plenty of internal pockets, a laptop sleeve and trolley sleeve. The default branding is a brand patch on the front of the bag, and you can get anywhere from 25-500 bags in an order. “This is gaining a lot of excitement from the people who have seen it because it has that retail, luxury feel to it for a decent price,” Augustine says. Spector & Co. / PPAI 168328, Gold spectorandco.com Tech gifts like portable chargers can be great for travel or in a pinch at work, while items like speakers are perfect for entertaining at home. One product Augustine is hoping to try soon is the iLive Indoor and Outdoor Bluetooth Solar Speakers. These speakers come in pairs of two with removable stakes so they can be used outside or indoors. “I would really like to try these out and see how the tech performs in a real outdoor setting,” says Augustine, a self-described lover of music and entertaining. They feature 360-degree sound, which creates something more experiential than most Bluetooth speakers. They also have a battery life of around 20 hours at 50% volume, making them perfect for longer get-togethers. Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum / gemline.com Another tech gift that Augustine recommends is the SILKEN Kit 15. “[This is] a premium all-in-one gift that requires a larger budget but delivers an impressive presentation and strong perceived value,” he says. The kit is in an elevated presentation box, which includes a speaker, charger and PowerTag card. Additionally, this gift makes a difference as part of the One Tree Planted Giveback Program, adding a meaningful philanthropic element to the product. Powerstick / PPAI 383252, Gold / powerstick.com GCapture / Shutterstock.com Items made of high-quality materials with minimalistic or timeless designs can create a feeling of comfort and elegance. • OCTOBER 2026 • 11 Use Case | Essentials
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The MiiR Grounded Camp Cup is something Augustine uses on the daily. The Camp Cup holds 12 ounces and is perfect for keeping your office coffee warm or for cozy mornings at home. It has Thermo 3D double-wall vacuum insulation technology and won’t sweat regardless of the beverage temperature. Additionally, MiiR gives at least 1% of its revenue to nonprofit organizations. Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum / gemline.com The LF134 Radcliffe Stoneware Utensil Holder and Spatula Set blends elegant minimalism and function into one product. “It takes a pretty healthy budget, as these items can be expensive to ship, but landing your brand’s messaging in someone’s kitchen is always a win,” Augustine says. The utensil holder comes in an array of stylish colors, including winter-ready burgundy, evergreen and navy blue. It also features an acacia wood rotating base and utensil handles. Spector & Co. / PPAI 168328, Gold / spectorandco.com Brookshire is associate editor at PPAI. PPAI/113818 SAGE/56440 Pentelimprint.com Quality Counts When Your Name Is On It! Premium Gel Ink That Dries So Fast Even Left-Handers Love It! 1 or 2 Color Silk Screen Full Color Process Pearl Finish Barrel Put’s Your Message Out Front! No Smears No Smudges No Globs BL77PW-CI - Blue w/Blue Ink BL77PW-AI - Black w/Black Ink Scan to see the details Put Your Message Out Front on The Pearl! • OCTOBER 2026 • 13 Use Case | Essentials
Cool Kicks Footwear is an unsung hero of the branded merchandise industry. Discover some stylish and practical options to inspire your next project. By Hanna Brookshire SHOES AREN’T ONE of the first branded merchandise items that come to mind, but they certainly make a statement. After all, they’ll be worn more often than other apparel items, making them a particularly impactful piece of merch. Sneakers have been around for almost 200 years, with iconic branded styles like Keds or Converse around since the early 1900s. Sandals have been around since antiquity. History lesson aside: Shoes aren’t going anywhere. When picking shoes or socks, it’s important to consider comfort, practicality and style. Depending on the client or occasion, different levels of comfort might be needed. For people who work on their feet all day, a pair of supportive and comfortable sneakers is a better choice than a pair of slides or sandals. Practicality can be dependent on someone’s lifestyle, the time of year or other factors. Offering flip-flops for a summer event or slippers for a winter event is a great way to create a themed and useful gift. One of the most important factors is style. Knowing your target audience can help you decide what they will perceive as stylish. An example is the millennial vs. Gen Z sock debate: Millennials tend to gravitate toward ankle socks, while Gen Z has embraced the crew sock. Additionally, picking timeless and classic styles can help increase the longevity of a gift and appeal to a wider audience. Here are some cool kicks and fun socks to inspire your next foray into footwear: 14 • OCTOBER 2026 • Essentials | In Style
Scoots are classic fabric sneakers that can be completely customized. The uppers, made with recycled polyester, can be personalized with your logo, company colors and designs and come with either white or black shoelaces. The current lead time is just three to four weeks, and you can place orders for just one pair of Scoots or up to 500 pairs. Sock101 / PPAI 625402, Silver / sock101.com These 54-inch Premium Sublimation Tubular Shoelaces can turn any pair of laced shoes into branded merchandise with edge-to-edge dye sublimation and a colorfast finish. The durable laces come in pairs and are also available in 36-, 40-, 45- and 63-inch options for a fun way to add some personality to a plain pair of shoes. ImprintID / PPAI 576424, Silver / imprintid.com These Custom Athletic Ankle Socks are a fun way to bring some pizzazz to your sock drawer. The ankle-length socks are fully knitted, with more than 60 yarn colors available, showcasing your design without any of the distortion and blank space that comes with dye-sublimated socks. You can also add a custom header card for an extra branded touch. These socks are also great for when you’re in a rush because they can be ready to ship in just three days. Sock Club / PPAI 692671, Gold / custom.sockclub.com Embroidered Bombas Quarter Socks are a great way to add some extra style and comfort to your look. Bombas socks are known for their coziness due to their comfort cushion, seamless toe and honeycomb arch support, and custom logo embroidery below the cuff adds another element of luxury to these brandname socks. Production time is around four weeks for embroidered socks and two weeks for plain socks. Gold Bond / PPAI 113974, Gold / goldbondinc.com Picking timeless and classic styles can help increase the longevity of a gift and appeal to a wider audience. • OCTOBER 2026 • 15 In Style | Essentials
Brookshire is associate editor at PPAI. Ever find yourself missing comfy hotel slippers? With the Cascade Slippers, you can bring that comfort home. These white slippers feature full-color heat transfer or PermaPress imprints on the toe, plus a textured sole to prevent slipping and a cushioned sole for extra comfort. One size fits all, making them great for large group gifting, perfect for a retreat or self-care themed event. HPG / PPAI 110772, Platinum / hpgbrands.com The Lightweight EVA Clog Full Print is a fan-favorite style with endless imprint possibilities. These clogs offer customized vamp and strap imprints that will not peel or flake. They come in men’s, women’s and youth sizes, and you can get them in three weeks. While these shoes might not be office-ready, they are a cool pick for sports themed events, work-from-home employees or younger audiences. UBIX / PPAI 755474, Standard-Base / ubixnow.com 75% with Goldstar’s® best-in-industry freight rates. Made Better™ materials, unmatched decoration, stress-free shipping all season long. SHOP GIFTS WORTH KEEPING >> SAVE UP TO 16 • OCTOBER 2026 • Essentials | In Style
SPONSORED CONTENT Beyond Traditional Outsourcing: The AI + Human Advantage An integrated AI + Human model is helping promotional products companies sell more, operate smarter, improve margins and scale efficiently. FOR YEARS, promotional products companies have addressed growth and operational pressure in two ways: add people or add technology. Both have limits. Adding people increases cost and complexity. Technology automates processes, but technology alone isn’t the answer—and AI isn’t a strategy by itself. It cannot handle every exception, customer interaction or judgment-based decision. There is now a better model: an integrated AI + Human operating model designed around business needs and friction points to deliver greater accuracy, scalability and sustainable efficiency. That is the shift AWS PromoStack is helping promotional products companies make today. Give Salespeople More Time to Sell Consider how much of a salesperson’s day is spent not selling: researching products, creating presentations and virtual samples, building quotes and searching for information. AI can understand customer requirements, search thousands of products, recommend options, create presentations and virtuals, and assist with communications. The result is precision selling—getting the right product and message in front of the right customer faster. AI does the heavy lifting. People bring relationships, creativity and judgment. Customer Service That Never Sleeps AI-powered assistants can provide 24/7 access to product information, order status and routine support, while trained professionals manage interactions requiring experience and judgment. The result is scalable support without increasing overhead. Reinventing the Back Office The same opportunity exists across order entry, artwork, proofs, virtual samples, product data, company stores, AP/AR and other operational functions. AI handles what can be automated. Technology connects the workflow. Skilled people handle exceptions and judgment. Data measures the results. From Cost Savings to Bottom-Line Impact AWS PromoStack identifies where AI, technology and specialized human expertise can have the greatest impact—without abandoning existing investments. The process starts with the business: Where is the friction? What is consuming time? Where are errors occurring? What is limiting growth? AWS PromoStack then integrates the right combination around existing ERP, eCommerce and business systems, building a smarter, more scalable Promo Stack. Faster turnaround. Fewer errors. Better customer experiences. Greater sales productivity. Less friction. More capacity without adding fixed overhead. Depending on where a company starts and the extent of implementation, the potential impact can be 40% or more in operational savings—with the greatest opportunity from implementing the full Promo Stack. The Next Competitive Advantage The competitive advantage will come from knowing where and how to integrate AI with people, processes, data and technology. The industry is moving from staffing to intelligent capacity—from adding resources to building scalable operating models. Companies don’t need to transform everything at once. Start with the areas creating the greatest friction and build from there. Ready to find the 40% Savings Opportunity in Your Business? Build a Promo Stack that fits your business, your priorities and your pace. Visit AWSPromoStack.com to get started. Email: varshal@artworkservicesusa.com • OCTOBER 2026 • 17
18 • OCTOBER 2026 • Outsourcing Outsourcing providers help branded merchandise companies extend their teams without the overhead of traditional hiring. These PPAI-validated firms offer skilled support across operations, creative services and more. RUNNING A BRANDED merchandise company means juggling a lot of moving parts – artwork, order management, customer service, data entry, sales outreach – and not every business has the bandwidth to handle all of it in-house. Outsourcing providers give companies a way to fill those gaps with trained, dedicated staff who can plug into existing workflows and start contributing quickly. Many of the providers working in this space specialize in the branded merchandise industry specifically. That means their teams aren’t learning the business from scratch. They understand decoration processes, order configurations and the pace of the work, which cuts down on ramp-up time and reduces the kind of miscommunication that slows things down. The models vary. Some providers offer full-time offshore team members at a fraction of domestic hiring costs. Others focus on specific functions like creative services, back-office support or appointment setting. A few operate as end-to-end partners, covering everything from artwork production and e-commerce management to IT and financial operations. For companies looking to scale without overextending their payroll, outsourcing through a PPAI-validated provider is a practical way to add headcount and keep things running smoothly. See more on these business services providers and many more. Visit PPAI.org/solutions. VectorMine / Shutterstock.com Essentials | Solutions Spotlight
• OCTOBER 2026 • 19 The Provider The Solution Flowz Staffing PPAI 883633, Platinum Flowz offers subscription-based remote staffing across marketing, customer service, creative, IT and back-office roles, with staff trained through PPAI's Advance program toward CAS designation ADDNECTAR SOLUTIONS PVT LTD PPAI 571780, Gold Addnectar offers outsourced artwork, embroidery digitizing, proofs, mockups, order entry, customer support and back-office services for promotional products suppliers, distributors and decorators. ArtWork Services USA PPAI 231735, Gold ArtWork Services USA provides 24/7 outsourced customer service, back-office support, graphic design and order processing, helping distributors and suppliers keep operations running without added overhead. Delegate CX PPAI 797662, Silver From back-office data entry tasks to key customer service operations, Delegate CX hires and trains team members for your business from its outsourced talent pool in the Philippines. Tahche Outsourcing, Inc. PPAI 885424, Standard-Plus Tahche helps U.S. businesses build and manage dedicated Philippine-based teams with full recruitment, onboarding, compliance and HR support on a transparent cost-plus model. And We Support PPAI 791306, Standard-Base And We Support provides trained remote assistants exclusively for the promotional products industry, handling order management, research, presentations and quoting with 100% in-office staff. Binated PPAI 739175, Standard-Base Binated offers customized back-office support, design services and on-demand or virtual workforce solutions for promotional products suppliers and distributors from its Houston base. Branding Bees PPAI 883779, Standard-Base Branding Bees provides offshore outsourced staffing with promo industry experience, offering trained artworkers, graphic designers, order processors, sales assistants and accountants on transparent hourly pricing. CFC Print & Mail PPAI 624476, Standard-Base CFC Print & Mail specializes in business document printing for promotional product distributors, offering envelopes, checks, invoices, forms and mailing services with two-day turnaround. CLS Brands LLC PPAI 825535, Standard-Base CLS Brands is a global distribution and fulfillment partner for consumer brands across electronics, sporting goods, smart home and more, with over 200 retail partners and global fulfillment capabilities. Imprint Staff LLC PPAI 907951, Standard-Base Imprint Staff provides skilled remote professionals for the promotional products industry, supporting customer service, sales, order management, marketing, artwork coordination, and admin tasks. Office Beacon LLC PPAI 255089, Standard-Base Office Beacon provides managed virtual staffing for the promo industry, offering artwork, order management, sales support, accounting and 150-plus specialized services at a flat rate. RainMaker Sales Support PPAI 906371, Standard-Base RainMaker is an onshore call center that books appointments with target buyers through calling, emailing and texting, with conversational agents who don't rely on scripts. Solutions Spotlight | Essentials
20 • OCTOBER 2026 • SPONSORED CONTENT Beyond Outsourcing: How Flowz Is Rethinking Remote Staffing A COMPANY IS ONLY AS STRONG as the people behind it. But finding the right people has become a huge challenge facing growing businesses. Based in El Segundo, California, and led by founder and CEO Caroline Dalal, Flowz helps companies build highly skilled remote teams across back-office operations, sales support, customer service, creative, IT and finance. Dalal, a former broadcast journalist turned entrepreneur, built Flowz around a simple premise: remote staffing should not mean compromising on talent, training or service. The company has worked with an impressive roster of businesses, including RE/MAX, Nike, NFL Alumni, Rotten Tomatoes and IBM. A Different Approach Traditional hiring is expensive and unpredictable. Flowz takes a different approach, working closely with clients to understand the position they need filled, and the person they need to succeed in it. “We have a deep dive discussion about what our clients need,” says Scott Nussinow, MAS, vice president of sales. “Everything we discover allows us to search five countries for candidates who meet their specific needs – even the subtle nuances. That’s huge because most agencies are simply pulling people from an existing pool.” Flowz evaluates each role across hard and soft skills, education, experience, certifications and cultural fit. Its recruitment network searches for candidates across the Philippines, Colombia, South Africa, India and Mauritius, presenting a curated shortlist of top candidates. Candidates are fluent in professional English, with bilingual talent available in Spanish and French, and are chosen to fit the client’s specific needs. And, they work on the client’s preferred hours. Clients interview finalists directly, and once selected, Flowz handles the employment infrastructure as the new FlowzPro joins the client’s team. Training That Goes Beyond Recruitment Flowz provides onboarding, training and ongoing support to help remote professionals become true team members, not just outsourced workers. For professionals serving the promotional products industry, that includes access to PPAI Advance, an industry education program with nearly 200 self-paced modules. “That’s on our dime and on our time. It’s an advantage nobody else offers,” says Nussinow. Coursework earns CEUs toward designations including Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS). Security Built Into the Model Flowz is the only provider in promo that has achieved PCI DSS Level 1 compliance, protecting environments in which professionals handle payment information and sensitive customer data. Additional certifications include SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001. An Entire Marketing Team; No Agency Required Beyond individual placements, Flowz offers its Flowz Marketing Pod™. Instead of hiring separate professionals for content, graphic design, video and social media - or retaining a traditional agency – clients gain access to a multidisciplinary marketing team. “You tell the project manager what you need, and whether it’s a website refresh, new imagery, content or social media, all these elements can be managed based on hours,” says Nussinow. “Clients get the equivalent of a 40-hour-a-week resource with access to a full range of skills.” Support Doesn’t Stop After The Hire Flowz also addresses a common weakness of remote staffing: what happens when something goes wrong. Project and team leaders monitor performance, help establish processes and step in when additional support is needed. Flowz also builds in continuity with backup coverage, so trained team members step in during absences, vacations or other disruptions. That combination of recruitment, training, oversight and continuity is what separates Flowz subscription staffing from traditional outsourcing. Companies aren’t simply purchasing hours. They’re building teams. As businesses look beyond geography for talent, Flowz sees a future of staffing defined not by where someone works, but by how well they’re trained. Learn more at flowzstaffing.com. CEO Caroline Dalal and Vice President of Sales Scott Nussinow, MAS, attended PPAI’s NALC 2026, which Flowz Staffing supported as a Platinum Sponsor.
STORIES TO KEEP AND USE 10.26 Must Read BETTER MERCH IS BETTER MARKETING PPAI Research’s latest study seeks what end buyers and agencies are most looking for in suppliers, distributors and the branded merchandise they provide. page 44 A NATURAL FIT p. 22 THE STATE OF RESPONSIBILITY 2026 p. 26 AN EVEN BRIGHTER FUTURE p. 40 • OCTOBER 2026 • 21
A Natural Fit Merch That Keeps The Wellness Going Natural health providers can use branded merchandise to reinforce healthy habits and keep wellness top of mind. By Audrey Sellers People don’t just want to feel better anymore – they want to live better. And they’re investing in that goal. The global wellness economy has doubled in size since 2013 and continues to outpace the growth of the global economy, according to the Global Wellness Institute. Natural health providers are benefiting from this momentum. The U.S. complementary and alternative medicine market is projected to surpass $375 billion by 2033. The sector encompasses a diverse range of practitioners and services, from naturopathic doctors and acupuncturists to functional nutritionists, herbalists and holistic wellness coaches. As consumers take a more proactive approach to their well-being, they’re turning to these providers for guidance on everything from nutrition and sleep to stress management and emotional wellness. An AYTM survey of nearly 3,000 U.S. adults found that most consumers (91%) say mental and emotional health is very or extremely important, while 89% say the same about physical health. For many consumers, natural health care isn’t an either-or decision. It’s an addition to the care they already receive. People may see their primary-care physician for conventional medical needs while also working with an acupuncturist for pain 22 • OCTOBER 2026 • Must Read | A Natural Fit
management or a wellness coach to build healthier routines. Others are drawn to providers who take a broader view of health, with greater emphasis on wholeperson well-being. That’s where complementary and integrative medicine come in. Complementary approaches can be used alongside conventional care, while integrative health brings the two together as part of a coordinated approach. Whether they visit a massage therapist to ease muscle tension or work with a nutritionist to build healthy eating habits, people are making wellness a more intentional part of their routine. In Life Time’s annual health and wellness survey of more than 1,300 people, more than 80% said they set aside time several days a week for self-care and activities that make them happy. Nearly half (48%) also said they prefer guidance from certified professionals when learning about new nutrition and wellness trends, compared with 13% who rely solely on social media. That focus on ongoing wellness creates a natural role for branded merchandise. A meal-planning journal, for example, can support nutrition goals, while a sound machine can encourage relaxation and a calming bedtime routine. The right merch can bring a natural health provider’s message to life: Self-care isn’t something you schedule once but a habit you build every day. Match The Merch To The Specialty Different kinds of branded merch work for different kinds of health providers. For example, a nutritionist might help clients stay on track with a meal-planning journal or portable blender, while a sleep specialist could help clients with a sound machine or sleep mask. Acupuncturists and mindfulness practitioners could lean into candles and other relaxation-focused products. The closer the connection between the merch and the specialty, the more relevant the message. Show Clients Some Love Nearly 8 in 10 people (79%) read online reviews before choosing a provider, and 69% say positive reviews are very or extremely important to their decision. That makes a little client appreciation worth considering. A thoughtful gift like a branded tote or luxe journal can show clients they’re valued while creating a positive experience they’re more inclined to share. It’s another way to position merch as a relationship-building tool rather than a giveaway. Merch For The MindfulnessMinded Mindfulness is more than a buzzword for Gen Z and millennials. Nearly half of people in these age groups say it’s a very high priority to them, compared to about 29% of baby boomers. They’re embracing everyday rituals, from better sleep to intentional skincare, to support their overall well-being. Natural health providers can tap into this mindset with merch like candles for creating calm or water bottles for staying hydrated. Make Provider Visits Memorable Patients pay attention to more than treatment plans – they notice how providers make them feel. In fact, 68% cite poor provider interaction as their biggest deal-breaker, while 46% point to a bad front-desk experience. And with 82% giving a provider just one or two chances before switching, thoughtful touches matter. Branded merch can help create a more welcoming experience, whether it’s a sleek tumbler waiting for a new client or a Himalayan salt rock that adds a calming touch to a wellness space. Merch That Eases The Pain Sometimes the best merch opportunity starts with a very real problem: pain. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans lives with chronic pain. In fact, it’s the No. 1 reason people turn to complementary and integrative health approaches. About 1 in 3 U.S. adults uses these approaches, spending more than $30 billion a year, often out of pocket. Branded merch like heating pads or cold therapy packs can bring comfort between visits and extend care beyond the treatment room. • OCTOBER 2026 • 23 A Natural Fit | Must Read Nearly 8 in 10 people read online reviews before choosing a provider. 68% of patients cite poor provider interaction as their biggest deal-breaker. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans lives with chronic pain. In fact, it’s the No. 1 reason people turn to complementary and integrative health approaches. Gen Z and millennials say mindfulness is a very high priority. Olesia Kotelevska / Shutterstock.com
Campaign Collateral Nutritionists can encourage healthy routines with the Blendi Steel. This stainless-steel blender bottle whips up full-size smoothies, shakes and lattes and converts into a water bottle. It recharges quickly with a USB-C. Starline USA / PPAI 112719, Platinum starline.com Acupuncturists or functional medicine practitioners could use the Serene Bluetooth Sound Machine to support stress management and create a more relaxing environment. It’s a three-inone sleeping machine, Bluetooth speaker and wireless charger in retail-style packaging. HPG / PPAI 110772, Platinum / hpgbrands.com An elegant notebook like the ColorPulse Hard Cover Spiral Journal is great for jotting down health goals and tracking daily wins. Its perforated pages make it easy to tear out wellness plans or self-care tips to share with others. Spector & Co. / PPAI 168328, Gold / spectorandco.com Health coaches and holistic practitioners can make the French Terry Classic Crew Sweatshirt part of their everyday uniform or gift it to clients who join a program. With its lightweight fabric and easy fit, it’s a piece that transitions easily from the wellness studio to the weekend. PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum pcna.com 24 • OCTOBER 2026 • Must Read | A Natural Fit 91% of U.S. adults say mental and emotional health is very or extremely important.
Great for a little self-care on the go, the Wellness Kit includes lip balm, a tissue pack and a nail file packaged inside a canvas pouch. Hand it out after appointments or at community events. Jornik / PPAI 111065, Silver / jornik.com The Mini Himalayan Mood Lamp brings a little color therapy into a wellness routine. Made from real salt, it cycles through a rainbow of hues designed to evoke different moods. An included 32-page guide explains the meaning behind each color. The Book Company / PPAI 218850, Standard-Base / thebookco.com A cozy candle, like this Vanilla-Scented Soy Wax Candle, is a natural fit for practitioners like meditation coaches and massage therapists. Give it as a thank-you gift or use it to create a calming atmosphere during sessions. Active Life Promo / PPAI 436753, Standard-Base / activelifepromo.com Sellers is a California-based freelance writer and former associate editor at PPAI. • OCTOBER 2026 • 25 A Natural Fit | Must Read The alternative medicine market is expected to surpass $375 billion
PPAI Research has examined benchmarking data on corporate social responsibility from distributors and suppliers of all sizes. By John Corrigan The State Of Responsibility 2026 Corporate social responsibility isn’t merely a trend in the branded merchandise industry – it’s a commitment. Many companies are stepping up to make a real difference, championing sustainability, giving back through philanthropy and driving progress in diversity, equity and inclusion. As part of the PPAI 100 research program, the Association gathered benchmarking data provided by companies that appeared in the 2026 ranking of branded merch’s leading distributors and suppliers, as well as those who didn’t make this year’s list or were too small to be eligible. This report focuses on the very questions that allowed PPAI Media to score the PPAI 100 Responsibility category. Here, we look at some key performance indicators of these businesses in terms of their environmental, social and governance efforts, sharing the state of responsibility among the very largest companies in the industry, all the way down to merch’s more typical small businesses – those earning less than $3 million per year. The following sections offer a breakdown of each benchmarking statistic, with insights and reactions from decision-makers among companies who participated in the surveys. 26 • OCTOBER 2026 • Must Read | The State Of Responsibility 2026 dee karen / Shutterstock.com
• OCTOBER 2026 • 27 The State Of Responsibility 2026 | Must Read
Supplier Benchmarking Doug Jackson, founder and chief revenue officer of Storm Creek, PPAI 100’s No. 28 supplier, says the story of the survey results is momentum. “The industry is moving from informal, ad hoc responsibility toward dedicated ownership and third-party accountability,” Jackson says. “That’s the direction we want to see, even if it’s concentrated among larger suppliers for now, because it suggests the structure for real accountability is being built.” Must Read | The State Of Responsibility 2026 TABLE 1: How is sustainability, responsible sourcing, and compliance managed within your organization? Combination of internal and external resources External expert or third-party support Dedicated internal role or team Part of an existing role Not formally assigned Suppliers $100M+ 38% 0% 62% 0% 0% Suppliers $25M-$100M 38% 0% 41% 21% 0% Suppliers $10M-$25M 22% 0% 39% 30% 9% Suppliers $3M-$10M 40% 5% 5% 35% 15% Suppliers Under $3M 43% 0% 14% 29% 14% TABLE 2: Which best describes your governance and supplier accountability practices? Third-party audits and continuous improvement Supplier requirements and monitoring Documented internal policies Informal expectations Suppliers $100M+ 62% 23% 15% 0% Suppliers $25M-$100M 53% 12% 21% 15% Suppliers $10M-$25M 30% 17% 26% 26% Suppliers $3M-$10M 45% 25% 20% 10% Suppliers Under $3M 0% 29% 29% 43% “We don’t just benchmark ourselves against other suppliers our size,” Jackson says. “We track against the broader corporate population, including Fortune 1000 companies and frameworks like SBTi, because that’s what the largest end buyers are actually measuring against. The bigger takeaway from this survey is that the industry needs to move past ambiguous, feel-good language toward claims that can actually be proved – and this is a good opportunity for PPAI to push suppliers in that direction.” 28 • OCTOBER 2026 •
Gerald Pinkley, vice president of compliance at Cap America, PPAI 100’s No. 41 supplier, is surprised by the number of suppliers that either don’t know what percentage of their manufacturing and sourcing locations are covered by social or environmental audits or prefer not to disclose that information. Nearly 10% of respondents fell into that category. “In today’s environment, visibility into the supply chain is increasingly important,” Pinkley says. “Issues such as forced labor can create significant legal, reputational and operational disruption. Not knowing where your products are being made and whether those facilities meet established social and environmental standards creates a level of risk that companies increasingly can’t afford to take.” The State Of Responsibility 2026 | Must Read TABLE 3: Approximately what percentage of your manufacturing or sourcing locations are covered by social or environmental audits, certifications, or verified standards? 76–100% 51–75% 26–50% 11–25% 0–10% Don’t know/ prefer not to say Suppliers $100M+ 92% 0% 0% 0% 8% 0% Suppliers $25M-$100M 74% 12% 3% 3% 0% 9% Suppliers $10M-$25M 61% 17% 4% 0% 9% 9% Suppliers $3M-$10M 55% 0% 20% 10% 0% 15% Suppliers Under $3M 43% 14% 0% 0% 29% 14% Tables 3 and 4 say more about how “compliance” gets defined than about actual performance, according to Jackson. “The questions are broad enough that a supplier with a baseline factory certification can answer ‘yes’ without that meaning much at the product level,” he says. “We’d want environmental due diligence asked about on its own, separately from social compliance, to get a cleaner read on where the industry actually stands.” TABLE 4: Roughly what percentage of products sold in 2025 had verifiable environmental or social attributes? % of products sold with verifiable environmental or social attributes Suppliers $100M+ 51% Suppliers $25M-$100M 46% Suppliers $10M-$25M 58% Suppliers $3M-$10M 47% Suppliers Under $3M 72% “The industry needs to move past ambiguous, feel-good language toward claims that can actually be proved – and this is a good opportunity for PPAI to push suppliers in that direction.” —DOUG JACKSON, STORM CREEK “In today’s environment, visibility into the supply chain is increasingly important … Not knowing where your products are being made and whether those facilities meet established social and environmental standards creates a level of risk that companies increasingly can’t afford to take.” —GERALD PINKLEY, CAP AMERICA • OCTOBER 2026 • 29
Jackson says greenhouse gas management is the area with the most room to grow, and the one large international end buyers care most about right now. “The bigger meaning here isn’t the exact numbers – it’s that GHG management as a discipline (baselines, targets tied to a recognized framework and disclosed progress) is still new for most of the supply base,” Jackson says. “That’s also the clearest opportunity: Suppliers who get ahead of this have a real story to tell end users who are asking the same question.” TABLE 5: Which best describes your approach to greenhouse gas (GHG) management? Progress tracked and disclosed Targets aligned with recognized frameworks Reduction targets set Baseline completed No baseline yet Suppliers $100M+ 31% 8% 0% 54% 8% Suppliers $25M-$100M 21% 12% 9% 24% 35% Suppliers $10M-$25M 5% 5% 9% 14% 68% Suppliers $3M-$10M 10% 5% 5% 15% 65% Suppliers Under $3M 33% 0% 17% 0% 50% Must Read | The State Of Responsibility 2026 The survey suggests that formal measurement and management of packaging and material impacts are still developing across the supplier community, but Pinkley expects that to change significantly. “With emerging extended producer responsibility regulations for textiles and packaging, companies will face increasing expectations to understand the materials they place into the market, how those materials are packaged and what happens to them at the end of their useful life,” Pinkley says. “What may historically have been viewed primarily as a sustainability initiative is increasingly becoming a compliance and operational issue.” TABLE 6: Which best describes how your company manages packaging and material impacts? Impacts measured and reduced over time Supplier engagement on materials and packaging Documented material and packaging guidelines Packaging preferences only No defined approach Suppliers $100M+ 15% 38% 15% 23% 8% Suppliers $25M-$100M 26% 26% 24% 18% 6% Suppliers $10M-$25M 17% 9% 30% 26% 17% Suppliers $3M-$10M 20% 35% 10% 25% 10% Suppliers Under $3M 17% 17% 17% 33% 17% “What may historically have been viewed primarily as a sustainability initiative is increasingly becoming a compliance and operational issue.” — GERALD PINKLEY, CAP AMERICA 30 • OCTOBER 2026 •
Nearly half of suppliers monitor and manage water use to protect the environment, cut costs and strengthen their reputation. By conserving water, suppliers align with industry sustainability goals and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. The State Of Responsibility 2026 | Must Read TABLE 7: Does your company actively monitor and manage water use at manufacturing or operational facilities? Yes, measured and managed Informal efforts Not currently Not applicable Suppliers $100M+ 54% 38% 8% 0% Suppliers $25M-$100M 56% 18% 9% 18% Suppliers $10M-$25M 39% 22% 26% 13% Suppliers $3M-$10M 30% 25% 20% 25% Suppliers Under $3M 33% 33% 17% 17% Regulations involving PFAS, extended producer responsibility, forced labor and supply-chain due diligence can have significant consequences for companies that are unprepared, warns Pinkley. “These risks can sometimes be viewed as relatively low probability, but the potential impact can be extremely high, from interrupted supply chains and restricted product sales to financial and reputational consequences,” Pinkley says. “For us, the takeaway is that companies can’t wait until a regulation directly affects a shipment or customer to begin preparing. Understanding your supply chain, establishing the right internal systems and monitoring regulatory developments have become fundamental parts of responsible business operations.” TABLE 8: How prepared is your company to comply with emerging global regulations (e.g., PFAS restrictions, EPR, forced labor laws, due diligence requirements)? Proactively supporting customers External expertise engaged Internal systems in place Monitoring developments Not currently tracking Suppliers $100M+ 38% 8% 54% 0% 0% Suppliers $25M-$100M 38% 9% 29% 24% 0% Suppliers $10M-$25M 22% 4% 43% 22% 9% Suppliers $3M-$10M 20% 5% 45% 30% 0% Suppliers Under $3M 0% 0% 17% 67% 17% “Understanding your supply chain, establishing the right internal systems and monitoring regulatory developments have become fundamental parts of responsible business operations.” —GERALD PINKLEY, CAP AMERICA • OCTOBER 2026 • 31
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