PPB July 2020

commonsku Hosts Virtual skucon Conference Experience commonsku, a promotional products business and sales software provider, took its skucon conference virtual in May, drawing more than 700 promotional products professionals from all over the world and raising $12,000 for United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. commonsku CEO Catherine Graham says, “From the time we first conceived of ‘skucon at home’ to the time we went live was just over 30 days. We’re proud of the flexibility of our speakers, who were willing to share their strategies and tactics during uncertain times. And we’re proud of this amazing industry, which responded so quickly to gather together and support one another while allowing us to contribute to a worldwide cause. Seeing the overwhelming response and the commitment from the community—like our Australian friends who were up at 3:45 am to attend—was yet more proof that our industry is incredibly resilient and will fight to thrive, no matter what challenges are presented before us.” skucon participants took part in a three-hour conference that included keynotes, breakout sessions and one-on-one networking. The first 500 attendees who registered received a “skucon at home” kit shipped directly to their homes that included a mug, pens and a journal, sponsored by Numo. Sessions ranged from “Growing Sales Through Adversity” to “Positioning During a Downturn,” with topics relevant to today’s challenges. Speakers included David Nicholson of Polyconcept North America; April Dunford, entrepreneur and start-up marketing expert; Jamie Mair and Barry Deutsch of BDA; Nick Lateur of IMAGEN Brands; Meg Erber of S&S Activewear; Cola Svec and Angie Svec of Soul & Swag; Denise Taschereau of Fairware; Renya Nelson of Brand+Aid; Tom Rector of Screenbroidery; Brian Gill of thumbprint; Rich Patterson of Patterson Brands; Brandon Mackay, MAS, of SnugZUSA; Pierre Martichoux of ChameleonLike; Hayley Green of Rightsleeve; Anna Branch of Creative; Johanna Gottlieb of Axis Promotions; Kate Plummer, MAS, of Clearmount; Chris Ferriter of SoBe Promos; Roni Wright, MAS, of The Book Company; Gillian Hammond of Brand Fuel, Inc. and Janie Gaunce of Grapevine Designs. Photos by Brian Stidham of supplier EMT | JULY 2020 | 83 CONNECT