attacks, and the economic recession in 2008. Business travelers are also eager to become more mobile again, and to meet face-to-face with industry leaders, peers and decision-makers. A survey of 3,850 business travelers (specified as those who travel for business three or more times a year) from the U.S., Canada and 30 other countries worldwide, conducted by Wakefield Research and business software company Sap Concur, and published this past May, found that 96 percent are willing to travel for work over the next 12 months, and roughly two-thirds (65 percent) say they are “very willing.” Likewise, another survey released in April by Chubb and commissioned by market research firm Dynata, “Time To Fly: The Impact of Covid-19 on the Present and Future of Business Travel,” of 2,100 respondents across 16 countries, found that 84 percent of business travelers say they “cannot wait” to travel again for work, while 80 percent said they personally missed it. The survey also found that respondents are twice as likely to be more comfortable traveling for work than for pleasure, citing the importance of business to their livelihood as a key reason. Even with (temporary) travel cuts and some lingering precautions around corporate travel, promotional products and wearables can play a strategic role in welcoming employees back to traveling for work. High-quality, plush and easywear apparel products can help to make travelers more comfortable with the overall experience, while durable backpacks, totes and other wearable bags can better prepare them for working on the road. Gifting or offering employees first-rate products that are designed to accommodate travel specifically, is an extension of thanks for their willingness to go above and beyond for their company or role—and for hitting the ground running at a time when it’s needed most. By offering carefully curated wearables to business travelers, brands can contribute to the “return to normal” while also creating a personalized experience for them, and strategically working to make these travelers their loyal customers. Read on for top choices in promotional products wearables for today’s re-emerging business travelers. Road Wa r r i o r s Great to pair with the Presence Leggings is the Manduka-branded Enlightened Tee. With a flattering fit that’s easywear, the tee reaches to mid-hip length for added coverage. It’s made from a fabric blend of 50-percent polyester and 50-percent rayon, and it’s both highly breathable and fast-drying. Available in women’s sizes XS-XL in white and black (shown). Stark Enterprises, Inc. PPAI 521359, S2 www.starkpremium.com The best-selling Mandukabranded Presence Legging is highly breathable, fast-drying and comfortable; the perfect pair for long flights and trips on the road. Sustainably made from a blend of 77-percent nylon and 23-percent spandex, the leggings have a highrise fit and feature a Powermesh waistband, which is designed to hold the wearer in while allowing free movement. Available in women’s sizes XS-XL in new grey, dark sapphire, black, bloom, henna and dark deep sea (shown). Stark Enterprises, Inc. / PPAI 521359, S2 www.starkpremium.com 16 | DECEMBER 2021 | INNOVATE
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