Canadian Distributors Spotlight Experience-Driven Merch After TOPS+ 2026, Canada’s top distributors revealed how the future of branded merchandise is shifting from products to immersive experiences that captivate, engage and drive real business impact. By Margaret Williamson Batuszkin FOLLOWING THIS YEAR’S TOPS+ 2026 tour, the Promotional Product Professionals of Canada turned trade show floor discovery into strategic insight with its inaugural distributor-led post-event webinar, TOPS+ 2026: Canada’s Distributors Reveal Their Top Promo Product Picks. Held in March 2026, the session brought together distributor voices from across the country to spotlight their top three products, trends and innovations as seen from the five-city, nationwide TOPS+ tour fueling new business opportunities across the industry. Drawing more than 100 members, the webinar offered a real-time, peer-driven perspective on how top distributors are translating what they saw on the show floor into actionable strategies for client engagement, growth and brand impact. While the webinar showcased a range of items from custom apparel to tech accessories and food, the broader takeaway extended beyond individual promo products. Distributors consistently emphasized the growing importance of engagement, storytelling and creating memorable brand experiences. “For our members, this is about staying ahead of where the industry is going,” says Jonathan N. Strauss, president and CEO of PPPC. “The real opportunity lies in moving beyond products to delivering experiences that resonate and drive connection.” Across the panel, products that encouraged participation stood out. Jennifer Collard of Quebec-based Lerner Promotions highlighted “Disc in a Box” build-your-own notebook kits by Numo Manufacturing, designed to engage users in real time. Collard also showcased the Birdie Juice shot glass sets from Novelty Printers and Calibre men’s and Essence women’s quarter zips from Levelwear. Meanwhile, Ashley Akbari of Ontario-based Promotional Source pointed to Numo’s customizable “pen bar” experience that increases booth dwell time and fosters meaningful conversation. Akbari also highlighted Martini-Vispak’s sublimated cotton T-shirts and NC Custom’s etched milk chocolate bars. “Our job is to get people into booths [at trade shows],” Akbari says. “If they’re spending a few minutes building something, that creates an opportunity to engage.” At the same time, traditional categories continue to evolve through design and decoration. Tim Schmitt of Manitoba-based Oak Leaf Promotions noted the growing appeal of textured and metallic decoration techniques that elevate everyday items, alongside Distributors visit the Stormtech booth at TOPS+ Toronto 2026. 50 • MAY 2026 • PPAI Community | PPPC Communiqué
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