promotional drinkware

What does every cubicle need?

What does every cubicle need? When we posed that question to our team, we got some varied answers. Here are some of our top picks:

ballchairBall chair: We were surprised to see how many people thought this belonged in every cubicle.

3sockmonkeys1Sock Monkey: We thought to ourselves, “Sure, a playful toy.” Nope. People mentioned Sock Monkey by name. Is that a thing that we just aren’t aware of?

Screen shot 2014-02-20 at 3.33.37 PMStress Ball: Everyone needs one of these in their cube for the coworker who won’t read the entire email.

EDGE2LITEDual-Monitor arm: Who uses just one monitor these days?

migFavorite Coffee Mug: Duh.

Screen shot 2014-02-20 at 3.35.17 PMTech Toys: Our Social Media Manager is addicted to the Gwee™ Button touchscreen cleaning device.

mousepadMouse Pad: Most agreed that a wrist-rest on the mouse pad is a necessity.

iphonestandPhone rest: That way we can see each song change or text from our mom. This stand comes with a stylus pen!

We’ve made a Pinterest Board with some of our favorites. What would you add to this list?

Pinnacle Promotions

Posted by Lee in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 1 comment

Promotional Product Hacks to Save Your Trade Show

We know how difficult it is to plan, prepare, and execute a trade show and that you’re looking for tips and tricks to make it easier. Storage is in short supply at trade shows. So, how can you make the most of it? We suggest doubling up the uses of your promotional items so that you don’t have to remember quite so many things. Some people call these hacks. We call them “imaginative repurposing.”

1. Silicone wristbands make handy rubber bands when you’re overwhelmed with loose pens or pencils and short on bundling methods.

Silicone wristband

Not only are these handy customized wristbands going to be utilized over and over by tradeshow attendees (because you just gave them a new idea) but will also allow you to be organized at the same time.

2. Reduce the number of office supplies that you need to take by leveraging your promotional items for your booth staff.

Post-It Notes

These will be handy for your staff to jot down notes to hand to attendees. Branding and personal contact reminder all rolled up in one.

3. Got a tablet or iPad to display but can’t get a new case or stand?

Windsor Reflections Promotional Jotters

Order the Windsor Reflections Promotional Jotter and use it to double as a display stand.

4. Cups are a great tradeshow promotional item because they are likely to be used again; they have a long “shelf life.” However, cups use up a lot of space, but really most of it is just air.

Fluted Stadium Cup

So, how do you take advantage of this? If you will be shipping your giveaway cups, use the cups for storage or stuff them full with other essentials that need to go to your trade show. This will reduce the number of boxes that you would need to ship and reduces clutter at the actual booth. In addition, many booths will use music to create the ambiance within the booth. Think you need to take along extra speakers to be heard? Think again. If playing music from your phone, place your phone’s speaker inside one of those snazzy promotional cups to amplify the sound.

5. Traveling with fragile tradeshow items and need cushioning to pack your valuables in? Have you ever thought of using a 1/4’ mouse pad, imprinted with your logo to cushion your precious delivery?

Thick Full Color Mouse Pad

Mouse pads come in all shapes, sizes, and thicknesses and can be used not only to ensure your mouse works correctly, but can be used to take up extra space in the box and absorb any shock that your shipping boxes may incur.

So, when you get ready to pack up your trade show tables, displays, and promotional items, recall these tips to save space, time, energy, and keep you organized. Well, at least make you look smart by knowing the hacks.

Got any good hacks of your own? Let us know!

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, Tradeshow Giveaways & Swag, 1 comment

Trade Show season is coming!

Tradeshow season is coming!

When the holidays come to a close, most businesses can count on one thing: the start of tradeshow season. January brings with it some of the largest and innovative tradeshows of the year. Starting with CES and PPAI in Las Vegas and rolling into car shows, boat shows, and wedding shows that will eventually dominate the spring. There are almost 1,000 tradeshows in January alone across the United States.

Ido Leffler recently wrote a stellar blog post on tradeshows, “How to Dominate Any Tradeshow, and Why Even Solo Entrepreneurs Should Try.” Leffler focuses on two main points:
…People want two things:
• They want to be entertained.
• They want free stuff.

Leffler explains that you can entertain people in a number of ways. First, by exhibiting a creative booth space. Something more than just a folding table. And then, it is imperative that you give people your time. Screen shot 2013-12-18 at 9.52.29 AM

As for the free stuff, Leffler states that this is “Manifesto Rule Numero Uno.”

“Turn the convention hall into a walking billboard about you and your brand. Conventioneers love tote bags. Why? Because there are tons and tons of free stuff to be had, and after about two hours they are going to need something to carry the swag in. We always order thousands of great tote bags. No cheap paper or thin cotton for us. Our bags are big, bright, and unique, and by day two we try to make sure that every single person in the hall is carrying one. Be shameless and be fun. Slap your logo on the bag, add some bright colors, and make sure that people instinctively smile when they see it. Have tons of product to give away at the booth, and give it away freely. Don’t be one of those guys withholding the good stuff for the “big guys.” Instead, be the guy with the product that everyone is using and talking about. Freely distributing swag (even if it costs you) is in your best interests; you want those walking adverts wandering the convention.”

Last year, promotional reusable bags and customized cinch bags were top-sellers for Pinnacle Promotions. They are great surfaces for your corporate logo, and you can guarantee that all the other items that people collect at the tradeshow will then be stuffed inside YOUR bag. As Leffler states, they are going to need a place to keep all the other swag!Screen shot 2013-12-18 at 9.34.45 AM

Humor is another way to get people to remember your name. The Learning Revolution, by Gordon Dryden and Dr. Jeannette Vos explains that one of the keys to memory is emotion. Make them laugh, make them smile, and they will remember you. The blah blah blah is always popular for every type of tradeshow because it makes people smile, and could possibly help to spark a conversation.
PL4140hiresThis is a stress ball AND a device holder!

Are you headed to a tradeshow this January? What’s the best promo item you ever received at a tradeshow?

Pinnacle Promotions

Posted by Lee in Top Trending Topics, Tradeshow Giveaways & Swag, 0 comments

The best gift I ever received was…

The best gift I ever received was…

Pinnacle Promotions is hosting a contest to give away our top picks for Holiday Thank You Gifts. I am ineligible to enter.
facebook_holiday-giveaway_2013_page2-v3

However, I still want to have the chance to tell everyone about the best present I ever received.

I am a life-long Houston Oiler fan, who has converted into a Houston Texans fan. Three years ago, my husband gave me tickets to the Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans football game in Nashville, only a few hours from where I live. I had never before been to an Oilers or Texans football game, home or away.

GameFrametasticMy husband purchased amazing seats to the December game. He booked a beautiful hotel in the heart of Nashville. Who just happened to be staying at the hotel? Why, the Houston Texans team, staff and flight crew were all staying at the hotel. By chance, we became fast friends with the flight crew before we even knew who they were. That friendship led to player introductions, too-numerous-to-count photos, sideline passes and life-long friendships.

While Pinnacle Promotions is not giving away tickets to the Texans-Titans football game, we are giving away a fabulous gift pack of items from our top picks of promotional, customized Thank You Gifts for end of the year giving.

What is the best gift you ever received?

Posted by Lee in Contests and Promotions, 0 comments

“That’s a Tier 2 problem.” Ummmm…what?

“That’s a Tier 2 problem.” Ummmm…what?

My laptop was not working. I had no idea what was wrong with it. So, I took my computer to a store that sells that computer, and that computer only. Upon further inspection, the technician kindly let me know that I have a “Tier 2” problem. I asked, “What is a Tier 2 problem?” He answered, “About $250.” Ummmm…what?

Many industries have their own terms that are proprietary to the market or industry. The promotional products industry is no different. We have assembled a few of our favorite terms here that some customers may know, but these terms might not necessarily be household names. Not only will we define them for you, but we’ll do it in less than #sixwords!

Four-color process
: Your full-color-logo on something
Stock the closet: Your corporate stash of promo items
Setup charge: Charge to setup the imprinting machine
Imprint: Your logo or design for production
Vector: Points and lines that make shapes
Raster: Squares of pixels that make shapes
Pad print: Stamp your imprint on your item
Deboss: Elegant concave imprint on squishable item
Digitizing: Embroidered image becomes digital sewing file
PMS Color: Color number matching your brand guidelines (PMS LINK)
Run Charge: Charge per color for color printing
Flash Charge: White base for dark printing wearables

Any other terms you want us to explain in #sixwords? We’re here for you! Check out our FAQs for more information.

Pinnacle Promotions

Posted by Lee in Brand Identity and Corporate Logos, Promotions Industry News, Top Trending Topics, 0 comments

Are You a Promo Hoarder?

According to the European Promotional Products Association, a whopping 91% of consumers keep a promotional product in their kitchen. This was surprising to me, until I realized that the EPPA was talking about me. Not only do I do this, but also I might be a promotional product hoarder.promfi infographic_11f1ec510dbe285b39baca0385b3afef

The best burger place in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is called Scotty P’s. There are six locations. The menu items are the same at each location, but are named specific to that location. For example, the BBQ burger is called the Watson Burger at the Allen location, and the Warren Burger at the Frisco location based on prominent members of those communities.

It’s not just the food that draws you to Scotty P’s. For years, they gave a plastic cup with each drink purchase. scottypsThere was no upsell attached to the cup. You bought a drink; you got a cup with their logo imprinted on it. As loyal customers, we have more than one Scotty P’s cup. The Pink cup during October was especially sought after.  Some restaurants maintain arrangements with their drink brand to provide promotional cups. These cups are usually co-branded with the restaurant logo and the drink brand logo. The Scotty P’s cups are just branded with their corporate logo.

Inspired by the EPPA statistics, I decided to take a look around the kitchen. After further review, I decided I might be a promo hoarder. I own more than 30+ Scotty P’s cups. And, I don’t even live in Texas any longer.

Are you one of the 55% of people who keep a promotional product in your bedroom? Are you one of the 25% of people who use a promotional pen in the home or office?  Tell us: Are you a promotional products hoarder?

Pinnacle Promotions

Posted by Lee in Brand Identity and Corporate Logos, Cool Promotional Products We Love, 0 comments

Megan’s Product Pick of the Week: Spirit Ice Tumbler

I am always seeking out useful promotional products that are attractive. And I really do enjoy finding new drinkware pieces. Remember the Vista Glass Mug, Laguna Tumbler or the Bobble Filtered Water Bottle?

 

The Spirit Ice Tumbler caught my attention at a recent end user show. Who wouldn’t want to drink their daily beverage in a rhinestone encrusted glass? I just feel fancy drinking my flavored water or iced coffee in it. Kind of like a private disco in my office. Or like a new wave, feminine version of the Crunk Cup.

 

The Spirit Ice is available in 9 exciting colors, each one is decorated with 7 rows of clear rhinestones. Then customize it by screen printing your logo on one side. The perception of your brand will be regal, fun and unique. And the double wall construction will keep your favorite drink cold. And with the 20 ounce capacity, you will never be thirsty!

Check out the Spirit Ice Tumbler and more unique products here.

-Megan
Merchandising Manager

Posted by Admin in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 0 comments

Trending Now: Trend #6 American Classic

This is the last post in our trend series. This year we are seeing a lot of products with a clean, polished, All American feeling. Think about yachting, being outdoors in the springtime, crisp clean fabrics, stripes, aviator sunglasses and easy styling. Primary colors come to mind- especially navy, red, yellow and kelly green. Don’t forget your natural tones like khaki and stone.
American classic will be a popular trend because your customers will be familiar with the styling of the product. And their brand will be quietly associated with clean, classic products that have a sense of familiarity to the end user. Tote bags, sunglasses, drinkware, cooler bags, button downs, and backpacks fall within this trend.
Here are some of my favorite American Classic products:

The Classic Rugby shirt:

 

 

 

Aviator Custom Sunglasses:

 

 

 

Port and Company All American Tee:

 

 

 

Game Day Cup:

 

 

 

Alternative Apparel Slouchy Pullover:

 

 

 

Nantucket Fashion Tote:

 

 

Check out our Pinterest board, featuring Promotional American Classic Designs.

 

 

 

Megan
Merchandising Manager

Posted by Admin, 0 comments

Megan’s Product Pick of the Week: the Vista 11 oz. Glass Mug

This is a very exciting time of year for me. January brings a fresh slew of promotional products! It might sound crazy, but with all the newness, some think it is better than Christmas! When I caught a glimpse of the Vista, I knew I had to share it with our blog readers. And we are pretty serious about product selection at Pinnacle. Drinkware is very close to our hearts and we road test many of the items for quality before they make an appearance on our website.

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Posted by Admin in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 0 comments

Heather’s Product Pick of the Week: TakeOut Tumbler Infuser

So it’s pretty much common knowledge that as part of a healthy diet you are supposed to drink 8 glasses of water a day.  I try to do this everyday and I’ve also eliminated soda from my diet.  Most days I’m content just drinking my water, but I recently found a new product, the TakeOut Tumbler Infuser that makes getting my 8 glasses of water easy and fun!

When I first got my sample of the TakeOut Tumbler Infuser I checked out the quality of the tumbler. I was pleased that the straw fit tightly in the lid and the double walled acrylic construction was well made.  For branding purposes, the full color wrap around insert gives you plenty of space to promote your company or organization.  The infuser basket also easily snapped in and out of the lid which made me immediately start thinking of creative recipes for infused water.

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Posted by Admin in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 1 comment