The USA’s biggest trade show of the summer, The ASI Show took place in Chicago from 14th to 16th July. The scale of this event is unlike anything seen in the UK, with more than 4,000 distributors and over 700 suppliers coming together from across the country.

Sourcing City had invited Purple Club Members to accept an preferential package to join them in visiting this prestigious event.

The three-day event focused on building valuable relationships, growing sales opportunities and education. There was a vibrant show floor featuring special pavilions, daily networking and this year’s Education Conference featured 50 new sessions and top level speakers with workshops for every level of experience and area of interest.

Liz Young, Supplier Services Director at Sourcing City, hosted the UK delegation of Purple Club Members. Liz said; “The ASI Show was an experience that opened up a new perspective on the industry we work in. I have come back with some valuable new learning and some positive sales opportunities. Chicago was also great fun with my fellow Brits and our great friends at ASI!”

Maya Jeyaratnam from UK distributor Brand Alchemists said; “Visiting the ASI Show with Purple Club was a great experience. I have learnt several things that will benefit my business, and seeing the USA market in action was extremely interesting. We also saw a lot of Chicago with our friends at Sourcing City, which added a lot of fun to a very worthwhile business trip.”

Also visiting with Purple Club was Melissa Chevin, Global Marketing Manager of Business Gifts at A.T. Cross, who commented: “It was an absolute pleasure being a part of the Sourcing City delegation at ASI Chicago. It opened up so many networking opportunities for A.T. Cross with distributors and suppliers alike – contacts that you made it possible for us to meet! On a personal level, it meant my first experience of the show was enormously beneficial and thoroughly enjoyable.”

Sourcing City; along with The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) and PSI, formed The PromoAlliance in 2012. The PromoAlliance is an international alliance to identify and introduce best practices and market development concepts benefiting the US, UK and European markets. The goals of the international alliance for the promotional products industry includes introducing best practices, developing fresh market concepts, exploring new marketplaces and fostering education.

Published on: July 21st, 2015