For the first time in nearly 16 months, Sandtricia Strickland walked a trade show floor.

Clutching her phone in one hand and a tote bag filled with samples in the other, it was Christmas in July for the president of Essential Creations Chicago (asi/189464). “My clients have been asking me what’s new, so I’m here to learn and discover new ideas,” Strickland said. “These shows get me motivated to go out and conquer the world.”

The same enthusiasm permeated the ASI Show Chicago, as more than 2,400 distributors explored the booths of 290 exhibitors. Relieved to no longer be on the hunt for face masks, neck gaiters and other personal protective equipment, distributors finally had the opportunity to touch new products, fueling their imaginations and rekindling their passion for the promotional products industry.

“The pandemic is over,” proclaimed David Hanon, sales assistant at St. Louis-based Pro Am Golf (asi/79657). “It’s time for the economy to resume. People are happy to be out.”

David Hanon of Pro Am Golf getting back into the swing of things.

Sustainability was the hottest trend at the ASI Show Chicago, influencing products in seemingly every category. Take CapTaggers for example, which is the creation of Frankfort, IL-based Fred Go Products Inc. (asi/55448). In order to reduce the amount of half-consumed water bottles that are thrown away because people forget if a bottle is theirs, CapTaggers are branded identification caps that replace plastic lids.

“Every household should have this like a spatula or pizza cutter,” said Dan Wasso, vice president of Fred Go Products.

CapTaggers, Fred Go Products’ creation, are branded identification caps for water bottles.

Other eco-friendly efforts came from San Marcos, CA-based Totally Bamboo (asi/91565), which has added desk accessories to its bamboo-made cutting boards and kitchenware, and Marion, IA-based Eco Lips (asi/51599), which focuses on organic lip care products and natural bug repellent. “A lot of people are moving toward natural products, and we’re a good fit for that,” said Glen Jasper, president of Eco Lips.

Snack time!

Jamie Johnson, national sales exec at @MapleRidgeFarms, gives a tour of the goodies at #ASIChicago #ASIMedia #PromoProducts pic.twitter.com/irGvVo0I7c

— John Corrigan (@JCorr_ASI) July 15, 2021

Of course, tech remains an industry staple. Phone chargers, USB hubs, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, power banks and other gadgets were on display. Glenview, IL-based ABT Electronics (asi/30444) drew quite a crowd with the JBL Party Box 310, a giant portable speaker that allows for karaoke. With its high volume and dazzling lights, it was as if the trade show had been transformed into a rave. “It’s been turning a lot of heads,” said Joey Damore, corporate sales manager at ABT.

Todd Williams, VP of sales & marketing at @mrbaggo, with all your cornhole & BAGGO needs.#ASIChicago #ASIMedia #PromoProducts pic.twitter.com/gQVd22Lb2Y

— John Corrigan (@JCorr_ASI) July 15, 2021

Many suppliers unveiled new products and styles at ASI Show Chicago. Despite its name, California Tattoos (asi/43530) offers much more than custom temporary tatts. Coloring books, calendars, scratch-offs and coasters also figure into the supplier’s eclectic mix. After 60 years in business, the Tucson, AZ-based company has added stickers to its assortment.

California Tattoos specializes in custom temporary tattoos, and much more.

King, NC-based Magnet America (asi/68519) followed the same strategy, expanding its product line of magnets, decals and buttons to include static clings and floor graphics. “We’ve been growing over the past year and we don’t want to slow down,” said Paul Parker, co-owner of the family business.

Caleb Parker, son of Magnet America co-owner Paul Parker, is learning the family business.

In addition to new products, there were several new companies on the show floor that were introducing themselves to the industry.

Kirkland, WA-based Teamatical Inc. (asi/90689) set up a laptop and monitor to demonstrate how customers can design, sell and fulfill dye-sublimated apparel with no minimums. The startup also provides platforms for teams, schools and other organizations to create e-commerce stores. “Our technology is integrated into the manufacturing, so as soon as people order, their product is being produced,” said Trevor Bardallis, board member and operating partner at Teamatical.

Trevor Bardallis, is a board member and operating partner at Teamatical.

Meanwhile, after more than 15 years in the retail space, Bolingbrook, IL-based Terraboost Industries (asi/90918) has transitioned to promo to provide branded hand sanitizer dispensers. “We offer revenue share to customers who let us sell ad space on the equipment,” said Mark Annes, senior director of sales. “We’ll tailor our program to fit our customers’ needs.”

And here’s another wonderful gift for dad…@GreatScrape! #ASIChicago pic.twitter.com/JZ1f4CqdT4

— John Corrigan (@JCorr_ASI) July 16, 2021

Perhaps the most grateful exhibitors were display suppliers. Witnessing such fervor for a return to live events – the lifeblood of their business – was worth the trip. “We couldn’t miss ASI Show Chicago this year,” said Lawrence Giles, director of business development at Doral, FL-based Vu Line Direct (asi/94226), which produces tents, table covers, banners and backdrop displays.

With sales down about 15% last year, Giles said the company anticipates a major rebound after experiencing its biggest January ever and June being its biggest billing-wise to date. “We’ve expanded coverage as far as hiring more sales reps for the Northeast, Tennessee and Georgia,” Giles said. “With our pricing remaining competitive and no inventory issues, we’re trending in the right direction. As a matter of fact, we’re seeing a very strong resurgence in our industry across the board.”