There are two elements that define the ASI Power Summit: the networking and the education. And considering this was the first live Power Summit since 2019, there was a crackling energy that led to especially robust networking.

The education generated conversation, as well. The three-day event featured a slate of eye-opening sessions on a number of pressing topics, from AI to the economy to return to the office. Power 50 leaders, sales experts, successful CEOs and inspirational speakers all took the stage to lend their expertise and give the attendees much to think about over the next 12 months.

Be sure to check out our coverage of the event, including wrap-ups of the first two days and Day 3, plus our keynote Q&A with Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan and a session featuring several Power 50 leaders.

In this edition of Promo Insiders, ASI Media Editor-in-Chief C.J. Mittica and Executive Editor Theresa Hegel recap their top takeaways from the event and the lessons they learned that distributors and suppliers would be wise to implement.

One important point is the power of brand authenticity, demonstrated in the remarkable success of Barstool Sports.

“Barstool for years had this reputation of being either low-rent or low-quality and having these noticeable flaws. [Ayers Badan] called it the Barstool difference,” says Mittica in the podcast. “And the way she talked about it, it’s really been part of their success. People have expectations, but they don’t ding Barstool for it. And they’ve been able to grow the brand to these insane levels of popularity and into all these different branding extensions while staying true to its origins – even though those origins have noticeable flaws or unique characteristics that other brands shy away from.”

Check our other top takeaways regarding AI, sustainability, next-gen customers and building a successful company culture.