Promises Fulfilled: Collaboration, Inspiration, Thrill, and Learning Delivered by ASI Fort Worth

The ASI Show Fort Worth, held from February 3 to 5, 2020, at the Fort Worth Convention Center, was a resounding success. The event, known as the first major show in the region with the highest promotional product sales and product sourcing, attracted nearly 2,650 attendees and 391 exhibitors, including 37 new exhibitors this year.

Jesse Itzler, a maverick entrepreneur, served as the keynote speaker at the event. Itzler, an ultra-marathon runner, social media trendsetter, and successful entrepreneur, delivered an empowering keynote speech that encouraged attendees to focus on what differentiates them from their competitors, eliminate self-doubt, thrive on pressure, and create their own opportunities.

Richard Montañez, a PepsiCo executive, shared his inspiring story of rising from a janitor to a successful businessman by pitching the concept of Flamin' Hot Cheetos to Frito-Lay executives during a motivational breakfast.

The Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) hosted a "State of the Industry" roundtable discussion, where executives discussed fast-breaking issues like the impact of China's coronavirus on the industry and the need for greater integration and improved technology.

Rita Ugianskis-Fishman, senior vice president and general manager of ASI Show, expressed satisfaction with the show's success and growth. Bob Lilly, Jr., president of Bob Lilly Promotions, also expressed appreciation for the entire three-day event and confirmed plans to return next year.

The show provided an opportunity for distributors to scout for the latest innovations, connect with suppliers, discuss promo trends, and make new business connections. In fact, 14 distributor companies held meetings during the show, nine of which were top 100 companies.

ASI's Education Day attendance was 368, with attendees learning from industry experts about sales, marketing, social media, and design, choosing from 50 free classes.

653 companies from Texas, 167 women-owned, and 165 minority-owned companies were also present. The Trade Show News Network (TSNN) named ASI Show Fort Worth "Best of Show" among top trade shows across the U.S., reflecting the event's high quality and impact on the promotional products industry.

Allan Burgardt, of Kaeser & Blair Inc., praised Itzler's message, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in achieving success. Richard Feiden of Pheido Advertising found Itzler's speech inspiring, noting how it offered hope and encouraged reflection on personal goals.

American Solutions for Business (ASB) held its National Sales Conference in conjunction with Fort Worth, with 359 sales associates attending. The event was a testament to the collaborative spirit and growth within the promotional products industry.

While the identity of the person who delivered an inspiring message emphasizing self-confidence and urging promotional products industry dealers and manufacturers to put themselves in the spotlight at the 2020 ASI Fort Worth Show has not been identified, their words undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the attendees. The ASI Show Fort Worth served as a platform for industry insights, networking, and personal growth, setting the stage for another successful year in the promotional products industry.

Promises Fulfilled: Collaboration, Inspiration, Thrill, and Learning Delivered by ASI Fort Worth