Promo Perspectives by SAGE

Live from the SAGE Conference at the PPAI Expo, we asked attendees to share their real-time reactions to the newly released SAGE features — and the feedback was clear. In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with distributors to talk about what stood out most — from powerful AI integrations to one-click logo uploads, full-presentation branding, virtual mockups, and lifest...

What if creating realistic product mockups didn’t require five different tools and 20 open tabs? In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with SAGE Creative Director Cristi Brinkman to break down the all-new SAGE Design Studio and how it transforms the mockup workflow for designers and non-designers alike. From bloated, multi-step processes to a purpose-built workflow desi...

What happens when you ask a sales team to describe brand-new SAGE features in just one word? At the PPAI Expo this year, SAGE hosted its own SAGE Conference and unveiled a powerful lineup of new features. While we were there, Nicole Cook and Senior Social Media Coordinator Anne-Marie Bolton decided to put the sales team on the spot and ask them to describe their favorite updates in one word. The r...

Thousands of members. Endless branded merch. One unforgettable Expo. In this special episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook leans into the heart of the podcast’s name by bringing you real perspectives from across the promotional products industry following the largest trade show of the year, PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. Rather than offering a single recap, Nicole gathers voices from every angl...

In this SAGE Conference 2026 session, Matt explores key trends shaping the promotional products industry and what suppliers and distributors should be paying attention to right now. From evolving customer expectations to smarter ways of leveraging tools and technology, Matt offers a forward-looking perspective backed by practical examples. This session is designed to help attendees think strategic...

At SAGE Conference 2026, Amanda delivers a practical, insight-packed session focused on helping promotional professionals work smarter, stay adaptable, and make confident decisions in a rapidly changing industry. In this session, Amanda breaks down real-world strategies you can apply immediately, from improving day-to-day workflows to thinking more strategically about growth, efficiency, and long-...

Andy takes the stage at SAGE Conference 2026 with a forward-thinking session that explores how technology, data, and smarter tools are shaping the future of the promotional products industry. This session focuses on leveraging modern solutions to streamline operations, improve visibility, and make better business decisions. Andy shares practical insights on embracing change, using available tools...

In this SAGE Conference 2026 session, Eric dives into practical strategies designed to help promotional product professionals work smarter, adapt faster, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Eric shares real-world insights on improving workflows, leveraging technology more effectively, and making strategic decisions that support long-term business growth. From simplifying everyday...

Thinking about becoming a supplier in the promotional products industry, or looking to strengthen your presence in SAGE? In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook is joined by Jonathan Webb from SAGE’s Supplier Sales team for a practical, high-level guide to getting started as a supplier and growing successfully inside the SAGE ecosystem. Jonathan breaks down what it really means to...

As the new year approaches, what trends are shaping the promotional products industry? In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook is joined by SAGE Distributor Account Advisor Matt Parisi to break down what distributors and their clients are really looking for as they head into 2026. They discuss the shift from uncertainty to confidence in the market, how buying behavior has evolved o...

Featuring: Jessica Del Rio, Director of Trade Shows & Events, and Halayne Noah, Trade Show Coordinator at SAGE Hosted by Nicole Cook Ever wonder what it actually takes to prepare for a trade show as massive as The PPAI Expo? In this episode, we take you behind the scenes with the SAGE team responsible for bringing it all to life. Jessica and Halayne share: ✔ When Expo planning really starts ✔...

In this episode, Nicole sits down with Ellen Tucker of PPAI for an inside look at the promotional products industry’s biggest event of the year: The PPAI Expo. Whether you're a first-time attendee or an industry veteran, this conversation is packed with insights on how to navigate the show, make the most of your time, and understand why Expo remains the heartbeat of the promo industry. Ellen share...

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, Senior Manager of Professional Development at PPAI, to explore the future of continuing education in the promotional products industry. Jessica shares her passion for learning and innovation—discussing how PPAI is modernizing education through modular learning, certifications, micro-credentials, and inter...

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Alok from PPAI to unpack the latest research and insights shaping the promotional products industry heading into 2026. They discuss key economic trends, growth opportunities, and the challenges suppliers and distributors can expect in the coming year — from inflation and tariffs to AI-driven efficiency and the rising demand for...

🍫 In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook chats with David Miller of NC Custom about one of the sweetest segments in the promotional products industry, food promos! David shares how his family business evolved from a small chocolate manufacturer into one of the top suppliers in the industry, creating everything from custom-shaped mints to gourmet chocolates and branded gift sets....

🌍 In this episode of Promo Perspectives, Nicole Cook sits down with David and Scott from PromoCares to talk about their inspiring Water4Good initiative. Learn how the promotional products industry is coming together to fund clean water towers around the world, impacting communities, schools, and supply chain regions where access to safe water is limited. From the origins of PromoCares to the ripp...

In this episode, we sit down with William Rubsamen, who runs marketing for a small business called Whirlix Design. William uses AI every day in his workflow, so we dive into: ✨ Our favorite AI tools 🚧 Common hurdles when getting started ⚖️ How to set responsible, ethical guidelines for using AI in your own business Whether you’re curious about AI or already experimenting, this conversation is pa...

🤖 What’s your gut feeling about AI? Is it the breakthrough that will take humanity to new heights? A powerful tool that works best with humans in control? A benevolent force (with great dental plans)? Or are you convinced Skynet is inevitable? Welcome to Promo Perspectives, a live podcast presented by SAGE. Each episode delivers tips, tricks, and insights designed to help promotional products sup...

On the final episode of our Band Merch Series, we're handing the mic over to the musicians themselves! Join us as we sit down with four different artists—Chris Jordan, Joshua Stone, Bradley Blackwell, and Myles Maestro—to get their real-world perspective on promotional products. You'll hear directly from your customers about what they want and need from their merch. They share honest stories about...

Turn up the volume and get ready to rock with this episode of Promo Perspectives! We’re continuing our series on band merch and bringing you a conversation with Angelica and Caleb from Merch Media. Angelica and Caleb are music lovers at heart, and they've turned that passion into a business that helps independent artists create awesome promotional products. You'll hear about their own love for mus...

On this episode of the Promo Perspectives podcast, we dive into the world of band merchandise from the distributor's point of view. We're joined by Adrian and Shadow from Seven Sins Printing and Embroidery, a company dedicated to helping artists translate their visual identity into profitable merch. Adrian and Shadow share their story of how they immersed themselves in the Texas music scene and th...

The live entertainment industry is booming, and promotional products distributors have a massive opportunity to profit from this growth. In this episode of Promo Perspectives, we take a deep dive into the $14 billion band merchandise industry.   Hosted by SAGE's Gabe Gotay, a musician himself, this podcast explores the history of band merch, from Elvis Presley's "I Love Elvis" buttons to the Grate...

In this episode, we continue our series on decoration methods, focusing on insights from the supplier decorator side. Our guest is Jenna Sackett, Brand Engagement Manager at Stahls. Jenna shares how Stahls' educates the industry on best practices for various heat transfer methods, from foundational techniques to cutting-edge innovations like UltraColor Max and specialty finishes. Discover how unde...

Join SAGE for an insightful episode of Promo Perspectives as we dive deep into the world of promotional product decoration! This episode offers a comprehensive look at popular techniques like embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer, laser engraving, and embossing/debossing, breaking down their pros, cons, and best uses. Independent distributor Ryan Feigenblatt of The Boca Ratonian shares his in...

In this episode of the Promo Perspectives podcast, join us and special guest Jeremy Rossbach as we dive deep into the heart of marketing: passion and creativity. Jeremy, a seasoned tech professional who transitioned back to his marketing roots, shares his unique journey, from running data centers to becoming a passionate advocate for network observability and even a podcaster. Discover how Jeremy...