TREVOSE, PA — The Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI) capped off a successful run of its ASI Chicago 2025 trade show, drawing nearly 5,000 promotional products professionals to McCormick Place Convention Center for a dynamic three-day event that underscored the industry’s continued growth and innovation.
Billed as the Midwest’s largest promotional products trade show, the July 22–24 gathering attracted attendees from all 50 states and 17 countries, including major distributors such as HALO, AIM, and Deluxe/Safeguard. Notably, the show also welcomed 361 women-owned and 195 minority-owned businesses, highlighting a continued push toward industry inclusivity.
“This year’s ASI Chicago was electric,” said ASI President and CEO Timothy M. Andrews. “The energy, innovation and collaboration on display prove the promotional products industry is thriving. ASI is proud to host such a forward-looking event that helps distributors grow their business.”
The exhibit hall featured a strong supplier presence, with 75% of the industry’s top vendors represented and 72 new exhibitors offering fresh product concepts and networking opportunities.
High-Profile Guests and Industry Education
One of the event’s most talked-about moments came during a live Q&A with NFL Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears icon Brian Urlacher. The former linebacker shared branding insights, emphasizing the value of promotional items that are practical and wearable. “Your brand is worth a lot,” Urlacher told the audience, reinforcing the show’s theme of meaningful brand engagement.
In line with its education mission, ASI launched the ASI Learning Network, a free, on-demand platform offering training in sales, marketing, artificial intelligence, and the company’s ESP+ technology suite. Attendees participated in 26 expert-led sessions, and many explored new ESP+ features such as real-time supplier visibility and advanced inventory tools.
Highlights and Community Initiatives
Additional highlights from the week included:
- The New Product Preview Reception, where 50 suppliers introduced cutting-edge promotional products.
- The Counselor Awards ceremony, which named Justin Zavadil of American Solutions for Business (ASB) as Person of the Year.
- A focus on sustainability, with badge recycling stations and reusable water bottles distributed to attendees.
- The Canine Comfort Zone, a charitable effort benefiting Chicago’s Canine Therapy Corps.
- The ASI Gala at Punch Bowl Social, where guests enjoyed bowling, karaoke, and informal networking.
Looking Ahead
Following the strong showing in Chicago, ASI will bring its national trade show series to Orlando from January 5–7, Fort Worth from March 9–11, and back to Chicago from July 21–23, 2026.
As the promotional products sector continues to evolve, ASI Chicago 2025 served as a key barometer of industry health—marked by new technology, deeper collaboration, and an energized push toward long-term growth.
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