Exploring Innovation at the PPAI Expo & Inviting You to Join Us

January 19, 2025

Discover the Latest in Promotional Products and Be Our Guest at an Exclusive Showcase!

Last week, Matt and I had the incredible opportunity to attend the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. For those unfamiliar, the PPAI Expo is the largest and longest-running trade show in the promotional products industry. This four-day event is packed with opportunities to learn, network, and explore the latest and greatest offerings from the industry’s leading suppliers.

The expo kicked off with a professional development conference, which provided invaluable classes and sessions designed to enhance our knowledge and skills. We participated in a variety of workshops that covered everything from innovative marketing strategies to emerging trends in promotional products. The insights we gained will undoubtedly help us continue to provide the best solutions for our clients.

Once the show floor opened, the real excitement began. With thousands of exhibitor booths and hundreds of thousands of promotional products on display, it was like stepping into a creative wonderland. Suppliers from around the globe showcased their latest designs, products, and ideas, offering inspiration for campaigns and projects we can bring to our clients.

In addition to discovering new products, we took the opportunity to build relationships with both established and new suppliers. These connections are key to ensuring we have access to high-quality products and cutting-edge solutions that make a difference for the brands we work with.

Some highlights of the show included:

  • Innovative eco-friendly products that align with the growing demand for sustainable solutions.
  • Unique customization techniques that elevate branding to the next level.
  • Exploring international brands and gaining insight into global trends.

Attending the PPAI Expo is always an inspiring experience, and this year was no exception. We returned energized, with fresh ideas and a renewed passion for what we do. It’s exciting to think about how these learnings and connections will shape our projects in the year ahead.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to invite our clients to join us at one of three upcoming promotional product showcases. These events provide an incredible opportunity to see a wide range of products in person, brought together by our trusted suppliers. Pricing discussions are off the table, allowing you to focus entirely on exploring the latest ideas and innovations.


The three shows will be held during the work day on the following dates - Behind Your Design will cover your entry

  • May 15th in Grand Rapids at the Meijer Gardens
  • July 15th in Lansing at the Kellogg Center
  • September 17th in Detroit at the Lions Stadium


If you’d like to be our guest at one of these events, please reach out to let us know which date works best for you. We’d love to share this experience with you and help bring fresh inspiration to your promotional strategies.

Be Our Guest At A Promotional Product Expo - Meet our Suppliers

June 9, 2026
In a world full of branded merchandise, it takes something different to capture attention and make a lasting impression. That’s where Solar Ink comes in. SolarPro Ink is a unique printing technique that keeps your design nearly invisible indoors. Once exposed to sunlight or UV light, the graphic suddenly appears in full color. It feels unexpected, interactive, and memorable.
Four decorated drink cans and a black sneaker lined up on a black table against a white wall.
June 8, 2026
Koozies are versatile promotional items for events. Enhance your brand visibility with custom designs. Contact us for options!
May 8, 2026
When it comes to promotional apparel, the details really do matter. One of the best ways to elevate a sweatshirt or hoodie is through raised embroidery, a technique that gives logos a bold, dimensional look you can see and feel. We recently created a custom zip-up hoodie for the Maryville Retreat Center using raised embroidered logo detailing. The result was a piece that didn’t just display their brand, it brought it to life through texture and craftsmanship. For Maryville Retreat Center, the goal was to create apparel that felt welcoming, durable, and aligned with their mission. The raised embroidered zip-up hoodie achieved that balance, offering a clean design with just enough texture to make it feel special. It works well for staff, volunteers, and guests, making it both functional and meaningful. What Is Raised Embroidery? Raised embroidery, sometimes called 3D or puff embroidery, uses specialized stitching and sometimes a foam base to lift parts of a design off the fabric. Instead of lying flat like print, the logo stands up from the garment, creating depth and texture. It’s a simple technique that instantly makes apparel feel more premium and intentional. Why Raised Embroidery Works So Well It elevates the look and feel Raised embroidery adds instant dimension, which naturally makes apparel feel higher quality. Even simple logos look more refined when they have texture and depth. It creates a strong first impression Because the design physically stands off the garment, it catches light differently and stands out without needing bold colors or oversized artwork. It’s built to last Embroidery is stitched into the fabric, not sitting on top of it. That means no peeling or cracking over time, even with regular wear and washing. It works especially well on hoodies and sweatshirts Heavier fabrics like fleece hold embroidery well, allowing the raised stitching to stay clean and structured. It helps strengthen brand recognition A textured logo becomes more noticeable and memorable, helping your brand stand out in everyday settings. Raised embroidery turns apparel into something people actually notice and remember. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how your brand is perceived. 
May 8, 2026
Showcasing a Michigan Manufacturing Company Through Professional Photography
May 5, 2026
Not all promotional products are the same, and that is a good thing. Different goals call for different types of items. Sometimes a simple, cost-effective giveaway works perfectly. Other times, a higher-end product creates a more meaningful experience. We recently worked with Interactive Training Systems to create custom embroidered Carhartt cooler backpacks as a gift for their employees. This is a great example of how thoughtful promotional products can elevate a brand and strengthen team connection.
May 5, 2026
In industries like engineering, manufacturing, and automotive, innovation never slows down. The companies that stand out are always thinking about what comes next. That mindset should show up not just in what you do, but in how you present your brand. We recently partnered with Interactive Training Systems to create a logo design that reflects both where they have been and where they are going. The end result is a modern brand identity that supports their continued growth. Why Intentional Branding Matters A logo is often the first impression your business makes. It should quickly communicate who you are and what you stand for. For companies in technical industries, that means finding the right balance. Your branding needs to feel modern and forward-thinking, while still showing experience and credibility. Every detail plays a role, from typography to color to overall style. A strong logo helps build trust, show expertise, and set you apart from competitors. A Thoughtful Approach to Logo Design Interactive Training Systems came to us looking for a logo that captured both their history and their future. As a company focused on technical training and innovation, it was important that their brand felt precise, smart, and adaptable. We started by getting a clear understanding of their business, their audience, and their goals. From there, we explored concepts that included: Clean, modern lines to show forward movement Subtle technical elements tied to engineering and manufacturing A polished look that reinforces trust The final design feels current, while still staying true to their foundation. Branding That Grows With You Your brand should evolve as your business grows. Too often, companies treat logo design as a one-time project, but it should be something that supports you long-term. This new logo gives Interactive Training Systems a strong foundation for what is ahead. It reflects innovation while still respecting their history, which is key in an industry like theirs. Why the Right Partner Makes a Difference Good branding comes from collaboration. It is about working with a team that listens, understands your vision, and knows how to bring it to life. At Behind Your Design, that is always the goal. We focus on creating branding that not only looks good, but actually works for your business. If your current branding no longer reflects where you are headed, it might be time for a refresh. The right logo can make a bigger impact than you think.
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