Lee

Feb

2018

Trends in Drinkware – The Moscow Mule Mug

What’s old is new again and that’s certainly true with the sudden popularity of the Moscow Mule Mug.

A cocktail dating back to the 1940s, the Moscow Mule is traditionally made with vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. Legend has it that the drink was created when John Martin, owner of Smirnoff Vodka, Jack Morgan, owner of the “Cock and Bull” pub and Sophie Berezinksi, the daughter of a Russian copper factory owner all pooled together to get rid of inventory that they could not get rid of. Vodka was not popular at the time and Martin was experimenting with different mixers to try to sell more of it. When Morgan had an abundance of ginger beer that didn’t sell, Martin decided to mix it with the vodka. Enter Berezinski, who had a bunch of copper mugs that her husband was urging her get rid of and you have the Moscow Mule!

Though not its original intention, the copper mug turned out to have a bevy (no pun intended) of benefits. According to the website homewetbar.com, one of the best things about sipping a moscow mule from a copper mug is the controlled temperature. Basically, it keeps your drink cold, even in the heat. Additionally, some say that the oxidation of the copper mixes with the lime juice to intensify the taste of the drink.

Though the drink was invented over 70 years ago, the NY Times reports a huge resurgence in popularity within the past few years. Moscow Mules were options on drink menus more than 60% more in 2015 than 2014 and accounted for 7% of all cocktail orders. No doubt the copper mug had something to do with this! In fact in some bars, patrons who order a Moscow Mule have to give their ID to the bartender as collateral to insure they won’t walk off with the mug.

Though back in the 1940s, the copper mugs were hard to come by, now they’re much more ubiquitous and you can even get them imprinted with your company logo.

And if you’re not a drinker – no worries – the Moscow Mule mug is still a winner and here’s why: Many purveyors of the holistic practice of Ayurveda (a form of alternative medicine that’s based on mind-body awareness) believe that drinking water out of a copper cup can help with all sorts of health benefits including enhanced digestion, thyroid regulation and reducing inflammation.

No matter what you’re sipping, there’s no doubt that the Moscow Mule Mug is and continues to be one of the hottest (errr….coldest?) drinkware trends of the past year.

Dec

2016

Best Promotional Products of 2016

It’s the end of the year and time to take a look back. When we analyze our best-sellers, we often see the tried and true favorites that are popular each year and then some new players that sneak up into the mix.

You are probably familiar with the majority of our best-sellers – coffee mugs, sunglasses and t-shirts continue to top the charts and that didn’t change in 2016. Perhaps you’ve even purchased a few of them for your company. But let’s talk about the new guys!

Tech. It’s the word of the year in the promotional product industry. Everyone wants tech! So, it’s no surprise that the Jolt Mobile Phone Charger is the “it” item of 2016.

Everyone always wants the hottest retail trend, so it comes as a shock to absolutely no one that the Selfie Stick was…as the kids say… uber popular in 2016*. In fact, we even handed them out at our Idea Expo.

While not exactly a tech product in itself, the Silicone Card Sleeve went gangbusters this year. Great for giveaways, people love to stick these on their smartphones, seeing your logo… pretty much all the time.

What’ll be the new “it” product for 2017? You tell us. Regardless, we don’t think any of these techie best-sellers are going away anytime soon.

* Do the kids still say uber?

Dec

2015

Need a last minute corporate holiday gift?

Thanksgiving has come and gone and now no one is complaining about it being too early for 24-hour holiday music on the radio and lights on houses. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We get it. Somehow we all (ourselves included) went from thinking we had all the time in the world to purchase corporate holiday gifts to realizing that we are quickly running out of time.

Don’t worry though. Last minute holiday gifts are no problem with Pinnacle’s RocketShip 24-Hour Express Service. All RocketShip orders ship within one business day of art approval. Yup, that’s one day, folks. We told you to stop worrying!

We know what you’re thinking – with expedited service like this there must not be many products to choose from. Wrong!

How about a Quake Wireless Charging Pad for your employees or customers? This has become very popular recently.Or if you want something a little more elegant, what about the Bamboo Wine Case Set? With a corkscrew opener, foil cutter, bamboo accented stopper, and pourer, you can be sure your clients are thinking of you when they pop the cork on a vintage Cab.These are just two examples of 24-hour rush gifts, but we have many, many more. Whether it’s a technology product, a drinkware piece, something for the office or a product for entertaining, don’t worry about it being too late to purchase your branded holiday gifts. Relax. We got this.

Nov

2015

The Time is Now: Holiday Gifts!

It doesn’t seem like it, but it’s already mid-November and holiday gifts are on your mind. Or if they aren’t, they should be. Why send a holiday gift?

1. To express appreciation for your clients, employees or both.
2. To establish good relationships with newer customers.
3. Generate good will and a general holiday spirit.
4. Increase brand awareness

So, hopefully you’re convinced you need to buy a gift now, but what kind of gift should you buy? Well, you’re in luck: we’ve identified the Top 4 Categories of promotional holiday gifts for a company.

1. Tech Gifts

Want to show that you’re in the know and on trend? Want to give your customers something they’ll use on a daily basis? Tech is it! Check out our power banks, bluetooth speakers or laptop bags.

Jolt Charger with Digital Power Display

2. Apparel Gifts

Apparel is a great gift option because of its long shelf-life. Think about your favorite shirts or jackets that you’ve had for years. I bet some of them are logoed apparel! Think about fleece jackets, branded apparel or winter accessories like hats or gloves.

Eddie Bauer Soft Shell Jacket

3. Office Gifts

The office really is like a second home for a lot of people. So why not give them something they’ll be able to use while they’re there and show off your logo all day long. We like laser-engraved executive pens, branded journals or debossed padfolios.

Tuscany Writing Journal

4. Food Gifts

We can’t forget about food, right? The way to your customers’ hearts is likely through their stomachs. Give them a gift basket with an assortment of treats, chocolate or perhaps a bar product coupled with a bottle of nice wine.

Sweet & Savory Gift Tower

The holidays are here. So why not make the most of the season by promoting good tidings and your brand at the same time?

Oct

2015

Make Flu Season Fun with a Promotional Bandage

Though it’s still on the warm side here in Atlanta, flu season is upon us. You know it’s coming when every pharmacy you drive past has a sign up advertising the flu shot. And you really know it’s coming when you get an email from HR encouraging all employees to get their flu shots by offering a 2-hour time off to do so.

In addition to some free time off and you know, not getting the flu, there’s also the bandage. Call it your own personal badge of courage. And of course you want that badge of courage to be blinged out, right? Minion bandages are not just for kids, folks.

The cooler the bandage, the better. And what’s better than a bandage with your logo on it?

Don’t think of it as associating your brand with pain. Think of it as associating your brand with a life-saving badge of courage. Or 2-hours off, if you work at Pinnacle.

Oct

2015

Products We Love: Printed Mints

So we’ve all seen promotional mints, mints in imprinted receptacles from metal tins to plastics containers all in varying shapes, colors, and sizes. But have you seen the actual imprint or logo on a mint?! A couple of years ago M&M’s started offering personalization on their candies and they’ve taken off like wildfire, especially for weddings. Think about doing the same thing for your brand, but on a mint (more professional, less melty.)

Each mint is 0.5” W x 0.5” H which allows you a 0.33” W x 0.33” H full color imprint. Oh the possibilities with this new product… you could use a photograph, your mascot, letters, product images, and of course your logo.

Printed Mints in a Small Tin isn’t new product, but it’s always one been one of our favorites!

Just something a little different to get your customers to remember you. And according to our product reviews, they taste great too. Bonus!

Feb

2015

3 Must-Haves for a Killer Trade Show Display

Trade show season is upon us! If you will be presenting at a trade show this season, you need to read this!

Of course, everyone on the trade show floor will have a booth contest, caricaturist, prize wheel or some other sort of entertainment. But, don’t forget about the basics. Do you have what it takes for a great trade show display?

Here are our picks to guarantee you have a killer trade show display!

1.

In a show with hundreds of vendors, grab the passers-by with an eye-popping display. But make sure it is something you can take down, put up, and travel with easily!

2.

Don’t go bare! A classy table cover and side banners add a simple elegance and buttoned-up look to any booth space.

3.

Attendees will remember you long after the show is over if you have unique, economical giveaways. Essentials include a reusable branded tote for carting away the show goodies, and a functional giveaway such as a promotional stylus pen or mini-journal.

Stay top-of-mind on the trade show floor, and long after your attendees have returned home. A powerfully branded display, with tables drapes and banners will reel in your audience. The perfect promotional giveaway item will help you make the right impression long after the show attendees leave your space.

Comment, and tell you your thoughts on trade show display must-haves!

Jan

2015

3 Surprising Things You Don’t Know About…Embroidery

Embroidery, as a process, goes back thousands of years. The earliest recorded embroidered garment dates back to 700 CE. Today, the embroidery process is completely digitized, though some of the foundations of embroidery are still key to the process as a whole.

Old Tools

-Hoop
The use of the embroider hoop dates back to the beginning of the process. They were originally made of wood, bone or ivory. Today, they are made of wood or plastic. Even machines with multiple stations still require one hoop per station. Hoops are necessary to keep the fabric taut while working.

Photo by Teunie

-Fabric
Thread or yarn is used in the embroidery process. Modern commercial embroidery thread is most often made of cotton or rayon, and available in unlimited color combinations.

New Tools

-Computer design
“In 1980, Wilcom introduced the first computer graphics embroidery design system to run on a minicomputer. “
The ability to design a multi-colored image has come a long way, but it still the hardest art to set-up because it requires the highest minimum font sizes. Detail is limited because in embroidery you are using thread instead of ink, and are confined by the size of the thread.

-Computer machinery
Current embroidery machinery can run more than 55 heads at once with more than 25 colors at one time. Tajima and Barudan are two top embroidery machine manufacturers.

Photo from Tajima

Method

-Process
The age-old process of pulling the fabric tight, setting it into a hoop and stitching into it, remains the same. However, the types of fabric and the speed of which determines the length of the process. The average logo contains approx. 8,000 stitches or less.

-Material
Embroidery is a sturdier, more substantial imprint process than screen-printing. You can embroider on most fabrics, from cotton to blends to full polyester or rayon. The favorite location for apparel, and the spot that receives the most impressions, is the front, left chest.

Embroidery remains the second most popular imprint method for promotional apparel. The ability to customize embroider on a bucket hat or a polo shirt, a soft-side cooler or picnic blanket, allows the customer to be flexible in the promotional product choice, even when limited by design. Click for more information on other imprint methods. Contact us for more information about your logo and how we can embroider it on just about anything!

Pinnacle Promotions

Bet you didn’t know THIS about embroidery! – A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Jan

2015

Can’t Miss Trade Show Tech Trends

Whether you are attending the trade show, hosting the booth, or the guest speaker, trade show technology is on the rise, and fast! Technology is making an impact across all aspects of the trade show world. Here are some key areas technology is changing the way we conduct and attend trade shows.

Giveaways

Giveaways have become more prevalent than ever at trade shows, and the use of tech trade show giveaways has increased year over year. Giveaways have transformed beyond uni-function pens, keychains, and bags.

-The promotional pen is no longer just a pen; it is a pen stylus and LED light combination.

-The branded keychain is no longer just a keychain; it is a LED flashlight and bottle opener.

-The imprinted bag is no longer just a bag; it is a full-color, screen-printed, reusable tote bag complete with embedded QR codes that links to the full event schedule online.

Security

Security has become an exceedingly important part of the trade show experience. It is more important than ever to protect your identity when traveling for business. It’d not just your personal information that is at risk, but a compromised corporate credit card can be a nightmare for both employee and company.

– RFID-protection (RFID, Radio-frequency Identification, is the wireless use of radio frequency to access information and transfer data) technology can be found in everything from logo’d travel wallets to laptop bags and briefcases.

-We recently wrote about the rise of RFID protection in promotional products.

Apps

Last but not least, get a good app! Whether at a small venue near your office, or McCormick Place in Chicago there are several apps that can help the trade show traveler on the go!

–Google Maps can help you avoid traffic and arrive on time at the right destination.

-Whether parking at the airport or convention center, you’ll probably leave the facility with your arms full and tired feet. Don’t wander! Use the Find My Car app to help you locate your vehicle right away.

-This great blog post highlights a few other apps that can help make your trade show experience better.

Whether the attendee or host, your trade show experience will be touched, and more than likely improved by the increased use of technology. Be on the cutting edge of what you see on the trade show floor, and stand out among the competitors by upping your technology game with unique giveaways. Be safe with RFID technology promotional products. And, don’t forget to use Find My Car so you aren’t left wandering the convention center parking garage after a long day on the show floor.

Pinnacle Promotions

Do NOT miss these trade show tech trends – A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Dec

2014

Pinnacle’s Top 14 of 2014

As we say goodbye to 2014, we want to take a look back at some of Pinnacle’s top moments of 2014.

1. 20th Birthday

Pinnacle Promotions celebrated our 20th birthday in July. We hosted a company celebration replete with songs, and food, and fun.

2. Pinnacle’s Big Office Move

After 10 years in our previous location, we moved to a new, spectacular office space in February. We had to work around some pretty major weather delays, but eventually we arrived at our new digs with our pink crates and worked quickly to get settled in!

3. Holiday Gift Giving

Pinnacle Promotions Do Good Feel Good committee chose a foster family to adopt for the holidays. Our team shopped for Barbies and pjs and makeup for two sisters taken in with nothing but the clothes on their back just before the holidays. How fun it was to make a difference in the lives of these young ladies. Pinnacle team members donated more than $500 in gifts and gift cards for this family and these girls.

4. Pinnacle Promotions named #58 on ASI Counselor Magazine’s Best Places to Work 2014

For the fifth year, Pinnacle Promotions is named to ASI Counselor Magazine’s Best Places to Work. The family culture, continuing education training and career pathways, and flexible work schedules all contributed to the recognition in 2014.

5. Pinnacle’s New Brand

January 3rd, 2014, Pinnacle introduced our new brand to the world in a huge unveiling!

6. Atlanta Idea Expo ’14

Pinnacle hosted our first-ever Atlanta Idea Expo ’14. The event happened on September 17th, and was the first of its kind for Pinnacle. We invited area clients, and some clients from farther away, to spend the day at our new offices with vendors, free samples and a delicious lunch.

7. Pinnacle’s New Website

In May, to match our new branding, Pinnacle launched our totally re-vamped website.

8. PPAI Award Notification

PPAI, the national non-profit association for the promotional products industry, selected Pinnacle Promotions as a finalist for four awards: Image Awards – Branding, Image Award – Distributor Catalog, Image Award Technology Award – Ecommerce website, Technology Award – Social Media, Technology Award.

9. Trustpilot honors Pinnacle Promotions

Trustpilot is an online-review platform for ecommerce businesses. Trustpilot boasts more than 7.5 million reviews on its site, representing businesses in more than 16 countries. Pinnacle Promotions uses Trustpilot for its customer review program. And, we were so very proud to accept the first-ever Trustpilot Customer Milestone Award. In July, Trustpilot recognized Pinnacle Promotions for collecting more than 500 reviews. Of those reviews, the majority are five-stars.

Award from Trustpilot

10. Counselor Best Place to Work Road Tour

Counselor Magazine’s Andy Cohen, Mindy Jensen Ligos and C.J. Mittica stopped by Pinnacle Promotions to check out the new offices during the Counselor Magazine Best Places to Work Road Trip.

11. World Cup Watching

Like many workplaces around the world, Pinnacle gathered in our new, large breakroom several afternoons in July to cheer the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team on through their journey at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. #USA #USA #USA

12. Emory Winship

Each year, our team members join Emory University (we are alumni, they are a client) for their annual fundraising 5K race.

13. Inc. 5000

Pinnacle makes the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing companies in 2014.

14. Snowmaggedonpocalypse

The snow and ice storm that hit Atlanta in January and February not only shut down most of Georgia, but also slowed our office move. On the bright side, this past year we initiated an “always on” connection plan so that our offices are never really closed, moving forward.

We can’t wait to see what 2015 brings to Pinnacle Promotions, and to all of you!

Pinnacle Promotions

Pinnacle’s Top 14 of 2014 – A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Lee

Trends in Drinkware – The Moscow Mule Mug

Best Promotional Products of 2016

Need a last minute corporate holiday gift?

The Time is Now: Holiday Gifts!

Make Flu Season Fun with a Promotional Bandage

Products We Love: Printed Mints

Pinnacle’s Top 14 of 2014

1. 20th Birthday

2. Pinnacle’s Big Office Move

3. Holiday Gift Giving

4. Pinnacle Promotions named #58 on ASI Counselor Magazine’s Best Places to Work 2014

5. Pinnacle’s New Brand

6. Atlanta Idea Expo ’14

7. Pinnacle’s New Website

8. PPAI Award Notification

9. Trustpilot honors Pinnacle Promotions

10. Counselor Best Place to Work Road Tour

11. World Cup Watching

12. Emory Winship

13. Inc. 5000

14. Snowmaggedonpocalypse

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