promotional drinkware

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!

Dec

2014

Marsala is a “wine” choice for the Pantone Color of the Year 2015

The Pantone color matching system is the standard from which designers and graphic designers work for developing logos and brand guidelines. The color system is universal and allows for all areas to communicate in a color language that is fixed, and not left to interpretation.

Each year, Pantone chooses a “Color of the Year.” The color is decided upon at a secret Pantone meeting held in a European capital each year. The color is reportedly chosen in conjunction with many of the cultural influences that Pantone believes are relevant in our present lives. The color is meant to capture the spirit of the year.

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2015 is Marsala. It is a mix between red, rust, and burgundy.

Beyonce’ has already sported the breakout color this year. And if Bey has done it, we can expect more stars to follow.

Last year’s color was radiant orchid. Not all that many things are radiant orchid. But, we saw it make big strides in items such as apparel and drinkware. {link to blog}

The challenge we see for Marsala will be finding the right mix between red, dark red and burgundy. And, which products will highlight this subtle hue the best. Will a pen simply appear to be dark red rather than Marsala? Will a matte-finish mug showcase the color better than a promotional glossy-finish mug because of the light glare from gloss? Perhaps branded apparel and imprinted bags will win the day for the unique qualities of Marsala.

To help our designers, idea-makers and customers get into the color of the year we created a Pinterest board.

What promotional items do you think will look best in Marsala?

Pinnacle Promotions

Marsala is a wine choice for @Pantone color of the year – A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Dec

2014

Case Study: Gift with Purchase

Challenge

Hush Puppies was looking to increase sales of Hush Puppies shoes in the Fall for their WeatherSmart campaign and in the Spring for their Commuter campaign using a gift with purchase. The Pinnacle programs team worked closely with the fabulous group at Hush Puppies to develop just the right products to help Hush Puppies make the right impression with their value-added items.

“Hush Puppies helped the world relax… but it took a bit of work to get there. The history of Hush Puppies is rooted in comfort innovation – from the first casual shoe with Worry-Free Suede® to the many patented technologies that make shoes more comfortable and lightweight. From the beginning, the revolutionary use of Scotchgard® leather protector, added during the tanning process, made Hush Puppies leather scuff, stain and water resistant and changed suede footwear forever. Water beaded up and rolled away, leaving feet dry and the suede soft, supple and looking like new. Hush Puppies made “worryfree” a benchmark of its shoes and its brand attitude. In the 1980’s, Hush Puppies combined “computer modeling, biomechanical design and state of the art shoe crafting” to introduce the Hush Puppies “Body Shoe®” and ushered in the walking shoe era.”

The long, storied history of innovation at Hush Puppies set the bar high for quality and unique product offerings!

Solution

Pinnacle provided our client with IdeaKits featuring product ideas that would speak to the campaign messages.
• For WeatherSmart Campaign, we designed a fashion-forward folding umbrella that would appeal to the retail distribution channel.
• For Commuter Campaign, we designed a fashion-forward keychain and introduced a clever, new & unique product called the PopSockets(R) for a mobile technology accessory.

Pinnacle managed the production and distribution of these 2 campaigns to Hush Puppies’s nationwide retail channels. We also held available leftover inventory on these items that we then re-purposed for Dealer Incentives (WeatherSmart) and to tie into a Social Media Campaign Giveaways (Commuter).

Result

Pinnacle not only was able to manage and execute the projects successfully for the US, but also for the UK and Canada markets. In addition the retail partners responsible were very impressed with the drive in sales and appreciated we were able to integrate into their distribution network without any hassles.

Dec

2014

Case Study: Building a Strong Brand

Challenge

FLEETCOR is a leading independent global provider of specialized payment products and services. It serves 500,000 commercial with millions of cardholders across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa and Asia.

FLEETCOR was given the last minute authorization to order products for their upcoming Sales Incentive Trip, only four weeks away and in the Dominican Republic. They were looking for high quality products that met their branding guidelines but were on a tight deadline.

Solution

Since time was of the essence, Pinnacle created an IdeaKit in less than two hours, recommending products that historically have been successful and would deliver internationally in a timely manner. FLEETCOR selected six items for their event: The Starphire Glass Award, 5”x 7” Embossed Tropical Frames, Superior Weight Colored Beach Towels, Suncare Kits with added lip balm, the Alta Triton Water Bottle and the Riviera Striped Tote.

Since this order was shipping internationally, Pinnacle worked directly with a major global logistics provider and the client’s hotel to ensure delivery would go smoothly. We learned, however, after the items had landed in the Dominican Republic, that the logistics company was unable to make the delivery. Despite the significant setback, we worked with concierge at the hotel and hired a taxi to pick up the packages from the airport and drive three hours to make the delivery. The items arrived at the recipients’ hotel rooms that evening.

Result

FLEETCOR was extremely pleased with the outcome of their order, despite one item not clearing customs. FLEETCOR declared this to be the nicest collection of products that they had ever given away at a sales incentive trip. And, the Pinnacle and FLEETCOR teams were able to work together to select the perfect promotional items to help the client Make the right impression™.

Pinnacle Promotions

Nov

2014

8 Must-dos for the Corporate Tailgating Event

Auburn or Alabama?
Bears or Packers?
College football of NFL?
Gas grill or charcoal grill?
Hot dogs or Brats?
Group section seating or corporate suite?

Corporate picnics were good in the summer, but this is football season! And, it is football-tailgating season. So no matter what team your organization roots for, tailgating and attending a fall football game is always a fun corporate event and great for team building…as long as your team wins!

We polled our account teams and some of our customers and here are our picks for the top must-dos for the corporate tailgating event:

1. Keep the drinks cold!

2. Clean up after yourself!

3. Support your team!

4. Keep the fans warm!

6. Stay connected!

7. Stay safe!

8. Be loud!

We want to see your pictures! If your organization does some tailgating this season, share your pics with us of your team supporting your team! Post them to our Facebook wall.

Oct

2014

If You Could Be A Promotional Product Which Would You Be?

Take our promotional products personality test!

Click on the product to see what your choice says about your work place personality:

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Share this post if you know someone who matches one of these products!

Pinnacle Promotions

If you could be a promotional product which would you be? A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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23

Oct

2014

Atlanta Idea Expo ‘14
“This was great! Got some ideas for future promotional items that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.”

This is just one of the quotes from people who attended Pinnacle Promotions 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.

We invited 12 vendors to bring their best presentations, samples and ideas to share with our customers. Guests moved through the offices with a passport, showing destinations and directions for experiencing what each vendor had to offer. At the end of the day, we invited our guests to sign the back of their passport and drop it in a drawing for an iPad. Just for attending, guests were entered to win any number of prizes throughout the day including compu-backpacks, men’s and women’s all-weather apparel and even a golf bag.

Throughout the day, guests were welcome to stop at any one of the five educational sessions. Session topics included Holiday Gifts, Apparel, Case Studies, Company Stores and Social Media. The Apparel and Social Media sessions proved to be the most popular among the attendees. Ideas were flowing fast and fierce!

Guests left Pinnacle with goody bags full of samples and new information about smart products that they can use to promote their brand. They were able to complete sample request cards to get specific samples sent to them at their office for a closer look. They were able to leave with the experience of having spent the day with their co-workers or Pinnacle account teams. And, they were able to leave Pinnacle Promotions with sneak peeks into what promotional items are new and unique for 2015 as well as great ideas for ways to use popular branded items to gear up their team, reward employees or expand their audience.

Click to see more pictures from our event.
If you attended the event at our offices, please stop by our Google+ local page and leave a review about your experience!
And, stay tuned for news and information about our next great event!

Pinnacle Promotions

The expo was a HUGE success! {PICS} – A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Posted by Lee in Brand Identity and Corporate Logos, 0 comments

09

Oct

2014

What IS a promotional product?
Someone said to us recently, “What IS a promotional product?” We were aghast to realize everyone might not necessarily know what is classified as a promotional product. Promotional products can be anything. And if you take a look around, you might be surprised to find out just how many promotional products you do own!

Here are a few promotional items that you might find around your home and office right now:

The concert tee

Your concert t-shirt is actually a promotional product! The band put their logo on the shirt, and you have worn that shirt until it has faded out.

Bank pen

The traditional bank pen may be where it all started! The very foundation of promotional products has always been a logo on a pen.

Soda cup

Reusable soda cups have become the staple for restaurants. And, when paired with the restaurant logo and the soda name the promotional soda cup becomes the double-marketing whammy!

Matchbook

This classic promotional item may not be as popular any longer, but the personalized matchbook was an early marketing adopter due to the high-visibility and available imprint space.

Calendar

A fixture in the real estate markets, the promotional magnetic calendar can be found on many a refrigerator at the start of the New Year!

Letter opener

We asked a focus group to tell us the most useful promotional item at their desk right now. Their overwhelming answer? The letter opener.

Shopping bag

The reusable shopping bag market has exploded! With everyone trying to do his or her part to save the planet, the value of the grocery tote has grown. The state of California has become the first state to propose banning plastic bags. Now it’s not just the store from which the bag came that wants to use the space for advertising, it is also products that want a piece of the branding pie. The marriage of Kroger and Kraft on the same reusable grocery tote is in the VERY near future.

Take a look around! Tell us just how many promotional products you see. We think you will be surprised at how many promotional products we have in our lives and the prominence of some of those products. Now that you see just how many things classify as promotional products, think about your audience reach when you put your brand on a customizable item. The value of promotional products cannot be understated!

Pinnacle Promotions

I had no idea THAT was a promo product – A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Posted by Lee in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 1 comment

18

Sep

2014

5 Promotional Products that Make People Say “WHAT?!?!”

WWWHHATTT?!?!?!

We see it all in the promotional products industry. We’ve seen clients order everything from the traditional promotional stick pen to the custom mug with a brass knuckles handle. There is a perfectly good use for even the most eye-catching promotional products. Here are a few of our favorites:

1.
The Kikkerland Cranky

This completely functional promotional product with imprint area on the key, doubles as a business card holder. This product was recently purchased by a software development company. Think clever? Think techy? Think geek? Think software development company.

2.
The Lung Stress Ball

This lung shaped stress ball is a fantastic awareness product. November is COPD Awareness Month and these would make a perfect personalized giveaway for events. The key to awareness product is impact and functionality. The better suited the promotional items, the better the opportunity for engagement and return on your investment in the form of participation and donation.

3.
The Hot Rod® Vent stick

Looking for the pine tree air freshener? We’ve got something better. This stick air freshener glides right into the air vents of the car. Brand the end, the most visible part of the product. This product can be used for the local car wash as a giveaway for patrons. It makes the perfect swag bag item for a large car show. And, can be branded and sold in auto parts stores to turn perfume into profit.

4.
Umbrella Plus

This promotional umbrella doubles as a chipping target. When you see this umbrella in it’s traditional position, it looks like your average umbrella. Except for two, dog ear holes on top. Do they go up? Do they go down? Actually, when the umbrella is inverted they serve as golf holes for chipping or putting. We don’t have to tell you that this makes the perfect golf outing prize or branded with the club or league logo and it becomes a fabulous country club self-promotional item for sale in the pro shop.

5.
Biodegradable Sweatshirt Water Bottle

Because every water bottle needs a hooded sweatshirt, right? As fun as this cooler cover might look, the advantage of this product is the reusable BPA-free water bottle. The large imprint area on the bottle cover makes this product perfect for your corporate picnic or fraternity or sorority-tailgating event. The tickets to the Florida State Football game pictured here are not included! ;)

Some of these branded products might not immediately come to mind for your event or organization. Some of these customizable products might even make you say “WHAT!??!” But then again, some of these promotional items are so creative the sheer shock value provides an unforeseen return on your investment. These promotional items keep your brand top of mind long after the initial engagement and remind your audience of your unique ability to bring something to the table that sets you apart from your competitors.

Do you have a picture of a branded item that made you say WHAT!?!?!?! Tell us about it here or post it to our Facebook wall.

Pinnacle Promotions

5 Promotional Products that Make People Say “WHAT?!?!” A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Posted by Lee in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 0 comments

12

Sep

2014

Trustpilot honors Pinnacle Promotions
‘There’s no such thing as bad publicity’ – Phineas T. Barnum

That’s not completely true. In today’s crowdsourcing environment, a positive public image is vital. Businesses are competing for an ever-dwindling mindshare using all tools at their disposal. Which means that the value of the credible, qualified customer review is higher than it has ever been before.

Trustpilot is an online-review platform for ecommerce businesses that boasts more than 7.5 million reviews on its site, representing businesses in more than 16 countries. One of the key value-adds of the platform is its relationship with Google that lists Trustpilot reviews in the Google Seller Ratings. Unlike other crowd sourced or location-based review options, Trustpilot is regulated and cannot be “gamed” in the business’s favor. It is entirely customer focused, customer controlled.

Pinnacle Promotions uses Trustpilot for its customer review program. And, we are so very proud to accept the first-ever Trustpilot Customer Milestone Award. In July, the company recognized Pinnacle Promotions for collecting more than 500 reviews. Of those reviews, the majority are five-stars.

“We are honored to be the first recipient of the Trustpilot Customer Milestone Award, the party was fantastic. The entire company got to celebrate this achievement together over cake, cookies and champagne. We take our customer experiences very seriously and it’s great to know there’s a company out there that does too and is willing to recognize those that do. Thanks Trustpilot.” – Justin Hutchinson, Director of Inside Sales at Pinnacle Promotions

Trustpilot threw a party for the team at Pinnacle to celebrate this momentous occasion when they selected their top ten favorite reviews and had them framed and presented to the team during this company-wide event. Read the Trustpilot blog post, here.

Pinnacle strives every day to provide a high level of excellence in products and service. We look forward to continued positive relationships with our customers. Thank you, Trustpilot, for recognizing Pinnacle and this groundbreaking achievement!

Pinnacle Promotions

Pinnacle Promotions honored for customer reviews. A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Posted by Lee in Pinnacle Promotions News, 0 comments

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