IN THIS ISSUE P PA I . ORG/ MED I A 01.26 Styling Pantone’s “Cloud Dancer” p. 18 PPAI 100 Playbook p. 34 Icon Winners p. 54 New Year, New-ish Trends Through detailed analysis, PPAI Research has identified five trends and predictions for the promo industry in 2026. p. 40
4 From PPAI When the World Gets Weird, Get Focused 7 Creative Calendar Essentials 10 Solutions Spotlight Artwork Services 14 Use Case Festival Faves 18 In Style Color Of The Year Voices 24 Your Business Do Your KPIs Have KPIs? 28 Innovation What Is Digital Transformation In 2026? 30 Responsibility Slow Starts, Bold Futures Must Read 48 Promotional Products Work Swag For Startups Community 64 Buzzworthy 66 PPPC Communiqué 69 Inside PPAI 73 New Members 79 Datebook 84 Perfect Promo CONTENTS 01.26 VOLUME 50, ISSUE 01 The PPAI 100 Playbook Manage these six elements to help maximize your score and earn the ranking your company deserves in 2026 and beyond. 34 2026 PPAI Icon Award Winners The Association honors three extraordinary leaders whose decades of unwavering volunteerism, compassion and industry stewardship have shaped the promotional products community and inspired countless others to give back. 54 54 40 34 New Year, New-ish Trends Through comprehensive industry, buyer and consumer data, PPAI Research has identified five trends and predictions for the promo industry in 2026. 40 PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 3
From PPAI Danny Rosin, CAS PPAI Board Chair-Elect 01.26 We can’t control all the chaos around us. But we can absolutely control our response. When the World Gets Weird, Get Focused AS WE ROLL OVER THE CALENDAR to 2026 and start counting down the days to The PPAI Expo – and after it, my term as your Board Chair – it is time to turn the hustle thermostat all the way up. It’s not because the world had suddenly become predictable. It hasn’t. It’s because our community has a way of reminding you who you are and what you’re capable of. In Vegas, we’ll be standing amidst the most energized, talented and creative people on earth. They (you!) build, solve, design, support, imagine and care for a living. Let’s meet this moment with heart and momentum. If 2025 was a year of weirdness, worry and uncertainty, then 2026 is the year we get focused on taking back control. Yes, plenty around us remains out of our hands. Macroeconomic swings. Tariffs and trade regulations. Material costs that zig when you hope they zag. Freight disruptions and carrier boycotts. Government shutdowns. The Crumbl Cookies flavor of the week. And the trends nobody saw coming or wanted, like tipping for every minor transaction. These things shape our environment, but they don’t define our destiny. What does define it is everything you can control. You control how deeply you invest in client relationships. You control your financial discipline and the strength of your business fundamentals. You control whether your marketing is creative and intentional or reactive and routine. You control how well you understand your clients, what they’re actually trying to solve and how your solutions make them look like heroes. You control your product knowledge, your commitment to professional development and whether you embrace the technologies transforming the way you work. You set your boundaries. You sharpen your differentiation. You own your reputation. You choose your attitude. You also control whether you treat uncertainty as an excuse or as the nudge that pushes you to finally evolve, refine and build. As PPAI CEO Drew Holmgreen often says, there is joy to be found in this work and in our wonderfully insatiable medium. That joy doesn’t appear by accident—it shows up when you do. You don’t have to do any of this alone. One of the greatest strengths of PPAI membership is access to a deep well of resources, backed by a team of smart, caring professionals laser-focused on your growth. • The PPAI Advance platform offers best-in-class education that sharpens your skills and your edge. • In Las Vegas and at events throughout the year, you can spark creativity and connect with people who make you better. • SAGE tools and technologies, a PPAI member perk, will simplify your workflows. • There are business savings and partner programs to protect your bottom line. • PPAI Media offers tons of industry insights plus best practices to help you make confident decisions. It’s not just PPAI. It’s the whole community. There’s support at your regional level. PromoKitchen’s mentorship program provides one-on-one guidance from experienced leaders. PromoCares initiatives help our industry lead with heart on social and environmental responsibility. Uncertainty isn’t packing up and moving on any time soon. But neither are your membership advantages. This is the year to stop doom-scrolling and start upskilling. Attend the events. Take the courses. Use the tools. Enlist the mentors. Engage with your peer community. Turn your PPAI membership into the competitive edge it’s designed to be. Do what Hunter S. Thompson says and, “Buy the ticket. Take the Ride.” We can’t control all the chaos around us. But we can absolutely control our response. At the start of this new year, full of opportunity, look in the mirror. Remember why you chose this industry and then truly get after it. You’ve got this, friends. And I’m honored to lead alongside you. 4 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI
SUPER SEVILLE PRECISIONIST MOVEMENT DARE TO GO HIGHER SKYHAWK U830 ALPINER EXTREME AUTOMATIC Swiss Alpine Watch THE ORIGINAL SPORTS WATCH SINCE 1883 CLASSICS Manchette BECAUSE CLASSICS DOES NOT MEAN BASIC REWARD YOUR BEST WITH ICONIC BRANDS VISIT US AT PPAI EXPO | JANUARY 13-15, 2026 | BOOTH #1225 THE POWER OF ONE FROM CITIZEN WATCH AMERICA WWW.CWACORPORATESALES.COM
PPAI® PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Josh Ellis JoshE@ppai.org DEPUTY EDITOR John Corrigan JohnC@ppai.org SENIOR NEWS EDITOR Jonny Auping JonnyA@ppai.org MARKETING COPYWRITER Sarah Luna sarahl@ppai.org MARKET ECONOMIST & SENIOR MANAGER, RESEARCH Alok Bhat AlokB@ppai.org PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER Rachel Zoch, CAS RachelZ@ppai.org RESEARCH COORDINATOR Shiella Aparis ShiellaA@ppai.org ART DIRECTION SPARK Publications SPARKpublications.com 704-844-6080 ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT MANAGERS Connie Brazil Nick DiNicola Heather Mangold Mark Rykojc PPAI.org/account-managers ADVERTISING CONTACT Amy Weisman 972-258-3080 AmyW@ppai.org PRESIDENT & CEO Drew Holmgreen 888-I-AM-PPAI CHIEF REVENUE & EXPERIENCE OFFICER Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Renae Ward CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Melissa Ralston CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Christopher Cheney DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES Nicole Rhooms DIRECTOR OF SALES Michele Schwartz, CAS DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY Elizabeth Wimbush, CAS BOARD OFFICERS CHAIR OF THE BOARD Denise Taschereau Fairware IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Andrew Spellman, CAS Therabody CHAIR-ELECT OF THE BOARD Danny Rosin, CAS BrandFuel VICE CHAIR, FINANCE SERVICES Zack Ottenstein The Image Group BOARD MEMBERS REGIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE DELEGATE TERM EXPIRING 2027 Kara Keister, MAS Social Good Promotions TERMS EXPIRING 2026 Chris Anderson HPG AT LARGE DIRECTOR Lori Bauer iPROMOTEu TERMS EXPIRING 2027 Dan Pantano alphabroder TERMS EXPIRING 2028 Zack Ottenstein The Image Group Erin Reilly Pop! Promos Danny Rosin, CAS Brand Fuel TERMS EXPIRING 2029 Mark Gammon PCNA Kate Alavez PromoShop PPAI HEADQUARTERS 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038-3526 Phone: 888-IAM-PPAI (426-7724) www.ppai.org, pubs.ppai.org READER RESOURCES SUBSCRIBE TO PPAI MAGAZINE: Subscribe online at pubs.ppai.org or send your name, title, company name and mailing address, along with phone and fax, to PPB Subscriptions, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038. Or phone in your subscription to 972-258-3019. Include payment with your order. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted, along with checks. Additional member subscriptions are $58 for PPAI member companies (U.S.), $70 (Canada and Mexico) and $75 (international). Nonmember subscriptions are $72 (U.S.), $82 (Canada and Mexico) and $92 (international). Please allow four to six weeks for start of subscription. ADVERTISE IN PPAI MAGAZINE: Download a media kit with rates and specs for all PPAI print and digital publications at media.ppai.org, or call 972-258-3019 or email mediasales@ppai.org. Promotional Products Association International 6 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI
If this calendar is helpful or if you have ideas for ways that we can better provide this information, email the editors at magazine@ppai.org. Exceptional Promotions SPECIAL OBSERVANCES CALL FOR Use these key dates and seasonal celebrations to spark creative campaigns your clients will love. Compiled by Sarah Luna February NATIONAL LIBRARY LOVERS MONTH Product Idea: A familiar favorite gets an international upgrade with the Dubai Chocolate Pistachio S’mores Night Pack. Made with premium ingredients, each set includes pistachio-filled Dubai chocolate bars, graham crackers, marshmallows, two skewers and a mini campfire. The chocolate’s pistachio cream and toasted, flaky dough add a smooth, nutty crunch, making every bite a decadent experience. City Bonfires / PPAI 814515, Standard-Base citybonfires.com 10 NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY 20 NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY 26 NATIONAL PISTACHIO DAY 1 NATIONAL PIG DAY 19 NATIONAL BACKYARD DAY 24 NATIONAL CHEESESTEAK DAY 3 NATIONAL BURRITO DAY 9 NATIONAL UNICORN DAY 16 NATIONAL ORCHID DAY March April NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH Product Idea: The Baden Champions 107mm Bocce Ball Set rolls out a fun backyard branding opportunity. The set includes eight polyresin bocce balls, a white target ball and a measuring tape, all meeting official size and weight standards to give each game a professional feel. Brightly colored balls help prevent pieces from getting lost on the lawn, keeping the game going even after sunset. A sturdy carrying case provides ample space for customized messaging, keeping your brand in play. Baden Sports / PPAI 133132, Standard-Base badensportspremium.com NATIONAL BRUNCH MONTH Product Idea: This 12-inch Insulated Tortilla Warmer Pouch keeps the most important ingredient in a burrito soft and easy to wrap. Made from insulated, microwave-safe material, the pouch holds heat for over two hours without drying out the tortillas. Food-grade polyester insulation lining makes it the perfect item for everything from Taco Tuesdays to office potlucks and late-night leftovers. Add logo or messaging on top to turn every meal into a delicious branding opportunity. JJ Promos / PPAI 824543, Standard-Base jjpromos.com PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 7
For all of her adventures coming this year, we have 5 new Infinity Her styles* to go along with her, including COLBIE, our two-toned cap that has all the features she needs and wants! infinityforher.com @InfinityHer @infinityheadwearforher @InfinityForHer Infinity Her @InfinityForHer #makeupresistant #hiddenponytailopening #engineeredforher #trendright Available at and more found at infinityforher.com * Available Spring ‘26 for 2026
PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS TO BE UNIVERSALLY VALUED Essentials 01.26 SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGH p. 10 USE CASE p. 14 CLOUD DANCER A BLANK SLATE PERFECT FOR BRANDING For the first time in 26 years, Pantone chooses white for its Color of the Year, signaling a fresh start with an airy hue that stands alone or goes with everything. page 18 IN STYLE PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 9
Artwork Services These verified PPAImember business services partners help promo companies move from proof to print with confidence. Compiled by Sarah Luna THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN a crisp logo and a blurry mistake often comes down to expert artwork services. Rebuilding low-resolution files, correcting colors and sharpening layouts ensures that every product looks professional and accurate. Distributors rely on specialists to convert logos into production-ready files and streamline communication with suppliers and decorators. Suppliers depend on clean art, mockups and templates to keep production moving. In both cases, precise file preparation helps orders flow smoothly from approval to fulfillment. Artwork teams maintain organized digital libraries of approved brand assets, making reorders simple and protecting consistency. Accurate files and consistent colors safeguard brand integrity across campaigns. Outsourcing layout adjustments, vector cleanup and color correction helps prevent errors and ensures that every file meets brand standards before production. A reliable team saves time, reduces rework and keeps clients satisfied. Strong artwork support doesn’t just protect logos – it protects reputations. When files are accurate, colors are correct and designs print as intended, brands look their best in every campaign. See more on these business services providers and many more. Visit PPAI.org/solutions. Summit Art Creations / Shutterstock.com 10 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Essentials | Solutions Spotlight
The Provider The Solution ArtWork Services USA PPAI 231735, Gold AWS is a 24/7, non-stop, one-source partner offering expert solutions in artwork, online stores, ERP, order management, outsourcing, software and consulting. It empowers distributors and suppliers streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. Midsouth Apparel Solutions PPAI 577448, Silver Since 1985, Midsouth Apparel Solutions has been the go-to for full-service contract decorating and graphics. Experience our expertise and innovation in every design. ADDNECTAR SOLUTIONS PPAI 571780, Standard-Base Founded in 2013 with a five-man team in Mumbai, ADDNECTAR SOLUTIONS has grown to an organization of over 200 employees that offers “technology enabled” graphics, back office, web and ERP solutions for growth. CAMERAReadyArt Inc. PPAI 812232, Standard-Base Trusted by over 2,000 promotional companies, CAMERAReadyArt Inc specializes in print-ready artwork that combines speed, affordability and top-notch quality. With two decades of experience in the promo industry, their awardwinning support team ensures you get the best service possible. Change Digitizing Services PPAI 518252, Standard-Base Change Digitizing offers a versatile array of a dozen art-related services, from illustration and color separation to product mockups and swatch matching. CorelTRAINER PPAI 798330, Standard-Base CorelTRAINER offers around-the-clock support based in the United States for all imprinting needs. With no direct competition in the market, it remains the only provider of graphic design support and training paired with a one-click solution that streamlines CorelDRAW for the imprinting industry. Cre8iveSkill LLC PPAI 881970, Standard-Base Cre8iveSkill works with distributors and suppliers who work in printing and embroidery, apparel, promotional products, workwear, trophies, car wrapping and advertising. CREST CREATIONS PPAI 703303, Standard-Base From vector artwork to web design, CREST CREATIONS provides a full suite of services for promo companies. Cross Angle PPAI 545485, Standard-Base Since 2008, Cross Angle has been a trusted design partner in the promotional products industry. With 4 worldwide offices, the company supports 3,000+ suppliers, distributors and decorators with fast, accurate and reliable design solutions tailored to their needs. Digitizing Sharp PPAI 892119, Standard-Base Digitizing Sharp offers embroidery digitizing, vector art services for printing and sublimation, as well as laser cutting, engraving, and direct-to-garment printing. PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 11 Solutions Spotlight | Essentials
Graphx Source PPAI 341070, Standard-Base Established in 1984, Graphx Source is the trusted provider of production-ready digital art and top-notch remote art staffing, specializing in apparel. Experience excellence in every design with our solutions. I CLEAN ARTWORK PPAI 721226, Standard-Base I CLEAN ARTWORK specializes in professional artwork services for the promotional products industry, offering vector art, photo editing and print-ready file preparation. Their expertise spans digital and fine arts, handling everything from basic image cleanup to complex color separations for polished results. Inkcredible Studios PPAI 895883, Standard-Base Inkcredible Studios specializes in vector art, mockups, patches, pins and more. Trusted since 2011, the studio has fulfilled more than 1 million orders and offers a dependable one-hour turnaround. Inscribe Graphics INC. PPAI 884078, Standard-Base Inscribe Graphics Inc. is a leading provider of professional artwork and embroidery digitizing services, processing more than 5,000 orders daily with a design team of more than 300 in-house artists. Serving clients across the sports, promotional products and apparel industries, the company offers vector conversion, embroidery digitizing and graphic services with rush turnarounds starting at 60 minutes, all at accessible price points beginning at $5. Nittany Creative Solutions PPAI 278681, Standard-Base Nittany Creative Solutions brings 21 years of experience and a track record of more than 5 million art designs and purchase orders from promotional companies. Count on them for highquality graphic design, artwork and logo creation services. Office24Hours PPAI 713070, Standard-Base Office24Hours offers dedicated graphic designers, order entry operators and digital marketers at unmatched prices. Services include creative design, virtual samples, raster to vector conversion, branding, apparel design, color separation, web design, promotional product design and more. PATTERNS PPAI 682147, Standard-Base Unleash the power of creativity with PATTERNS! Our services encompass graphic design, vector artistry, digital image enhancement, and more. Promo Artwork Services PPAI 693127, Standard-Base Promo Artwork Services works with promotional products industry clients who need vector recreation, product mockup and embroidery digitizing. Vector Art PPAI 807780, Standard-Base Vector Art provides comprehensive graphic design and digital imaging services tailored for the promotional products industry. The company offers transparent pricing and exceptional service to meet the needs of global leaders and growing businesses seeking to enhance design and image production operations. 12 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Essentials | Solutions Spotlight
SPONSORED CONTENT 2026: The Year of Design-Driven, Fully Custom Apparel Distributors are redefining custom branded apparel, and Sparkpolo is leading the way. IN 2026, DISTRIBUTORS are entering a new era when premium, retail-inspired, design-driven apparel isn’t just an upgrade, it’s the expectation. More clients are asking for apparel that re lects their brand personality and feels like something employees and customers genuinely want to wear. Sparkpolo is helping lead that shift by transforming polos, pullovers and button-down shirts into conversation-starting wardrobe essentials. Design That Sells Itself “Distributors tell us all the time, their clients fall in love the moment they see the irst Sparkpolo design,” says founder and CEO Siva Kandaswamy. “That’s the spark. It turns an apparel project into a brandbuilding moment.” With just a logo, color palette or theme, Sparkpolo’s designers create custom patterns and details inspired by modern retail aesthetics. The goal: apparel that looks elevated, feels personal and wears well across work, events, travel and everyday life. For distributors, that instant visual impact makes it easier to stand out in presentations. And for their clients, it means apparel that gets worn often, stays at the front of the closet and sparks real conversations about their brands. A Premium Experience, Now Powered by Technology Sparkpolo continues to raise the bar with precise production, attentive service and an on-time delivery rate above 99%. “We’ve built our business around the distributor experience,” Kandaswamy says. “We want them to feel con ident that they’re offering something their clients can’t ind anywhere else.” In 2026, Sparkpolo is making the process even smoother with the launch of its new Distributor Portal – a digital platform designed to simplify every step of selling fully custom apparel. Distributors can browse on-trend design concepts, check pricing instantly, submit and track design requests, collaborate with Sparkpolo’s team and view project status from design to delivery. The portal gives distributors more tools and con idence to present premium, fully custom apparel across categories including tailored- it polos, lifestyle- it long sleeves, quarter-zips, hoodies and button downs. A Message for the New Year As distributors look ahead to 2026, Kandaswamy sees a clear opportunity. “The demand for elevated branded apparel is only growing,” he says. “Distributors who lead with design are winning the most enthusiastic clients, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.” Visit Sparkpolo at The PPAI Expo – Booth 551 SAGE: 53336 PPAI: 827845 Actual Reviews: “Working with Sparkpolo is a perfect blend of creative collaboration, attention to detail and reliable quality.” –Jane Sylvester, Jane & Co. “The custom polos are top-tier, and the ordering process is seamless from start to inish!” –Lisa Geyer, J Geyer Advertising (Proforma) “The inal product they sent out for our custom designed sublimated polos were top notch both in quality and design.” –Alaina Zajac, Remark Promotions “Think Peter Millar quality. Their designs go way beyond basic stepand-repeat and bring fresh, ontrend concepts to custom apparel.” –Hunter Henry, Hello Big Idea PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 13
Brands are tapping into the energy of live events with branded merch designed for sun, crowds and nonstop movement. By Sarah Luna Festival Faves ENRIQUE PEREZ President/Founder Hitex Marketing Group PPAI 178802, Silver Miami, Florida Festival days get busy fast, and having a tote that holds up makes a difference. The Sublimated Nonwoven Value Tote is lightweight and easy to carry. “It’s useful, so it will actually be kept,” Perez says. “That’s something we focus on at Hitex when selecting items.” The nonwoven polypropylene keeps its shape and shows off branding without adding bulk and full color sublimation, ensuring the design is visible from far away. The 22-inch handles sit comfortably at your side, even in a crowd. It folds flat when not in use and gives brands plenty of space to stand out. It’s a practical promo item that keeps messages moving long after the event ends. Evans / PPAI 110747, Standard-Base / evans-mfg.com AstroStar / Shutterstock.com 14 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Essentials | Use Case
Build branded energy with the Custom Fully Wrapped 16-Inch Blue LED Foam Cheer Stick. Three battery-powered LED lights glow through the foam in a bright blue tone, and the soft exterior makes it easy to hold and wave around. A full wrap imprint covers the tube, allowing branding to shine through as the stick moves. The wand is easily activated by pressing a button at one end. Brands get noticed not only in person but also in the photos and videos posted later, extending visibility beyond the event itself. AlightPromos.com / PPAI 260234, Standard-Base / alightpromos.com Hot days hit hard, and the Handheld Rechargeable Folding Mini USB Fan helps take the edge off. Compact and portable, it comes with a mini-USB cable for quick recharging and can be used as either a neck fan or a desk fan. The included lanyard keeps hands free, while the brushless motor provides a steady, reliable breeze that’s easy to adjust with a single button. Designed to fold for packing or flip open to stand, the fan’s lightweight yet durable plastic housing makes it practical both indoors and outdoors. STOPNGO Line / PPAI 112044, Silver stopngoline.com Perez recommends the 16-Oz. Full Color Big Game Stadium Cup for its usefulness. Made in the United States and standing just over 4 inches tall, it is easy to carry through even the most frenzied crowds. The BPA-free polypropylene keeps the cup firm, and the wraparound imprint provides a full surface for artwork that stays visible in seating areas, food courts or open lawns. “Its full color allows message continuity at large events,” Perez says. Hit Promotional Products / PPAI 113910, Platinum hitpromo.net If you want bright branding, you can’t go wrong with the Sublimated Event Wristband With Locking Bead. The half-inch wide, 12-inch long woven polyester band provides space for detailed art that holds up in daylight or low light. Sublimation runs edge to edge, and the weave keeps the design clean. A one-way locking bead secures the band with a single pull. For organizers, it provides a functional pass. For attendees, it’s a collectible piece of the experience they can wear again, pin to a board or keep in a drawer as a reminder of the day. ImprintID / PPAI 576424, Silver / imprintid.com PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 15 Use Case | Essentials
Bright afternoons call for shade, and the Bucket Hat offers coverage with personality. “It’s fun and practical,” Perez says. The cotton version stays breathable through heat and movement, and the brim blocks sunlight but not the stage. Also available in polyester, the hat fits easily into any outfit or event. With full-color printing to match brand designs, the options are wide open. Let your creativity run wild and see your brand come to life with this vibrant, trendy accessory. Pop! Promos / PPAI 564497, Gold / poppromos.com Festival weather changes fast, and the Aurora Bandana Headband and Neck Wear keeps up. The 22-by-22-inch square is made from soft polyester that takes on full color sublimation with clarity. “It’s perfect for festivals and carnivals because it’s easy to decorate with full color,” Perez says. Finished edges help it lie flat no matter where it’s used. It’s light, versatile and easy to wear in many ways: as a head wrap, tied to a wrist or styled as an accessory. Innovation Line / PPAI 112179, Silver / innovation-line.com Luna is a marketing copywriter at PPAI. Turning Ideas Into Eye Catching Displays WINDSHIELD ADVERTISING | CAR BOWS | FLAGS & BANNERS | INFLATABLES | DEALERSHIP SUPPLIES Manufactured in the U.S.A. US & Global Materials Custom Jum-Bow Car Bows Custom Showroom Bows EZ568-CUST EZ531-CUST EZLETTERING.COM | PPAI: 571556 | UPIC: E-ZLINE Custom Coroplast Billboards Custom Coroplast Bollard Covers EZ441-CUST EZ911-CUST Custom Reusable Balloon Kits EZ554-CUST Custom Premium Bows All bows are handmade in the U.S.A. with quality and care in our Kansas City warehouse! EZ501-CUST 16 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Essentials | Use Case
Still Free Shipping on Tees & More! NEW 2026 PRICING GUIDE IS OUT! NEW 2026 PRICING GUIDE IS OUT! SAME PRINT & EMBROIDERY PRICING AS 2025! SCAN FOR 2026 PRICING! SCAN FOR 2026 PRICING!
Cloud Dancer A Blank Slate Perfect For Branding For the first time in 26 years, Pantone chooses white for its Color of the Year, signaling a fresh start with an airy hue that stands alone or goes with everything. By Nicole Rollender FOR 2026, PANTONE’S choice for Color of the Year is a dramatic departure from a prior range of expressive colors. Enter Cloud Dancer, a simple white. “Pantone tends to choose bolder shades,” says Liz Tracy, senior product designer at PCNA, PPAI 100’s No. 5 supplier. “Despite initial pushback on social media, I see this being a popular choice with strong adoption, because it’s calming, uplifting and extremely versatile.” While the choice of white surprised many, others say it makes sense for this moment. “Cloud Dancer is the equivalent of taking a deep breath,” says Amy Leighton, vice president, supply chain at Charles River Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 39 supplier. “It’s a white that’s not icy or intimidating. It has a softness to it. It feels calm, balanced and reassuring. People feel overwhelmed by noise, technology and constant connection, so Cloud Dancer reflects a real desire for serenity and a fresh start.” Building on that idea, Cloud Dancer, an airy white that’s both warm and cool, encourages a shift toward relaxation, reflection and creative openness. Pantone calls it “a balance between our digital future and our primal need for human connection,” reflecting a transition where people are looking for truth and a more grounded way of living. “In a world growing louder and more technologically overwhelming, this white is a reset as a soft, balanced 18 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Essentials | In Style
and deeply restorative hue,” says Christina Marcantelli, sales enablement manager at S&S Activewear, PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier. Neutral & Natural Following on the heels of 2025’s Mocha Mousse, PANTONE 11-4201 is a natural evolution. “Cloud Dancer carries forward themes of calm, grounding and human connection while offering an even more expansive sense of serenity,” Marcantelli says. That sentiment is shared by other industry pros. “Cloud Dancer is easy to layer, genderneutral, flattering on a wide range of skin tones and instantly elevates a look with soft yet crisp accents,” says Chloe Ward, marketing manager at Storm Creek, PPAI 100’s No. 33 supplier. “While the shade is understated, it offers a timeless, classic foundation for any wardrobe.” Leighton expects Cloud Dancer to spark a shift toward elevated basics and tone-ontone dressing. “Think soft textures, clean silhouettes and pieces that don’t shout but still make a statement,” she says. This hue will also serve as an anchor point for the growing demand for seasonless neutrals that work for everyone. “Its versatility across basics, premium lifestyle apparel, and corporate merch positions it to become a true core palette essential rather than a passing trend,” Marcantelli says. Pantone envisions this hue as communicating a “billowy softness” that comes through in soft, puffy silhouettes, oversized padding and rounded shapes. “Cloud Dancer will shine in categories where layering, textural contrast and versatility matter: outerwear, basics, athleisure and accessories,” Ward says. Trend Forecast Expect to see Cloud Dancer show up most strongly in fleece, knits, headwear and accessories. “In fleece especially, nothing beats a soft white or light-colored hoodie, perfect for today’s emphasis on wellness and the desire to unplug from technology,” says AJ Dickson, senior category director at PCNA. “Accessories will also be important, offering a way to add brightness or contrast for those not ready to commit to a fully lightcolored garment.” For decoration, Leighton notes that Cloud Dancer works well with tonal embroidery, clean logo treatments and minimalist accents. “Cloud Dancer is an adaptive neutral that elevates every category,” Marcantelli says. ”It offers the perfect canvas for embroidery, patches, metallics and minimalist branding. It’s a decorator’s dream because it elevates everything placed on it.” Dickson forecasts more full-color logos, which pop on lighter backgrounds. “Full-color digital printing and techniques like HXD are excellent options,” he says. Distributors can present Cloud Dancer as a clean, calming neutral that brings ease to everyday wear. “Our imagery will focus on light, intentional styling reinforcing the simplicity and clarity this color represents,” Leighton says. “This hue is an easy way to update a women’s assortment without shifting a full palette.” Cloud Dancer will resonate with wellness, travel, lifestyle brands, tech companies seeking to soften their aesthetic, athleisure and activewear, outdoor and travel brands, and sustainable labels. “This shade communicates honesty, transparency and a desire to slow down,” Leighton says. “Many industries want to send that message in 2026.” Industries with indoor or creative work environments are also natural fits. “Hospitals, schools and traditional offices can embrace this trend easily for uniforms,” Dickson says. “Resorts and gift shops are another strong match, since decoration stands out on lighter palettes. Younger buyers will gravitate toward Cloud Dancer, as many want to disconnect from tech and prioritize mental and physical well-being.” The timeless luxury and heritage style aesthetic has pushed fashion and wholesale toward cleaner lines, elevated basics and high-quality neutrals. “Customers want pieces that look refined, last longer and fit into any wardrobe, driving wholesalers to focus on timeless luxury through premium fabrics, classic silhouettes and versatile colors that deliver a polished, understated vibe,” Marcantelli says. “Cloud Dancer is an adaptive neutral that elevates every category. It offers the perfect canvas for embroidery, patches, metallics and minimalist branding.” — CHRISTINA MARCANTELLI, S&S ACTIVEWEAR PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 19 In Style | Essentials
The Artisan Insulated Shirt Jacket (in sand) is a windproof, water-resistant workwear-inspired shacket that keeps you cozy while looking polished. Made with 95% recycled materials and 25 GRS-certified postconsumer plastic bottles, this jacket features on-trend geometric quilting and a curved hem. Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com From brunch to the trail, the Outdoer Super Stretch Performance Pullover (in sand) goes the distance with its windproof and water-resistant features, a boxy fit and room to layer. It’s also made with sustainable materials. Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com With a contrast-colored bill/dart detail, the casual LEGACY Heritage Twill Cap (in stone/brown) is a structured, five-panel cap made from 100% cotton twill. “This hat brings Cloud Dancer’s soft neutral trending two-tone appeal into a versatile everyday cap that fits across work, retail and outdoor markets,” Marcantelli says. S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / ssactivewear.com The soft, insulating Recycled Knit Beanie (in vintage white) is a unisex, cold-weather essential made from recycled polyester fibers. A portion of each sale supports environmental nonprofits. PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com 20 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Essentials | In Style
Waterproof and breathable, the Odyssey Waterproof Parka (in winter white) has a fleece-lined interior with tricot-lined pockets for warmth, plus a zip-off hood and two-way zipper. “In winter white, this style feels crisp and refined, turning a functional parka into an everyday statement,” Leighton says. Charles River Apparel / PPAI 111644, Gold charlesriverapparel.com Lightweight and warm, with a relaxed, easy-layering fit, this Pioneer Puffer Vest (in winter white) is made from GRS-certified sustainable fabrics and trims. “Winter white brings fresh clarity to the Pioneer Puffer Vest, making it the perfect layer for a polished look,” Leighton says. Charles River Apparel PPAI 111644, Gold charlesriverapparel.com This Women’s TATRA Eco Knit Long Sleeve Button Up Shirt (in white) is made with a recycled polyester blend and offers easy-care properties, UV protection and resistance to fading, snagging and pilling. PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum pcna.com “Cloud Dancer is the equivalent of taking a deep breath. It’s a white that’s not icy or intimidating. It has a softness to it. It feels calm, balanced and reassuring.” — AMY LEIGHTON, CHARLES RIVER APPAREL PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 21 In Style | Essentials
The Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Fleece Full-Zip Jacket (in chalk) is made from warm 100% poly filament fleece and features zippered pockets and elastic cuffs. “Chalk delivers Cloud Dancer’s crisp, modern neutrality in a performance-ready jacket that works for outdoor or corporate programs,” Marcantelli says. S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum ssactivewear.com Made from a brushed fleece blend, this Independent Trading Co. Lux Heavyweight Modal Hooded Sweatshirt (in ivory) has a boxy oversized fit with premium ribbed cuffs and hem. “Ivory brings Cloud Dancer’s soft, serene energy to a luxe hoodie that feels elevated and endlessly wearable,” Marcantelli says. S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum ssactivewear.com Nicole Rollender is an award-winning writer and heads up the copywriting and content-creation firm STRANDWritingServices.com. “Cloud Dancer is easy to layer, gender-neutral, flattering on a wide range of skin tones and instantly elevates a look with soft yet crisp accents.” — CHOLE WARD, STORM CREEK 22 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Essentials | In Style
IDEAS TO ADVANCE THE MARKETPLACE Voices 01.26 YOUR BUSINESS p. 24 INNOVATION p. 28 RESPONSIBILITY SLOW STARTS, BOLD FUTURES Sustainability isn’t a sprint. Build the foundation now and keep working toward progress in 2026 and beyond. page 30 PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 23 DesignRage / Shutterstock.com
HERE’S A FAMILIAR SCENE every January: You open your dashboard – a miracle of modern measurement – and it stares back at you like an overstuffed suitcase you’re supposed to zip shut. Revenue forecasts. Pipeline stages. Conversion rates. Email engagement. Customer retention. Satisfaction scores. Forecast accuracy. I sometimes expect it to ask for my cholesterol levels and the miles on my car. Like most promo pros in sales leadership, I’ve spent years trying to wrestle all these metrics into order. And somehow, every January, there’s this pressure to add even more. New KPIs. New dashboards. New tracking templates, each more color-coded than the last. It’s not that measurement is bad. It’s that measurement without meaning is exhausting. So this year, let’s take a different approach – not more goals, just clearer ones. I’m setting KPIs for my KPIs. Yes, that sounds like something you’d say after too much cold brew. But stay with me. What I mean is I’m creating a simple filter to check whether the metrics I’m tracking are actually useful. In other words, I’m giving my KPIs their own job descriptions. If they’re not pulling their weight, they’re getting reassigned. It’s not about being clever. It’s about staying sane. The Real Problem Isn’t Metrics – It’s Measurement Sprawl Every sales team accumulates KPIs like an attic accumulates holiday décor: slowly, innocently … and then suddenly you’re tripping over it. Some metrics were introduced because we needed to solve a real problem. Others arrived as part of a software rollout. A few were someone’s pet project. Some we inherited from a predecessor whose logic has long since left the building. Before you know it, you’ve got 37 things you’re supposed to pay attention to, and only five of them actually change your behavior. It’s not sustainable, and it’s not helpful. When everything is a priority, nothing is. So this January, I’m sitting down not with a new template or a 12-tab spreadsheet but with a simple question: “What decisions did this metric actually help me make last year?” You learn a lot from that exercise. Some KPIs shine. Some fizzle. Some exist only because we’re used to them being there. 3 Questions Every KPI Has To Answer Here’s the filter I’m using – the KPIs for my KPIs: 1. Does this metric guide action? If a number goes up or down and our team doesn’t adjust a thing, that metric is decorative, not functional. This applies to the industry, too. We’re surrounded by data, but the good information is the kind that changes what someone does next. 2. Is it connected to revenue, relationships or retention? Most useful metrics tie back to one of those three. If a KPI doesn’t help us sell smarter, serve better or keep customers longer, it needs reevaluation. 3. Is it simple enough for my team to understand and remember? I’m all for sophistication, but if I need a decoder ring to explain a Here’s a guide to setting business goals that aren’t just SMART but also flexible. By Michele Schwartz, CAS Do Your KPIs Have KPIs? The Power of Fewer, Better Metrics Here’s what I chose to keep and what I need each of these KPIs to do for me: Pipeline Health: Does it reflect real opportunities, not wishful thinking? Conversion Rates at Each Stage: Shine a light on the bottlenecks. Customer Retention & Repeat Business: Are we earning continued trust? Response Time & Follow-Up Consistency: You can’t close what you don’t follow up on. These aren’t flashy, and they’re not new. But they’re fundamental, and fundamentals win. V2.Graphics / Uniconlabs / Shutterstock.com 24 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Voices | Your Business
metric in a team meeting, we’ve gone too far. Metrics should be like weather reports: Clear, straightforward and a reasonable guide to what you should wear that day. What I’m Letting Go I’m letting go of the vanity metrics – the ones that made us feel busy but didn’t help us be better. I’m letting go of the charts no one looked at unless I brought them up. I’m letting go of KPIs that were technically interesting but operationally irrelevant. And maybe most importantly, I’m letting go of the idea that more metrics means more control. In reality, more metrics usually just means more noise. This year is about clarity. Focus. Decisions. It’s about making room for the metrics that actually support growth, both personal and professional. Your Year Ahead If you’re exhausted by dashboards or frustrated by metrics that don’t move the needle, consider giving your KPIs a performance review of their own. Don’t start with a bigger list. Start with a better one. Narrow it down to the numbers that earn their keep and let the rest take the year off. We all want to start January strong. Sometimes that strength comes not from setting more goals but from choosing smarter ones. If that means setting KPIs for your KPIs, well, maybe that’s not such a ridiculous idea after all. After all, if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that clarity beats complexity every single time. Schwartz is director of sales at PPAI. Every sales team accumulates KPIs like an attic accumulates holiday décor: slowly, innocently … and then suddenly you’re tripping over it. With over 4 decades of experience, let our team at Kudzu bring our exceptional experience to keep your clients happy and fulfill their custom product needs. We provide quality custom products to make lasting impressions. No set up fees Quick turnaround SAGE# 52696 kudzu-ink.com | 1-800-622-9131 | KZI.Sales@kudzu-ink.com PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 27 Your Business | Voices
TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERYTHING, and the rate of evolution continues to speed up. But the promotional products industry is still very much built on relationships, creativity and logistics. Even as new systems come on line and our companies lean into AI-based operation, digital transformation should amplify those strengths rather than replace them. When manufacturers, distributors and decorators invest in modern systems, secure practices and a digitally fluent workforce, they unlock faster lead times, better margins and richer customer experiences while protecting brand reputation. So amid all the change, what is digital transformation in today’s industry? A Secure Foundation Security must be the starting point for any transformation. Begin with a simple, enforceable baseline: strong authentication, uptodate patching and encrypted backups. Treat customer lists, art files, supplier pricing and payment data as crown jewels and limit access to only those who need it. Add multifactor authentication across email, CRM and supplier portals, and schedule quarterly backups with offsite encryption to reduce ransomware exposure. Create a clear incident playbook that names the decision-maker and lists steps to contain breaches and communication templates for customers and partners. Small teams can rely on an external security consultant or a company for a oneday assessment and prioritized remediation list. The industry wins when vendors share threat information and demand basic security guarantees from each other. Modern Systems & Workflows Legacy systems slow response times and create avoidable errors. Prioritize replacing or augmenting outdated software with cloudfriendly, modular solutions that integrate via APIs. Start with highimpact areas: order management, inventory tracking and proof approval flows. Automating artwork approvals with timestamped records and digital signatures reduces misprints and disputes costs. Try adopting a phased approach. Pilot a modern order management system with one product category, measure cycle time and error reduction, then expand. Keep The world has changed since this buzzy phrase came into vogue. By Shawn Reed metamorworks / Shutterstock.com What Is Digital Transformation In 2026? 28 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Voices | Innovation
integrations pragmatic – an ERP that talks to your CRM and your partner’s portal is more valuable than an allinone monolith. Budget for regular maintenance, not just the initial purchase, and designate a systems owner responsible for updates and vendor relationships. Trained & Engaged Employees Transformation succeeds or fails on adoption. Invest in short, rolespecific training that shows staff how new tools make their day easier. Use handson sessions, short video walkthroughs and quick reference cards for common tasks like uploading art files, checking proofs or escalating customer issues. Create a feedback loop where employees can report workflow pain points and wins. Reward suggestions that lead to measurable improvements. Appoint internal champions or subject matter experts for each function – sales, operations, design – to accelerate adoption and keep standards consistent. And remember, a modern company doesn’t rely on any one or two indispensable people. Crosstrain staff on digital skills so small teams can cover issues without bottlenecks. Practical AI Usage Apply AI where it reduces repetitive work and speeds decisions while keeping humans in control. Start with the lowrisk, highvalue implementations. You can automate response drafting for common customer questions or character recognition for extracting order details from faxed or scanned forms. Another common, practical use is simple demand forecasting for highvolume SKUs. Always require human review for customer facing outputs such as quotes, proofs and fulfillment exceptions. Track performance metrics like time saved, errors reduced and customer satisfaction with the end product to justify scaling. When evaluating vendors, ask how models are trained, whether training data is retained and whether there are controls for biased or incorrect outputs. Preparing For The Future What qualifies as digital transformation continues to change, and so must you be. Imagine you’ve been in business a good while and never adapted with technology. That dialup connection probably isn’t serving you well anymore, right? Be prepared for what’s next. Build transformation plans that are adaptable, not prescriptive. Maintain a rolling 12-to-24-month roadmap focused on incremental gains: Digitize proofs, standardize SKUs across catalogs, introduce esignatures and expand analytics for supplier performance. Invest in flexible APIs and modular tooling so you can swap components as needs evolve. There are opportunities to enhance industry collaboration by sharing anonymized supply chain performance data and common integration standards. Jointly developed APIs or shared artwork validation tools reduce friction for everyone and elevate the industry’s service level. Digital transformation for our industry is not a single project but the continuous upgrade of tools, habits and partnerships. Focus on secure, practical changes that deliver measurable gains today while creating resiliency and flexibility for tomorrow. When companies move together – modernizing systems, training people, using AI responsibly and sharing standards – the entire industry becomes faster, safer and more profitable. In short, it transforms. Reed is the director of IT at supplier Showdown Displays and a member of the PPAI Technology Committee. Realistic Next Steps: Act Today 1 Inventory your digital footprint: List software, data flows and thirdparty logins. 2Patch critical systems and enable multi-factor authentication immediately. 3Pilot one workflow modernization project with clear KPIs, such as order turnaround or proof errors. 4Run a two-hour training sprint for staff covering the new workflow and AI prompt hygiene – how to write prompts to improve AI output, protect data and prevent manipulation. 5Add a simple clause to vendor contracts that requires basic security and data handling disclosures. PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 29 Innovation | Voices
HERE’S A SECRET no one tells you when you set out to “change the industry” … the first year isn’t all that cool. It’s spreadsheets, second-guessing and wondering whether your enthusiasm for carbon accounting has made you less fun at parties. That was my experience when I began this role directing sustainability and responsibility for PPAI midway through 2023. And it’s what will await any one of you seeking to reimagine your own company’s impact on the planet and your community if you’re starting today. My advice: Don’t be discouraged if everything’s not solved overnight. You may feel like progress moves at the speed of molasses in winter. But sustainability isn’t a sprint. It’s more like a scenic marathon, complete with unexpected hills and a lot of cheering each time you hit a milestone. You may accomplish less in one year than you hoped – but far more in five years than you ever imagined. But you’ve got to start. So much is possible if you get going in 2026. From my own experience at PPAI and what I’m eyeing in the near future, here are some important mile markers: The Steady Start The first 12 months of any sustainability effort are about building the scaffolding: Map your baseline, gather supplier data that may not live in one place yet, and be prepared to explain what “Scope 3” means for the 10th (or 50th) time. By year’s end, you will have moved the needle, just maybe not as far as you dreamed. That’s OK. Those quiet, behind-the-scenes systems you’re building are the foundation for everything that follows. Finding A Pacesetter There’s proof all around that the industry is already moving. The latest ESG Impact Reports from PPAI members show what happens when companies stay the course: • SanMar reduced its combined emissions intensity by 11% compared to a 2019 baseline, demonstrating how stretch goals pay off when early infrastructure is in place. • PCNA increased waste diversion at its Leed’s facility from 76% to 83%, saving more than $110,000 in avoided costs – proof that optimizing the unglamorous parts of the business can yield big wins for both the planet and the balance sheet. • Fairware reported that 42.5% of its significant product sales came from items with verified sustainable attributes. That’s nearly half its business reflecting conscious material choices. • Koozie Group reaffirmed its commitment to responsible sourcing, maintaining FSC certification across all U.S. manufacturing facilities and continuing participation in Sedex for third-party verification. Individually, these updates may seem incremental. Collectively, they mark the unmistakable shift from sustainability as an initiative to sustainability as an integrated business practice. Sustainability isn’t a sprint. Build the foundation now and keep working toward progress in 2026 and beyond. By Elizabeth Wimbush, CAS Slow Starts, Bold Futures DesignRage / Shutterstock.com Sustainability isn’t a sprint. It’s more like a scenic marathon, complete with unexpected hills and a lot of cheering each time you hit a milestone. 30 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Voices | Responsibility
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU4OQ==