PROMO  |  3 MIN READ

What We Saw (and Loved) at PPAI Expo 2026 in Las Vegas

Written by Michael Strack
[email protected]

Every January, the promotional products industry takes over Las Vegas to answer one big question: What’s next?

PPAI Expo is the largest promo show in the world. It’s massive. Miles of aisles. Hundreds of suppliers. New products everywhere. We spent our time walking the floor, meeting directly with suppliers, testing products, and looking for ideas we can actually bring back to you.

Here’s what stood out:

Promo is Growing Up

One thing was very clear this year: promo continues to move beyond cheap throwaways.

We saw a strong shift toward:

  • Useful, everyday items
  • Better-quality drinkware, bags, and tech (with more full-color options)
  • Kits and bundles built around real experiences
  • Products people actually use and keep

The theme was simple: fewer items, better items. That’s good news. It means branded products are becoming smarter, more intentional, and more valuable, exactly where we want to be for our clients.

Packaging Matters More Than Ever

Another big takeaway: packaging is no longer an afterthought.

Instead of a logo slapped on an item and tossed into a polybag, we saw:

The product still matters, but the experience of receiving it is now part of the product. When something feels intentional, people remember it. And they remember who it came from.

Sustainability Is the New Baseline

Eco-friendly options were everywhere,and better than ever.

Recycled materials, cleaner production, smarter packaging. Sustainability is no longer a specialty option; it’s quickly becoming the expectation. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice quality or creativity to make responsible choices.

Experiential Marketing Was Everywhere

One of the most interesting trends was how people interacted with the products and the vendors.

We saw hands-on experiences like:

That kind of interaction sticks. It turns a product into a memory, and that’s powerful. It sparked a lot of ideas for events, trade shows, and employee or customer engagement programs.

A Few Stand-Out Finds

A handful of products kept coming up in our conversations after we left the floor:

RovR KeepR Caddy & IceR Container
A rugged, great-looking cooler that actually gets used. Drinks, ice, snacks, & gear. It does it all. This is the kind of item that goes places, which means your brand does too. View

Fansee Smart Glasses by Rupt
They look like everyday sunglasses but can take photos, shoot video, play music, and connect to your phone. Lightweight, hands-free, and definitely a “wow” item for events or high-end gifting. View

The Vegas Golf Game is simple, fun, and easy to brand. It adds friendly challenges to a round of golf and fits perfectly into outings or tournaments. No junk drawer here, this one sees daylight. And players will see your logo. A great idea for golf tournaments. View

Shut the Box is a deluxe wooden box with an old world look. This is a customized, elegant and affordable traditional game of counting, addition and probability. But it’s presented in such a way that make your brand memorable. Make an impression with a new client or team member. View

Wood Block Stacking Tower Game is a fancy name for another game you already know. But this one is branded with your logo! Players test their balancing skills by carefully removing wooden blocks from the stack one at a time.

What This Means for Your Brand

Walking away from PPAI Expo 2026, the message was clear:
Branded products work best when they’re useful, thoughtful, and tied to real moments.

That’s why we’re expanding our focus on curated kits, premium everyday items, event and onboarding programs, sustainable products, and higher-end decoration options.

Also, for the record: I did catch a pass inside Allegiant Stadium during one of the events. So yes, the show delivered on all fronts. 😉

Let’s Build Something People Actually Keep

If you’re tired of ordering promo that disappears into junk drawers, we are too.

Our goal is simple: help you create branded items that support your message, your people, and your customers.

If you’d like to see what we found or want ideas for an upcoming project, let’s talk.