View this email in your browser - Edition July 2026 | | |
How is it already July? Summer is moving fast, and there’s a lot happening as we head into the second half of the year.
We’re counting down to our final Promo Safari stop of the year. We’ll see you in Portland on August 19! It’s free to attend and free to bring clients, with plenty happening throughout the day, including our Awards Brunch and Annual Meeting. We’re also excited to introduce Promo Safari Gives, this year’s giveback campaign supporting Project 48 and its work to provide essential bags to young people within 48 hours of entering foster care. Read on to learn more and see how you can help.
You’ll also find this year’s scholarship announcement, a reminder that award nominations are closing soon, several new member welcomes, and more events coming up.
| Next Up: Promo Safari Portland | | |
NWPMA Fall Show
August 19 | 9 AM–2:30 PM
DoubleTree by Hilton Portland
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Promo Safari heads to Portland for the final stop—bringing together top suppliers, high-impact learning, and hands-on product discovery.
Start the adventure the night before at our networking party, then kick off show day with Part 2 of The Field Guide to High-Performance Habits with Jenna Quaranta, followed by the Awards Brunch and Annual Meeting.
Expect new products, samples, games, and prizes throughout the day. Free to attend and free to bring clients, so don’t miss the expedition everyone will be talking about.
Register today!
| | Promo Safari Gives: Meet Project 48 | | |
Project 48 is a Portland-based nonprofit supporting young people in foster care during times of transition. Through its Essential Bags program, Project 48 provides brand-new backpacks and duffels filled with clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and other everyday essentials, delivered within 48 hours of a young person entering care.
Since 2019, Project 48 has served 6,344 foster youth. The organization packs approximately 50 Essential Bags every month for young people ages 7–23.
| | | Promo Safari Gives is bringing our branded merch community together to support Project 48. Donations are being accepted now and will also be collected at the Promo Safari Portland show on August 19. | |
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What Project 48 Needs:
- Backpacks and duffels
- T-shirts, sweatshirts, joggers, and socks
- Sneakers and slides in all sizes
- Full-sized hygiene and hair care products
- Toiletry kits and gift cards
New overstock, samples, discontinued styles, showroom stock, canceled orders, and other appropriate excess inventory are welcome. All items must be new and unused, preferably with tags.
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How to Donate
Bring donations to the Project 48 donation station at Promo Safari Portland on August 19, or ship them directly to:
Project 48 c/o Brandy McDonald
2505 SE 11th Ave., Suite 122
Portland, OR 97202
Please include your company name so your donation can be tracked and recognized.
See the complete packing guide or make a product pledge at nwpma.org/promosafari
| | | Award Nominations Close Today | | |
It’s time to recognize the people who make our industry so special. Award, board, and member-at-large nominations are still open, but time is running out.
Nomination categories include industry honors, volunteer recognition, fun member awards, and leadership opportunities for the 2027 NWPMA Board of Directors.
Scan the QR code or click below to submit your nomination before the deadline.
| | | 2026–27 NWPMA Junior Hamilton “Keep the Dream Alive” Scholarship Recipient | | |
Congratulations to our 2026–27 recipient, Kaiden Beal!
Kaiden plans to attend Liberty University Online while continuing to live at home in Oldtown, Idaho. He will pursue a bachelor’s degree in visual communication.
“I plan to focus on developing my skills in filmmaking, animation, and digital storytelling. My long-term dream is to establish a film and content production studio in North Idaho, creating high-quality visual media. This scholarship will help me graduate and achieve my goal of being debt-free.
Thank you for this honor. My parents and I are truly grateful.” — Kaiden Beal
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About the Scholarship
The “Keep the Dream Alive” Junior Hamilton Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Junior Hamilton, son of NWPMA Past President Dan Hamilton, by supporting students who are pursuing their goals with heart, dedication, and community spirit.
| | Junior’s infectious smile was a constant companion, illuminating every passion he pursued. Whether he was dazzling spectators with his incredible curveball on the baseball diamond, serenading audiences as a member of the Huenachi Mariachi in Wenatchee, or exploring the world fueled by his wanderlust, his enthusiasm was undeniable. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was spending quality time with family and friends at the beach, casting lines while fishing, or feeling the rush of jet skiing across the water. | | | | | |
In his professional journey, Junior ventured into the promotional products industry with his family’s business, GO USA, where his charisma and dedication shone through in his sales efforts. Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short, leaving a void that is deeply felt by all who knew him.
Junior’s legacy lives on in the memories he created and the impact he made on those around him. His spirit continues to inspire, reminding us to embrace our passions and cherish the moments we share with loved ones.
| | We honor Junior’s lasting legacy and thank the Hamilton family for sharing his light with our community. | | Upcoming Events & Webinars | | |
The Proactive Promo Seller: How to Create Momentum Without "Just Checking In"
July 29, 2026, at 9:30 AM PT
In this practical session, Jamie Lorenty will help promotional products professionals rethink how to stay top of mind without becoming repetitive, annoying, or transactional.
The session will explore how belief in the power of branded merchandise, client-focused research, thoughtful touchpoints, and stronger follow-up language can turn routine outreach into meaningful engagement.
Attendees will leave with practical ideas they can put to work right away.
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Jamie Lorenty
Lorenty Consulting, LLC
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Sara Lavenduski, ASI &
Nate Kucsma, ASI
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2026 State of the Industry
from ASI
August 11, 2026, at 9:30 AM PT
Get a comprehensive look at the latest findings from ASI Research on the U.S. and Canadian promotional products industries.
This session will explore top end-buyer markets and products, current supply chain and tariff concerns, labor market trends, and the sales outlook for Q4 and beyond.
Attendees will gain valuable insights to help them understand the forces shaping the industry and prepare for what comes next.
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EME High Performance Sales Experience
Join Jenna Quaranta, Director of Sales Training at HPG, and EME for an exclusive 1.5-day immersive workshop designed for sales professionals ready to strengthen their discipline, sharpen their strategies, and achieve real results.
Registration includes hotel accommodations, meals and networking experiences, workshop materials, full training access, and FSM Master Sales Certification. Attendees will gain practical prospecting systems, sales psychology and mindset training, revenue-building strategies, personal branding insights, and a personalized action plan.
Investment: $2,500 | 5 spots remain
Questions? Carlye Wund
carlye.wund@emeevent.com
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July 31–August 2, 2026
Portland, Oregon
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PPAI’s Strategic Plan Moves From Vision to Action
PPAI is beginning to roll out new initiatives connected to its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, turning its long-term vision into tangible programs for the branded merch industry. The work focuses on elevating the industry, strengthening the professional community and helping members succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Read More
Branded Merch Sales Gained Momentum in Q2
ASI’s latest Quarterly Sales Survey found that branded merch industry sales increased 2.5% year over year during the second quarter, improving on the growth reported earlier this year. While rising costs, tighter budgets and delayed purchasing decisions continue to create challenges, suppliers and distributors are showing cautious optimism heading into the second half of 2026. Read More
Branded Keepsakes Help Capture America in 2026
America250 has sealed a national time capsule containing nearly 200 items contributed by all 50 states, U.S. territories and federal institutions. Many of the objects chosen to represent this moment in history are familiar forms of branded merchandise, including commemorative coins, pins, patches, postcards and ornaments. The capsule was buried on July 4 and is scheduled to be opened in 2276. Read More
| | ASB Appoints Justin Zavadil to CEO and President; Larry Zavadil to Continue as Founder and Chairman of the Board | | American Solutions for Business is pleased to announce the promotion of Justin Zavadil to Chief Executive Officer and President. Founder Larry Zavadil will transition from his role as CEO to Founder and Chairman of the Board. Read More | | | Lane Seven Apparel is an apparel manufacturer focused on better-designed, print-friendly blanks. Since 2021, Lane Seven has recycled more than 210 million plastic bottles into its fleece and saved 744 million liters of water through smarter dyeing techniques. | | | InStyle Mats creates custom branded mats backed by more than 50 years of manufacturing experience. Its proprietary technology prints at six times standard industry resolution and can reproduce trademarks as small as ¼ inch. | | | Básico Branco is a premium apparel brand producing modern blanks from 100% organic cotton. Its sustainability efforts include OEKO-TEX-certified dyeing, reduced water use, renewable energy, lower CO₂ emissions, and production without GMOs, synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides. | | | Seattle Promo Guy is a full-service Seattle resource for custom merch, team apparel, awards, and fundraising programs, known for creative ideas, fast quotes, and personal service. | | | |
Have you renewed your membership?
Your NWPMA membership keeps you connected to the regional promo community and gives you access to valuable benefits, including member savings and SAGE discounts.
Renew today to stay connected to scholarships, education, networking, volunteer opportunities, advocacy, and the resources that support your business.
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Looking for ways to help your brand stay visible? With flexible advertising opportunities available, NWPMA makes it easy to build recognition, connect with members in meaningful ways, and keep your company top-of-mind throughout the year.
Interested in learning more? Contact shay@nwpma.org
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