ASI Show^® today announced the upcoming kick-off of its 2021 in-person trade show and events business, starting this June with fASI500 in Austin, TX, and ASI Show Chicago in mid-July, featuring a keynote by football great and FOX NFL co-host Terry Bradshaw, education, new product showcase and safety protocols.

Hundreds of exhibitors are already committed to exhibiting at ASI Show Chicago, Tues., July 13 (education) through Thurs., July 15 (two exhibit days), at the McCormick Place Convention Center. ASI’s Chicago show will be the promotional industry’s first large-scale in-person show to take place in over a year. Exhibitor space is limited and ASI will take additional measures to ensure social distancing and meet safety guidelines.

“The promotional products industry hasn’t enjoyed an in-person trade show in far too long and ASI is planning to lead the way and set an example for future industry events in the post-COVID age,” said Timothy M. Andrews, ASI president and chief executive officer (@Tim_Andrews_ASI). “I’m bullish on ASI Chicago, with proper safety precautions in place for all. Live events and trade shows are critical to the success of our industry’s recovery and getting everyone together, safely, at ASI shows, is the first important step toward a return to normalcy. Badges will be limited so register now so you don’t miss out.”

ASI Chicago will feature:

• Two keynotes and education
• Networking and new products for the second half of 2021, including an exclusive preview on July 13, 5-6 p.m. CT.
• Ideas for post-COVID client promotions, including re-openings, increased travel, WFH trends and the coming boom in live events and hospitality.

The 2021 Counselor Awards, typically held during ASI Chicago, will remain virtual this year, taking place Thursday, July 8. The annual awards recognize the industry’s outstanding individuals and companies. Each winner is profiled in the annual Counselor State of the Industry issue.

“Like everyone else, I can’t wait to see all my industry friends, in person, on a bustling trade show floor,” said Andrews. “It’s time to plan for success in the second half of 2021 and into 2022, when I fully expect our industry to come roaring back. In a few short months, the long-running ASI Shows you know and love are back in business!”

Plus, the fASI500 – an executive-level, invitation-only hosted buyer event created exclusively for ASI distributor members who personally sell $500,000+ annually – is now accepting applications from qualified suppliers and distributors for events slated for June 7-10 in Austin, TX, and June 21-24 in Denver, CO.

Applications are also being accepted for fASIlitate, an executive-level, invitation-only hosted buyer event designed to foster high-level distributor and supplier relationships and business opportunities, scheduled for Washington, D.C. (August 16-19), New Orleans, LA, (September 20-23) and Nashville, TN, (October 19-22). Distributors must be million-dollar producers. With a limited number of spots, distributors must be pre-qualified and can only attend every two years.

Live ASI events will require face masks. Scheduling and exact safety protocols will be contingent upon state and local COVID-19 regulations.

In addition to in-person shows and events, ASI Show continues to host virtual gatherings:

• The next fASI Virtual 1:1, featuring ASI distributor and decorator members who personally sell $500,000+ annually and 3-, 4- and 5-star suppliers participating in one-on-one conversations about product offerings, client opportunities and sales tips, is scheduled for August 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ET.
• ASI’s next Digital Expo, free to ASI members and non-members, is scheduled for August 25-26, with more details coming soon. The first ASI Show Digital Expo in February attracted 5,298 attendees from 47 countries, enjoying booths, education, live sessions and two keynotes.

Pre-COVID, ASI Show annually hosted 15,500 distributor attendees at trade shows and events across North America.

For information on exhibiting, contact Matt Barnes, ASI senior vice president of supplier sales and marketing, at [email protected]. Check the ASI Show website for the latest updates and schedules on all ASI shows and events.