to create a show experience in line with the demands of a safe, new business environment.

“We’re rescheduling ASI Chicago because we want to be an integral part of the next, all-important phase of the recent crisis: economic recovery for our industry, our members and the great city of Chicago, our host for the last 21 years,” said Rita Ugianskis-Fishman, senior vice president and general manager of ASI Show. “With the safety of everyone top of mind, we’re modifying the show while creating a welcome opportunity for suppliers, distributors and decorators to meet, show off new products, build stronger relationships and discover ways to give their small-business customers a much-needed boost.”

ASI Shows are free to ASI distributor members, with a hotel reimbursement, along with free education and the opportunity to meet hundreds of suppliers and browse their new products. To ensure safety, ASI Show is designing a social distancing plan based on expert advice that is compatible with a high-quality show. Given the continually evolving state and local guidelines, details are still being finalized and may change as the date approaches.

“Throughout this crisis, our chief goal has been to be of service to our members, to help them persist in the face of extraordinary challenges,” said Timothy M. Andrews, president and chief executive officer of ASI. “This will be the first big industry show since our world shifted, and I’m confident we will rise to the occasion and deliver a show worthy of the ASI brand as safely as possible. We’ll welcome and fully support everyone who joins us in preparing for the next critical chapter: getting back to business. ASI has proudly led the promotional products industry for over six decades and we have no intention of stopping now.”

ASI Chicago is being redesigned to provide optimum opportunities for suppliers and distributors to begin re-establishing ties with each other while succeeding, safely, in a reconfigured space.

The show will be limited to two exhibit days, including expanded Power Sessions on the show floor, spread across two large areas. In lieu of an onsite Education Day, ASI Show is working on a virtual education plan that members can take advantage of prior to the show, with the schedule and classes announced sometime this summer. Education will be geared toward growth and recovery, with an emphasis on new and emerging markets carved out by recent shifts in the marketplace.

ASI Show is eliminating large gatherings and removing its traditional keynote, motivational breakfast and ASI Show Bash.

The Chicago show plan is a work in progress and may change depending on local and state guidelines or unexpected circumstances. More details will be provided as fall approaches. Please check the ASI Show website for the latest updates.

As part of its overall response to today’s evolving business environment, ASI Show also launched several virtual events: ASI Show at Home Presents: The Joe Show LIVE takes place online every Tuesday from 10-10:30 a.m. ET. The Joe Show LIVE Canada kicks off on Thursday, May 28, and fASI Virtual launches Thursday, June 4.

ASI Show is also going ahead with several brick-and-mortar events starting later this summer: fASIlitate is scheduled to kick off August 17, in Washington, D.C.; fASI500 is September 14-17 in Tampa, FL; and the ASI Roadshows in Southern California moved to October 19-21 and ASI Roadshow Plus Toronto is August 12.

Recently, all three of ASI’s 2019 trade shows, in Orlando, Fort Worth and Chicago, were honored as a top trade show in the U.S. by Trade Show News Network (TSNN), ranked by overall net square footage.