Members of the promotional products industry are increasingly turning to ASI news and educational resources, with the Advertising Specialty Institute^® (ASI) reporting record numbers of online page views and education certifications awarded since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

When it comes to page views of news content, July was ASI’s second-best news month on record, only behind April. Views of online news stories were up 31% from June to July, and up 20% when compared to July 2019. Increasingly, the industry is turning to major reports like the Counselor^® State of the Industry and Top 40 lists of suppliers and distributors as well as breaking news items like the deadly COVID outbreak at a promo supplier and reports of toxic ingredients in hand sanitizers.

To date, total 2020 news content is up 19.87% over 2019, with news driving almost 56% of overall ASI website traffic for July.

At the same time, ASIUniversity.com reported a record 56% increase in BASI^™ (Bachelor of Advertising Specialty Information) and MASI^™ (Master of Advertising Specialty Information) industry certifications awarded to ASI members between March and July versus the same period the previous year.

“We’re gratified the promo industry is relying on ASI’s educational resources as well as our exclusive, original news stories and research reports,” said ASI CEO Tim Andrews

“We’re gratified the promo industry is relying on ASI’s educational resources as well as our exclusive, original news stories and research reports,” said Timothy M. Andrews, ASI president and chief executive officer. “Whether it’s actionable news, insights and intellectual capital or a livestream video and educational podcast, it’s clear members are counting on ASI’s multiple media platforms to inform and enrich themselves. I’m proud that we’ve continued to lead the industry in trusted content and education throughout a time of great uncertainty.”

At the end of March, ASI launched a new online education action plan featuring free videos and webinars to help members refine their sales, social media and marketing skills throughout the coronavirus crisis. Over 90 videos and webinars are available for ASI members on ASIUniversity.com.

Plus, ASI Show is hosting a virtual Education Day, free for ASI distributor members, Thursday, October 15, from 1-4 p.m. ET. The virtual event will offer the same valuable business content and expert instructors as ASI’s traditional in-person education day, specifically created to help distributors maneuver in an uncertain economy, with an emphasis on new and emerging markets carved out by recent shifts in the marketplace, including:

• Proven Tactics to Win Clients Back: Your Q4 Recovery Plan
• Remote Marketing: Secrets to Mastering SEO, Social Media and Email Campaigns
• The New World of Networking: Seven Ways to Connect Today
• Your 2020 Rebound Plan: 20 Strategies to Reenergize Sales