Every brand wants to stand out. Whether it’s at trade shows, client meetings, or company events, the goal is always the same: make a lasting impression. But what if the smartest move is actually… smaller?

Mini promotional products are definitely having a moment. As people look for useful, on-the-go items that fit seamlessly into their routines, compact merch is stepping into the spotlight. These scaled-down versions of classic products are showing up everywhere—from trade show swag bags to influencer kits—and they’re making a big impact. Practical, portable, and surprisingly powerful, mini promos give brands a clever way to show up in all the right places. Sometimes, less really is more.

The new year kicks off with fresh ideas and groundbreaking products at the back-to-back hosted national events: CES and the North-American Promotional Products Show, PPAI Expo. 

CES 2025 set the stage for the future of technology, unveiling game-changing innovations from global tech leaders, days later PPAI Expo gathered over 10,000 promotional product distributors, showcasing the latest in branded apparel, merch, swag, and innovative promotional merchandise. 

This year’s standout products blend functionality, innovation, and everyday practicality. From ultra-portable entertainment to cutting-edge wellness tech, here are the must-see highlights from CES 2025 and PPAI Expo.

As competition for audience attention continues to ratchet up, some suggest that the importance of building meaningful connections with customers and team members has shifted from being a “nice to have” to a necessity. It’s been proven that consumers are drawn to people and companies that understand what’s important to them and share their values, and while traditional marketing techniques focus on features and benefits, emotional marketing is said to tap into feelings, creating deeper, long-lasting bonds. So, is emotional marketing the next step in elevating your company’s presence and nurturing stronger relationships?