We’re one week away from Promotional Products Work! Day, which PPAI has designated as a special occasion to celebrate the power of promotional products and the value they bring to businesses and organizations.

On August 24, PPAI – together with its members and other industry professionals – will actively recognize and promote the value, impact and effectiveness of promotional products – the most memorable form of advertising.

  • More than three quarters (78%) of consumers enjoy receiving free swag from companies and brands they love, and nearly 73% want to receive promo products more often, according to PPAI’s 2023 Consumer Survey.


On Promotional Products Work! Day, industry professionals are encouraged to thank customers, promote the power of branded merchandise and spread awareness of the important role industry professionals play in all aspects of advertising, marketing and business.

So, how can industry companies join in the fun? Below are nine ideas for making the most of Promotional Products Work! Day.

  1. Host an Open House

Invite customers and prospects to visit your showroom, meet your team and learn about new products and services. If you haven’t welcomed anyone to your showroom since the COVID-19 pandemic, this would be an ideal time to open your doors.

  1. Create a Social Media Campaign

Use Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), Snapchat or whichever social media platform you have to share stories and images of successful promotional products campaigns, emphasizing the impact they’ve had on your clients. Encourage your followers to share their own success stories, too. You may also use any of the other social graphics provided within the PPW Toolkit.

  1. Offer Special Discounts

Incentivize customers to make purchases and get ahead of the busy holiday season by offering special discounts on popular products or services. A one-day-only deal could be the extra push that a prospect needs to finally invest in promotional products.

  1. Donate to a Charitable Organization

Partner with a local charity and donate a portion of your sales on Promotional Products Work! Day to that organization. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to giving back to the community.

  1. Host a Networking Event

Organize a networking event for local businesses and organizations to connect and learn about the latest trends in promotional products and marketing. Perhaps you could hold the open house in conjunction with the networking event as an added incentive for clients and prospects to participate.

  1. Launch a New Product or Service

What better time to introduce a new product or service than Promotional Products Work! Day? Offer a special promotion or discount for customers who place an order for the new product during the event.

  1. Conduct a Survey

Distributors should engage with their customers on a consistent basis to not only identify areas for improvement, but also better understand customer needs. Take advantage of Promotional Products Work! Day to send clients a survey about their favorite products, what challenges they’re currently facing and how you can help solve their problems.

  1. Host a Webinar

Plan and host an educational webinar for customers and prospects to learn about the latest trends, best practices and newest promotional products. However, don’t let the webinar turn into a commercial – make sure you provide valuable content that can improve some aspect of your attendees’ business.

  1. Give Prizes

To create a fun atmosphere, host a raffle or giveaway for customers who make a purchase during Promotional Products Work! Day. It’s an opportunity to showcase multiple products or services in an exciting way.