After nearly two years of cancellations and a shift towards virtual events, Eagle Print Dynamics is excited to see live industry conferences and expos returning!
In 2022, the Anaheim Convention Center will welcome back such perennial favorites, including Natural Products Expo West in March, MD&M West and Pacific Design & Manufacturing in April, NAMM in June, IDEA World Fitness Convention in July, Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo in August, and Disney D23 Expo in September.
Despite the excitement surrounding the return of live events, there are still worldwide supply chain delays–and these events aren’t exempt from the repercussions. Eagle Print Dynamics is here to lend a helping hand and ensure your 2022 event is stocked with promotional products.
Global supply chain issues affect shipments
The global supply chain remains constricted for many reasons, with both east and west coast ports experiencing record cargo backlogs due to reduced hours, labor, and capacities. In southern California alone, vessels holding nearly 500,000 shipping containers await offshore for entry to unload their goods at North America’s largest container port in Los Angeles, and the adjacent port in Long Beach.
At the same time, various industries are reeling from shortages of raw material and labor that haven’t yet resumed their pre-pandemic levels. As we explained in a previous article, overseas orders that once took 3–4 weeks now require 3–4 months to be produced, shipped, and received.
That makes it very important to begin your branded product selection and ordering process as soon as possible—which means right now for an event taking place in March 2022. Although, if you have any earlier events in January or February, we’ll do our best to find creative solutions or locate previously inventoried items.
Promotional item trends for 2022
What can we predict about the popularity of upcoming products? Based on industry research and the firsthand observations of our knowledgeable Eagle team, there are several trends your company can leverage for maximum effect on the 2022 expo circuit.
Health and safety – Just two years ago, who could have predicted that face masks and hand sanitizers would turn out to be global best-sellers? As long as hygiene and social distancing continue to be recommended coronavirus protocols, these items will have a positive impact on booth visitors.
Home office items – Some industry experts point out that many employees in specific sectors continue to telecommute, and the remote workforce will only continue to grow over time. Consider offering branded notebooks, pen stands, pencil cases, desk calendars, mouse pads, phone holders, blue light glasses, neck pillows, flash drives, or UV sanitizing/charging boxes for mobile phones to expo attendees.
Eco-friendly products – Giving sustainable, fair-trade merchandise will go a long way toward conveying your company’s values and elevating its brand image, especially with millennials, who place a high value on social impact. Eco-friendly items include T-shirts and totes made from recycled plastic bottles or other materials, solar speakers and cell phone batteries, and anything bamboo (cutting boards, pen holders, mobile phone cases, coasters, and more).
Comfort – Trade show VIPs who are used to spending most of their time at home will appreciate anything that adds comfort, such as blankets, knit scarves, caps, gloves, and snuggly socks.
The classics – If you’re still rebuilding your post-pandemic marketing budget, remember that you can never go wrong with timeless, affordable favorites like promotional pens, coffee mugs, and water bottles that reliably keep your brand in front of customers for many months.
Start planning ahead for 2022 now with Eagle
While some promotional products are available domestically, most still need to be shipped from China and other countries. So don’t wait to review next year’s exhibition calendar with Eagle Print Dynamics. Let us help you manage the global supply chain issues so you can be ready for your trade show customers. Contact us today or call 714-978-2200.
