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The PPAI Expo 2010 Showstoppers
By: Audrey Sellers, Associate Editor
Issue: 2010mar
There were scores of products to get pulses racing at the industry’s premier event. Here are some of the most exceptional.
What’s the one place to rev your creative engines and gear up for the year ahead? The PPAI Expo 2010, with its miles of must-see products in the New Product Pavilion, Green Pavilion, Made in the USA Pavilion and, of course, the tradeshow floor. This year’s event introduced show-goers to a tangle of new products, plus souped-up versions of the classics your clients want most. PPB explored the pavilions, visited exhibitors and handpicked some of the best finds for 2010.
 | Send a soothing message with Keep Calm And Have A Cupcake products. Offered in cheery pink, your clients can take their pick between note cards, bookmarks, gift bags, journals and desk notes.
Peter Pauper Press UPIC: Peter284 800-833-2311 |
Give customers an at-home spa experience with the Spa Sales Kit, which includes a nail brush, exfoliating gauze sponge, loofah, travel pillow, towel and pumice stone tucked inside a natural wooden caddy.
Gold Bond, Inc. UPIC: GOLD0008 800-438-5757 |  |
 | Stuff the Sport Wrap Bucket with a t-shirt, pom-poms and noisemaker for the ultimate team-spirit gift. This galvanized metal bucket features a PVC wrap that’s molded to the unique texture of a baseball, basketball, football, golf ball or soccer ball.
Bennington Rhodes, Ltd. UPIC: Beverage 314-962-0702 |
Offered in a variety of transparent colors, Recycled Sea Glass Stones let your clients creatively showcase their logo or message. They’re tumbled for days to create an authentic appearance. TIP: Sure, you can get these stones in their natural shape (small or large), but they’re also available in a heart shape and as business-card holders.
Prime Designs UPIC: PINS 877-327-7463 |  |
 | Happy hour is more festive with Metro Wine Tools, four wine accessories in lively colors packaged inside a black box. Each set includes a bottle stopper, two-piece, magnetic drip ring foil cutter and corkscrew complete with ABS plastic accents.
Picnic Time, Inc. UPIC: PICN0001 888-742-6429 |
Memos are memorable when they’re jotted on the Write-On Wipe-Off Message Center, a dry-erase board featuring a flashing blue on/off illumination. Use the magnet on the back, hanging hook or easel to display it. TIP: Planning an academic promotion? Send students home with this product, which lets them mark assignment reminders and upcoming test dates in a way that’s fun and easy to spot.
Dard Products, Inc. (Tag-Master Line) UPIC: TagMastr 800-323-2925
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 | Equipped with a pocket/book clip and a magnetic end, the Flexi-Lite also features a laser pointer with a one-mile range. Customize the barrel of this flexible head LED flashlight for a handy, multi-functional gift.
Goldstar UPIC: GOLD0009 800-553-9646 |
Your clients pick the size and shape of the ReCOGnition award, which is constructed using a variety of print methods and materials.
Winning Edge, Inc. UPIC: WinEdge 866-231-9600
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 | The 3-D Coaster fits most cold ones and absorbs condensation on the spot, eliminating the need for napkins or flat coasters. It’s made from neoprene and has plenty of room for multiple logos. TIP: Restaurants, bars, beach clubs—anywhere patrons will be sipping cold drinks can benefit from this handy product, which conveniently fits in a bag or pocket for use at home.
Calibre International, LLC UPIC: calibre 800-707-2757 |
Scrawl smoother notes with the Post-it® Custom Printed Flag Gel Pen, which includes an integrated flag dispenser loaded with 50 flags. Customize the barrel in up to four colors.
3M Promotional Markets Dept. UPIC: POST-IT 800-328-2407
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 | Don’t want to lug around a cumbersome bag? Grab the Mini Carry-All, which features a zippered main compartment, a front and back slip pocket and a wide, adjustable shoulder strap.
BIC Graphic USA UPIC: BIC 888-446-5242 |
Cool off an outdoor promotion with the Personal Mister. It holds up to 2.5 ounces of liquid, never needs batteries and features an adjustable misting position, push-button technology and an ultra-fine mist. TIP: Make this part of your clients’ summer campaigns—it’s ideal for fairs, zoos, amusement parks and sporting events.
Hit Promotional Products UPIC: HITP0001 800-237-6305 |  |
 | The SmashLight Eliana features two LED lamps and two lithium button-cell batteries, giving it a shelf life of 3-5 years. Recipients can keep it handy thanks to a lanyard and wrist cord. Plus, an interior magnet means it adheres to any metal surface.
The Bentcil Co. UPIC: BENTCIL 317-271-4536 |
Double up on flavor with Double-Sided Lip Balm, a handy tube of petroleum-free lip balm that boasts two mouthwatering varieties such as iced pear, lemonade and raspberry.
Raining Rose, Inc. UPIC: Raini224 800-481-3934 |  |
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