This month in the promotional products industry

Categories: In the News, Marketing
This month in the promotional products industry

By next year, you cannot give out these promotional pens to healthcare clients. The promotional products industry seems to be taking a beating this month. In the first half of July, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America announced that it is prohibiting the "distribution of non-educational items (such as pens, mugs and other 'reminder' objects typically adorned with a company or product logo) to healthcare providers and their staff" as these "may foster misperceptions that company interactions with healthcare professionals are not based on informing them about medical and scientific issues." The same code, which takes effect January 2009, discourages company sales representatives from "providing restaurant meals to healthcare professionals." However, "occasional meals in offices" may be given in relation with "informational presentations." PhRMA also stresses that "companies should not provide any entertainment or recreational benefits to healthcare professionals." [Read the full-length PhRMA press release here.] What all this is telling us is that promotional items are very influential--so influential, in fact, that their effect on our doctors' judgment is bothering some people. Steve Slagle, president and CEO of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), never said it better: "I find it hard to believe that educated and sophisticated professionals in the healthcare field ...

Insider Tip: The promotional products you have to give this 2008

Categories: Bags, Packs & Totes, Electronics, In the News
Insider Tip: The promotional products you have to give this 2008

Already a full week into 2008, here's a heads up on the hottest (not simply “newest”) promotional items and marketing products for the year. Multifunctionality, strong visual appeal and environment-friendliness are dominant trends, with some designs fusing all three qualities. Electronic promotional items set for release this 2008 include key chains with proximity detectors and promotional USB accessories for various uses. USB-powered magic answer balls and wood-encased flash drives will join PC-connected cup warmers, fans and desk lamps in the mix. Ballpoint pens that double as laser pointers or memory-card readers, or project graphics will also be offered. USB-ready heated mouse pads featuring snow-globe hubs with calculator, clock and mobile-phone-charging functions will be available in the coming months as well. Nonelectronic promotional items with bundled handy tools such as screwdrivers and miniature pliers are also among the products to watch. Further, many will be integrated with add-ons like carabiners, ID holders, compasses, whistles, bottle holders and openers and flashlights. The new year will also see promotional items with vivid detailing. Designed to lend a higher perceived value, the latest marketing products will have more-solid colors, novel and ergonomic forms, and richer textures. Additionally, bold and brightly hued prints, and ...

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Welcome to Promotional Products Blog by The Giveaways Guru

Official blog of Branders.com, the world's largest online seller of promotional items