SAAGNY News

August Newsletter - SAAGNY Lifev4.png

THE AMAZONIAN EFFECT ON OUR PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT INDUSTRY (Yes, I made up the word Amazonian).  As most reading this know, there are 4 things consistently discussed in just about every communication medium of my life. Branded Merchandise, my children Leyla and Luke, my dog Rip (named after Rip Wheeler from Yellowstone), and of course the sport of kings…Football.  The brown pigskin football, not the round version.  Moved Leyla down to Clemson recently and although thought we had everything we needed, a few misses happened. Enter Amazon. In about 2 minutes, Leyla had ordered from her I phone forgotten and needed (in her 20 year old mind anyway) college apartment needs. After discussing the items with me, my one word response and in an effort to show GEN Z relevance….Bruhh! But I digress, one less trip to Walmart or Target would find me at TD’s

Sports Bar on College Avenue faster to start showing my support of Clemson Tiger Football this upcoming season with the rest of the dads moving in their children. Interestingly enough, the, goods Leyla ordered arrived the next day at the same time I was trying to blame allergies for my eyes tearing up as I said goodbye to my daughter and begin the 700 mile trip back to Jersey.

Football training camp started this summer and Luke is ready to go at linebacker and wide receiver as he enters his Senior year at North Hunterdon High School. For those of us raising or who have raised youth athletes, an interesting and sometimes familiar scent permeates the home during specific times of year as our athletes come and go. In our home, this scent also

sparks the interest of our cavapoo Rip who seems to be drawn to it as opposed to avoiding. For years, I have told Luke don’t leave your gear on the floor and make sure all is out of reach of Rip. Well, here comes another miss. Luke left his football gloves inside his backpack on the floor where somehow Rip was able to sniff out, pull down zipper pocket and begin to snack on his brand new (and very expensive) receiver gloves.

Enjoy the following…

LUKE: Dad, Rip ate my new receiver gloves.

ME: The new ones? You gotta be kidding me!!!!

LUKE: Yes, and I have a scrimmage tomorrow afternoon.

ME: How many times have I told you not to leave your gear on the

floor. You better run out to Dicks Sporting Goods.

LUKE: They don’t carry them, gotta get ‘em from Amazon.

ME: You owe me!

Much like Leyla, with a few hits on an I phone, the gloves were ordered and delivered in time for Luke’s scrimmage. Side note: he did score a 40 yard touchdown, so slowly I forgot about the other and now digested gloves.

The convenience and speed of Amazon is an incredible resource for all of us and I am sure my family examples are similar for all of us SAAGNY member consumers. But, while Amazon is transforming the way consumers shop, its impact on our Promotional Product Industry may be showing some challenges for the supplier to the distributor and on to the end user.

Amazon, has contributed to the expectation that virtually any product can be purchased and delivered immediately. However, promotional products require sourcing, artwork, proof approvals, customization, inventory management, and complete order entry. Our industry risks losing business when customers expect the same speed and simplicity they experience with a standard Amazon purchase.

The Amazonian effect is more than a competition for individual orders, it is a changing of how customers perceive promotional products. If distributors are forced to compete primarily on price and speed, our industry risks commoditizing products that have been traditionally sold through relationships, expertise, and value. Suppliers are forced to restructure production plans due to end user events/in hands dates, disrupting the normal daily schedule while rushing goods on to the final tractor trailer headed to the airport at excessive overnight shipping rates.

Both distributor and supplier reps now face a sleepless night awaiting the goods to be signed for in time the next day. For our industry, the challenge may be that Amazon isn’t just selling products, it is changing customer expectations.  I know what you are thinking… well Mark, how do we fix this?

Wish I had the perfect answer here but perhaps we can begin by explaining to new customers while offering refreshers to existing customers of the work flow of our industry. From product selection to delivery, we can outline the process and estimated timelines. While certain product categories require different production times, a planning timeline discussion from the start may be able to alleviate the uncomfortable; we did everything we can but I have bad news phone call. After 32 years in our industry, I wish the Keebler elves were available in our industry workforce but unfortunately inventory cannot magically appear and sent to an imprinting team that rivals only that of Santa’s workshop. Although, I have been privy to magic over these last three decades.

Let’s all protect our industry from the Amazonian Effect and the value of it by demonstrating why professional service, product expertise, quality, and creative solutions are worth more than just finding the fastest and least expensive item on line….

Unless of course your customer is either of my children who somehow always seem to find the most expensive and fastest delivered items. Glad they are not my customers but blessed they are my children.

See you all in September at the Fall Show in East Rutherford NJ. By the way, its right in front of that stadium the Giants and Jets play football.

Dear SAAGNY Community,

I hope you're all enjoying a wonderful summer!

It's been an exciting season here at SAAGNY. We're still riding the momentum from an incredibly successful Promotions East and are looking forward to an outstanding lineup of events throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall.

In just a few days, we'll be hosting our next Factory Tour at Midnite Snax and Liqui-Mark, and we're thrilled to share that it's completely sold out! A few weeks later, many of our members and their families will be heading to the Long Island Ducks baseball game for what promises to be a fun-filled day of networking, baseball, and summer memories.

As many of you may already know, John Cudahy is no longer serving as Executive Director of SAAGNY. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank John for his contributions to the association and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Please know that it's business as usual at SAAGNY. Our Board of Directors, together with our dedicated volunteers and staff, has stepped in to ensure the association continues to operate seamlessly while we conduct our search for a new Executive Director. If you need assistance, we're here for you. You can always reach us at info@saagny.org, and I am personally monitoring that inbox to ensure your questions and requests receive prompt attention.

The search for SAAGNY's next Executive Director is now underway. If you know someone who would be an outstanding fit for this important leadership role, we encourage you to share the opportunity with them. The job posting is available at Executive Director | Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) | LinkedIn

As we look ahead, we're excited for our Fall Showcase on September 24, along with many more educational and networking opportunities planned for the remainder of the year. If you haven't registered for any of our upcoming events, we encourage you to visit www.saagny.org and reserve your spot.

Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and confidence in SAAGNY. Our association continues to thrive because of members like you, and we are excited about what lies ahead. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!

Warm regards,

Sara Levinson

President, SAAGNY Board of Directors

At 26 years old, I have only spent four years working in the day-to-day of this industry. But the truth is, I've been around it my entire life. With a parent who owned and operated a distributorship for more than 30 years, this business has always been part of my life. While the industry wasn't new to me, SAAGNY was.

Traditionally, boards of directors are built around individuals with decades of experience and deep industry tenure. That's why I was genuinely surprised when I was asked to join the SAAGNY Board. I didn't fit the conventional mold, and I knew that.

But when SAAGNY chose to bring a younger member onto the Board - someone who could offer a different perspective - it said something important about where this association is headed. That decision reflects a larger truth I've come to appreciate: SAAGNY isn't content with being a traditional regional association. We're challenging expectations, embracing new ideas, and reshaping what a regional association can be.

That shows up in the substance, too. We are creating events and experiences designed to drive purpose, growth, and real community, not just attendance. We are working to bring new and younger people into this industry, get them involved, and give them a reason to stay, to lead, and to see a future here. And we are rethinking what our members should expect from us at every touchpoint, not only at our signature shows.

You'll feel that same energy in what's ahead. We have some awesome events coming up, including factory tours of MidniteSnax and Liquimark on August 4th, a Long Island Ducks baseball game on August 12th, and our SAAGNY fall show on September 24th.

I hope everybody leans into this awesome regional and shows up for this industry. The future is bright.

Sincerely,

Dylan Cohen

Board of Directors - Marketing Chair

What. An. Event!

Promotions East, held on June 15th and 16th, exceeded all of our expectations. The energy on the show floor, the quality of conversations, and the engagement from exhibitors and attendees made this one of our most successful events to date. It was great to see so many familiar faces reconnect while also welcoming new professionals to SAAGNY.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, exhibited, and sponsored Promotions East. Your support is what makes events like these possible, and we are grateful to have such an engaged and passionate community.

I'd also like to recognize the Promotions East Committee and our Board of Directors. Their months of planning, countless meetings, and dedication behind the scenes made this event a success. It truly takes a team, and I couldn't be more appreciative of everything they did to bring Promotions East to life.

While we're still celebrating this year's event, we're already looking ahead. Planning for Promotions East 2027 is underway, so keep an eye out for a Save the Date announcement in the near future.

Speaking of what's next, we have a great lineup of events this summer and fall.

On August 4th, we'll be joining our friends at Midnite Snax and Liqui-Mark for two back-to-back factory tours. There's no better way to learn about a supplier than seeing their operation firsthand. From behind-the-scenes access to a sneak peek at new holiday products, it's always a fun and informative day.

Then on August 12th, we're heading to the ballpark for SAAGNY Family Night with the Long Island Ducks. Bring the kids, bring your glove, and join us for a relaxed evening of baseball, networking, and summer fun.

Looking ahead to the fall, registration is now open for the SAAGNY Fall Show. We encourage you to reserve your table and register to attend early and be part of another great day of networking, education, and discovering the latest products our industry has to offer.

Thank you again for your continued support of SAAGNY. Whether you volunteer, attend our events, sponsor a program, or simply stay engaged throughout the year, you help make this association stronger. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to build an even stronger SAAGNY community together.

3 weeks ago, we had our Promotions East event and I want to first say, THANK YOU to all of my industry friends and colleagues who attended.  A special thanks to the SAAGNY Board and PE NYC Committee, I am so proud of us all for pulling off this successful event that exceeded our expectations.  A special thanks to Josh Nachman, my Co-Chair on the PE NYC Committee – we really did it!

I have been on the SAAGNY Board for about a year and a half now – something I never thought I would do, but I can honestly say it has been one of the best experiences of my career.  I have learned so much, built new and strengthened existing relationships with so many smart, creative and caring people who are on our Board of Directors.  Adding the responsibility of the PE NYC Committee – SAAGNY’s signature and largest event was a new adventure for me and I’m glad to have done it. 

One thing I can say now is SAAGNY as a regional association has come a long way over the past 70 years.  The support of Distributors and Suppliers of our organization is remarkable.  We have so many great events planned for the rest of the year and I hope to see you all there.  Our fall show, factory tours, a Long Island Ducks baseball game and we are already planning Promotions East NYC 2027! 

Wishing everyone a fun and exciting summer and please continue to check the SAAGNY web site for updates and industry resources you can use. 

Sincerely,

Josh Goodelman

SAAGNY Director, Co-Chair: Promotions East Committee

It's hard to believe that May has already come and gone. As we head into June, I find myself reflecting on an incredible month for our association and feeling energized by everything that lies ahead.

One of the highlights of May was our factory tour at Showdown Displays. We had a fantastic turnout and an opportunity to go behind the scenes to see firsthand how ideas become reality. Events like these remind me of the value of our community and the importance of continuing to educate, connect, and explore together. A sincere thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day a success. Special thanks to the entire Showdown Displays team for their hospitality and for hosting such an engaging and informative event.

As exciting as May was, all eyes are now on Promotions East.

The energy is building. The anticipation is growing. And in just a two short weeks, our industry will come together in New York City for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.

From immersive activations and hands-on experiences to incredible networking opportunities, education sessions, and thousands of products, Promotions East has been thoughtfully designed to create something truly special for everyone who attends. Whether you're a distributor, supplier, or end user, there will be something for everyone to discover.

Of course, one of the most anticipated moments of the event will be our keynote conversation with Daymond John. If you haven't already secured your seat, now is the time. Reserved seating opportunities are available to guarantee you and your clients a prime location for this incredible discussion. And for those looking to create a truly memorable experience, VIP Photo Opportunity tickets are available, providing your clients with the chance to take home a professional photo with Daymond John and a memory they'll never forget.

If you haven't registered for Promotions East yet, there's still time, but time is running out. We encourage you to register as soon as possible and take advantage of the many experience-enhancing opportunities available before they're gone.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Promotions East Committee and the SAAGNY Board of Directors. The countless hours they have invested over the past several months are nothing short of remarkable. Their dedication, creativity, and commitment to our industry have helped bring this vision to life, and I am incredibly grateful for their efforts.

The countdown is officially on. We cannot wait to welcome you to Promotions East and share this experience with all of you.

See you in June.

John R. B. Cudahy, MAS, MASI
Executive Director
SAAGNY

Recently, alongside PPAI leadership and regional representatives from across the country, SAAGNY leadership traveled to Washington, DC to advocate on behalf of our community and the promotional products industry. I was proud to be joined by Legislative Chair Mark Charbonneau and SAAGNY members Ian Miller and Garnett Hall as we met with Senators and Representatives from New York and New Jersey.

These were incredibly productive meetings, ensuring that the voice of our industry—and our members—is heard at the highest levels. Advocacy like this is critical to protecting and advancing the interests of our businesses, and it’s something SAAGNY is deeply committed to. We’re already planning to return next April, and if you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to have you be part of this important effort.

Back home, the momentum continues as we are now just seven weeks away from Promotions East, and the excitement is building. This year’s event is shaping up to be something truly special, bringing together our community in a reimagined, high-energy experience designed to inspire, connect, and drive business forward.

We’re also thrilled to announce that Daymond John will be joining us as the keynote speaker at Promotions East. Daymond is best known as the founder and CEO of FUBU, a global lifestyle brand with over $6 billion in sales, and as a longtime investor on ABC’s Shark Tank. A branding expert, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author, Daymond has built a reputation for turning ideas into powerful, scalable businesses. At Promotions East, he will take the stage for a moderated discussion, sharing insights on branding, entrepreneurship, and growth, followed by a very special VIP photo opportunity. We are incredibly excited to bring Daymond’s experience, vision, and branding expertise to the Promotions East stage.

If you’re already registered, we can’t wait to see you there. And if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for? Register now: https://saagny.org/promotionseastnyc

We look forward to seeing you in June.

It’s hard to believe, but the year is already flying by. I can’t believe it’s May.

Over the past five months, the Promotions East Committee has been working tirelessly to create a truly reimagined, immersive brand experience for our industry. I am incredibly proud of this committee of volunteers and industry peers. They are working so hard to create something truly special for you, the SAAGNY community. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to bring something new, engaging, and impactful to everyone who attends. With just seven weeks to go, we’re incredibly grateful for the strong support and enthusiasm from those who have already registered. Your commitment is what’s helping make this event something special.

We’re also incredibly excited to welcome Daymond John as our keynote speaker. Daymond is the Founder and CEO of FUBU, a global lifestyle brand with over $6 billion in sales, and a longtime investor on ABC’s Shark Tank. A branding expert, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author, he has built a career helping businesses grow and scale through smart strategy and powerful storytelling. Bringing his experience, vision, and insight to the Promotions East stage is something we’re truly thrilled about, and it will be a highlight of this year’s event.

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time, and we’d love to have you join us.

For those who are already planning their experience, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Exhibitors: Think beyond the display. Create engaging, interactive experiences that help your distributor partners shine and truly stand out with their clients.

Distributors: Bring your clients and come ready to educate, connect, and explore. This is your opportunity to strengthen relationships and create meaningful, lasting impressions.

We’re not done yet! Stay tuned for even more exciting announcements in the weeks ahead.

We can’t wait to see you in June.

— Josh Nachman
Promotions East Committee Chair

Written by:  Andrew Monteyne, President, All-County Apparel

As I look ahead to what’s next for SAAGNY, I’m reminded that the strength of this association has always come from its people: members who show up, support one another, and keep pushing this industry forward. That is what makes this organization valuable, and that is what makes this an exciting time to be involved.

Our rescheduled Winter Show gave us a glimpse of the momentum we are carrying into Promo East NYC in June 2026. Be sure to mark your calendar for June 15 and 16.

What is especially exciting is that Promo East is not being approached as business as usual. There is a real effort underway to make this event feel different in all the right ways. From the opening experiences to the flow of the show floor itself, the goal is to create an atmosphere that is engaging, useful, and reflective of where our industry is headed. We want attendees to leave with fresh ideas, stronger connections, and renewed enthusiasm for the work we all do every day.

At the same time, leading the Membership Board alongside Jeff Hinds, I’m especially excited about the initiatives we are working on to strengthen the SAAGNY community. A major priority is bringing in new members while also making current members more aware of the many perks, resources, and opportunities that come with being part of this association. There is tremendous value in SAAGNY membership, and we want to do a better job of making sure that value is seen, felt, and fully used.

We are also thinking carefully about how to make the overall experience better for every member in attendance. That means more thoughtful programming, stronger opportunities for supplier visibility, and spaces that allow distributors to meet, reset, and have meaningful conversations throughout the event. Every piece of it is being built with intention.

I’m proud to be part of what SAAGNY is building, and I’m looking forward to what is ahead. June will be here before we know it, and Promo East NYC is shaping up to be something special. See you there!

There is incredible momentum building across SAAGNY, and I am excited to share a look at what has been happening behind the scenes and what lies ahead for our community.

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Prime Line for a factory tour, and it was a tremendous success. Our members were able to get a true behind the scenes look at Prime’s facility while also benefiting from an engaging educational presentation. Experiences like this bring our industry to life and reinforce the value of connection, learning, and transparency.

In April, SAAGNY leadership will also be attending PPAI L.E.A.D. in Washington, D.C. This is a powerful opportunity for us to visit Capitol Hill and advocate on behalf of our industry and our members. Having a seat at the table and making our voices heard is critical, and we are proud to represent you on this important stage.

We also have a strong lineup of upcoming events this spring. A Constant Contact webinar is scheduled for May 5, followed by a Showdown Displays factory tour on May 21. Registration for both events will be opening soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming announcements and marketing.

And of course, the excitement continues to build around Promotions East. The energy is real, and we are thrilled to be bringing this event to Manhattan. This is not your ordinary tradeshow. It is an EXPERIENCE that must be seen in person. From the format to the engagement to the people in the room, everything has been thoughtfully designed to create meaningful impact. If you have not yet registered, now is the time.

Finally, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the SAAGNY Board of Directors, our dedicated volunteers, and our entire membership. Your hard work, passion, and support are what make SAAGNY so special. Everything we accomplish is a direct result of this incredible community.

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to build something truly exceptional together.