SAAGNY News

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.

As I approach nearly 30 years in this industry, I can honestly say that being part of the SAAGNY Executive Board has been a wonderful experience.  This association has played a meaningful role in my career, and it’s incredibly special to now help shape what SAAGNY delivers to our members as we continue to grow and EVOLVE.

Coming off our rescheduled Winter Show, I’m especially energized! Despite the shift in timing, it became one of our most successful winter shows in years and served as a great precursor to what we’re building toward for Promo East NYC in June 2026.  SAVE THE DATE – June 15^th & 16^th!

Behind the scenes, a dedicated committee is hard at work reimagining what a truly standout marketing experience a show can be. From a signature event the night before, to a more engaging and interactive show floor, everything is being thoughtfully designed to highlight trends in a way that feels current, exciting, and relevant. The goal is simple: to help you walk your clients through the show with confidence and pride for this industry we all love so much.

We’re also focused on creating meaningful experiences for all our members. This includes an inspiring message from a keynote speaker, new sponsorship opportunities for our suppliers, dedicated spaces designed for distributors to connect, recharge, and collaborate with enhanced moments that elevate how members engage throughout the event. Have you downloaded the SAAGNY app yet?

You’ll see more details unfold over the coming months as these experiences take shape.

At the core of it all is our continued commitment to advocating for the branded merchandise industry and for YOU, our members.  We believe deeply that merch IS marketing, and SAAGNY’s role is to help elevate that message, support your growth, and create experiences that reflect the value we bring to our clients every day.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’re building together and excited for what’s ahead.

If merch is marketing, then New York City is the moment.  See you soon!

Lisa Folts

SAAGNY Secretary / Treasurer

Dear SAAGNY Community,

As we reflect on the momentum of the past months, I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a community.

Our Winter Show was a tremendous success, even with the challenges surrounding the rescheduled date. The flexibility, professionalism, and partnership demonstrated by our exhibitors and attendees were truly appreciated. Thank you for your understanding and for working collaboratively to ensure the show delivered value to everyone involved. Your commitment to SAAGNY and to each other speaks volumes about the strength of this community.

We were also excited to elevate the overall attendee experience. The introduction of the VIP Member Lounge created a premium environment for networking, education, and relaxation. The SAAGNY Event App enhanced connectivity and engagement across the show floor, while advancements in registration and check in technology streamlined entry and improved efficiency. These enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to modernizing and improving every touchpoint of our events.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to share that registration is now open for Promotions East NYC, taking place June 15th and 16th. This reimagined and redesigned event will bring a fresh, dynamic experience to our marketplace. From innovative show features to elevated networking opportunities, Promotions East NYC represents the next evolution of our flagship event. I encourage you to secure your spot today at https://saagny.org/promotionseastnyc.

Beyond the trade show floor, our recent Pickleball networking event was another great success. It was fantastic to see members connecting in a fun and energetic setting. Thank you to everyone who participated. These events strengthen relationships and reinforce the collaborative spirit that defines SAAGNY. Be on the lookout for additional networking opportunities throughout the year.

Finally, I want to thank each of you for your continued support and dedication to the SAAGNY community. Your engagement, leadership, and partnership enable us to grow, innovate, and deliver meaningful value to our membership.

I look forward to seeing you at Promotions East NYC and at many more events ahead.

Thanks,

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

As we glide into February—thanks in part to a winter snowstorm that gently nudged the SAAGNY Winter Showcase to its new date of February 12, 2026—we’re energized by the incredible buzz coming out of PPAI—the fresh ideas, new innovations, and creative inspiration we can bring directly to our customers. It’s an exciting time in our industry, full of momentum and possibility.

February is also the perfect moment to pause and show a little gratitude. Whether it’s thanking loyal customers, reconnecting with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or taking that first step toward a new relationship, this month reminds us that small gestures can make a big impact.

As the season continues to ramp up, remember that a simple reach-out, a thoughtful note, or a moment of appreciation goes a long way. A glance, a step forward, a bit of intention—those are often where the best connections begin.

Here’s to a month of momentum, connection, and showing a little love along the way.

I hope this message finds you well and energized as we kick off another exciting year together.

First, I want to share how much I enjoyed my time at PPAI Expo. It was truly a fantastic experience to be surrounded by so many familiar faces, and just as exciting to meet new ones. Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with me, connect, and share what’s happening in your world. Those conversations are what make our community so special, and they reinforce just how strong and collaborative our industry continues to be.

As many of you know, weather significantly impacted the original date of the SAAGNY Winter Show, along with several other events across our region. While it’s always disappointing to shift plans, we’re grateful for everyone’s flexibility and support.

SAAGNY’s new Winter Show date is February 12th, and we cannot wait to see you there.

If you couldn’t join us on the original date but now you can, we’d love to have you with us! Registration will remain open for the next 2 weeks - SAAGNY - SAAGNY Winter Show

In addition, some of our partners in District 1 have also rescheduled their shows:

• PAPPA: February 5th , 2026
• NEPPA: February 26th , 2026

And finally, if you haven’t already, download the new SAAGNY Event App. This is your digital hub for SAAGNY events, designed to keep everything you need right at your fingertips, from schedules and updates to event information and connections.

    

Thank you again for being part of SAAGNY. I’m truly looking forward to another amazing year with this incredible community.

Thanks,

John R. B. Cudahy, MAS, MASI

Executive Director, SAAGNY

I am humbled and honored to step into the role of Vice President of SAAGNY for the upcoming year. SAAGNY holds a special place in my heart for many reasons, but above all, it’s the strong sense of community that truly sets us apart.

This year, our focus is more intentional than ever on YOU, our members. Everything we are doing is centered around driving greater engagement, improving how you connect with SAAGNY, and elevating the overall member experience so we can continue to grow stronger and better than ever. We have an exciting year ahead, starting with the Winter Show in Suffern, the relaunch of an elevated Promotions East back in New York City as SAAGNY’s signature event, the redesign of the SAAGNY website, and the launch of the new SAAGNY app, all built to make it easier for you to engage, connect, and get value from your membership. It truly is all about YOU.

As we take this journey together, thank you for your continued commitment to SAAGNY and to our industry. Your voices matter, your feedback is valued, and I look forward to a fabulous year ahead.

See you all soon,

Rafael Dosman - Vice President

As the promotional products industry moves into 2026, momentum continues to build. Brands are placing greater value on meaningful connections, and promotional products are playing a more strategic role in how those stories are told.

What was once viewed as a simple giveaway is now an essential brand touchpoint — combining creativity, purpose, and personalization. Sustainability remains a key focus, with buyers expecting responsible product choices that reflect their values, while technology continues to enhance how we engage, manage relationships, and deliver smarter solutions.

As we look ahead, SAAGNY enters 2026 with confidence and enthusiasm. With a strong calendar of education, events, and opportunities to connect, the year ahead reflects a shared commitment to growth, collaboration, and the continued evolution of our industry.

2026 is shaping up to be a year of possibility — and SAAGNY members are well positioned to lead the way.