Luke Williams, a TEDx speaker, invites ASI Chicago's audience to accept and foster change and innovation.

In July 2019, the promotional products industry gathered at the McCormick Place convention center in Chicago for the annual ASI Chicago trade show. The event, held from the 11th to the 13th, attracted attendees from 43 states and 12 countries, demonstrating the global reach and significance of the industry.

The show featured 580 exhibitors, including 109 new exhibitors, showcasing the latest wearables, innovative products, and presentations by apparel experts. ASI Chicago also offered a Fashion Zone, expanded from previous years, which highlighted the latest trends in the industry.

One of the keynote speakers at the event was Luke Williams, a TEDx speaker and an expert on disruptive innovation. His talk was highly appreciated by James Pederson of Yours Truly Marketing Incentives, who expressed his gratitude for the innovative insights shared.

Heather Abbott, a Boston Marathon bombing survivor, also graced the event with her inspiring story at a motivational breakfast. Her foundation, the Heather Abbott Foundation, has raised over $1 million and provided 28 prosthetic limbs, further emphasising the impact of the promotional products industry on people's lives.

The promotional products industry in the Midwest saw a 3% increase in sales in 2018, with a total of $5 billion worth of products sold. Illinois led the region with $821 million in annual sales.

The 2019 Counselor Awards were also announced during the event, recognising industry leaders. Marc Simon was named Person of the Year, while Headwind Group's Tom Hung and Michael Hung were awarded International Persons of the Year. Unfortunately, the companies involved in the 1st Prize of the Counselor Awards 2019 could not be explicitly identified in the provided search results. However, companies like CellX Biosolutions AG, Visienco AG, and New Roots AG, winners of prominent entrepreneurship awards in Switzerland around that period, were not directly linked to the Counselor Awards.

Exhibitors and attendees alike reported being satisfied with the steady traffic and engaged distributors. The event also offered additional activities such as beer tastings, popcorn, and a New Product Preview Reception. The ASI Bash at I|O Godfrey, Chicago's largest indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge, was also well-attended, with 324 party-goers.

Rita Ugianskis-Fishman, senior vice president and general manager of ASI Show, expressed her excitement for the upcoming shows, promising more innovative ideas and engaging events for the promotional products industry. Timothy M. Andrews, ASI president and CEO, was also pleased with the motivational impact of the keynote speakers and the overall success of the event.

The promotional products industry, with a total value of $24.7 billion, continues to grow and evolve, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and small-business owners alike. ASI Chicago 2019 served as a testament to this growth and the industry's commitment to innovation and inspiration.

Luke Williams, a TEDx speaker, invites ASI Chicago's audience to accept and foster change and innovation.