2018 Trends- Are you Ready?

Whether it’s a color, pattern, material or an innovative function, product trends represent something new – and nothing captures our attention like something new.

Using the same data and forecasts retailers do to project what’s next, we’re the first to bring you products that reflect this year’s biggest trends. Our partners at PNCA put together this quick snapshot.

Here are the trends that are shaping our products:

TREND 1: Natural Serenity

Characteristics:

• Muted Colors
• Natural Materials
• Minimalist Design

Escape the noise with materials and silhouettes taken from nature. These products have a timeless quality that extends their utility, disrupting a cycle of disposing and replacing that can’t be sustained.

TREND 2: Revival

Characteristics:

• Classic Styles
• Modern Performance

Old school styles inspire fond memories. But it’s not enough to recycle those classic looks from the ’70s and ’80s – they’ve got to be reinvented with function and performance for the modern world.


TREND 3: React & Adapt

Characteristics:

• Versatile Function
• Weather-Proof Materials

Circumstances change – sometimes by chance, sometimes by choice. These products are designed to adapt to any conditions, whether it’s a surprise rainstorm, delay at the airport or travel adventure on the other side of the world.


TREND 4: Imagination

 Characteristics:

• Innovative Design 
• Bold Colors
• Graphic Prints

Creativity can be expressed in lots of ways – from colorful prints and bold patterns to high-tech innovations. No matter how that creativity comes to life, it all begins with the imagination to envision something different.

What's your favorite style?

How To Be A Tradeshow & Conference Standout

In a sea of booths, a standing out at a trade show or conference can be as simple as adding a pop of color or a unique mixed media process. Besides the benefit of attention to your brand, think about how morale will improve when employees look sharp. After all, when you feel good in your clothes, you are happier- and happy people make better conversation!

A cohesive appearance can be achieved with coordinating colors that cross over fabrics & styles.

Besides mixing media or using new decoration methods beyond traditional silkscreen or embroidery- consider how to layer or inspire with design work that gets attention. The visual artist in me is going to allow images to share this story.

Check out some of these trends below:

Our in house graphics will provide you the edge on your appearance, customizing your design with your logo and event theme. 

Step 2- Making sure your selections fit the lifestyle of your market- you want them wearing and using your branded selections! 

Step 3: Plan for your upcoming trade show or conference?  

Let us help you be a stand out this year! Set up a time to collaborate in the showroom.

Refresh Your Logo- Update With New Decoration Techniques!

 How important is decoration? 

Very- standing out among your competition when outfitting employees and referral partners starts with apparel that begs to be worn.

In the next few post we will share some tips and styles from Trimark brand to refresh your brand.

Today let's explore some unique decoration options; deboss and laser decoration. These two methods create a subtle, yet striking, look for your brand. I write this post from my kitchen counter because the streets are covered with snow, so my mind jumps to a warm waterproof softshell jacket!

Deboss and Laser as described by our partners at Trimark- are synonymous with a refined, tone-on-tone look. To achieve a striking 3D appearance, deboss uses a die that's heat-pressed into the material. The result is a decoration with a high degree of detail, unlimited wash-ability and true versatility because it can go on virtually any location on the garment. Laser, which involves a topical treatment, creates a smooth finish and a glossy look. Laser takes versatility a step further - it can even be placed over seams and zippers. Something you can not do with embroidery or silkscreen!

The perfect piece to get the most from deboss or laser? Trimark suggests the  Sopris Softshell Jacket- a breathable, waterproof piece with a built-in mechanical stretch and knit interior. This is no ordinary bonded jacket. The Sopris has a pliability, stretch and comfort that you won't believe- offered in men's and companion women's styles.

Like all Trimark apparel, the Sopris was built for branding from the start. When paired with subtle deboss and laser decoration, the Sopris becomes a special and unexpected brand experience.   

Warming up to the idea of something new in decoration? You want to be the brand people are talking about and wanting to wear right? 

Visiting our showroom location in Apex is an excellent way to compare product lines and decoration options. 

Bluetooth Audio For Every Budget And Occasion

Music is a universal connector- around the world we love music.

According to Nielsen’s Music 360 2016 study, 93% of the U.S. population listens to music, spending more than 25 hours each week jamming out to their favorite tunes.

Technology has made it easier than ever to listen to our favorite music; we are playing music beyond our laptop or tablet; becoming increasingly wireless! In fact, wireless headphones, already gaining in popularity, quickly became the go-to choice when Apple released the iPhone 7 without a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. If the biggest tech company in the world thinks that the future is wireless, we're paying attention.

Given music's popularity and universal appeal, it makes good business sense to put brands on the speakers and headphones we use to enjoy our tunes. 

To help you navigate the many price points and constantly evolving features, here’s your quick guide to the world of PCNA Bluetooth audio:

 

Key Features: Under $10, 3 hours of non-stop music at max volume, built-in music control and mic.

Great for: Conference giveaways, employee picnics.

 

Key Features: Under $40, hands free music controls and mic, travel pouch.

Great for: Wellness program incentives, service anniversaries.

 

Key Feature: Carrying case that doubles as a charging station and a Bluetooth speaker.

Great for: Sales incentives, special client gifts.

 

Key Features: A spinner that doubles as a speaker, CPSIA compliant.

Great for: Holiday party giveaways.

 

Key Features: A waterproof rating of IPX6, 4 hours of music at maximum volume on a single charge.

Great for: Trade show contests, donor gifts.

 

Key Features: Just tap the speaker to ask for a weather forecast, get news update, request music and more.

Great for: Golf outing prizes, on-boarding welcome gifts.

 Just like our post yesterday, our friends at PCNA- are ready to handle your rush projects- let us know what you'd like to send the people on your "nice list"!