We’re just back from ASI’s second annual New York Show and it was both a success and a blast! The trade show posted strong attendance of nearly 2,800 distributors from 1,338 firms, up more than 7% from 1,247 firms last year. Education day attracted nearly 450 distributors – up about 8% from a year ago. Even more impressive because education day was held on a Sunday.
I’m a little out of my comfort zone in New York, but with the help of some friends, managed to hang out in some of the best places. For example, at the legendary Algonquin Hotel, where writer Dorothy Parker and other renowned writers traded bon mots and barbs around the notorious “vicious circle,” Shepenco’s Dan Townes and I had quite a few cocktails. A New York landmark, lounging at this hotel and it’s amazing bar — steeped in tons of local lore — was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Had I known it existed, I would have shaken Dan down to buy me the Algonquin’s $10,000 martini — into which they plop a diamond in lieu of ice. (Click here to learn more about the famous — and infamous — writers who used to frequent the Algonquin: and here for some trivia regarding the historic establishment.)
This napkin, mystifying free from any spillage from my three Cosmo martinis, bears a famous quote from Robert Benchley, Dorothy Parker’s BFF and prodigiously talented writer for The New Yorker, Vanity Fair and Life magazines in the ’20s and ’30s.
So, without further adieu, enjoy the sights from the show!
More at the end of the week when I give a heartfelt send-off to the best show on TV, Battlestar Galactica. Get ready to get your CYL-ON, my little toasters! ; )
Cheers,
Michele
A throng of attendees enter the second annual ASI New York Show on opening day, this past Monday.
At the famed and fabulous Del Frisco’s steak house, here I am (center) with Randee Horwitch (left), vice president of sales at Counselor Top 40 supplier Dard and my gal pal Bonni Sandy, the company’s executive vice president and the president of Dard Design. A savvy, wicked-smart cookie, Bonni’s brilliance is only exceeded by her wit.
Brett Hersh, president of AdMints (left) and Sean Huban, director of sales for ePromos, enjoy a drink after the first day of the show at ASI’s “Welcome NYC” reception.
Ron Ball, ASI’s vice president of supplier sales and my weapons-grade wacko work husband, raises a glass at Balthazar. Not a huge fan of New York City, my boss Rich Fairfield — ASI’s senior vice president, publisher and a native New Yorker — made it his mission to show me a side of New York I would love (trust me… that’s not such an easy thing). Knowing what a Francophile I am, he took Ron, Dard’s Bonni Sandy and Randee Horwitch and I to Balthazar on Spring Street in SoHo — a French bistro that looked (and felt) as though I was back in my beloved Paris. I drank quite a few Kir Royales (champagne with a drizzle of Chambord) and declared it my favorite place in New York. What can I say? Rich knows me well…
Cliff Quicksell and I, at the Marriott Marquis bar. Cliff was one of the first people I met in the industry, about 11 years ago at an industry networking mixer. His name badge said, “Hello! My name is… Buffy.” And that is what I still call him to this day… “Buffy Quicksell.”
ASI’s Executive Director of Distributor Services, Christian Brandt and one of the ASI Show’s top-drawing education facilitators, Cliff Quicksell.
Star magnets Matt George (above, left) & Joe Haley took turns cozying up to Tracy Morgan, one of the stars of NBC’s hit sitcom “30 Rock.” Joe and I love “30 Rock,” due in large part to the tour de force performance by Alec Baldwin. If we had seen him, I would have coerced him to join us for cocktails, with the intent of doing naughty things.
With stunning views of New York City, hundreds of guests enjoyed ASI’s hospitality at the “Top of the Rock” gala, held on the famed building’s 64th floor. With a sumptuous spread of food, top-shelf open bar and a fabulously fun band, it was the perfect night in mid-town Manhattan.
(From left): Dan Townes, owner of Shelbyville Pencil/Shepenco & his wife Natalie — both of whom resemble the fabulously witty and cocktailing bon vivants Nick & Nora Charles from “The Thin Man” television series from the 1930s — shown here with industry educator extraordinaire, Cliff Quicksell.
(From left): ASI’s editorial staff, in all their wacky glory, at the bar inside the Marriott Marquis in NYC: Wearables editor C.J. Mittica, Staff Writer Dave Vagnoni, Education Director & Stitches editor Nicole Rollender, Staff Writer Matt George, Senior Application Developer Samantha Tucker, Web Designer Steve Hawk, Counselor editor Andy Cohen and Managing Editor & star of The Joe Show, Joe Haley.
ASI’s radio and Internet celebs at the swanky and high-class Rodeo bar, located at 375 3rd Ave. in NYC. Taking advantage of the bar’s “Recession Special” (a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Whiskey for $7) are Web Designer extraordinaire Steve Hawk, Staff Writer Matt George, managing editor and star of “The Joe Show” Joe Haley and Counselor editor Andy Cohen. Steve Hawk, who is a beer aficionado and brews his own award-winning beer would have rather swallowed shards of glass, I think, than PBR.
As guest photographer Joe Haley said, “Check out the Oy-Veys… the toughest Jewish street gang in New York City!” From left: Counselor editor Andy Cohen, Web Designer Steve Hawk, Senior Application Developer Sam Tucker — the shiksa mascot of the group — and Wearableseditor C.J. Mittica.
You have to hand it to ASI marketing rock star Jake Krolick, who always — regardless of what city we’re in — finds the most high-brow, refined establishments. This one, Rudy’s Bar & Grill, comes up under the search phrases: “dive bars” and “free hotdogs.” ASI’s cast of characters, from left to right: Dan “The Man” Brown, director of distributor services (honking Porky’s snout); Jake Krolick, marketing manager & Dionysian degenerate; Mike Landis, distributor services account executive; Porky, the other white meat; Shannon Blaszczyk, account executive, catalog sales; and Chris Glowacki, account executive, supplier Internet sales and recipient of ASI’s prestigious Rising Star Employee of the Year Award.
(From left): Ross Silverstein, iPROMOTEu’s director of marketing Linda Forsvall, and ASI’s senior vice president Dan O’Hallaran enjoy the “Rat Pack”-style atmosphere of the Carnegie Cigar and Scotch Bar in New York City.
IPromoteU’s Ross Silverstein and my new favorite gal pal Sheila Johnshoy, director of promotional products for the Deluxe Corp. What a pair… For those of you who know Ross, he’s a pistol; Sheila is as whip-smart as she is fun!
(From left): Ross Silverstein, CEO of Counselor Top 40 distributor iPROMOTEu; Glen Carrigan, president of Counselor Top 40 distributor EmbroidMe (Canada)/Plan Ahead Events Canada; and Tipton Shonkwiler, brand director for EmbroidMe/Plan Ahead Events relax after the show at the Carnegie Cigar & Scotch bar for an exclusive event hosted by ASI executive director of distributor services, Christian Brandt.
The lovely and lively Missy Kilpatrick, vice president of Castelli, and my old pal Michael Bistocchi, vice president of CleggPromo, party like rock stars at the ASI Show gala at the Top of the Rock.
In full view of the patrons at Rudy’s Bar & Grill on 9th Ave. between 44th & 45th Streets, this fine young gentleman leans against this upstanding young lady for some late-night support. Let it never be said that the City that Never Sleeps isn’t one super-duper friendly town!
Karyn Coates, ASI’s executive director of E-Media & Member Benefits, meets Anthony Geary, a.k.a. “Luke Spencer” — a super-celeb on ABC’s legendary soap opera “General Hospital.” At the hotel where we all stayed in NYC, the Marriott Marquis, there was a party being held for ABC’s soaps. Karyn, being all super-stealthy, managed to slip into the party and sidled up to some of her favorite stars. We just want to know, Karyn, where was that hottie guy who plays Nikolas Cassadine? He would have had us in a lather… ; )
Here’s ‘Lil Joe Haley, ASI’s managing editor and star of “The Joe Show,” posing with Cameron Mathison — who stands 6’ 1″ — and is a star of the ABC soap opera “All My Children” and was on season five of “Dancing with the Stars.” Our colleague Karyn Coates, executive director of ASI’s E-Media and Member Benefits, apparently squealed like a teenybopper when she saw the soap star… though, sadly, not “The Joe Show” star… ; )
ASI’s Brandon “B-Rabbit” Miller (above) and Steve Cattau, both distributor services account executives, go down for the count on the bus ride back to Trevose after a high-energy, non-stop ASI NYC Show.
Sorry I’ve been incommunicado — I’ve had crazy, overlapping magazine deadlines that have been stalking me like buzzards flying lazing circles.
However, my absence from blogging has given me time to ponder my latest loony rant: just how much I despise online social networking. It’s not that I’m averse to new forms of technology per se… Some of my favorite people here at ASI are the Tech Geeks, or as I call them, The Joy Stick Club.
So what’s my issue with online social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and MySpace? They’re the nexus for all things annoying in life, and one more nail in the coffin of personal, human interaction. Heretowith, the eight reasons why online networking is the current bane of my existence:
1. The Tedious Play-by-Play. Am I the only one who doesn’t care that Mrs. Blah Blah is “out having the dog groomed” or that Larry Lame “just had a burrito for lunch.” Let me end the suspense for you: Michele is sitting at her computer right now, rolling her eyes in an exasperated fashion and using variations of a word that rhymes with “duck.”
2. When, Exactly, Did “Friend” Become a Verb? I get daily invitations from people who want to “Friend” me, Link with me and Tweet me (which sounds way more salacious and fun than it is). Really? First of all, if I consider you a friend and want you to have an all-access pass to my life, you already have my e-mail address and cell phone number, which I sometimes think has been written on bathroom walls at ASI shows, so many industry people seem to have it. Do we really need one more avenue through which to know every single detail about a person and to be able to contact them 24/7? I love you all dearly… I love my privacy more.
3. Ghosts of Boyfriends Past. My friend Meg and I have known each other since the first grade. We know each other’s dirty little secrets and have been there for all the major events in each other’s life. Meg called me last week to tell me that she’s now on Facebook and has been in contact with a guy we went to high school with — let’s call him Loser McMoron. The cringe-inducing part? Loser McMoron is the first person I had sex with and the thought of my oldest friend chatting him up after all these years unnerves the hell out of me. Do I regret the losing-my-virginity sex? Nope. I regret the fact that it was with a Reagan Republican. I still shudder at the thought. The moral of the story? Some people belong in the past. Unlike Christ, resurrecting them isn’t hallelujah-worthy.
4. The “25 Random Things” List on Facebook. Please. Have we really become this self-important and self-involved that we need to share every little cockamamie, weirdo aspect of our lives? Because I refuse to engage in online networking, my cousin read her list to me, much to my chagrin. Number 6 on her list was “Sometimes, when I’m sad, I sneak a piece of cake and eat it in my bedroom.” Good Lord. Who needs to know that? Have we no shame? And by the way, to my cousin I say: Anyone who’s walked behind you lately would agree that the sneaky cake-eating isn’t exactly a secret.
5. My mother is on Facebook.
6. The Whining Wall. My aforementioned mother, Judge Judye (again, she doesn’t preside over a court, but she is judgemental), is a new member to the Facebook community, which is reason enough for me to disavow it as a harbinger of the apocalypse. She’s eager for me to join so she can post messages on my “Wall.” I’m not quite sure what that is, but am fairly certain they have one in hell. To be clear, my mother utilizes every form of modern communication — phone, e-mail, text message — to reach her recommended daily allowance of nagging. Giving her one more portal to do so is the last thing I need. When I didn’t call her back within five minutes after her leaving me message on Sunday night because I was watching the Oscars, she sent me an Instant Message reminding me that she was in labor with me for 10 hours. Oy gevault, sighs this shiksa.
7. Virtual “Drinks.” As someone who still gets a special thrill uncorking a new bottle of Grey Goose and pouring it over a glacial stack of ice, the concept of a “virtual drink” is just downright twisted and evil. The premise, as it’s been explained to me, is this: A person sends out an invitation to all his online “friends” to have a drink, and if you accept, a mini-program is downloaded, thereby letting your wild and crazy online posse tie one on. (A word of caution: Drink responsibly or you may end up getting Control-Alt-Deleted right into Virtual Rehab.) Joe Haley, my editorial colleague and star of The Joe Show, tells me, “It’s like being in a bar and drinking with all your friends.” Yes, it certainly seems so in every way — except that there’s no real bar, there are no real, live friends and, most importantly, THERE IS NO ALCOHOL. If I want to drink in a bar with friends, I require it to be so real that I feel the thud of dead weight hitting the floor as they boozily fall off their bar stools like sacks of potatoes.
8. The Popularity Contest. I have actually witnessed conversations between middle-aged people in which they complain that they “only have 60 MySpace friends while SoandSo has 500” or lamenting for far longer than they should that their request to be someone’s “friend” has been declined. I’m just guessing here, but I think these are also the people who brought their cousins as prom dates and were the last kids to be picked for dodgeball.
Now lest you think I’m alone in my anti-online networking sentiment, Time magazine just declared Facebook “the place for old fogies” and about as hip as Pat Boone. “There was a time when it was cool to be on Facebook,” the magazine noted. “That time has passed.”
Additionally, my techno-dork BFF Jeremy whom I mentioned earlier in this blog drew his own line in the sand last November by removing himself and all evidence he ever existed from Facebook (which speaks volumes about his threshold for geekiness because has NO problem proudly and readily admitting that he’s the secretary in an amateur astronomy club): “Social networks are the new world order of how people hang out,” he says. “It used to be that you’d hang out with friends and it was fun. Now you ‘hang out’ with people online and don’t even know some of them. There’s an entire Internet of people spewing nonsense that I couldn’t care less about … and they’re not there for me to mock in person.”
My reason for shunning online networking is different: I like my real-life friends — the ones who can meet for real meals and show up to provide rides, alibis and testimony for the defense at a moment’s notice. When online friends can do that, I’ll be all aTwitter.
Cheers!
— M
PS: Hope to see you at ASI’s New York Show from March 8-10. I’ll be the one consuming real drinks… ; )
I just returned from another fabulous PPPC Toronto Show, the association’s annual convention and trade event. As usual, our friends to the North do an amazing job with their show. With informative education sessions, fun special events and an always-well attended show, this event is one that’s consistently good. Though the industry may be small to compared to the U.S. (Canada’s estimated annual sales hover around $3 billion; Promogram announced last week that the U.S. market is on track to report $20 billion in sales for 2008), it is a vibrant and sophisticated market.
For example, there is a lot of multicultural and ethnic diversity in the Canadian market, which adds various and layered perspectives and creativity. Also, just having returned from the PSI Dusseldorf Show, it struck me that the PPPC Show is more like that one — the booths are designed for consultative meetings with distributors, and distributors come into exhibiutors’ booth with specific promotional campaigns for their clients in mind. Also, this is one of the few shows I attend that is always still crowded in the afternoon on the last day of the show — attendees are very loyal to this event.
“This week’s PPPC show and strong attendance was a good indication that distributors are forging ahead with business as usual in what will be a challenging start to the year,” says Marc Giroux, vice president of sales for Spector and Co., one of Canada’s most prominent suppliers. “It was really reassuring to see our customers getting past the ‘gloom and doom’ talk of the economy and sharing their strategies to double their marketing efforts, be even more creative and working hard to provide solutions to meet the needs of budget conscious end-users.”
At PPPC’s “Go for the Gold” Image Awards recognizing the best distributor campaigns and the top three suppliers – as voted on by distributors – in the Canadian marketplace, Leed’s Canada took the top Gold prize, followed by second-place Silver winner Debco and ESP Wholesale garnering the third-place Bronze award.
Toronto itself is one of the great, cosmopolitan metropolitan areas to which I get to travel. Yes, it’s cold, but Philly isn’t exactly balmy this time of year either. I only had one “issue” (if you know me, you know there’s always an issue… ): Despite the fact that it’s only a 90 minute flight from Philly to Toronto, and despite the fact that I have “Preferred” status on USAir, the airline lost my luggage for 24 hours. Consequently, I had to attend PPPC’s “Spring Break” networking event in the jeans and snow boots in which I traveled (again, if you me, being without my fancy clothes and stilettos is like having my vital organs removed with a shrimp fork). And, because I packed my fur coat, I had to walk around in a heavy, long white robe the Hilton graciously lent me — like a wandering patient let loose from the mental facility. Other than that, however, the trip was a blast — as evidenced by the photos below.
More next week when I talk about a feature I wrote in the upcoming February issue of Counselor, titled “The Fall & Rise of Sweda,” and what went on behind the scenes. Those guys rock!
Cheers!
— M
(From left): The perpetually chipper Jay Ostrow, ASI’s director of distributor services for Canada, the vivacious Meghan Bogarde, an account rep in ASI’s Distributor Membership department, and D.J. Jungling, from ASI Computer Systems at the Hilton bar in Toronto. D.J. once led a group of funny rummies on an Advantages road show across the border from San Diego into Tijuana for a tequila pilgrimage. Can’t tell you how sorry I am I missed that!
D.J.’s lovely wife Dawn, schmoozing with ASI’s senior vice president Dale Denham. As I’ve said before, at every show, I always spend time with one person who turns out to be a complete revelation to me. On this trip, it was Dale, hand’s down. He tells me that if he were an animal, he’d be an eagle, soaring and majestic. So to him I say, “CA-CAW.” (I incidentally, would be a bear — is there anything more glorious than five months of sleeping?)
Dale and I attended PPPC’s “Spring Break” beach party, which drew quite the crowd and was a blast.
Here are my pals Harry Fotopoulous from Custom HBC Corp. and Melissa Jillett. Mel left the industry last year to pursue another opportunity, but misses the fun and friends in this industry and is dying to come back. I hope she does — we miss her!
Here’s Dale (left), with Michael Woody (third from left) and some friends. Michael is a past recipient of Counselor‘s International Person of the Year award and was at the PPPC show facilitating an education session on the topic of “The Future of Our Industry Structure,” which focused on how technology and globalization are impacting the industry.
Dale “Moondoggie” Denham attempts to hang ten on a mechanical surfboard. If these photos came with soundtrack music, it would be “Wipeout.” ; )
The calypso-style band had everyone dancing… And lest you doubt the level of fun, there was, indeed, a conga line.
Dale, sadist that he is, insisted that I pose in the beach hammock at the party. The only problem? I fell out, wearing a lei no less, with all the grace of a wounded wildebeest. Dale was laughing so hard as he took this photo, he let me lay there like a turtle on my back…
Donald O’Hara, (shown here on the right with Dale), PPPC’s new president, was a gracious host. He is certainly a welcome addition to the association.
One of the many great giveaways PPPC had at their Spring Break beach party was this towel, which Dale hilariously described as “Sham Wow!”
Paul Bellantone, PPAI’s executive vice president, and I in the Hilton bar. Paul, one of my favorite people at PPAI, had just returned from another successful Las Vegas show. He, like myself, is on the traveling show circuit. ; )
ASI senior vice president Dale Denham (second from left) and ASI’s director of distributor services for Canada, Jay Ostrow, selflessly offered to have their photos taken with these two girls, obviously wallflowers in need of warm clothing. Kidding! In fact, these two very cool chicas were Playboy bunnies resting their tails and warming up at the Hilton bar.
I told you that ASI distributor sales rep Meghan Bogarde was vivacious and these photos are evidence of that. Relatively new to ASI, she fits in perfectly with her easy-going nature, fun personality and whip-smart banter. She also, by the way, speaks fluent French… Tres magnifique!
Dale and ASI Canada vice president Fred Oesen, one half (along with his fabulous wife Leslie) of Canada’s bon vivant couple. Freddy is one of my favorites and is definitely a celebutante in the Canadian market. It seems as though everybody in Canada has a “Freddy story” and one is more hilarious than the next. Freddy loves his scotch like I love my Grey Goose… ; )
On Sunday night, I went out with my pals from Counselor Top 40 supplier Sweda. I just wrote a profile on the company for the upcoming February issue of Counselor, so be sure to check it out next week. Here, veteran sales rep Paige Millard (is there anyone who doesn’t know Paige?) and new vice president of sales Suzie Gunsauls enjoy a night out on the Toronto town.
Scott Pearson (left), Sweda’s vice president of product development and the man with the most infectious laugh ever, and Jim Hagan, Sweda’s president. These guys are so awesome, so fun and so genuine, I just think the world of them.
Oh, let me count the ways I adore Jim Hagan, Sweda’s president:
1. A true Irishman, he likes his beer dark and his shots strong.
2. He’s one of those people that the more you spend time with him, the more you like and trust him.
3. He plays hard, but works even harder. He has, as Winston Churchill once said, “all the virtues I like and all the vices I admire…”
4. His team is almost rabidly devoted to him, which speaks volumes to me about what kind of leader — and person — he is.
5. He has seen me at my most rock-star degenerate, and hasn’t fled for cover in a bunker. ; )
Sweda’s Scott Pearson, Jim Hagan and one of my favorite wild chicas, Shauna Feldman, a sales rep with the Quebec-based distributorship Hannah Promotions. Shauna was on Counselor‘s in augural Hot List in the August issue and she lives up to it! Rock on, Girlfriend!
Sweda’s Paige Millard, standing at about 6′ 5″ tall, juxtaposed with the petite, though formidable, Shauna Feldman.
The annual PPPC convention and trade event was well-attended and exhibitors were thrilled with the quality of distributors who came.
Marc Giroux, vice president of sales for Spector and Co., one of Canada’s largest and most respected suppliers, poses in front of their fabulous booth. This booth, more than any other, reminded me of the booths in Europe at the PSI Show — lots of space for clients to come in, sit, and meet with their reps to discuss projects. Spector also gave out Good Humor ice cream to its booth visitors.
Sweda’s trade show manager and industry veteran Paige Millard braved the Toronto snow and freezing temperatures yesterday to pose with a statue of one of his heroes, Winston Churchill. “I ventured out in the snow storm, and this statue was across the street in the park,” Paige says. “My dad is my real hero, but I liked the quote on the statue and am using it throughout my day today to inspire all around me.”
I just returned from Paris, France, where ASI senior vice president and I spent the weekend after the fabulously successful PSI Show in Dusseldorf.
France is my favorite place in the world, and Paris is my favorite city, so the cloud of snark and sass that usually envelopes me dissipated, and I was in my giddy, glorious happy place. The food, the wine, the architecture, the haute fashion and hot guys with those knee-weakening accents… Mon Dieu!
Rich and I stayed in this tres cool boutique place called Mon Hotel www.monhotel.fr, owned by a good friend of my good friend Philippe Varnier, CEO of Polyconcept — the parent company of Leed’s, Bullet Line and Journal Books, and the largest hard goods supplier of ad specialties in the world. Mon Hotel sells out for the French Open and Fashion Week, with the best athletes and top models staying there. The decor is very chic and very French — the walls in the rooms papered in suede and the elevator, lined with red leather. In fact, up until a few years ago, the hotel was the site of Paris’ most well-known — and best — brothel. Giving a whole new meaning to the phrase, “going out with a bang, not a whimper.” ; )
See below for an array of amazing photos from Paris. Next up on Michele’s Amazingly Excellent Adventures is the PPACanada Show in Toronto. Let me know if you’ll be there. And for all my friends at the PPAI Vegas Show who have been calling/texting/e-mailing, I miss you too! More next week…
Cheers!
— M
Patrick Politze, CEO of the European Promotional Products Association (EPPA), addresses a crowd of journalists from around the world to signal the opening of the 47th PSI Düsseldorf Show. Second from the left, seated, is Michael Freter, the new managing director of PSI — a super nice and supremely capable guy. The show was fantastic, and at this press conference, survey data was released on the state of the European market. To find more information, go to www.psionline.de.
An example of a booth that does it right: Gildan displayed its new shirts under Plexiglas, making for a very unusual floor in its booth. Not only did that draw attendee attention, but at the end of the first day, they served Italian wine, meats and cheeses to guests. Trust me on this, in Europe, exhibiting is like an art form.
Here, Miranda Rodenburg, Polyconcept’s top-selling salesperson in the Netherlands, spends some time with CEO Philippe Varnier. Philippe tells me that Miranda beats her own sales figures every year (impressive in a down economy), and is so passionate about her customers, that she advocates on their behalf as if they were her own children.
Rich Fairfield, ASI’s senior vice president/publisher and my boss, loved these little chili pepper buttons on this restaurant uniform. Another version had little skulls for buttons.
I loved these designated “Relaxing Zone” signs around the PSI Show floor, which indicated rest areas. The show was so busy, however, they were rarely in use. I should have gotten one for my office back at ASI, which is most definitely a “Procrastinating Zone.”
Some of ASI’s magazines on display in the Relaxing Zone, so people could check them out. Due to ASI’s strategic partnership with PSI, they were so graciously accommodating and welcoming to Rich, Ron Ball and I. To them, I say Danke Soviel!
Some of you have asked about the Polyconcept “hotel boats” on which Rich and I are nicely invited to stay every year. Well, here they are. Because Polyconcept brings so many staff people to work it’s 20,000 square foot (yes, you’re reading that right!) booth, usually between 150-200 people, they bring in these boats on which everyone sleeps and eats, and which is docked right near the convention center. It cuts down on the cost of hotel rooms, meals and taxis, with one boat for the staff and one for top clients, guests and the executive team. With restaurants, bars, an exercise room and a concierge, it has everything you could want — even life jackets should you get tipsy and fall into the Rhine.
Willem van Walt Meijer, the new CEO of MidOcean, the second-largest hard-goods supplier in Europe, after Polyconcept.
As an example of how intricate the booths at the European shows can be, check out this one from Koziol. And I would say this is moderate compared to some…
When Rich and I arrived into Paris on Friday night, we had dinner with my friend Yann Leca, the ever-charming CFO of Polyconcept and his lovely wife Severine, shown here. They took us to a fabulous restaurant called “Les Ombres“, atop the Primitive Art Museum at Quai Branly, on the left bank of the Seine river, next to the Eiffel Tower. The stunning view was only exceeded by the amazing company.
Here’s me, Severine and Yann, on the restaurant’s terrace with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop. When you’re surrounded by something as spectacular as this, realize just what a sublime place Paris really is.
Rich, me, Severine and Yann… because you just can’t have enough great photos in front of the Eiffel Tower!
On Saturday afternoon, Philippe’s assistant of 14 years, Marie-Francoise Boulenger, took me to the Musee d’Orsay and the Louvre. It was an amazing day and Marie-Francoise, who is a fifth-generation Parisian, was the best host one could ask for, but towards the end I was getting a little tired. Right before we left, I turned a corner and came face to face with the Venus de Milo. To which I can only say, thank you, Marie-Francoise, for reintroducing my jaw to the floor.
On Saturday night, Philippe Varnier and his exotic wife Martine (shown here) took Rich and I to a very hip and delicious restaurant called Kube, in which all the food was indeed served in cubed form — except the steak tartar and the chocolate mousse dessert, which were served in little syringes. Literally, you inserted the syringe into your mouth and pushed down on the plunger.
Here’s Rich and I, surrounded by lit bears, to signify the chilly temperature inside the Iced Kube bar, atop the Kube restaurant.
As a special surprise, Philippe took Rich and I to the Ice Kube bar above the Kube restaurant. Once we climbed the stairs, we were each given parkas, gloves and fur hoods, to allow for the below-zero temperatures. You see, the bar was sponsored by Grey Goose (cue the sounds of celestial trumpets and angels singing) vodka, my favorite of all drinks, and everything in it was made of ice — the floors, walls, chairs, cups. Once you were parka’d up, you were given access through an igloo entrance. Here’s Rich, looking shell-shocked…
Philippe Varnier, Polyconcept’s CEO, entering the ice igloo on the way to Grey Goose heaven.
I quickly decided that when I die, I want to be frozen into one of the walls at this bar — like a preserved woolly mammoth — smiling and holding a Grey Goose cosmopolitan, so that will be my image in perpetuity.
Philippe and Rich, getting in touch with their inner-Eskimos.
Rich, holding court in an ice chair, drinking his second Grey Goose cocktail. It should be noted that neither Philippe or Rich are the streamlined drinker I am, so by the time we left, they were “happy,” to say the least. In fact, as we exited the restaurant, we all noticed the luminous full moon… at which Philippe and Rich both HOWLED in unison. And no, I kid you not. Let it never be said that I — and my precious Grey Goose — don’t have a potent affect on men. ; )
Click above to see a video of the Ice Kube bar in Paris, where the temperature is about 10 degrees below zero, the floors, walls, chairs and cups are made of ice and where they give you a parka, gloves and a furry hood to wear before you enter. The bar is sponsored by France’s Grey Goose vodka (my favorite!), and each visitor gets four Goose-based drinks, such as cosmopolitans and lemon drops, while visiting. In this video, Polyconcept’s CEO and industry celeb Philippe Varnier jumps around to stay warm. You’ll understand… I get cold just watching this… ; )
As I type this in the last remaining days of 2008, I’m full of hope and optimism. Yeah, there’s the fact that we’ll soon have a president who uses three-syllable words without making us cringe and knows that the Bill of Rights isn’t a list of suggestions. But in addition to that, I’ve always been a fan of that clean slate feeling you get at the start of a brand new year — like shaking an Etch-a-Sketch that erases all the crappy, idiotic things you’ve done throughout the previous one. And while I’ve never been one to ponder things pensively in retrospect (I’m more of a “let’s get on with it and move forward” kind of girl), I do have some resolutions for 2009, most of which I will have selectively ignored in roughly two weeks.
1. Stop procrastinating. To be clear, there are few tasks that I don’t put off until the very last possible minute. There’s probably some clinical, psychological term for this, though Joe Haley, the managing editor of ASI’s magazines, has his own description for the special brand of hell it causes him when my magazine is in production or a profile I’m writing isn’t finished as we’re literally going to the printer the next day: “When you’re on deadline,” Joe sighs, “a little piece of me dies every day.” Rather than work on a profile for an issue of Counselor, I once WILLINGLY watched a marathon of “The Hills,” that insipid reality show on MTV, starring mentally deficient pretty people in all their vapid, moronic glory. It was an eight-hour marathon and I watched it all. I know… I need to be under the care of a whole team of mental health professionals.
2. Get organized and prioritize. Instead of methodically tackling one project at a time, my strategy is more akin to a drunken baby wielding a shotgun and firing off scattered rounds. I jump from project to project, until the end of the day when I have different items in various states of completion. I’m sure I have some ADD/OCD/ADHD issues that keep me from concentrating for any length of time for which I should seek medicinal relief — and God knows I’m not opposed to pills — but it just seems so, I don’t know, trendy to blame one’s inability to focus on some sort of short-circuiting brain waves. Crazy I can deal with; cliche is another story….
3. Be better at keeping in touch with friends. To say I’ve been remiss in this area is putting it mildly. You know what it’s like — deadlines, travel, endless happy hours… and then the year’s over. I sent my Goddaughter a card last month wishing her a “Happy 13th Birthday!” That’s all well and good, except she’s 15 and I was there, in the room, when the child was born. Time flies when you’re being a spaz and not paying attention…
Do you have any juicy resolutions? I’d love to hear them, so please do share! My favorite so far? Michael Bernstein, the vice chairman of Counselor Top 40 supplier Polyconcept and my most beloved of all my BFFs, shared his “greatest weakness and indulgence” with me recently: “Cigarettes and you, Michele.” Here’s hoping he doesn’t give up the latter!
By the way, a hearty thanks to all of you who e-mailed me — after reading of my penchant for “sloth,” one of the deadly sins, in my last blog posting — that the History Channel is featuring a new series, “Seven Deadly Sins” week starting on Monday, 12/29 at 9:00 p.m. EST, spotlighting one sin on each of the seven nights. They have an ironic sense of humor over there at the History Channel — the week kicks off with a bang tonight with “Lust,” “Gluttony” is on New Year’s Eve and my beloved “Sloth” is on New Year’s Day. I will be commemorating the High Holy Day for lazy, self-indulgent people everywhere with some celebratory napping.
So I hope you all have a fabulous 2009 and I look forward to seeing you at upcoming shows! I’ll be at the PSI Dusseldorf Show (Europe’s largest promotional products show — so huge, in fact, that it dwarfs the PPAI Vegas Show) next week, the always-awesome PPACanada Show in Toronto from January 23-27 and the ASI Dallas Show from February 4-6 (one of my favorites), and will be a blogging and photo snapping fiend at each show. If you see me, come over and say hi!
In conclusion, I’d like to think that Hunter S. Thompson, the crazy gonzo journalist, excess-embracing loon and one near and dear to my heart, had it right when considering one’s goals in life: “Maybe it all comes down to this,” Thompson said. “Laughing loud, drinking much, sleeping late, having fun, getting wild and driving fast on empty streets with nothing in mind except falling in love and not getting arrested.”
So here’s to an awesome 2008 and an even better 2009, aptly described with some lyrics from a song that always epitomizes optimism and hope to me, from the musical “Rent,” about a year in a life…
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in the life?How about love?
How about love?
How about love? Measure in love
As we’re in the midst of the holiday season and the year’s almost finished, I’m going to take a page out of Oprah’s book and devote some time to a sampling of the coolest items that wowed me this year and made me swoon — both from in and outside the industry. Unfortunately, unlike Oprah, I won’t be giving away any cars, houses or bras.
So here, without further ado, are my favorite things (note that “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens” didn’t make the cut… ; ) ).
More next week and cheers!
— M
PS: If there were any wow-worthy products that you found this year, post them below — I’d love to see them!
If I was giving out an award for “Most Creative Ad Specialty of 2008,” this would be a lock because it ROCKS. On one side of the plastic card there are perforated guitar picks that can be imprinted with any custom design or logo; the back has room for your name, phone number and e-mail address. How’s that for the coolest businesscard EVER?
Available from Pikcard; (800) 596-7074 (ext. 303); www.pikcard.com
I love that this photo keychain wallet is small enough to be unobtrusive but dainty enough to be cute. As I don’t have children (something that causes scores of people to cheer) I could put a photo of each of my kittens — Monkey and Mouse — in these heart-shaped photo slots. Well, if not for the fact that my editorial colleague Joe Haley, the star of The Joe Show, staunchly maintains that I’m only six months away from being a full-blown Crazy Cat Lady, “dressing them up in doll clothes and having weirdo little tea parties.”
Available from Express Pens (asi/53411); www.expresspens.com
I can talk the ears off corn, but for some people, making conversation — especially at a networking event where you don’t know anyone — is the equivalent of gargling with shards of glass. These cards, though, make it easy. They ask personal questions (“What movie made you laugh until you cried?” My answer: The Birdcage), business questions (“What would you like to add to your job description?” My answer: Maintain a consistent napping schedule), and even custom questions that can be created for your company, which are sure to get people talking.
Available from Custom Topics (404) 815-0272; www.customtopics.net
The excessive bling surrounding this travel mug just screams “diva,” which is exactly what this diva does when she doesn’t get her way. I love that you could be drinking your favorite beverage and simultaneously check to make sure that your lipstick isn’t smeared like a demonic, crazy clown.
Available from Berney-Karp Inc. (asi/40261); www.ceramic-source.com
From Selco’s “Hard Core” line of edgy, street-inspired timepieces, the “Flaming Ice” is just so rock star cool. Using three-dimensional casting, authentic mother-of-pearl, Swarovski crystals, diamonds and white steel, this wearable work of art is signed and serialized by the artist, Steve Soffa.
Available from Selco (asi/86230); www.selcotime.com
From the company I’ve adored — for a multitude of reasons — since I first started in the industry, this combination iPod docking/charging station, mini-stereo, AM/FM radio and alarm clock works with all iPods (including iPhones) and some MP3 players. The alarm clock features snooze/sleep functions (which those who embrace sloth as I do just love…), three alarm settings and a detachable remote control that operates the snooze function and iPod/MP3 player.
Available from Leed’s (asi/66887); www.leedsworld.com
I have a lot of fun toys in my office, which attracts co-workers to come in and play — they compare it to “Wonkaville” or Fantasy Land. This unique note holder just adds to the mix.
Available from PromoBiz (asi/79903); www.promobizusa.com
Oh, let me count the ways I love Lexon, a Paris-based industry supplier. Quite simply, its products are so beautifully designed they make me want to weep. I learned about Lexon years ago, when I traveled to Paris in 2000 with some Norwood friends to see the debut of Lexon’s new line and to be there when its iconic “Tykho” rubber radio (shown here) — which had just scored the cover of Time magazine’s “Design” issue — was inducted into the Louvre as one of the “Best Designed Products of the 20th Century.” Since then, when I see Lexon’s items at the PSI shows in Dusseldorf or Paris, I make a beeline to the booth, find the company’s impossibly-charming owner, Rene Adda, and worship at the altar of his breathtakingly-designed offerings. As I consider every one of their items to be an objet d’art, just check out their swanky Web site, www.lexon-design.com, and prepare to be wowed.
I am a huge fan of Swarovski’s jewelry line and consequently love any product that uses its crystals as embellishments. Here are two: a delicate jeweled box covered in crystals and a singular sparkler discreetly placed in one of the most stylish pens I’ve ever coveted.
Available from Logomark (asi/67866); www.logomark.com
This just brings me back to the days of frivolous fun, when all it took was Sea Monkeys, pet rocks and invisible dogs to make me giggle with delight. Will this Magic 8 ball, which can be fully custom imprinted on its surface, amuse the frak out of anyone who receives it? “The outlook is good… .”
Available from Prime Line (asi/79530); www.primeline.com
As the joke goes here in the editorial department, my partying has taken such a toll on my looks (so says my mother, Judge Judye) that I have to spackle on my make-up with a putty knife. This fashion-forward cosmetics and toiletries bag is large enough for all my smoke-and-mirrors tricks of the trade. Just avoid looking at me in direct sunlight…
Available from Gemline (asi/56070); www.gemline.com
If you know me, you know that I’d rather have my spleen removed with a soup spoon than deal with math on any level. This Hydraulic calculator has such a whimsical bubbly shape that it numbs the pain of interacting with numbers for me. It features a calendar, month, time, time zone display, world time for 16 cities and two alarms, a robotic “open” slide and comes in metallic blue (my favorite) and silver.
Available from Dard Products Inc. (asi/48500); www.tagmaster.net
One of the (many) banes of my existence is how my jewelry — especially my necklaces — gets tangled together. This sleek and sexy jewelry stand is the perfect, unique remedy.
Available from Steel Threads (asi/89475); www.steelthreads.com
This handy pill carousel is the perfect item for those near and dear to me here at ASI who have to deal with my antics, listen to the nonsense that flies out of my mouth on a daily basis, and self-medicate with Advil (or stronger) because of it. This list of long-suffering souls includes, but is not limited to: Every member of the editorial department, but especially Joe Haley, Andy Cohen and Melinda Ligos; in-house tech geek Jeremy Young; senior Web developer Samantha Tucker (the saint who posts these voluminous blog manifestos for me), COO Vince Bucolo; senior vice president Rich Fairfield; and last but certainly not least, president/CEO Tim Andrews. Help ease their pain with this bright white pill case with a translucent blue lid and seven compartments to hold a week’s worth of medications. The wheel rotates at the push of a button and there’s a combination lock to discourage sharing.
Available from Sweda (asi/90305); www.swedausa.com
When I saw this, I thought, “that is just one of the most unique ideas, even if it’s something I wouldn’t use.” Why wouldn’t I? Because I’m more of a soaking-in-a-hot-bubble-bath kind of girl. This item is ideal for local governments, hotels, eco-groups, water companies or anyone touting the conservation of natural resources through limiting one’s shower to five minutes.
Available from All-In-One (asi/34256); www.allinoneline.com
Want to bring the bling? Do it in over-the-top style with this rhinestone-studded dogtag, shown here in a Sex and the City design. My crazy chica pal Julie Ditchik (that’s “Jules” to you and me…) gave this to me at the SAAC Show in Long Beach this past August and I cherish it!
Available from Pinnacle Designs (asi/78140); www.pinnacledesigns.com
And now, some items for the degenerate in us all (or at least the people to whom I gravitate). When the economy goes bad, sin is in, my little heathens — though in Michele World, it always has a place of honor. Here then, are some gift suggestions for those of us who know the special pleasures of being bad… ; )
In case you didn’t know it, music begins and ends with the Rolling Stones in my book. I stand in awe of Mick’s ability — in his mid-60s — to strut around the stage like a chicken in little leather pants singing lyrics like “I used to be your rooster, now I’m just your c**k” and truly believe that miracles do exist, if for no other reason than the fact that Keith — looking remarkably simian, like he’s de-evolving — abides. Throw my love of The Stones together with my love of wine and you have quite the potent combination for revelry and mayhem. This company’s offering of Rolling Stones wine, available in many different types (Chardonnay, Pinot, etc.), all feature the notorious tongue and lips logo that was first introduced on the band’s classic 1971 album “Sticky Fingers” — the one whose cover had a photo of pants with a real zipper that actually unzipped at the crotch and that was the first album I bought, at the age of 13, much to my mother’s profound horror. The Classic Tongue “brand” perfectly captures the unabashed hedonism of the World’s Greatest Rock ‘N Roll Band.
Available from Celebration Cellars (asi/44366); www.celebrationcellars.com
And speaking of The Stones, one of my favorite songs from the Glimmer Twins is their ode to “Mother’s Little Helpers.” This whimsical “Quaaludes” cookie jar is from the hip and haute housewares designer Jonathan Adler, often featured in Vogue and a judge on Bravo TV’s “Top Design.” His tongue-in-cheek stance is to embrace excess with one of his candid canisters — perfect as gifts for all your wicked friends and favorite psychopharmacologists. Offered in black & white and powder blue & chocolate stripes (the version that currently sits in my office), this comes in other hilarious variations (“Downers,” “Uppers,” “Dolls”) and is ideal for when you’re beyond denial and want to stash in style.
Available from Jonathan Adler: www.jonathanadler.com
As the saying goes, one person’s virtue is another person’s vice. However, thanks to Captain Buzzkill — Pope Gregory I — we’re all saddled with perpetual guilt surrounding the Seven Deadly Sins: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride. Now, while I’m sure I commit each of these on a daily basis, I’d like to take a moment to give a special shout-out to the one I hold near and dear to my heart: Sloth. If I’m riding the Highway to Hell, I’d like it to be because of my prodigious laziness. And though the sins remind me of that supremely creepy Brad Pitt/Morgan Freeman/Kevin Spacey movie Seven (guest-starring Gwyneth Paltrow’s boxed head), I still crave this “Seven Deadly Sins” gift set from D.L. & Co. Lighting the candles would be like paying homage to my Id.
Available from Gift Genius www.giftgenius.com
I’m leaving tomorrow morning to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my family, who have a home in Sanibel, Florida. While I will be reveling in the warm weather and limiting my mother, Judge Judye (again, she doesn’t preside over trials, but she is judgemental, in that special way moms can be… ; ) ) to three nags per day, I wanted to share with you photos from ASI’s first annual “Roaring ’20s” Cabaret night. An aside: I really don’t know if this will be a yearly event — it’s more just me being hopeful in case the Powers that Be (that’s you, Tim Andrews!) are reading…
With “bootleg” cocktails, gangster hats, feather boas and flappers in abundance, I can tell you that this event — hosted by president/CEO Tim Andrews and ASI’s “Fun Committee,” was one for the books. Now, for those of you who know me, I’m not the type of girl to be overly-effusive, but I had a BLAST! (And not just because wine was involved…).
The evening was hosted by American Idol finalist Justin Guarini, who could not have been a more gracious, engaging host, and featured some of ASI’s best in-house “talent” singing karaoke. Justin, incidentally, is the spokesperson for industry supplier BamBam’s (asi/38228) trademarked “Rollabana” so he’s already “in the know” about the ad specialty business.
Here, then, are a wide variety of photos — the good, the bad and the disturbing (you’ll know it when you see it, but it involves my tongue hanging out of my mouth like a hungry basset hound). It will definitely explain why people truly enjoy working at ASI, and why many — including myself — stayed for so many years.
Happy Thanksgiving and more next week!
Cheers!
— M
With hundreds of ASI employees in attendance, the company’s first-ever Cabaret Night was a “roaring” awesome time.
(From left): Web designer Steve Hawk, the man working the soundboard for ASI Radio with the skill of Brian Eno, and Craig Veltri, senior Web designer for ASICentral.com, get their gangster on.
Sometimes, the quiet ones are the best surprises… Jason Cissorsky, whom I’ve had the pleasure of seeing sing karaoke to the elegant and refined, “I’m Too Sexy for Your Hat, Too Sexy for Your Cat,” wowed the crowd with his rollicking rendition of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” And for his fabulous efforts — which included a festive jig during the song’s famed instrumental segues — he won “Best Solo” for the night.
Mike Morris leads a bevy of back-up singers to a rousing rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”
(From left): ASI Show advertising coordinator, the one and only Karen Wynn and exhibitor accounts manager Kristen Metzner showing off their miles of smiles.
If there was a prize for snappiest attire, this guy would have won it, hands down.
Amanda Swartz belts out “Black Velvet,” which garnered her the Grand Prize.
Here’s Rich, rocking out to “Addicted to Love.” Just so you know, this is exactly the expression he has on his face when he tries to locate me at shows and has to bellow my name in random bars… ; )
Rich Fairfield, ASI’s senior vice president, publisher and my beloved boss [read: He has a high-tolerance for my bulls**t and antics], emulating the best-dressed man in rock, Robert Palmer, doing “Addicted to Love.” Behind him, as the ever-stoic though supremely sexy chorus line, are (from left): managing editor Joan Chaykin, editor-in-chief Melinda Ligos, director of ESPOnline Candace Hershey and my girl Dana Reaume (LOVE her!!!), ASI’s professional development coordinator. Rich wanted me up on stage, though I declined because I have legs like a corgi.
I love the composition of this shot, taken by my pal Jason Kuttner, of managing editor Joan Chaykin and my boss, ASI publisher Rich Fairfield, during his karaoke rendition of Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love.”
Tim Andrews, making a definitive point — which is not always easy to do while donning a boa… LOL).
ASI president, CEO and kissing bandit Tim Andrews, shown here with the lovely and talented Jessica Fletcher, ASI’s electronic communications coordinator.
One of ASI’s newer charismatic personalities, meet Lori Cohen, shown here on the left, singing a bringing-down-the-house performance of “Nine to Five.”
Michelle Motz and Rob Fiorello took the prize for “Keep Your Day Job” (they had a lot of competition).
Jim Maratea, ASI’s building operations manager, belts out “Born to Be Wild,” a sentiment both he and I share…
My pal Jessica Fletcher, left, shown here with editorial staff writer (and Joe Haley’s “bromance” BFF) Matt George and managing editor Joan Chaykin.
ASI’s distributor sales manager Stan Fellerman, shown here with the lovely Mary Laycock, Dale Denham’s assistant. And for that reason alone, Mary should have had at least three drinks… ; )
Barbara Ambrose, executive assistant to senior vp/publisher Rich Fairfiled, looking fabulous flapper attire. Barbara rocks, and is one of the people who helped decorate for Cabaret Night… Twenty-three skiddo, Barbara!
ASI’s CEO & president, Tim Andrews — proudly sporting a boa — welcomes everyone to ASI’s first Cabaret Evening.
Dale Denham (right) pulled me up on stage to get a photo of the two of us with Justin Guarini. Look at me in the center… I appear to be from the Land of Lilliput.
(From left): Advantages editor Kathy Huston, editor-in-chief Melinda Ligos and associate editor Jen Zorger, all my super-awesome editorial chickies. Interestingly, they are like an ascending scale of loud — Jen being the quietest and Kathy, well, being Homeric.
ASI’s editor-in-chief Melinda Ligos and president/CEO Tim Andrews raise lit candles in support of an encore from Joe Haley.
(From left) Donna Brauning, Tim Andrews’ executive assistant, Joe “The Crooner” Haley and I. I consider it a personal accomplishment that my tongue remained firmly planted in my head.
Editor-in-chief Melinda Ligos and ASI senior vice president and publisher Rich Fairfield, both of whom I report to and both of whom have compared managing me to “attempting to control the wind.” Next time you see them at a show, buy them a sympathy shot.
The tongue wag that launched a thousand “icks.” Here’s me, on the left, inexplicably looking as though I’m going to lick poor Joe Haley, shown here with Melinda Ligos, like taffy. I think if that keeps up, my little Joe-Joe may slap me with a TRO… ; )
Joe Haley, with his tumbler and cigarette props, could be a founding member of the Rat Pack. If only he had the smooth-as-silk way with the ladies…. ; )
Joe Haley, shown here with his new BFF Justin Guarini. Word has it that Joe plans to let his hair “sprout” just like Justin’s! Can. Not. Wait.
And here, my friends, is where the evening took a decidedly wacky left turn… Joe Haley, ASI’s managing editor, star of The Joe Show and one of the three people at ASI who can tell me to “Shush” without fear of evisceration (the other two — in case you were curious — are Christian Brandt, ASI’s executive director of distributor services and Jeremy Young, our IT “guru” and my cocktailing partner in crime) sashayed on stage, donning full tux, hat, tumbler of scotch and (unlit) cigarette, to croon Sinatra’s “My Way.” Now, you should know, Joe CANNOT sing one note; however it was his bravado — complete with a hat-toss and cigarette flick into the crowd — that brought down the house. If I haven’t told you lately, Joe-Joe, YOU ROCK.
Tim Andrews playfully hides behind his boa and gives me one hell of a come-hither gaze — so much so that I blushed and got weak-kneed. ; )
Karyn Coates (Executive Director of E-Media and Member Benefits), whom I will maintain to my dying day bears a striking resemblance to the hottie Cylon “Six” on Battlestar Galactica, shown here with Dale Denham, the guy who once lamented to me that he had never made an appearance on my blog. Well, Dale, the ship has sailed on your anonymity! ; )
Candace Hershey, director of ESP and Dale Denham, Senior vice President — separately, they’re characters; together, they are pistols!
Here, ASI’s President’s Council — the group of senior vice presidents who lead the company and report directly to Tim Andrews — yucking it up to “YMCA” by the Village People, led by Rich Fairfield (left) and senior vice president Dale Denham, someone who never met a mic he didn’t like. ; )
Oh, let me count the ways that I love these boys. Both Jason Kuttner (left) and Tim Glen are charter members — along with my pal Jeremy Young — of “The Joy Stick Club,” as I call ASI’s LAN technology department (due to their rabid adoration of video games like “Quake”), but they are so much more. Jason is the life-saver I call when I’m in places like Guangzhou and Hong Kong when my Blackberry (and I) are melting down. And though there’s not much he can do to placate my psycho state, he always knows how to fix the Crackberry. And Mr. Glen, this boy is one of those wicked-smart people who has sick computer skills and basically keeps ASI’s entire internal technology network up and running. Succinctly, he is totally bad-ass. Rock on, Mr. Glen… ; )
American Idol finalist Justin Guarini — and his Very Prominent Hair — hosted the evening’s events that featured 15 karaoke events.
Justin Guarini, breaks out the guitar to accompany marketing manager Kate Malone, a true signing talent who fronts a band. Kate’s choice of karaoke song was Natalie Merchant, one of my favorites.
Having just returned from the amazing Breakers in Palm Beach Florida (click here to see a link of my pal Joe Haley, star of The Joe Show, giving a tour of the property) where ASI held its second annual Power Summit, I can tell you it was not only a fabulously fun time, but one that was incredibly informative as well. Yes, of course there were lots of networking events like golf, tennis, cocktail parties and festive dinners, but the education seminars (click here to see the event’s agenda) definitely took center stage as the over 200 industry professionals in attendance expressed their concerns over the economy and how it will affect our industry in 2009. Heather DiPrato, ASI’s vice president of distributor sales, and I moderated a breakout session discussion titled “Outlook for 2009.” In it were 32 owners and executives from the Counselor Top 40 suppliers and distributors, and here are some of the most telling responses, determined by a show of hands, to questions Heather posed as I was taking notes:
1. How do you anticipate that your company’s sales will end up in 2008?
Up 0-9%: 2
Up 10% or more: None
Down 0-5%: 21
Down 10% or more: 7
*Two people did not respond
2. What are your sales projections for 2009?
Up 0-9%: 1
Up 10% or more: None
Down 0-5%: 17
Down 5-10%: 14
Down more than 10%: None
3. When do you foresee solid industry growth again?
Anytime in 2009? 4
In 2010? 16
In 2011? 10
In 2012? 2
That said, people are being very strategic and savvy in how they allocate their resources. In the panel I moderated on Monday morning (“Why Marketing Matters: Secrets to Building Buzz”), my panelists (David Nicholson, president of Counselor Top 40 supplier Leed’s, Ross Silverstein, owner of Counselor Top 40 distributor iPROMOTEu, Tom Riordan, CEO of Maple Ridge Farms and Danny Rosin, co-owner of distributor BrandFuel) all said they would not be reducing their marketing efforts (and, in fact, may be increasing them), despite the economy. The reason, as David said, was to spend more on marketing as a competitive strategy to gain market share. Danny, who — with his partner Robert Fiveash — has used online marketing with great success to grow their business, pointed out that there is no cost involved with posting promotional videos on such sites as YouTube to generate buzz for your company (click here to see some hilarious videos BrandFuel has done).
But I think the most illuminating portion of the event was when Melinda Ligos, ASI’s editor-in-chief, announced the results of our exclusive Advertising Specialties Impressions Study, which is a cost analysis of promotional products versus other advertising media. Talk about eye-opening! While we all know how powerful and impactful ad specialties are, these survey results (click here to download a PDF of the survey) really make the case for them being the marketing medium of choice. The one point that blew me away? The average cost per impression (CPI) of an ad specialty item is $0.004! Bags, apparel, writing instruments and desk accessories all rank high on the list of the number of impressions per month.
And now, lest you think it was ALL business at the Power Summit, here’s a sampling of photos (which in some cases could be called “evidence”) from the event. Incidentally, at every industry function I attend, I try to meet five new people. My favorites from the Power Summit?
* Joyce Johnson-Miller, co-founder of Relativity Capital LLC and chairwoman of the board for Counselor Top 40 supplier Norwood. She is as whip-smart as she is hilarious and gregarious. LOVE her!
* Danny Rosin and Robert Fiveash, co-founders of North Carolina-based BrandFuel (one of ASI’s “Fastest Growing Distributorships”). Not only are they wickedly funny and creative, their partying is on an epic, Dionysian level. Rock on, boys.
* Barry Deutsch, vice president of the number one distributor on Counselor’s Top 40 list, BDA. Oh my, where to begin… Not only was my conversation with him about the state — and future — of the industry one of the best I’ve had in a long time, his love and affection for Grey Goose rivals mine. If he wasn’t already engaged, I’d propose.
* And last, but certainly not least, I have a new favorite ASI colleague, Colin Graf. Colin has been with ASI for almost two years and is one of our mah-velous marketing managers. But, because he’s pretty low-key and all stealthy with his partying (and because, let’s face it, I’m self-absorbed and tend to suck the oxygen out of a room when I’m in it) we’ve never really hung out. Not anymore… Colin, my friend, due directly to your scintillating personality at the Power Summit, you and I will be reveling at future events. In the words of one of my favorites, the legendary writer Hunter S. Thompson: “Crazies always find each other.” ; )
Enjoy the photos and more next week!
Cheers!
— M
Ellen and Tom Vann, owner of Target Graphics, on their first night at the Breakers. They also celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary, so congratulations to them!
Industry celebs Brandon Mackay and Charley Johnson from SnugZ are number 38 on this year’s Counselor Power 50 list. (To see the complete “Power 50 list,” click here….)
My pal Tim O’Boyle (aka “Ringo”), left, vice president of sales for JournalBooks (ASI’s “Supplier of the Year” for 2008 as voted on by distributors) and the always-charming Kris Robinson, vice president of marketing for Counselor Top 40 distributor PromoShop.
A new pal, Keith Simon, vice president of sales for Media Tree, prepares to down a shot of Sambuca with his fingers on fire. For the record, Keith was not the only one to engage in this activity: At the urging of PromoShop’s Kris Robinson (always the instigator!), there were five of us (and yes, I was one of them) who dipped our fingers in the licorice liqueur, lit them on fire, raised them over our heads and declared ourselves to be the “Statues of Liberty.” Being with Kris, I’m always reminded of the famous line uttered by Lady Cardine Lamb about the prodigious partier Lord Byron: “He’s mad, bad and dangerous to know.” Kisses, Kris! ; )
Fred Parker, president of North Carolina-based Bluegrass Promotions, and I have been friends for more than 10 years. In that time, Fred has always stayed just as fun and maintained his youthful verve. It is only a matter of time before I, on the other hand, begin looking “flamboyantly haggard” — like Endorra from Bewitched.
Industry luminaries Tad Webster, vice president of CounselorTop 40 distributor PromoShop with Fran “The Man” Ford, an industry consultant and partner in Vaquero Meat and Provisions.
(From left): Ira Neaman, owner of Counselor Top 40 supplier Vantage, Barry Deutsch, executive vice president of Counselor Top 40 distributor BDA and JournalBooks’ Tim O’Boyle with me on Sunday night. Few things make me as happy as having my favorite fun boys sit with me at dinner!
My gal pal Bonni Shevin-Sandy, executive vice presence of CounselorTop 40 supplier Dard and a member of this year’s Power 50 list, at dinner on Monday night. Bonni is my go-to chica on the topics of product safety and internationalism — my girl knows her stuff!
Adding to the industry’s “glam factor” are Dard’s Nadia George (left) and my BFF Bonni Sandy — they’re definitely two of the industry’s pretty people!
Dard’s Nadia George, shown here with, Craig Calloway, the CEO of Counselor Top 40 distributor eComapnyStore. Craig is #19 on this year’s Power 50 list, which is beyond impressive because it’s his first appearance on the list. Way to go, Craig!
The face that launched a thousand shirtless bar dances… BrandFuel’s Robert Fiveash was one of the straws that stirred the cocktail of mayhem on Monday night, along with my beloved Dan Townes from Shepenco, BrandFuel’s Danny Rosin, my pals Jakey Krolick and Colin Graf from ASI’s marketing department. Stories of Robert and Dan dancing on the bar at an off-site, undisclosed location percolated through the Power Summit on Tuesday morning. Many (myself included) were envious that we missed what sounded like a rollicking good time.
(From left): PromoShop’s Tad Webster and Kris Robinson, along with Chuck Fandos, president of Gateway/CDI and Memo Kahan, my Patron Saint of Patrone and the owner of PromoShop. When this group gets together, the good times roll so hard and fast the Earth shifts off its axis.
Shepenco’s Dan Townes (#41 on this year’s Power 50 list), Fields Manufacturing’s Matt Bertram, ASI editor-in-chief Melinda Ligos and Dave Regan from Counselor Top 40 distributor The Vernon Co. enjoy some quiet time after the dinner on Monday night when Counselor’s Power 50 list was announced.
Counselor managing editor, star of The Joe Show, one of my “work husbands” (though he perpetually wants a divorce), Joe Haley (right), with Target Graphics’ Tom Vann, one of Joe’s industry BFFs.
Oh, let me count the ways how I love Chuck Fandos, president of Counselor Top 40 distributor Gateway/CDI and a newcomer to this year’s Power 50 list at number 32. Chuck called me not too long ago, and lamented the fact that he was lacking a “nickname from Michele Bell.” Consequently, he is henceforth known as “Chuckles” or “MotherChucker,” depending on the sassiness of my mood. ; )
ASI’s senior vice president Dale Denham, looking visibly nervous that I’m that close to him with a camera, on Sunday afternoon in the Mediterranean courtyard at the Breakers. Dale’s birthday was on Monday so we wish him a belated Happy Birthday!
During one of Joe Haley’s impromptu “talk show” videos (which we immediately destroy afterwards), he interviews ASI’s Dan Dienna (far left), Colin Graf and Gene Rahill (to my right). With the level of discourse among this group, the answer to the question “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?” would be a resounding and emphatic “No.” ; )
Because we were in Palm Beach, FL for ASI’s second annual Power Summit, the other senior editors and I hosted this week’s ASI Radio show live from The Breakers (in Kathy Huston’s room, no less). From the left, here are Joe Haley, Andy Cohen, Kathy and Melinda Ligos showing just how close they really are. My favorite part of this photo? The expressions on Joe’s and Andy’s faces that say, “this is amusing, though profoundly unnerving.”
ASI’s marketing maverick Jake Krolick has the singular talent of either looking like a rock star (left) or a depraved loony (above) in every photo I take of him.
ASI president and CEO Tim Andrews, shown here with ASI’s marketing manager Jake Krolick. At one point during dinner, Tim asked everyone at the table what would be the one karaoke song we’d each sing. Before I could answer, he looked at me and said, “Michele, you’re Cher and you’d be singing ‘Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves.’ ” I, of course, take that as the ultimate compliment. ; )
Because we broadcast the ASI Radio show from Kathy Huston’s hotel room, we had to make due with wacky accommodations. Here, ASI managing editor Joe Haley buffers the luggage rack he’s sitting on with Kathy’s pillow.
(From left): ASI editor-in-chief Melinda Ligos, managing editor Joe Haley, senior vice president and publisher Rich Fairfield and Advantages editor Kathy Huston at dinner on our first night at the Breakers.
ASI’s Joe Haley (left) and Dan Dienna, two grown men who make each other giggle like 12-year-old girls.
ASI’s senior vice president and publisher Rich Fairfield and ASI’s senior vice president of marketing, Susanne Curry, at a wickedly wacky event hosted by company president and CEO Tim Andrews for ASI staffers who worked the Power Summit, on Saturday evening.
Colin Graf, my new favorite character at ASI (center), with Dan Dienna, ASI’s Supplier Internet Sales Manager and our marketing department’s Heather Roberts. ASI’s marketing team is the best I’ve ever worked with and really did a spectacular job working behind the scenes to put the Power Summit together.
ASI’s trade show manager Amber May, our super-special event planner who we’ll call Captain Fabulous (triple-snaps to you for a first-class job, Babycakes!) and Jakey Krolick (again, with the bad boy/rock star face) enjoying some downtime before the start of the Summit.
(From left): Joanne Lynch, ASI’s director of education, Chicago-based Hilary Dolphin, who works with the ASI Show team and my colleague Kathy Huston, the “editrix” of Advantages. Kathy’s office is next to mine, and when we both cackle loudly in sync, the windows shatter (and grown men cry) at ASI.
Two of my favorite editorial colleagues, Joe Haley and Kathy Huston. And yes, Joe Haley is as loud as his shirt.
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Here, ASI’s President’s Council — the group of senior vice presidents who lead the company and report directly to Tim Andrews — yucking it up to “YMCA” by the Village People, led by Rich Fairfield (left) and senior vice president Dale Denham, someone who never met a mic he didn’t like. ; )
