From Tradeshow to Trendsetting: SOBO’s Favorite Finds at PPAI 2024

By Dean Schwartz (SWAG Master): The SOBO team recently returned from our annual trip to the worlds largest and longest-running trade show in the promotional products industry, the PPAI 2024 Expo, where more than 2,500 booths were displaying their coolest SWAG. 

Despite our familiarity with the show, we’re always struck by the scale and diversity of products on display. Every aisle holds a new opportunity to discover something innovative and exciting to bring back to our clients.

As always, PPAI 2024 showcased a variety of vendors, from established industry giants to emerging startups, each offering a unique take on their own SWAG (some more original than others). We filtered through the boring stuff and today want to highlight the best of the best from tens of thousands of products. 

Don’t worry – we whittled it down to our favorite 30 finds from the tradeshow. From innovative products made with eco-friendly materials, to stylish new tech that we were excited to try, there’s something here for everyone. Check out our Top 30 by clicking below or keep scrolling for some of our favorites. 

Sound in the Boxx

A Bluetooth speaker wrapped in a completely customizable boombox-styled Mailer Gift Box. It has a powerful sound output with two 4W speaker units. It’s great for in-the-office background music or recreational get-togethers.

Paper Shoot Camera – Customizable Digital Camera

The Paper Shoot Camera is a customizable promotional item that adds a unique twist to corporate gifting, event activations or promotional materials. Crafted from sustainable materials, it allows you to imprint your brand’s logo or event details on its minimalist design. Easy to use and perfect for all skill levels – it takes film-style photos in a digital format.

reMarkable The paper tablet with Marker Plus and Grey Folio

Everything you need to do your best thinking gathered in one reMarkable essential collection: reMarkable 2 – the paper tablet, 10.3″ digital paper display and Marker Plus. Redefines notetaking, reading, and reviewing documents, with a paper feel never experienced before on a digital device. Keep all your handwritten notes, to-do lists, PDFs, ebooks, and sketches organized and in one place. Designed to help you focus. Distraction-free by design. No notifications, pop-ups, or social media.

Dog Trucker Hat

Our dog hats are comfortable and breathable, with ear holes for added stability. As seen on ABC’s Shark Tank. We help you engage new and existing customers with content they crave most: pets! Not only are these dog hats stylish, but they also protect your dog’s delicate eyes from the heat of the sun.

Asobu® Duplex Travel Mug with Detachable Can Cooler or Storage Compartment

Ever started your day at work with a hot coffee and then needed a cold beer by the time the day was done? Have we got something for you! Our Duplex Tumbler serves as a 22 oz travel coffee mug with a stand that turns into an insulated cooler for your standard 12 oz beer can. Both compartments are vacuum insulated, double walled stainless steel so your coffee will stay hot while your beer stays cold. Get our dual purpose Duplex for a well rounded day!

Kimmo 3in1 Speaker & Wireless Charger

Made of durable ABS and PC, this speaker features a stylish G-shaped design and a blue tooth connection distance up to 32.80 ft for calls and music. Comes with a HIFI sound quality, a 360-degree stereo sound, and supports USB flash disk and TF card. Also use it as a wireless charger which supports 10W wireless charging, or a table lamp which has six adjustable lighting modes. Standard with non-digital clock speaker only and premium speaker with digital clock available with additional charges.

Lexon Biometric Lock

Secure your most precious possessions thanks to this innovative padlock and its biometric technology. This unique product uses your fingerprint to open and close. Ideal executive gift as well as recognition. Perfect for the person on the go. 

RovR KeepR Cooler Caddy with IceR Ice Container – Special Edition

The KeepR Soft Cooler is not only a great cocktail caddy/mobile bar, its the modern-day version of a picnic basket. Cups, utensils, plates, fruit – even cheese and crackers find a nice home, safe in separate compartments that are easily accessible and keep the wet from the dry. Includes IceRâ„¢ Ice Container, which nests inside.

PopSockets® Pop Cup Sleeve

Hold your beverage, keep it cozy, and avoid scalding burns when you use a Pop Cup Sleeve. Keep hot beverages hot and in your hand. Includes an integrated (and swappable) Pop Grip for the ultimate grasp. Designed with a non-slip foam material, the Pop Cup Sleeve prevents your hands from losing hold or spilling liquids. The compact design collapses flat for no-fuss pocketability and storage.

ClikGrip Camera Holder for Smartphones

A camera grip-inspired design that brings comfort and stability to video and photo capturing. Simulate the feel of a camera grip with the ClikGrip phone holder. Magnetically attach to newer smartphones with MagSafe tech. Comfortably capture precious moments with the Bluetooth-enabled shutter button. Plug in the ClikGrip and charge compatible wireless charging phones. It’s a convenient phone stand for the office, at home, or while traveling for business.

Click here to view our favorite finds at PPAI 2024

Every year our goal at PPAI remains the same: to find something that will “wow” our clients. If you don’t see anything in the above presentation, or you want to design something more unique together, click the button below to get in touch!