Conducted by the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA), the results of the latest promotional products industry survey are in, and the results are clear: tangible marketing works harder than ever.
The new research, relevant to consumers and businesses in both Australia and New Zealand, provides a comprehensive look at how promotional products influence consumer behaviour.
The results confirm what the industry has always believed: when merchandise is thoughtful, it becomes a powerful driver for loyalty and commercial growth.
The survey data underscores just how effective a physical touchpoint can be. Unlike a digital ad that disappears with a scroll, promotional products create sustained engagement.
Key insights from the survey include:
86% of recipients rank “usefulness” as the most important factor when determining the value of a promotional product, proving that high-utility items avoid the bin.
8 out of 10 recipients can name the brand on a promotional product, far outperforming the average recall of digital or print advertising.
84% of of Australians and New Zealanders feel more positive about a brand that gives them a promotional gift.
77% of people have purchased a product or service from a brand after receiving a promotional item.
66% of recipients are driven to visit a brand’s website or connect on social media immediately after receiving a physical gift.
The Impact of Tangible Marketing
The study also highlighted a shift in recipient expectations, with today’s consumer more sophisticated and much more likely to value quality over quantity. There is also now a clear mandate for businesses to move away from “landfill” items like flimsy plastics or novelty trinkets, which can actually trigger negative brand associations.
Ultimately, the research proves that thoughtful, unexpected “gifts” are the number one driver for creating an emotional connection with consumers. By choosing items that align with your audience’s needs and values, you aren’t just giving away merchandise- you’re building a bridge to a long-term relationship.
The dust has only just settled from this year’s Roadshow, and we are still buzzing with inspiration!
Roadshow is a multi-city event organised by the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA), and serves as a crucial platform for suppliers to establish relationships with the hundreds of promotional product distributors who attend religiously each and every year.
The show is a feast for the senses, and gives distributors like TurnKey Promotions a unique opportunity to explore thousands of diverse products in a single day.
We are excited to share with you some of the best new products we discovered at Roadshow this year.
Innovation and Technology:
PowerFlex Retractable Cable Set Tangle-free charging on the go. Featuring a durable retractable design, this cable extends up to 100cm and neatly retracts when not in use, keeping your workspace and bag clutter-free.
Norton TWS Earbuds & Smart LCD Touch Screen The Norton Earbuds feature a personalised home page image on start-up, touchscreen controls, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), and Bluetooth version 5.4.
The Franklin Magnetic Watch Power Bank The Franklin’s sleek design features a 5,000 mAh magnetic power bank, built-in Type-C and Lightning cables, Type-C and USB ports, ensuring maximum compatibility with all devices.
The Pacific Magnetic Bluetooth Speaker Stand Using Bluetooth 5.3 for quicker and more stable connectivity, the Pacific delivers 360-degree surround sound audio quality, a breathing RGB lighting effect, and a transparent body that creates a vibrant atmosphere.
Lamar 4n1 15W Magnetic Wireless Charger This charging stand features magnetic phone charging in portrait and landscape orientation, a switchable tricolour nightlight and a detachable watch charger that can be used independently via any USB-A port.
INGENIO Arc Wireless Car Charger INGENIO’s clever car charger blends innovation with elegance to deliver quality performance on the road. Features 15W magnetic wireless charging and red/blue LED charging indicator lights.
Bags, Shoes and Accessories:
Custom Sneakers High-quality sneakers, completely personalised with your corporate logo, colours and materials. Made in Barcelona. MOQ 40 pairs.
Wallaby Neck Pouch Made from durable RPET 600D material, this versatile pouch can be worn across the shoulder or around the neck. Features two zippered compartments and an additional open pouch.
Bellroy Lite Cooler Carry This 10L insulated cooler bag by Bellroy is foldable, compressible and features a built-in bottle opener and seam-sealed waterproof interior lining. Made using recycled materials.
Bellroy 16″ Laptop Caddy Features of this sleek laptop caddy include a fold-down front pocket, two stretch mesh storage pockets, two mesh pen slips and additional storage space for bulky items.
Rollink Laptop Case Go Compact and light 5.5L laptop case with durable exterior hard shell, ensuring protection of your valuable items. Slash and cut resistant for added security.
Max Full Colour Fold-up Backpack Crafted from high-quality 210T polyester, this backpack is built to withstand the rigors of travel while remaining easy to carry. Full colour sublimation printing available.
Casual Unisex Watch with rPET Strap This quality watch features an ionic steel-plated alloy case, matt green dial, padded beige rPET nylon strap with white stitching, date function and is water resistant to 3m.
Writing Instruments and Surfaces:
Bio Plus rPET A5 Notebook This durable, hardcover notebook features 196 pages of recycled paper, a handy pen loop and snap-on magnetic closure. Available in 16 colour options.
Berliner Pen This twist-action pen is crafted from solid aluminium and features a self-retracting clip that folds away when the pen is in use, allowing for both comfortable writing and ease of insertion into a pocket.
Lux Stylus Pen and Torch More than just a pen, the innovative Lux device combines a matt finish aluminium pen, stylus and super-bright LED torch in one very stylish device.
Miscellaneous:
Trip Phone Lanyard Fast, 1.6m charging cable designed for convenience and security. Supports 60W 3A charging and features Type C to Type C fittings.
LED Compact Mirror The perfect blend of style and functionality, this touch-activated mirror features a built-in rechargeable lithium battery (400mAh) and three adjustable lighting modes- day, cool, and warm.
Equinox Recycled Aluminium Bottle Extremely lightweight, 600ml recycled aluminium drink bottle. Features push-button cap with locking mechanism and built in colour-matched carabiner.
To place an order or to enquire about any of these products, please contact TurnKey Promotions on 1300 153 707 or email info@turnkeypromotions.com.au.
As the industry’s leading and longest-running trade show, PPAI Expo is the cornerstone of the global promotional products market.
Held annually in Las Vegas Nevada, the four-day conference/trade show sees thousands of established brands and suppliers converge to showcase new product collections and cutting-edge innovations to thousands of prospective distributors from around the world.
The show is a true mecca for promotional product distributors, suppliers and marketing professionals, and is known for forecasting product trends for the upcoming year.
What was trending on the show floor in 2025?
Magsafe Tech Magsafe integration is poised to be a dominant trend in 2025, revolutionising promo tech with seamless, magnetic functionality.
Pickleball Pickleball’s popularity translated into a flood of branded paddles, bags, and accessories, marking it as a standout trend at the show.
Travel and On-the-Go Travel-themed promo products, from branded luggage tags to portable chargers reflected the industry’s focus on experiences and on-the-go solutions.
Pets Pet products, including bowls and leashes, were a staple throughout the show, highlighting the industry’s embrace of the booming pet market.
Crocs & Accessories Crocs-style footwear and accessories were a major hit, proving the power of personalised comfort in promotional products.
Puffer Accessories & Apparel Comfortable and warm merchandise, including puffer blankets, continued to be a big theme on the show floor in 2025.
Sherpa-lined Bags and Accessories Unique sherpa-lined items, including backpacks, showcased the industry’s love for standout textures and materials.
Stanley Cups and Accessories Stanley cups and compatible accessories highlighted the strong demand for premium, customisable drinkware.
Shop TurnKey Promotions’ curated collection of new products and trends, as seen at PPAI Expo 2025, here.
As we enter a new year, we’re excited to share our insights into the trends that are predicted to shape the world of promo in 2025.
These are the products and strategies that will stretch your marketing budget further and get your brand noticed.
Minimalist branding Clean aesthetics, understated logos, and subtle branding will be paramount for brands looking to win over customers in 2025. Minimalist branding cuts through this clutter, offering a clean and focused message that’s easier to process and remember.
Hyper-personalisation The era of generic branded merchandise is fading fast. In 2025, hyper-personalisation will be the cornerstone of effective promotional strategies.
Hyper-personalisation represents a granular level of personalisation, fostering an almost unprecedented sense of exclusivity and strengthening the consumer-brand relationship. Imagine custom-designed items created on-the-spot using advanced printing technology, or a custom-blended tea set with flavours tailored to individual tastes- this is hyper-personalisation.
Luxury self-care The focus on wellness isn’t going anywhere. In 2025, expect a surge in premium self-care promotional products. Think high-quality essential oil diffusers, luxurious bathrobes, and mindfulness journals. These aren’t just giveaways; they represent an investment in the recipient’s well-being and associate your brand with positive lifestyle choices.
Eco-friendly homewares The demand for eco-friendly, branded homewares will continue its upward trajectory in 2025, as sustainability becomes more of a global imperative than ever before.
Expect to see more and more homewares crafted from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled glass, and organic cotton. A set of elegantly designed, reusable beeswax food wraps, for example, or a stylish planter crafted from recycled ocean plastic communicates a powerful message of corporate social responsibility.
September was all about Skucamp for TurnKey Promotions this year.
For the first time, TurnKey Promotions founder Diana travelled to Nashville, USA to attend the global industry event, coordinated by respected service provider Commonsku.
Skucamp is a business boot camp of sorts, tailored specifically for professionals in the promotional products industry. Here, industry experts converge to share insights, best practices, and innovative strategies and connect with one another for the purpose of learning and growing.
The event featured a lineup of industry and thought leaders who delivered insightful presentations on various topics, from marketing trends to sales techniques. Beyond the educational aspect, the event provided ample creative inspiration, with Diana learning about and testing a huge range of unique products that aren’t often seen in Australia.
“The world of promo in the US is so diverse- the scale of the industry is extraordinary and the creativity is truly unparalleled! We loved exploring some of the most unique and different products we have seen in years and learning invaluable, industry-specific lessons from experts like Stephen Shedletzky, author of Speak-Up Culture and Benji Bearman, co-founder of Liquid Screen Design,” said Diana.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out in the promotional products industry, Skucamp provides a valuable platform for professional development and growth. It’s a chance to gain fresh perspectives, learn from industry experts, and stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic field.
Thank you Commonsku for organising such a fantastic, inclusive event and for invoking a genuine sense of community among all attendees.
In today’s competitive marketplace, brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to connect with their target audience. Promotional products, often overlooked as simple giveaways, can be a powerful tool for enhancing brand awareness, building customer loyalty, and shaping brand image.
Promotional products offer a tangible way for brands to interact with potential and existing customers. When used effectively, they can increase brand visibility, build customer loyalty, drive sales and improve brand recall dramatically
While traditional promotional products can be effective, premium promotional products can have an even more significant impact on a brand’s image. High-quality items create a perception of value and luxury, associating your brand with premium experiences.
A premium gift shows customers that you’ve put thought and effort into your promotional efforts. Unique and high-quality items are more likely to be kept and used, leading to longer-lasting brand exposure. By selecting promotional products that align with your target audience’s interests and lifestyle, you can increase the effectiveness of your campaign.
When selecting promotional products, consider the following factors:
Sustainability: Consider eco-friendly options to align with growing consumer trends.
Target audience: What are your clients’ interests, preferences, and lifestyle?
Brand identity: How does the products align with your values and messaging?
Budget: How much you can allocate towards promotional products?
Promotional products can be a valuable asset for any brand. By carefully selecting the right items, you can enhance brand awareness, build customer loyalty, and create a positive and lasting impression. Premium promotional products, in particular, can elevate your brand’s image and leave a memorable mark on your audience. By understanding the power of promotional products and choosing items that align with your brand’s goals, you can create a successful and impactful marketing campaign.
TurnKey Promotions are specialists in branded marketing and promotional products. Reach out to our team at any time to help you create the perfect branded gift or promotional initiative to help you grow your brand.
TurnKey Promotions is deeply committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Our mission as a small business revolves around minimising our environmental impact while delivering meaningful marketing initiatives and high-quality promotional products.
Sea Shepard Australia is a non-profit marine conservation organisation that campaigns to defend, conserve and protect the world’s marine life and ocean eco-system. Their mission is to protect defenceless wildlife and end the destruction of habitat in the world’s oceans.
“From the gentle giants of the sea to its smallest creatures, Sea Shepherd’s mission is to protect all marine life species living in our oceans. Our campaigns have defended whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, penguins, turtles, fish, krill and aquatic birds from poaching, unsustainable fishing, habitat destruction, and exploitive captivity.”
Sea Shepard Australia
To show your support for Sea Shepard Australia, TurnKey Promotions clients are encouraged to place an order for any of three great new additions to our drinkware line-up.
For each unit ordered, fifty cents will be donated to Sea Shepard Australia to support their efforts in clearing plastic pollution from our oceans and protecting marine life. An order for 1,000 bottles or cups, for example, will result in a $500 donation to Sea Shepard Australia.
The new range consists of the Allegra Bottle (1L or 750ml). Olive Reusable Cup and Windsor Tea Infuser Bottle.
Allegra Bottle (1L or 750ml) The Allegra features double-wall, vacuum insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for hours. Plus, this bottle will fit in most car cup holders. Colours: Sky/Carolina Blue, Onyx/Onyx, Dove/Gunmetal, Sage/Fern, Sand/Chestnut, Blush/Rose, White
Olive Reusable Cup(350ml) The double-wall Olive Reusable Cup is an aesthetically pleasing monochromatic stainless steel cup that features both a straw drinking option, as well as a regular takeaway cup drinking spout. Colours: Green, Pink, Brown, Blue, Black, Grey
Windsor Tea Infuser Bottle The glass Windsor Tea Infuser Bottle has a huge 1L capacity fitted with a giant tea infuser and neoprene sleeve to help insulate your bottle. Colours: Black, Navy, Cream, Blush
To place an order or enquire about any of these products, please contact TurnKey Promotions on 1300 153 707 or email info@turnkeypromotions.com.au.
Autumn at TurnKey Promotions means APPA Roadshow, and this year we levelled up our trade show game by attending both Sydney and Brisbane legs of the event.
Roadshow is the biggest exhibition in the local promotional products industry and a staple in our events calendar every year. This is where we get the chance to touch, feel, and critique hundreds of newly released products before bringing them to you, our valued clients.
Here’s a sneak peak at the hottest new products in the industry right now:
Which of these is is your favourite and why?
We are loving the Rollink Flex Earth Suitcase, touted as the “world’s smallest suitcase” for its capacity to fold into an incredibly compact 5cm (9.5cm including wheels) when not in use. Wow!
To enquire about any of the above products, please contact TurnKey Promotions at diana@turnkeypromotions.com.au.
The annual PPAI Expo brings together thousands of industry professionals, suppliers, and distributors for an unparalleled experience of innovation, networking, and education.
This year, more than 16,000 industry professionals from across the globe visited the Las Vegas-based expo to meet more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and discover the latest trends and products set to reshape the promotional products landscape in 2024.
From cutting-edge technology solutions to sustainable and eco-friendly products, the Expo showcases emerging trends that reflect the ever-evolving needs and preferences of consumers.
As the biggest promotional products show in the world (and one of the first in the calendar year), the trends that emerge at PPAI Expo each year often set the tone for the rest of the year. If it’s big at PPAI Expo, you can bet it’s going to be big at home soon.
Exhibitors at this year’s show revealed several trends influencing the promo industry today, some of which were illuminated in colorful lights, while others were less easy to spot.
Sustainability and social responsibility were front and center at this year’s show.
While less than a quarter of the products sold by promotional product suppliers in 2023 were marketed as sustainable, this will likely increase in 2024, with stands of the biggest suppliers in the industry flush with eco-friendly and sustainably-sourced products. More suppliers than ever before spruiked products that not only had eco-friendly characteristics and features, but could prove said features with instantly recognisable eco-credentials.
The sustainability theme was also prevalent in the abundance of wow-inspiring, Instagram-worthy packaging innovations on display at the show, with a notable emphasis on reducing or eliminating packaging waste.
As pandemic-era travel hesitancy becomes a thing of the past, air travel has once again ignited in popularity and products designed to make traveling easier and more convenient for individuals were left, right and center at the Expo. Attendees were presented with a range of innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the travel experience, from travel accessories that optimize organisation and comfort to technology-driven devices that streamline the journey.
In the sphere of apparel, oversized offerings and heavyweight T-shirts appeared to be enjoying a moment, while unisex styles were also a staple in new collections from almost all of the big apparel suppliers on the show floor.
