PSI Addresses Member Complaints About End-buyer "Promotional Products Day" at Trade Show

Some of the distributors expressed concern about how an end-buyer open show would impact the "European model." It's an accepted practice that some European suppliers sell directly to buyers as well as through distributor professionals. A show where distributors are allowed to invite their end-buyer customers could create a conflict of interest.

Last week, PSI responded to many of the industry's concerns on its site, detailing the organization's intentions with Promotional Products Day. "We very much regret that this has given rise to some irritations which may also have led to some uncertainty on your part. Our communication in this matter may not have been ideal. This must, however, not lead to a situation where individual members intentionally publicise false information and at the end of the day cause damage to all of us by absurd allegations."

In addition to explaining what this new avenue means and how it could benefit industry members, PSI affirmed that they intended to go forward with Promotional Products Day at next year's PSI show. The 51st PSI show is scheduled for January 9 to 11, 2013, with Promotional Products Day occuring that Friday.