The Best of PPAI Expo: Day Two

Reporting on things like apparel, drinkware, print and displays requires a level of subjectivity. You need to accurately report on technological advancements, how companies have increased their revenue through different initiatives and generally get your facts straight. You know how journalism can be.

So, it's fun to do something purely based on "This is fun" or "I like this." Walking around the show floor aisles and just looking around at things is a lot of the fun of a trade show. It's like window shopping!

Check out our second round of favorites and standouts from the show floor.

1. Rollink Flex Vega Carry-On Suitcase from Clothpromotions Plus

We couldn't help but stop and check out the transforming suitcases on display at Clothpromotions Plus. Available in three different sizes, these space-saving suitcases pack down into a slim shell and feature water-resistant properties. A great option for a holiday or recognition gift!

2. Cutting Edge Cooler Technology

Gone are the days of just carrying a Styrofoam cooler. Nowadays, thanks to influence from brands like YETI, a good cooler needs to look like it can withstand re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere (and maybe even float when it lands in the ocean).

There are so many features you can add to a cooler, like dedicated compartments, or turning a cooler into a table or corn hole game.

3. Edible Cookie Shots from Dirty Cookie

Are your customers looking for the perfect sweet treat for their employees or clients? These Cookie Shots from Dirty Cookie are just the thing to enjoy a mess-free, unique cookies-and-milk experience. Available in chocolate chip, double chocolate, red velvet and churro, they're customizable with an edible logo (made with sugar paper and edible ink), and the chocolate lining allows for a leak-proof design. The packaged cookies last for one month and up to four months if frozen. Custom branded boxes are also available.

4. Floating Billboards

We talk a lot about items like T-shirts being walking billboards. Things like paddleboards, wakeboards, kayaks and inflatables make for floating billboards. Every day at the beach or lake can be a branding experience now!

5. Spin to Win at HPG

Drawing in attendees with excitement, HPG's booth features a screen with a classic Vegas slot machine pull bar. Attendees lined up in droves to get their chance at winning some swag. Prizes up for grabs include tote bags, stress balls, socks, and enamel pins.

6. Miller Lite Case Football Player

We're not sure it could stand up to a hit from the likes of J.J. Watt, but it's a lot of fun to look at. It's always cool to see how you can use packaging for, dare we say, art.

7. T-shirt In a Box/Drinkware

Kitting is all the rage in promo right now. This shows that not all kits need to come in a box. (Though there is no shortage of interesting packaging out here.) This combines a beverage promotion with the classic T-shirt giveaway, and puts it in a compact, hand-held package. Novelty is eye-catching, and people will love to tell the story about this T-shirt.

8. Cheese

Come on now. It's cheese. Sorry to all of our lactose intolerant readers, but for a company like Maple Ridge Farms, you can't beat a big ol' hunk of cheese to display what you do best and attract booth visitors.