skucon is a virtual conference for distributors and suppliers in the promotional products industry who want to connect, learn, and re-energize alongside other progressive, like-minded pros. It’s a unique, interactive experience with breakouts, keynotes, and real connections.

Welcome to skucon 2021 from the skummunity members from all around the world

The Big, Bold, Brave New World of Content and Storytelling, a Conversation with Ann Handley

In this exclusive interview, Bobby Lehew, commonsku’s Chief Content Officer, will chat with Ann Handley about how we can set apart our organization and serve our clients better through creative marketing that is compelling, engaging, and authentic to our unique identity.

Advocacy, Activism, and Transparency

In this interview with Chris Miller, Head of Global Activism and Strategy at Ben and Jerry’s, Denise Taschereau with Fairware will explore Chris’s thoughts on why it’s crucial for brands today to express a conscientious point of view, how we can lead our own companies and organizations to build more inclusive perspectives and much more!

A Sustainable Perspective, An Interview with Fast Company’s Elizabeth Segran

In this session, we’ll explore what Elizabeth has discovered from the latest market demands through her reporting, who are some of her most emerging and innovative brands and what we can learn from them, and what the future holds for consumers (end-user) expectations.

Optimum Operations In Uncertain Times

In this session, Britney Godsey from Gold Bond will share some of the vital lessons they’ve learned about how to lead a team to tackle big changes through a continual effort of process improvement. If you’re a supplier, this is a must-tend session to see how the inner workings of a supplier adjusts to the waves of change, and if you’re a distributor, you’ll appreciate Britney’s insight into leading a team through uncharted territory.

Unleash the Passion in Your Influencer Marketing

In this session with Quianne Perrin Savoy, she’ll share the secrets behind the world’s most powerful influencers plus insights from her experience as she has learned to lead Moore and Moore Merch into a respected influencer brand!

How to Design Merch for Purpose, Mission, and Values

Join Maria as she helps us move beyond maxing out an imprint space with just a logo, to discovering how to empower a product-canvas through true artwork and to help brands stay relevant by digging deeper into purpose, values, mission, and meaning. Learn the creative staying power of combining the weight of thought with badass merchandise design!

Emerging Voices: Tips From the Next Generation of Salespeople

In this session, you’ll hear a lightning round of quick tips shared by three of the brightest and boldest reps as they bring with them a wealth of insight into how the new generation of salespeople think, act, and sell!

Join us for a fun journey through the mind of emerging sales voices today!

Acceleration in the Age of Deceleration

In this presentation, Jonathan Isaacson will examine how the pandemic has impacted the long-standing critical trends affecting our world and our market, with an eye towards driving customer value in a changed environment.

2021 and Beyond: The Future of the Industry

In this special session with ASI’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Tim Andrews, and PPAI’s President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Bellantone, and hosted by commonsku’s CEO Catherine Graham, we’ll explore the revelations each of these leaders have discovered through the outcome of the pandemic, and much more!

Strategic Positioning to Increase Sales

Join Dominique Volker as she discusses sales tactics to use whether you are making calls or making pitches, plus, how to optimize your time spent on the phone and in meetings with potential clients. And finally, Dominique will unpack the magic behind attracting the most profitable type of buyer for you by demonstrating how your company’s brand identity and marketing determine your future customers, and how to change your strategy in order to amp your sales.

Secrets to Successful E-Commerce and Shops

In this interview, Bobby Lehew, the former CEO of Robyn (a successful shops distributor in the US), will sit down with Tracey Clingen to talk about the best practices for shops including the ideal customers for shops and what shops to avoid, and much more!

So, you want to host a virtual conference?

In this session, Kate will share from her experience essential tips that will help you avoid the pitfalls and fast-track you to becoming a pro at creating live experiences. She’ll share the benefits of hosting a virtual conference and why you should consider it, and much more!

The Surprising Magic of Authenticity

In this session live from Brussels, Simon will share how to turn ignorance into success and why knowing less about the market -but more about yourself- is all you need to make an enduring impact.

Creating Merchandise Experiences That Connect, An Interview with LA Fashion Designer Mitra Khayyam

We’ll chat with Mitra about what she’s learned creating a unique line of high-demand apparel, including how to create merchandise that connects with an audience and creates passionate fans, what she has learned about the creative process as it relates to successfully selling merchandise, and how to find the story you want to tell through apparel collections.

An Exclusive Conversation with Seth Godin

Seth Godin will share a brief presentation followed by an interview with commonsku’s President and Chief Brand Officer Mark Graham who will explore Seth’s vision of what a more authentic and creative marketing discipline can look like, plus, his reflections on how we can utilize our medium to make a real connection in the world and activate our work with purpose and meaning.

Separate Yet Connected - A SnugZ USA and commonsku Collaboration

We're proud to share this stunning piece of video content from our content sponsor, SnugZ USA, created for #skucon2021.