skucon is the ultimate conference for distributors and suppliers in the promotional products industry who want to connect, learn, and re-energize alongside other progressive, like-minded pros.

Watch our keynotes and stories for a blast of optimism, energy, and new ideas to ignite your growth!

The Future World of Branded Merch

With Bobby Lehew

There’s a revolution happening right under your nose involving big brands and merch: Hulu, Netflix, KFC, Chipotle, Ritz Carlton, Fortnite. (That’s just the shortlist). And it’s not just brands, authors like Salley Rooney and Huraki Murakami and even gazillionaires like Elon Musk are revolutionizing the way the world values merch. In this talk, we’ll unpack the radical shift that has happened in the world of branded merchandise, the evolution of the industry post-pandemic, and most importantly, how it should radically reshape your vision for the future. Branded merch is not just ubiquitous, it has become a cultural staple evolving to a higher form of identity, self-expression, and art, commanding headlines and sparking brand obsession like never before. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll there is an amazing opportunity in the future world of branded merch.

An Update from The Draplin Design Co.: And other fibs, lies, and perjuries

With Aaron Draplin

Get the inside scoop with Aaron Draplin and learn what goes on behind the scenes at the Draplin Design Co.! Watch an in-depth walkthrough of recent projects big, small, and downright ugly. Sometimes, bigger isn't better, and he'll provide bonafide proof of ferociously independent existence in the cutthroat world of contemporary graphic design. From sketch to screen to SKU! His methods, momentum, and mania in a fun, loose setting. Questions answered. Riddles solved. Enigmas discussed.

skucon Stories with Nenette Gray

How Experiential Marketing Unlocks Secrets to Growth

With Ben Adams

Prior to the pandemic, Experiential Marketing was synonymous with live events and street activations. But in a post-pandemic world, experiential marketing is about creating unexpected moments through unconventional approaches. The next renaissance for the brand merchandise industry is to play a powerful role in this new world order by taking an unconventional approach that meets people where they are at, with an experience that evokes emotion and lasting memories. Today’s consumers don’t respond to sales tactics and they are naturally skeptical of being sold to, but they are willing and ready to become advocates and evangelists on behalf of the brands who earn their loyalty and trust. Watch Ben Adams as he shares how to create experiential moments to earn what matters most.

How Emotional Intelligence is a New Business Advantage

With Sarah White, Kathy V. DiFrancesco, and Stephen Musgrave

skucon Stories with Candace Parker

5 Ways to Capture Cultural Moments & Build Inspirational Merch

With Jeremy Picker

Bridging modern design and cultural trends to high-impact merch requires a discerning eye that can make decisions quickly based on the moment. Jeremy Picker, the industry’s tastemaker whose passion for color, trend forecasting, and style has made him a sought-after advisor, will share the five key principles he uses to curate ideas and build inspirational merch. From mapping the hottest trends to thoughtful design, Jeremy will share how you can delight and impress your clients with just a few tweaks to how you think about merchandise. Watch this fast and informative talk with one of the industry's most admired merch makers!

skucon Stories with Jodie Schillinger

How to Create a Strategy for Epic Growth

With Stephanie Leader, Sandy Gonzalez, and Jill Haspert

There is no perfect path to growth but within each success story, there are vital principals that have transformed organizations that we can learn from and apply to our own growth strategy. In this interview with Stephanie Leader, CEO at Leaderpromos, and Sandy Gonzales, CEO at MadeToOrder, we’ll explore the pivotal moments that have shaped the success of each organization, from their sales focus to their leadership styles and more. Plus, we’ll look at how they have each recently adapted and positioned their organizations for success in the future. Watch this rich chat with three of the industry’s most respected leaders and leading brands!

skucon Stories with Kirby Hasseman

Cotopaxi: Leading With Mission and Purpose

with Davis Smith

Cotapaxi is an outdoor gear brand with a humanitarian mission and their creed, “Do Good,” touches every aspect of our company. From their giving model to their company culture and sustainable product design, they see business as a vehicle to make an impact. As a certified B Corporation, Cotapaxi puts 1% of their revenue toward addressing poverty and supporting community development, and through their grant program, they promote organizations that successfully improve the human condition, awarding 42 grants in six focus countries. Davis Smith is the founder and CEO of Cotopaxi and in his talk, he will share insights that he has learned on how to lead your organization with mission and purpose. Watch this warm and exciting leadership journey through one of the most vibrant, mission-minded companies today!