This year’s Summit centered around the values that shape everything we do at Stran — integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, respect, and teamwork.

With leaders from across the company in one room, we revisited our biggest wins and most important lessons from 2025, openly discussed where we can elevate our processes, and collaborated on new initiatives that will deliver stronger, more consistent results for our clients.

Our conversations touched on client experience, operational enhancements, technology and platform optimization, program expansion, and ways to continue strengthening cross-team alignment. Being together in person allowed us to think more strategically, challenge each other constructively, and ensure we’re building from a shared vision of excellence.

As we head into 2026, the Summit reinforced the promise that defines Stran: We anticipate. You ask. We deliver. Every time. With clearer priorities and renewed momentum, we’re ready for another year of growth, collaboration, and delivering meaningful impact for the brands we support.

✨ Merch Trends That Defined 2025

PPAI kicked off the year with four trend pillars that remained strong all the way through: Glimmers, Lasting Luxury, Mindfully Made, and Giving Back. Each one reflected the growing desire for merch that creates emotional connection, delivers elevated design, and aligns with consumer values. Bright colors, joyful accessories, and playful touches continued the rise of everyday delight, while premium apparel and retail-aligned aesthetics solidified their place as year-round staples.

Sustainability also stayed front and center, with brands prioritizing ethically sourced materials and lower-waste production. Cause-driven products and mission-based gifting rounded out the year, reinforcing that merchandise with purpose is both powerful and resonant.

📈 Big Announcements Across the Industry

One of the biggest headlines this year was the appointment of Drew Holmgreen as the new CEO of PPAI — a transition that brought renewed focus on innovation, industry evolution, and the association’s future direction. We had the privilege of meeting Drew in person during his visit to our Quincy HQ and are excited to see how he’ll help shape the next chapter for PPAI and the industry.

Updated PPAI Top 100 and ASI Counselor Top 40 rankings also made waves. We’re proud to have climbed on both lists, earning #12 on the PPAI Top 100 and #23 on the ASI Counselor Top 40, reflecting another year of steady growth and momentum.

🏛️ Government & Legislative Updates

Tariff uncertainty remained a constant throughout 2025, influencing sourcing strategies, production timelines, and pricing considerations across the industry. We continued consolidating and optimizing programs for our clients, leveraging our global network of partners while also strengthening relationships with U.S.-based suppliers whenever possible.

The SWAG Act also reemerged as an example of the conflicts and misunderstandings around merch and promo. While the legislation is still awaiting a vote, it sparked meaningful conversations industry-wide. We highlighted how our own work supporting the 2020 U.S. Census underscores the role of branded merchandise in reaching communities, driving behavior, and proving that promo is far more than “trinkets and trash.”

📣 Marketing Trends Setting Up 2026

This year made it clear that physical merch remains one of the most effective ways for brands to break through digital fatigue. Marketers leaned heavily into sensory and experiential swag — products designed to be touched, worn, and interacted with — aligning with the larger shift toward human, tangible brand moments.

Two standout trends gained fast momentum: the plush toy surge, with mascot-style collectibles (like our NYRR marathon teddies) driving both emotional connection and revenue; and the rise of limited-edition merch drops, where scarcity, seasonal relevance, and storytelling fueled engagement and community-building. Heading into 2026, these drops are poised to grow even further.