Four platforms in the branded merchandise and apparel industry — Branded Merch Network, ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute), Apparelist, and The 2 Regular Guys Podcast — are joining forces to present the inaugural “Why It Matters LIVE: Sustainable Merch Summit,” a virtual event designed to spark real conversations, share practical strategies, and celebrate the brands shaping a more responsible industry.

📅 Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
⏰ Time: 1 p.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Pacific
🌐 Location: Virtual (free to attend – registration details coming soon)

This two-hour event will feature a blend of live panels, pre-recorded keynotes, real-world case studies, and a few unexpected moments of fun. Attendees will hear from decorators, distributors, suppliers, and sustainability champions who are reshaping the industry across three essential sectors:

• Promo: promotional products and branded merchandise
• Print: commercial printing, packaging, and paper-based media
• Apparel: apparel decoration, custom garments, and wearable production

The main purpose is to inspire, educate, and continue to change the landscape from performative greenwashing to a purposeful, values-driven sustainable impact.

Sustainable Merch Summit Featured Topics

Some of the featured topics of the Sustainable merch Summit include:

• The State of the Industry: Cassie Green and Theresa Hegel
• The Future of Sustainable Merch: Lightning keynote speakers
• Real Merch, Real Impact: Supplier and decorator case studies
• Why Certification Matters: Elevating standards across the supply chain
• Sustainability Leads to Sales: Good for the planet and your wallet

“Let’s be honest — if it ends up in the trash, it wasn’t sustainable to begin with,” says Jay Busselle, co-founder of Branded Merch Network. “The most impactful branded merch is the kind people actually want, use, and keep.”

Who Should Attend?

Distributors, decorators, suppliers, brand marketers, and sustainability leaders from across the promo, print, and apparel industries, and anyone who believes our industry can (and should) do better.

📝 Registration opens soon — stay tuned for event links, promotional assets, and the lineup of featured presenters.