The inaugural Imprint Canada Show was held in Calgary in 1999 and continued annually through to 2019. After a three year pandemic-related hiatus, the Western Imprint Canada Show returned September 23 & 24, and the tremendous response proved that you can indeed go home again.

Nearly 950 trade buyers – along with more than 125 end-buyers – visited the Show to see 70 suppliers on hand to support the western Canadian marketplace.

Post-Show surveys revealed that 81.7 per cent of attendees rated the Show as “Very Good to Excellent”, and 85.4 per cent gave the same rating to the cross section of exhibitors and product offerings. For 2023, 87.8 per cent reported that they already plan to return next year.

The Calgary Show was called an “Amazing way to immerse your client into the promo world atmosphere, giving them a first hand look at products we can provide to them and their employees,” said Tara Blonde of Staples Promotional Products. “(The Show) lets clients see the ‘other side’ and gives them an opportunity to pick swag that they never would’ve thought of before just by looking at pictures.”

Colleague Mary Bailey of Staples agreed: “It was wonderful to see the latest and greatest when it comes to special promotional products. I made a lot of connections with new vendors offering new ways to customize merchandise and I’m excited to connect with them on projects.”

Many attendees enjoyed the selection of product-decorating equipment and supplies. “It was so interesting to see the various decoration machines in motion, as well as the latest and greatest in decoration methods!” added Kristen Loates of Cotton Candy.

The Western Imprint Canada Show will return in 2023, dates to be announced soon.