Our annual Open House is just a few weeks away, and we couldn't be more excited! For the past seven years, we’ve gathered clients, vendors, and our team under one roof for our favorite event of the year.

It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the latest trends in merch, spend quality in-person time with our network, and most importantly, celebrate another successful year together.

Hosting this event has become a non-negotiable for us, and for good reason. Here are the Top 5 reasons we love hosting an open house for our network.  

#1 - Strengthen Client Relationships

At the heart of any successful business are strong relationships. Our Open House gives us a chance to connect face-to-face with our clients, vendors, and team, going beyond virtual meetings to build genuine connections. This in-person time allows us to not only catch up but also share industry insights, understand our clients' needs better, and brainstorm new ways to collaborate.

And of course, getting together with our network is fun! We’ve cultivated incredible relationships over the past 30 years, and our Open House is the perfect opportunity to celebrate those bonds, talk shop, and enjoy the company of great people.

#2 - Showcase New Products & Trends

Staying ahead of the latest trends in merch is our specialty, and our Open House is the ideal platform to showcase what's new. From innovative products to cutting-edge designs, this event lets us introduce our favorite finds to clients, vendors, and partners in a hands-on environment.

No matter how many emails we send or Zoom calls we host, nothing beats seeing and touching products in person. Our Open House lets everyone experience the quality and creativity of our offerings firsthand, making it easier to understand how we can elevate their brands through merch.

#3 - Get Feedback & Foster Collaboration

Communication is the key to any successful relationship, and our Open House creates the perfect space for open dialogue. Face-to-face interactions help us gather real-time feedback, brainstorm fresh ideas, and strengthen our collaborative efforts with clients and vendors alike. 

We’re deeply invested in the success of our partners, and this event is a way to show just how committed we are to making a positive impact in the industry. By listening to our network, we continue to evolve and innovate, keeping us at the forefront of the market.

#4 - Walk Down Memory Lane

This year, we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary with a “1994” throwback theme. Expect ‘90s-inspired cocktails, tunes, activities, and even attire! 

But beyond the nostalgia, our anniversary is a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come as a company, the lessons we’ve learned, and the relationships we’ve built. We’ve grown a lot since 1994, and we can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with the people who have been a part of our journey.

#5 - Highlight the Road Ahead

Innovation has always been at the core of what we do, and our Open House is the perfect setting to showcase how we’re continuing to push boundaries in the merch world. We’ll be offering product demos, showing off new branding techniques, and sharing insights from industry experts. 

Our "Women on the Rise" Cocktail Hour is another highlight of the event. This panel discussion, featuring five women leaders in the promotional products industry, will cover industry trends, best practices, and strategies for adapting to our ever-changing world (hello, AI!). It’s a great opportunity to network and gain valuable insights from some of the brightest minds in the business.

Bonus! #6 - Explore the Possibilities of Merch

Our Open House is designed to be an immersive experience, and we don’t hold back on that promise! With interactive activities, on-theme cocktails, and ‘90s music setting the mood, we’ll demonstrate exactly how merch can create memorable experiences. 

From innovative trending products to hands-on product customization and live demos, every year we strive to show our clients and vendors that we’re not just talking about the potential of branded products—we’re living it. This event highlights the creativity and innovation we bring to our clients' merchandise programs and showcases the full range of possibilities that merch offers.

Check out this video from our 2023 Open House to get a peek at how we built an immersive experience for the event.

Open House Events: A Win for Everyone 

An open house is more than just a fun event—it’s a powerful tool to strengthen relationships, showcase your offerings, and position your company as a leader in the industry. From creating lasting impressions to fostering new partnerships, the benefits are clear. 

By inviting your network to experience your products and services firsthand, you elevate your brand and deepen the connections that matter most. If you're a merchandising company looking to grow, consider making an open house part of your strategy. It’s a win-win for your business and your network.

Didn’t get your invite?  

If you’d like to join us for this year’s open house, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Stran sales rep. Or better yet, contact us directly so we can make sure you’re on the list!

And if you can’t attend but want to get all the updates on the event, make sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 

related reading 

Build Brand Loyalty & Boost Sales With Tailgate Merch

Team Building Ideas to Boost Engagement  

Check Out Our Latest Merchbook 

Let's Stay in Touch!

⭐ Subscribe to our blog for more industry insights, custom merch inspo, and product launches!

🎧 Questions? Project Ideas? Give us a shout! We're always here to help!