K3o Recognition Awards & Promotional Items | Promotional Products & Apparel: Case Studies

Case Study: YUKON 17 oz. Double Wall Party Cup for the Sustainability Win

Mar 19

Surf-inspired activewear brands like ROXY® are stoked with our YUKON design—fondly known as The Party Cup™. It’s double-wall insulated, so it keeps refreshments cool on the bea...

Case Study: You Can Count on Us

Feb 26

The marketing department for a regional credit union was considering a custom writing instrument from overseas as part of a re-branding campaign. However, supply chain disruptions due to Coronavirus...

Case Study: This Event Needs More Cowbell

Feb 11

Description: Cow Bell Industry: Trade Show / Convention / Events What it was purchased for: A charity marathon coordinator wanted a giveaway that spectators could use to cheer on their runners. ...

Case Study: A Prom Ticket Keepsake

Dec 08, 2022

A Prom Ticket Keepsake Organization High School Product Featured Neoprene Bracelet Goal of Promotion Issuing prom tickets Des...

Case Study: Safety First

Nov 23, 2022

Product: Auto Safety Kit Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: As a gift to anyone who opened a new bank account for over $1,000.00. How it was distributed: The bank was looking for a brande...

Case Study: Lunchtime Appreciation

Nov 15, 2022

Description: ID Lunch Bag Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A hospital wanted a unisex item to give out for Nurses Week. Since most of the nursing staff brought their...

Case Study: A StuPENdous Promotion

Oct 23, 2022

Description: Dart Pen Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A data storage company wanted an item they could put on their company store website in which branches or divisions could purchas...

Case Study: A Golfer Giveaway

Oct 02, 2022

Objective An event organizer wanted consistent branding for everything from their tournament save the dates to golfer giveaways. Products Custom Tri-Fold Calendar, A2 (4-1/4" x 5-1/2") Folded Print...

Case Study: Zip It Up

Aug 18, 2022

Description: Hit Sports Pack with Front Zipper Industry: Broadcast Media/Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A cellular provider needed giveaways for an event at a major university. How it ...

Case Study: Have a Seat

Aug 04, 2022

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, a non-profit healthcare provider needed additional waiting room seating for their clinics and health centers across the state. As a non-profit, they needed an affordab...

Case Study: Back in Business

Jul 27, 2022

A behavioral health practice was preparing to reopen when shelter-in-place orders were lifted. However, they needed a way to communicate the enhanced safety protocols they put in place to patients com...

Case Study: Fresh Mesh Promotions

Jul 20, 2022

Market: Real Estate Product Use: Incentive Gift Promotion: A high-end resort selected the Atlantis Mesh Beach Tote as an incentive gift for the visitors who attended their timeshare presentations....

Case Study: A Shoe-In

May 29, 2022

Golf Mesh Shoe Bag for Association Tournaments A national golf association wanted a giveaway item for golfers in weekend tournaments and high school students considering golf at the collegiate level....

Case Study: Let Them Eat Cake!

May 07, 2022

Objective A bakery owner had built solid connections with other service providers within their local event industry. But they were looking to grow their business within the wedding market. Produc...

Case Study: Roaming Free with the YUMA Clear Freedom Bottle

Apr 29, 2022

What do outdoor gear brands like Marmot® and Teva® have in common? Their target customers, high-value brand partners, and pretty much all of their employees are thirsty for adventure in the ...

Case Study: Good Deeds for Kids in Need

Feb 28, 2022

Item: Landscape Mesh Tote Purpose: Fundraising Gala gift bag Audience: Kids in Need Foundation supporters The Kids in Need Foundation Gala is one of the organization’s largest fundraising ...

Case Study: Health & Wellness Spas

Jan 08, 2022

Products Javalina Jewel® Pen Industry Health & Wellness Spas Application Future Visits A day spa wanted to ensure that its guests always received the royal treatment. To encourage f...

Case Study: Let the Games Begin!

Nov 25, 2021

Product: Custom Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Automotive/Banking What it was purchased for: A car company wanted to find a product that would promote their brand at a local college BCS Bowl Games. Ho...

Case Study: Shop 'til You Drop

Nov 04, 2021

A shopping mall was holding a late-winter promotion to increase traffic during typically slower months. Visitors to the complex received a "passport" to take to different stores within the mall for st...

Case Study: Promo'd to a Tee

Oct 28, 2021

As part of a newly developed corporate social responsibility initiative, an insurance company instituted an annual “give back” day where employee groups volunteered in their communities. T...

Case Study: Don't Run from this Promo!

Oct 13, 2021

Description: Running Belt Fanny Pack Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: A nationwide gym chain was looking for an item to give away with the purchase of yearly memberships. Th...

Case Study: Staying Safe for Back-to-School

Sep 22, 2021

A private school held an online meeting to outline plans for returning to school safely during the Coronavirus pandemic. As a follow-up, the school sent information packets to students’ parents....

Case Study: Keep it Sweet

Sep 08, 2021

Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Employee Appreciation Promotion: A nationally known hotel chain gifted their staff the Everyday Sweet and Savory Gourmet Carry Caddy for Employee Appreciati...

Case Study: The Write Stuff

Jul 18, 2021

Description: Rumba Pen Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: An automotive supplier wanted to make their name visible in automotive stores around the country. How it was distributed: Pens...

Case Study: The Write Way

Jun 26, 2021

Item: WideBody® Message Pen Purpose: Inform people about range of services Audience: Clients and general public A chiropractic office wanted to inform clients and others about their range of...

Case Study: Life of the Mardi

May 29, 2021

Market: Hospitality Objective: With their event scheduled close to Mardi Gras, event planners wanted to provide a themed goodie package for attendees with giveaways from event sponsors. They wanted...

Case Study: Resort Incentive Yields Oceans of Opportunity

Apr 23, 2021

A five-star resort that frequently hosts corporate events for Fortune 500 companies wanted to reach out to corporate guests to entice them to return for family vacations. The goal was for the guests t...

Case Study: The Big Picture

Apr 15, 2021

Description: Coupon Photo Folder Industry: Hospitality What it was purchased for: A restaurant was looking for a unique way to deliver custom printed coupons to their guests to attract more repeat b...

Case Study: Snap a Pic!

Mar 18, 2021

Objective: A large photography studio wanted a better welcome kit for their wedding clients than just a few loose flyers. Product: Mini Horizontal Pocket Folder Personalization: The photography stud...

Case Study: Real Modern Recognition

Feb 24, 2021

Market: Finance Product Use: Employee Recognition Promotion: A wealth management firm selected the Samsonite Executive Computer Backpack as an employee recognition gift. At the company’s yea...

Case Study: Masks and Casks

Feb 10, 2021

When a distillery was launching a new line of spirits, they collaborated with a large chain of liquor stores to promote their new products. The stores gave all employees PrevaGuard™ Face Masks i...

Case Study: I Was Framed!

Jan 27, 2021

Objective: The city was celebrating National Public Works Week with a community event. The event provided education for community members, as well as games for entertainment. Event planners wanted a...

Case Study: A Getaway Promotion

Jan 20, 2021

A resort wanted to make sure guests felt safe as they reopened after COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were lifted. At check-in, they chose to provide each guest with a Fold-Up Cinch Corner Tote to keep ...

Case Study: Getting Bent out of Shape for More Business

Jan 13, 2021

Product: Gel Stress Toy Client: Health Food Store What it was purchased for: As a gift to reward customers for spending over a certain amount. Why it worked: The gel stress toy which, unlike the fo...

Case Study: Go Green or Go Home

Dec 14, 2020

Item: goingreen™ Stapled Appointment Calendar Purpose: Promote awareness of recycling programs and provide recycling information to the community Audience: Residents of the company’s s...

Case Study: Yes, We Can!

Dec 07, 2020

Description: Kan-Tastic Industry: Food & Beverage What it was purchased for: Fast-food chain giveaway for college football night. How it was distributed: The vendor handed the Kan-Tastic out at t...

Case Study: Rock out on the Run

Nov 30, 2020

Description: Earbuds With a Wristband Industry: Marathon What it was purchased for: A sponsor was looking for an item or items that runners/walkers could be given at the race that they could use dur...

Case Study: Do the Wave

Nov 08, 2020

Market: School Objective: A school’s athletic program was struggling to pay for recurring expenses. Game attendance had dropped over the previous year, and alumni attendance was weak. The sc...

Case Study: Don't Bottle It Up

Sep 26, 2020

An oil & gas company was building employee gift packages that would appeal to their entire workforce during the COVID-19 public health crisis. With employees working both at home and continuing to wor...

Case Study: It's Raining Cats and Dogs

Sep 19, 2020

Item: Puppies & Kittens Mini Appointment Calendar Client: Pet Food Manufacturer Purpose: Increase pet food sales through goodwill campaign A pet food manufacturer partnered with a nationwide pet...

Case Study: Bear With Us

Sep 12, 2020

Description: Plush Big Paw Bear with Shirt Industry: Financial Services / Banking What it was purchased for: A bank chain needed a product for tellers to hand out to new account members. How it was...

Case Study: Happy to Hang Around

Sep 04, 2020

Description: Standard Door Hangers Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: A collision center wanted to increase the number of customer satisfaction survey responses and boost online appoint...

Case Study: Jot It Down

Aug 21, 2020

Description: Mini Flip Pad Jotter Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: An investment firm wanted to promote their new financial blog to their existing customers with a memorable branded it...

Case Study: Raise Your Glass!

Aug 06, 2020

Objective A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sales and highlight their weekly specials while encouraging enrollment for their ta...

Case Study: It Takes a Village

Jul 30, 2020

Objective: A village needed an easy way to let residents know when there were issues with their water meters. They wanted a faster method of communication than mailing letters, and something more di...

Case Study: A Spoon-taneous Promotion

Jul 01, 2020

Description: Spoon Mug Industry: Advertising What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers. How it was distributed: The spoon mugs w...

Case Study: Too Hot to Jot

Jun 24, 2020

Objective: Department managers wanted their new employees to have an easy way to take notes during the onboarding process. They wanted to incorporate company branding to keep their image consistent....

Case Study: Brighten Their Day

Jun 17, 2020

A realtor wanted to give a thank-you gift to those who purchased a new home with them. They chose the LED Carbon Fiber Aluminum Flashlight. They printed their logo along with the tagline, "We will bri...

Case Study: Computer Repair At Your Fuzzy Fingertips

Jun 02, 2020

A computer repair store attended a local home show and wanted something useful but unique to attract attendees to their booth. They also wanted something that would keep their name top of mind when th...

Case Study: Thank You for Spooning

May 19, 2020

Description: 10 Oz. Aztec Spooner Mug Industry: Advertising / Marketing / Publishing What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers. ...

Case Study: Wine for the Win

May 05, 2020

A local winery at their annual fall festival was looking for a way to boost their sales on take-home bottles of wine. So, they gave away the imprinted Winged Corkscrew to anyone who purchased three bo...

Cheers! Let’s Sell More Beer!

Mar 08, 2020

Description: Custom Wave Table Tent Industry: Hospitality What it was purchased for: A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sales, ...

Case Study: Save the Date, Save the Day

Feb 29, 2020

Description: Trifold Calendars Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high perceived value...

Case Study: Keeping it All Together

Feb 08, 2020

Objective: An insurance company wanted to send new customers home with a special gift and a way to keep their new insurance policy documentation organized. Product: Insurance Document Pouch & F...

Case Study: Wheelie Important Paperwork

Jan 17, 2020

Market: Automotive Objective: A motorcycle dealership wanted professional, branded document pouches to hold important paperwork for new customers to take home after their motorcycle purchase. T...

Case Study: Bringing Back the Fanny Pack

Jan 10, 2020

Market: Entertainment Product Use: Gift With Purchase Promotion: A major theme park chose the Safeguard Security Waist Belt as a gift with purchase for customers who bought season passes. The ...

Case Study: College Fair Giveaway

Dec 26, 2019

Description: 4" Mini Plush Buddies Frog with Shirt Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A community college was looking for a giveaway item to have at their booth for the upcoming college ...

Case Study: Keep it Cooler

Dec 19, 2019

Description: Dual Compartment Cooler Bag Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: An annual company picnic for employees and their families. Each year they give their empl...

Case Study: These Calendars Aren't Week

Nov 20, 2019

Objective: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high-perceived value. Product: Beach Trifold Calendar Personalization: The bank...

Case Study: A

Nov 13, 2019

Organization Tanning Salon Product Featured Polyester Lanyard Goal of Promotion To create new clients for salon Description of Case History A tanning salon wanted a creative way to give out a...

Case Study: Do a Double Take

Nov 06, 2019

Objective A general contracting company was looking for a fun way to provide "before and after" photos to their clients after a remodeling project was complete. Product Double-Sided Portra...

Case Study: A New Way to Do Cross-Promotions

Oct 30, 2019

Clever Meets Subtle: A New Way to Do Cross-Promotions Organization: Department Store Product Featured: Lanyard with Vinyl Pouch Goal of Promotion: Promoting Store Sales Description of Case His...

Case Study: Where Has Your Pen Been?

Oct 23, 2019

Products Javalina Splash® Pen Industry Technology Application Contest An internet company created a branded website for a promotion called “Where has your pen been?” ...

Case Study: Guess the Flavor Lip Balm

Aug 26, 2019

Guess the Flavor Lip Balm Organization Health Insurance Organization Product Featured Lip Balm & Lip Balm Sleeve Goal of Promotion Generating positive reinforcement with sales reps De...

Case Study: The Weather is Snow Joke

Aug 11, 2019

Description: Keep Warm Buddy Set Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A local school was looking for a fundraiser item to help older kids raise money for an overnight camping trip. They ...

Case Study: A Flavorful Promotion

Aug 04, 2019

A Flavorful Promotion Boosts This Credit Union’s Popularity Organization: Credit Union Product Featured: Lip Balm Goal of Promotion: Generate New Loans Description of Case History: Thi...

Case Study: Pull Up a Chair and Stay Awhile

May 18, 2019

Description: Foldable Chair Industry: Education/Sports What it was purchased for: A high school wanted to purchase an item they could resell to the parents in the spirit shop for fundraising dollars...

Case Study: Fun in the Sun

May 11, 2019

Product: Two-Tone Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Sports What it was purchased for: A major sports team was having difficulty keeping attendance up at weeknight games. They came up with the idea of doin...

Case Study: 3D is the Key

Apr 04, 2019

A company was looking for unique items to commemorate the celebration of its 45th year in business. They wanted to incorporate a new logo that communicated the anniversary as well as the range of prod...

A Lunch That Packs a Punch

Mar 07, 2019

Description: 3 Section Lunch Container Industry: Healthcare What it was purchased for: A hospital was looking for a unique lunch packet for nurses, doctors, and anyone else employed at any of the ho...

Case Study: Recycle, Reuse, Read a Book!

Jan 15, 2019

Product: Non-Woven Shopper Tote Bag Industry: Bookstore What it was purchased for: A large college bookstore wanted to feature a reusable shopping bag for students. The goal was to get the students ...

Case Study: Inking Impressions

Nov 19, 2018

Portability and permanence are among the desirable traits sought in an effective promotional product. A company was looking for a unique self-promotion that incorporated these elements and decided on ...

Case Study: Look, Ma, No Hands!

Sep 09, 2018

Description: Auto Air Vent Magnetic Phone Mount Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A technology business was looking for a giveaway item that was unique but also fit within their budget...

Case Study: Sharper Students

Aug 19, 2018

Description: Pencil Sharpener Industry: Construction What it was purchased for: A shipyard in a major city harbor has advocates who go out to local schools to promote shipbuilding. These advocates n...

Raise Your Glass

Aug 11, 2018

The NY Yankees wanted to create special commemorative bottles to celebrate Derek Jeter’s accomplishments at Yankee Stadium. They chose 150 magnum-sized (1.5L) bottles with a special logo and Jet...

Celebrate Milestones

Jul 28, 2018

A bank wanted to promote 110 years of serving individuals and businesses in Pennsylvania through an "Open House" celebration at their branches. Among the many products selected to commemorate this mil...

Increase Awareness

Jul 14, 2018

A national railroad wanted to promote their new train and how it was the best "green alternative" to air shuttle travel. The Save-A-Bottle was the perfect match! The bottle is made of super durable Ea...

Attract New Customers

Jun 30, 2018

As part of their new corporate wellness program, the company wanted to stress the importance of healthy nutrition to its employees. Along with literature, discount memberships at a local health club a...

Employee Appreciation Gift

Jun 01, 2018

A company with many sales representatives needed an item for their top sales performers. Since their sales staff has both men and women, they needed an item that could be used by either gender. They c...

Case Study: It's in the Bag

May 25, 2018

Description Non-Woven Shopper Tote Bag Industry Bookstore What it was purchased for A large Metropolitan Community College Bookstore wanted to feature a reusable shopping bag to the students who ...

Lunchtime Loot

Mar 13, 2018

A restaurant supply company was planning its annual company picnic for employees and their families. Every year, the company gives employees a nice gift in the $10 range. This year, the company chose ...

Improve Sales and Traffic

Mar 13, 2018

A hotel wanted to promote its amenities to guests in a personable, yet non-intrusive manner. The goal was to encourage guests to utilize hotel amenities instead of going off-site to fulfill their need...

Success on Campus

Feb 13, 2018

A large university needed a useful tool to promote its school app to students and faculty because it wanted to use the app to communicate important college news and upcoming events. Since most student...

Case Study: Charity Fundraiser

Jun 29, 2019

The organizer of a charity fundraiser wanted to add an element of fun and excitement to their door prize giveaways. As each guest arrived, they were given a Mardi Gras Jubilee pen and instructions to ...

Case Study: Fewer Tricks and More Treats: Halloween Safety Lanyard

Jun 22, 2019

Fewer Tricks and More Treats: Halloween Safety Lanyard Organization Insurance Company Product Featured Reflective Lanyard Goal of Promotion Promoting safety on Halloween Description of Case H...