How to Prep for the New Year
Nov 17, 2025
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Educational
Introduction
2026 is already looking like it's going to be a big year! If your brand isn’t planning to take advantage of the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina and win the tradeshow season, you’re missing major chances at brand exposure.
Both moments are built for visibility: one puts the world’s attention on teamwork, pride, and performance; the other puts your brand right in front of key clients and partners. The trick is to align your merch and messaging to win both.
Here’s how to get your brand ready for these major events in the new year.
Tap Into the Olympic Spirit
The Winter Olympics bring us sports, but they also bring storytelling, intense emotions, and team pride. Brands that lean into that energy can build campaigns that feel timely and inspiring, which will gain them new fans.
Use this moment to show your team’s competitive side: launch limited-edition merch drops, create “team” uniforms, or even theme your internal events around performance and unity. When your merch and message align, it turns attention into impressions, and impressions turn into brand loyalty.
Use Tradeshow Season as Your Stage
Tradeshows may feel a little on the nose for selling your brand, but they are the perfect place to try new things with a live audience. With your booth’s signage and giveaways, you have a few seconds to make a lasting impression on your targeted demographic. Make those few seconds count with elevated, branded merch that draws people in and gets them talking about you and your brand after the tradeshow months later.
Pro tip: go for premium, useful items that stand out in a sea of your average tradeshow setup. You can also get signage that you will use again, saving you money in the long run and creating something that people will look for time and time again.
Build Massive Hype Before the Event
Don’t wait until you’re at the booth or an Olympic related event to get attention. Use sneak peeks, social teasers, and partner seeding to build anticipation around your merch and brand. Create a limited-run item that people will want before they even see it in person.
It’s only human to want something that feels exclusive.
Start Early
Timing is everything. Olympic season and tradeshow season both bring production rushes and shipping delays, so start prepping early. Partner with a team that can help you source, brand, and ship merchandise seamlessly (yes, that’s us).
We’ll make sure your ideas win you gold!
Conclusion
The best brands plan like athletes; with precision, consistency, and purpose. Use the beginning of 2026 to build awareness, connect with your audience, and show up with merch that feels current, intentional, and unforgettable.
Let’s get your brand ready to take over 2026!
