Holmes Specialty Advertising, Inc.

Promotional Power: Engaging Visitors at Zoos and Aquariums

Jun 5

When it comes to spreading awareness and engaging visitors, zoos and aquariums have a wild advantage: their loveable animal ambassadors and awe-inspiring exhibits. But there's another secret weapon...

Case Study: Real Modern Recognition

May 14

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 year-e...

Case Study: A Cheese-y Promotion

Apr 15

Objective: A restaurant was looking for a unique way to deliver custom printed coupons to their guests to attract more repeat business. Product: Coupon Gatefold Photo Folder Personalization: R...

Case Study: Inking Impressions

Mar 23

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 ...

Case Study: Charity Fundraiser

Feb 22

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 ...

Case Study: The Big Picture

Jan 9

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 repea...

Industry Mini Dive: The Trucking Industry

Dec 2, 2025

The trucking industry is an essential part of the economy, transporting goods across the country and keeping businesses running smoothly. With such an important role, it's crucial for trucking comp...

Case Study: Fun in the Sun

Nov 17, 2025

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 d...

Case Study: A Prom Ticket Keepsake

Sep 26, 2025

A Prom Ticket Keepsake Organization High School Product Featured Elastic Wristband Goal of Promotion Issuing prom tickets ...

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

Sep 19, 2025

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 beach while the talent...

Case Study: Happy to Hang Around

Jul 22, 2025

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 appo...

Braving Campground Antics with the SAHARA Sports Bottle

Jul 15, 2025

Camping isn't always a vacation, y'all. Seasonal KOA® Work Kampers help KOA owners wrangle feisty RV transients (a.k.a. retirees) for their supper. The least they deserve is a free RV hookup...AN...

Case Study: Jot It Down

Jul 8, 2025

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...

Case Study: A

May 26, 2025

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 ou...

Case Study: Brighten Their Day

May 18, 2025

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 ...

Industry Mini Drive: Doggy Daycare

May 4, 2025

The doggy daycare industry is booming, and for good reason. With more and more people owning pets and treating them as members of the family, the demand for quality pet care services has never been...

Case Study: Resort Incentive Yields Oceans of Opportunity

Apr 27, 2025

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 guest...

Case Study: A Shoe-In

Jan 10, 2025

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 lev...

Case Study: Hay, Where'd You Get That Tote?

Jan 3, 2025

Description: Large Boat Tote Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: Horse show giveaways How it was distributed: A local horse show needed gifts for their major contributors. A ...

Industry Deep Dive: Pet Industry

Dec 5, 2024

The pet industry is booming, with more and more people welcoming furry friends into their homes every year. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent a whopping $...

The Big Three

Nov 28, 2024

For well over two hundred years, promotional products have been a staple in marketing! From yesterday's presidential campaign buttons to today's Popsockets, promo will never go away. And neither wi...

Industry Deep Dive: Salons & Spas

Nov 7, 2024

Salons and spas are part of a booming industry that continues to grow yearly as the demand for beauty and wellness services is at an all-time high. From haircuts and manicures to massages and facia...

Case Study: Success on Campus

Oct 2, 2024

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 stud...

Case Study: The Write Stuff

Sep 3, 2024

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: P...

Case Study: College Fair Giveaway

Aug 19, 2024

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 colle...

Case Study: What Does Your Phone Stand For?

May 24, 2024

Product: Phone Stand Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A local financial institution needed a giveaway item for current and potential clients. It had to be useful to keep their name ...

Case Study: Do a Double Take

May 17, 2024

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 Portrait F...

Case Study: Where Has Your Pen Been?

May 3, 2024

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

Wooing Discerning Celebs with the CARSON Double Wall Bolero Tumbler

Mar 6, 2024

What do you get the celebrity-chef-turned-travel-show-host who has everything? How about the VP of Paid Media at a premier hotel chain you'd love to snag an advertising deal with? Brands like Tra...

Case Study: Life of the Mardi

Feb 6, 2024

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 wan...

Case Study: Have a Seat

Jan 22, 2024

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 affor...

Case Study: Fresh Mesh Promotions

Jan 15, 2024

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 presentatio...

Case Study: Keep it Sweet

Jan 8, 2024

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 Appreci...

Case Study: Wheelie Important Paperwork

Nov 9, 2023

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. Th...

Case Study: Practice Putting

Sep 11, 2023

2 Ball Pillow Pack - Titleist® TruFeel for Non-Profit Event When a non-profit had to cancel their annual fundraising dinner due to Coronavirus, a golf course donated their clubhouse patio and prac...

Case Study: Health & Wellness Spas

Jun 15, 2023

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 fee...

Case Study: Safety First

May 31, 2023

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 bra...

Case Study: The Techno Pup!

May 16, 2023

A software company creates attention at tradeshow events with custom plush animal mascot giveaways. This plush Leonberger Dog Mascot for the company as giveaways at trade shows and other marketing ...

Case Study: Paw-se and Appreciate the Little Things

May 1, 2023

Description: Big Paw Bear Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A senior living community was looking for holiday gifts for their residents. How it was distributed: W...

Case Study: Rock out on the Run

Feb 19, 2023

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 ...

Case Study: Put That on Your Calendar!

Feb 11, 2023

Objective: A local insurance agent wanted a way to connect with her customers and capture new leads with a useful promotional item that would also boost her personal branding and promote her serv...

Case Study: I've Got You Covered

Jan 21, 2023

Description: Chenille Blanket Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A local hospital needed blankets to hand out to children who were currently patients that they coul...

Case Study: Computer Repair At Your Fuzzy Fingertips

Jan 14, 2023

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...

Case Study: A Spoon-taneous Promotion

Dec 30, 2022

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 mug...

Case Study: Snap a Pic!

Nov 30, 2022

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 s...

Case Study: A Not-So-Silly Idea

Nov 23, 2022

An insurance company signed up to be the "hydration" sponsor for a fun and colorful 5K run/walk for charity. The race was popular in the community because it was known as a vibrant, fun-filled even...

Case Study: Raise Your Glass!

Oct 31, 2022

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...

Case Study: Piece of Cake

Oct 2, 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: Wave Hello to Recognition

Sep 17, 2022

Item: JAFFA® Wave Award Purpose: Welcome gift for incentive winners Audience: Software company sales representatives A software company held a sales incentive contest for reps to win a trip t...

Case Study: Promo'd to a Tee

Sep 10, 2022

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. The compan...

Case Study: Create Your Own Reality

Sep 2, 2022

Description: Custom Cardboard Virtual Reality v2 Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: A leave behind for Field Marketing Account Managers to help convert business from the...

Case Study: Take a Map!

Aug 11, 2022

Objective: A university wanted a practical handout to give to prospective students, alumni, and other campus visitors. The handout was intended for first-time visitors and those who hadn't been o...

Case Study: Good Deeds for Kids in Need

Jul 13, 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 eve...

Case Study: Snack Pack It!

May 29, 2022

Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Gift with Enrollment Promotion: An ocean excursion company chose the Igloo® Marine Backpack Cooler as a gift with enrollment for customers participating ...

Case Study: Bringing Back the Fanny Pack

May 22, 2022

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 w...

Case Study: Financial Industry

May 7, 2022

Products Javalina® Classic Pen Industry Financial Application Direct Mail A local bank wanted to increase awareness of its low mortgage rates and decided to do a direct mailing to...

Case Study: Thank You for Spooning

Apr 22, 2022

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: Let the Games Begin!

Feb 14, 2022

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. ...

Case Study: Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time

Jan 9, 2022

Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time Organization High School Product Featured Spray Hand Sanitizer Goal of Promotion To promote good health for the winter season Description of Cas...

Case Study: It's Raining Cats and Dogs

Dec 3, 2021

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 p...

Case Study: Wine for the Win

Nov 26, 2021

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...

Case Study: Pull Up a Chair and Stay Awhile

Nov 19, 2021

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 doll...

Case Study: Improve Sales and Traffic

Oct 21, 2021

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 n...

Case Study: A Hole in One Promotion

Oct 14, 2021

Product: Jumbo Cooler Bag Industry: Agriculture What it was purchased for: These bags were given out to participants in a company golf tournament. How it was distributed: All participants receiv...

Case Study: Back in Business

Sep 30, 2021

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 ...

Case Study: Keep it Cooler

Sep 1, 2021

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 thei...

Case Study: Do the Wave

Aug 25, 2021

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 schoo...

Case Study: Celebrate Milestones

Aug 17, 2021

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 ...

Case Study: Guess the Flavor Lip Balm

Aug 2, 2021

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 ...

Case Study: You've Got the Power

Jul 26, 2021

A gym wanted to promote their additional personal training services. The client gave the Compact Aluminum Power Bank 4000 mAh away to new clients who booked an initial consultation with a trainer. ...

Case Study: I Was Framed!

Jul 19, 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 wante...

Case Study: Zip It Up

Jun 27, 2021

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 ...

Case Study: A Flavorful Promotion

Jun 20, 2021

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: This c...

Case Study: A Getaway Promotion

Jun 5, 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 ke...

Case Study: Look, Ma, No Hands!

May 22, 2021

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 bud...

Case Study: Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic

Apr 30, 2021

The "Golden Lanyard" to Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic Organization: Health Care Organization Product Featured: Cotton Water Bottle Strap Goal of Promotion: Driving Traffic to Trade ...

Case Study: Sometimes You Just Need to Vent

Apr 23, 2021

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 b...

Case Study: This Event Needs More Cowbell

Apr 16, 2021

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 runner...

Case Study: Don't Bottle It Up

Apr 1, 2021

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 w...

Case Study: Raise Your Glass

Mar 25, 2021

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 Jeter'...

Case Study: Bake in Business

Mar 18, 2021

Description: Set of 4 Measuring Cups Industry: Hospitality / Tourism What it was purchased for: A casino in the Milwaukee area wanted to spice up a "normal giveaway" with a theme. They had come t...

A Lunch That Packs a Punch

Mar 3, 2021

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...

Case Study: It's in the Bag

Feb 10, 2021

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 w...

Case Study: Yes, We Can!

Feb 3, 2021

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...