We Are PPAI Proud

FUSION OF IDEAS is now a member of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the world’s largest not-for-profit trade association of the promotional products industry. 

For more than a decade, we have committed to helping our clients create powerful brand experiences to mobilize and grow their businesses. We do this through our laser etch, full-color direct print and StealthArmor branding solutions, as well as custom device packaging. 

Additionally, we are proud to hold the ‘Product Safety Aware’ status in PPAI’s Product Safety Awareness Program. This means we have met or exceeded the PPAI product safety training and education requirements.

Maintaining this status is an ongoing effort we are committed to. We are dedicated to continuing education on all matters related to product safety and compliance in an effort to increase the value in the service that we deliver.

Founded in 1903, PPAI has a long history of leadership in the development of training and education programs meant to enhance safety programs in the promotional products industry. The Association is the world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit trade association for the $18.5 billion promotional products industry and is the leading provider of promotional products safety and compliance training and education with more than 50-years of professional development and certification.

A Customized Experience in NYC: 53rd Annual International Achievement Summit

More than 80 aspiring young scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs and public servants recently gathered in New York City to meet with some of the world’s most outstanding leaders in the arts, sciences, business and public service.

The program, 53rd Annual International Achievement Summit, hosted by the American Academy of Achievement, welcomed recipients of the Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize, Justices of the United States Supreme Court, and members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Guests at the 53rd International Achievement Summit. Photo source: American Academy of Achievement
Guests at the 53rd International Achievement Summit. Photo source: American Academy of Achievement

The highlight of the program was the Banquet of the Golden Plate where 34 guests of honor were inducted into the Academy and presented with the Golden Plate Award.

Some of this year’s guests of honor included: Two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Leymah Gbowee and Nadia Murad; American blues guitarist and singer, Buddy Guy; Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Brett M. Kavanaugh; The Who’s Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey; musical theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber; and designer Thomas Heatherwick.

Attendees at the event used iPads that contained preloaded content, including an app that directs the guest to the event’s agenda, as well as iBooks and podcasts created by the Academy. Each tablet was protected by a smart cover printed with a custom design artwork for the event. All of these services, including the kitting of the iPad packages, were serviced by FUSION OF IDEAS.

“We plan all year for our International Achievement Summit and it’s important that we create the best experience for our guests,” said Ethel Terrado-Lowe, Academy of Achievement Director of New Media and Design. “The FUSION OF IDEAS team understood our mission and were not just order takers, they were partners with us in creating a complete brand experience for our program guests. The team was timely, responsive and knowledgeable, which made working with them a seamless experience.” 

The American Academy of Achievement is a nonprofit organization that brings together the most accomplished people from diverse fields around the world to encourage and inspire the next generation. The organization was founded by Brian Blaine Reynolds, a photographer known for his contributions to Life magazine and Sports Illustrated, in order to bring aspiring young people together with preeminent achievers, who excel in their chosen professions.

Attendees used iPads with a custom-printed smart cover. Inside the iPad, there was a preloaded app directed the guest to the event’s agenda.
Attendees used iPads with a custom-printed smart cover. Inside the iPad, there was a preloaded app directed the guest to the event’s agenda.
Leymah Gbowee of Liberia, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, addresses Academy delegates and members at the Summit. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement.
Leymah Gbowee of Liberia, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, addresses Academy delegates and members at the Summit. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement.
Some of the guests of honor at the Summit included: Anthony M. Kennedy, retired Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and Steven Tyler, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer and songwriter. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement
Some of the guests of honor at the Summit included: Anthony M. Kennedy, retired Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and Steven Tyler, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer and songwriter. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement

Apple Watch, Your Way

Personalization is the way of the future, at least according to Apple. At the Apple event earlier this week, the tech giant launched Apple Watch Studio, which lets you mix and match Apple Watch casings and straps to get the exact look that you want.

Taking it a step further, add your company logo or a custom design opens a branding opportunity for your business. It’s a gift-giving opportunity for your employees or a way to say “thank you” to a vendor or client.

Custom branding options on the Apple Watch:

  • Company or recipient name on the blank side of the case
  • Logo or design on the Watch button
  • Custom design or logo etched on the Sport Bands
  • Color logo or design on the charger

Being able to choose the material, style and color of your Apple Watch case and bands, there are over a 1,000 different watch customization options. Being able to add your own logo or design, the possibilities are endless. There is truly a watch for everyone.

Now Serving: Powerbeats Pro

True wireless earphones are dominating the audio market. They are compact, convenient and most offer excellent sound quality. Apple AirPods, as the first true wireless earphones on the market, have been the ones to beat. Since its initial launch in 2016, AirPods has been our most popular device for customization, particularly for corporate gifting. 

We’re thrilled about the latest release in this product category – Powerbeats Pro. Aimed at the sporty crowd, these wireless earphones have been rated highly for its design, sound and battery life.

As with any new product offering, we are excited to showcase the impactful brand experience through our customization services. Watch this video to see the power behind creating a memorable unboxing experience

Laser Etching Your Company Devices

Laser technology has been around since the 1900s. Used in industries from healthcare to manufacturing, it is among the most versatile inventions of modern times because of its precision. 

While we are not experts in all things laser, we do know a thing or two about laser etching on mobile devices. By blending the technical process of laser etching with a creative eye, we have transformed countless mobile devices from something out of the box to extraordinary. 

What is Laser Etching?

Laser etching is a laser-guided method that creates a detailed and precise imprint onto a hard material. It works best on coated metals, anodized aluminum and hard plastics. The strength and heat of the laser are determined based on the material it is cutting.

Why Businesses Opt for Laser Etching on Company Devices

  • Security and Tracking Businesses use laser etching to secure company devices by imprinting an ID number or company logo to deter theft. Particularly for enterprises with a large number of remote employees, marking company devices allows for easier identification and tracking. 
  • Brand Recognition – Putting your company logo and name on customer-facing products is the best way to build brand recognition. Using a branded device for a business function or as a business gift, are easy ways to keep your brand visible in the marketplace.

Laser Etching vs. Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is a different technique from laser etching. The main difference between the two is the depth of the marking. While both offer a permanent solution, laser engraving is not suitable to use on mobile devices. Here’s why:

During the laser etching process, the top layer of your material is vaporized, producing little to no depth but rather, a high-contrast marking. The depth of the mark doesn’t go any deeper than 0.001 inches, which is why it’s ideal for thinner materials.

Laser engraving, on the other hand, vaporizes some of the base material with cone shape indentation. Engraving works well for harder materials like wood, rubber, and acrylic. If laser engraving is done on a fragile material, like the back of a mobile phone or tablet, it can disfigure the device, or worse, ruin it entirely.

The Results

Laser etch is a great way to outfit your devices with a detailed and permanent impression of your brand. Here are some examples:

Secure your company devices by adding your company logo or a custom design using laser etch.
Secure your company devices by adding your company logo or a custom design using laser etch.
Laser etch is the process of using a laser beam to precisely cut an image or pattern into a hard material.
Laser etch is the process of using a laser beam to precisely cut an image or pattern into a hard material.
Custom laser etch on Otterbox Elevation 20 tumbler
Custom laser etch on Otterbox Elevation 20 tumbler