Nestor Villalobos, VP of sales at promotional products company Sharp Promo, is set to attend Hotec Operations, an annual conference presented by Questex, the parent company of Hotel Management. At the conference—scheduled this year for June 11-14 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.—buyers meet one-on-one with hospitality-focused suppliers to learn about new products and services and to keep up to date on emerging trends. Ahead of the event, Villalobos shared insights on sustainability, new market demands and vertical integration.
1. How has your segment of the industry changed over the past year?
The promotional products industry has seen a significant shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly products. There's been a growing demand for items that not only promote a brand but also align with environmental values. Additionally, the digital integration in promotional products, like QR codes and augmented reality features, has grown, offering more interactive and engaging user experiences.
2. Can you share some ways you and your company have adapted to these changes?
At Sharp Promo, we've embraced these changes by expanding our product range to include a variety of sustainable options, such as biodegradable materials and products made from recycled plastics. We've also invested in technology to offer digitally interactive promotional items, ensuring our products are not only useful but also technologically relevant.
3. What are some trends you think will have staying power beyond 2024?
Sustainable and eco-friendly products are more than a trend; they represent a shift in consumer consciousness that's here to stay. Additionally, personalized and customized promotional items, enabled by advanced printing and manufacturing technologies, will continue to be popular, as they allow for a more personal connection with the brand.
4. What is the biggest challenge you have overcome over the past year?
One of the biggest challenges was adapting to the rapidly changing market demands, especially in the wake of global supply chain disruptions. We overcame this by diversifying our supplier network and improving our inventory management, ensuring we can meet customer demands promptly and efficiently.
5. How have you incorporated environmental, social and governance efforts into your hospitality operations?
We've incorporated ESG efforts by sourcing products from suppliers who adhere to ethical manufacturing practices. We also prioritize products made from sustainable materials and have implemented internal policies to reduce waste and energy consumption in our operations.
6. What are you most excited about accomplishing over the next year?
Over the next year, we're particularly excited about expanding our vertical integration capabilities. Currently, Sharp Promo handles a significant portion of our decoration processes in-house, including embroidery, screen printing, laser etching, and heat press. This year, we're moving to a larger facility to accommodate additional equipment, which will further enhance our production capabilities. This expansion allows us to significantly lower lead times and reduce costs, enabling us to provide even better service and value to our clients. It's a major step towards self-sufficiency and efficiency, ensuring that we can meet the growing demands of our customers with ease and reliability.
7. What is the value of meeting hospitality buyers one-on-one?
Meeting hospitality buyers one-on-one is invaluable for understanding their specific needs and challenges. It allows for more personalized service and the ability to tailor our products and solutions directly to their requirements, fostering stronger, more meaningful business relationships.
Hotec Operations will take place June 11-14 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Applications are open for buyers and suppliers.