SAAGNY

What SAAGNY does

SAAGNY (Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York), founded in 1955 and headquartered in Fort Lee, NJ, is a non-profit trade association and the largest regional body in the U.S. promotional products industry, representing approximately 600 member firms across New York, New Jersey, and Southern Connecticut. Its membership is horizontally segmented into four constituencies: Distributors, Suppliers, Multi-Line Representatives (MLRs), and Business Services providers, each served by tiered annual dues ranging from $224 to $624 plus supplier/MLR pricing. SAAGNY's revenue model combines recurring subscription dues with transaction-based event fees, supplier sponsorships, and newsletter/web advertising. The association is governed by an elected Board of Directors under current Executive Director John R. B. Cudahy, MAS, MASI.

SAAGNY's product surface is centered on a portfolio of recurring in-person events — the flagship Promotions East (Manhattan 2026; previously Harrah's Atlantic City), Winter Show, Fall Show, and Summer Showcase — supplemented by factory tours, webinars, networking mixers, and a Mobile Event App. Member services include the searchable SAAGNY Directory, a Regional Coupon Book (via Zoomcatalog and PromoHunt), professional development credits (CAS, MAS, MAS+), a Mentoring Circles program, an annual awards program with categories spanning Supplier/Distributor/Decorator of the Year, Hall of Fame, 40 Under 40, and DEI/Eco Impact, and scholarship funding through the separately organized SAAGNY Foundation. Advocacy is delivered via the Legislative Action Watch (L.A.W.) program in coordination with PPAI at the federal level and through District 1 partnerships (CPPA, NEPPA, PAPPA, TRASA) at the regional level.

The underlying technology stack is light and largely outsourced: the public website and member database run on Wild Apricot membership management software, the event app is built on the Eventify platform (com.eventify.gp.cd), and member discount programs are routed through Zoomcatalog and PromoHunt. There is no disclosed proprietary platform, API, or AI/ML capability. Recent operational priorities visible in the record include the December 2023 bylaws amendment adding two board seats, the August 2024 board appointment of Zagwear EVP Josh Nachman, and the 2026 reimagination of Promotions East NYC with Daymond John as keynote speaker — collectively signaling an emphasis on event-quality upgrades and governance expansion rather than product or technology transformation.

Name

SAAGNY

Legal name

Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York

Website

https://saagny.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SAAGNY is the largest regional trade association in the U.S. promotional products industry, serving approximately 600 distributor, supplier, multi-line representative, and business services member firms across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut through membership dues, trade shows, and advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAFAMAG

Trade Show Giveaways & Event Premiums

Business & Public Services/Marketing, Advertising & PR Services/Promotional Products & Sales Promotion Services

Keywords

• Trade association services
• Promotional products industry
• Membership association
• Trade show events
• Industry advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Lee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: SAAGNY generates revenue primarily through membership dues paid by distributors, suppliers, multi-line representatives, and business services companies. Membership tiers range from $224 to $624 per year depending on company type and user profile count. Business Services Membership is priced at $264/year. Auto-renewal subscription model.
2. Event Fees and Sponsorships: Revenue is generated through ticket sales for trade shows (Promotions East, Winter Show, Summer Showcase, Fall Show), factory tours, networking events, webinars, and social events. Supplier sponsorships at events and advertising in the SAAGNY newsletter and website provide additional revenue streams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

SAAGNY is a regional trade association serving approximately 600 firms in the promotional products industry across New York, New Jersey, and Southern Connecticut. The association delivers membership-based services including flagship trade shows (Promotions East, Winter Show, Fall Show), professional development and certification credits (CAS, MAS, MAS+), networking events, factory tours, an annual awards program, legislative advocacy through PPAI, and exclusive member discounts. It is the largest regional trade association in the U.S. promotional products industry.

Product overview

SAAGNY (Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York) is the largest regional trade association in the Promotional Products industry, serving approximately 600 firms in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The organization operates as a membership-based association rather than a product company, providing a portfolio of member services including trade shows (Promotions East, Winter Show, Fall Show), the SAAGNY Event App for mobile event access, awards programs (Supplier/Distributor of the Year, Hall of Fame, 40 Under Forty), professional development certifications (CAS, MAS, MAS+), factory tours, mentoring circles, and advocacy programs. The association also facilitates member discounts through partnerships and operates the SAAGNY Foundation for scholarships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SAAGNY Event App Mobile application providing event schedules, updates, and networking connections for SAAGNY events. Available on iOS and Android devices for promotional products distributors, suppliers, MLRs, and business services members.
• Promotions East Trade Show Flagship regional trade show for the promotional products industry, featuring suppliers, distributors, education sessions, and networking. Held in Manhattan (2026) and previously at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City (2022-2023).
• SAAGNY Winter Show Annual indoor trade show event for promotional products distributors and suppliers, held in Suffern, NY.
• SAAGNY Fall Show Annual fall trade show event for the promotional products industry, held in East Rutherford, NJ.
• SAAGNY Awards Program Annual awards program recognizing excellence in the promotional products industry including Supplier of the Year, Distributor of the Year, Multi-Line Rep of the Year, Decorator of the Year, Customer Service Excellence Award, Eco Impact Award, Next Wave Award, Foundation Volunteer of the Year, Hall of Fame, and 40 Under Forty.
• SAAGNY Professional Development Certifications Professional development credits including CAS, MAS, and MAS+ points earned through SAAGNY's educational programming and webinars for promotional products industry members.
• SAAGNY Member Directory Searchable member directory providing free industry profiles for SAAGNY members, enabling networking and business connections between distributors, suppliers, MLRs, and service providers in the promotional products industry.
• SAAGNY Factory Tours Behind-the-scenes tours of manufacturing facilities including Showdown Displays, Prime Line, Midnite Snax, and Liqui-Mark, providing SAAGNY members with industry education and transparency.
• SAAGNY Mentoring Circles Group mentoring program connecting 5-7 participants led by a single mentor, focused on leadership skills, career development, public speaking, and professional networking for SAAGNY members.
• SAAGNY Foundation Scholarship Program Educational scholarships supporting SAAGNY members and their families through The SAAGNY Foundation.
• SAAGNY Regional Coupon Book Digital coupon book offering deep industry savings from supplier partners, provided free to SAAGNY members through ZOOMcatalog and PromoHunt partnerships.
• SAAGNY Legislative Action Watch (L.A.W.) Advocacy program alerting SAAGNY members of state and national legislation impacting the promotional products industry, coordinated with PPAI for federal representation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Promotional products industry is a $26 billion dollar business, with SAAGNY being the largest regional trade association in this sector.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• PPAI (Promotional Products Association International)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAAGNY partners with PPAI for advocacy efforts on behalf of the promotional products industry. Through the Legislative Action Watch (L.A.W.) program, SAAGNY informs members of state and national legislation impacting the industry. SAAGNY leadership participates in PPAI events including PPAI L.E.A.D. in Washington D.C. and PPAI Expo.
• District 1 Regional Associations (CPPA, NEPPA, PAPPA, TRASA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAAGNY collaborates with Chesapeake Promotional Products Association (CPPA), New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA), Philadelphia Area Promotional Products Association (PAPPA), and Three Rivers Advertising Specialty Association (TRASA) as part of District 1. These five regionals collaborated on the 'Power of 1' show tour in January 2022 and 2024, combining resources, values, and communities for the Northeast region.
• DistributorCentralmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerDistributorCentral was named the Premium Partner for the Promotions East 2022 show at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City. DistributorCentral is a technology platform built for the promotional products industry providing free technology tools for product research, ordering, customer management, and e-commerce websites. They hosted education sessions and in-booth demos during the show.
• Daymond JohnmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerDaymond John, founder and CEO of FUBU (a global lifestyle brand with over $6 billion in sales) and longtime investor on ABC's Shark Tank, served as keynote speaker at Promotions East in June 2026. A branding expert, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author, he participated in a moderated discussion and VIP photo opportunity at the event.
• Showdown DisplaysminorGTM or Marketing PartnerShowdown Displays hosted a factory tour for SAAGNY members in May 2026, providing behind-the-scenes access to their manufacturing facility. The tour was described as a highlight of the month and educational opportunity for the SAAGNY community.
• Prime LineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSAAGNY conducted a factory tour at Prime Line's facility, described as a tremendous success. Members received a behind-the-scenes look at Prime's operations along with an engaging educational presentation.
• Midnite SnaxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMidnite Snax, a leading candy, snack and gourmet food manufacturer and supplier to the promotional products industry, partnered with SAAGNY for factory tours on August 4, 2026. Midnite Snax is WBENC-certified as a Women's Business Enterprise.
• Liqui-MarkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLiqui-Mark partnered with SAAGNY for a factory tour on August 4, 2026. Space at Liqui-Mark was limited, encouraging early registration. The tour was combined with Midnite Snax for a joint factory tour experience.
• ZagwearcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZagwear's EVP Josh Nachman was appointed to the SAAGNY Board of Directors in August 2024. This appointment reinforces SAAGNY's commitment to driving innovation and excellence within the promotional products industry, with Nachman bringing over two decades of industry experience.
• Constant ContactminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConstant Contact provides services to SAAGNY members at up to 25% discount as part of SAAGNY member benefits. SAAGNY hosted a Constant Contact webinar on May 5, 2026.
• SAGE (Global Advertising Specialties)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSAGE provides products and services to SAAGNY members at a 10% discount as part of member benefits. SAAGNY hosted a SAGE Contract Decorators webinar on July 14, 2026 offering certification credits.
• City BonfiresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMidnite Snax entered into a partnership agreement with City Bonfires, the first portable bonfire brand, to exclusively promote and sell City Bonfires branded corporate gifts in the promotional products industry. Midnite Snax provides product development support and infrastructure to scale City Bonfires' products.
• Midnite SnaxminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMidnite Snax is a member company of SAAGNY that partnered with City Bonfires to expand the portable bonfire product line into the promotional products industry. Midnite Snax was founded in 1991 and is now led by CEO Lara Fraum, certified as a Women's Business Enterprise.
• ZoomcatalogminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSAAGNY partners with Zoomcatalog for its digital coupon book program, providing members access to digital coupons and promotional offers through Zoomcatalog's platform.
• PromoHuntminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSAAGNY partners with PromoHunt for its Regional Coupon Program, offering SAAGNY member suppliers no-charge opportunities to gain exposure through the PromoHunt extension. The partnership provides coupon distribution to distributors across the country.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• HALO (formerly Halo Branded Solutions): A large US promotional products distributor and SAAGNY member company that has received the SAAGNY Distributor Technology Award. HALO represents a major distributor member whose continued engagement underpins SAAGNY's membership value.
• Proforma: One of the largest promotional products distributors in North America and a SAAGNY member company. While not an association peer, Proforma represents the type of large distributor member that drives SAAGNY event turnout and sponsorship revenue.
• DistributorCentral: A technology platform for the promotional products industry providing product research, ordering, and e-commerce tools. DistributorCentral served as Premium Partner for Promotions East, making it a key enabling technology vendor within SAAGNY's member ecosystem.
• Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI): The largest media, data, and services provider for the promotional products industry, serving many of the same distributors and suppliers as SAAGNY. While not a trade association, ASI is a key industry ecosystem participant that shapes how SAAGNY members research, source, and transact.
• SAGE (Global Advertising Specialties): A major technology and services provider to the promotional products industry, offering research, ordering, and business management tools used by SAAGNY members. SAGE partners with SAAGNY (10% member discount) and operates adjacent to the association's value proposition.

Broad incumbents

• PPAI (Promotional Products Association International): The national trade association for the promotional products industry, serving as SAAGNY's federal advocacy partner and the umbrella organization for regional associations. PPAI offers larger-scale events, education, and lobbying that complement SAAGNY's regional focus, making it the most directly comparable broader incumbent peer.

Direct peers

• Philadelphia Area Promotional Products Association (PAPPA): Regional trade association serving the greater Philadelphia area and a SAAGNY District 1 partner. PAPPA operates the same membership, networking, and education model for distributors and suppliers in a contiguous Northeast market.
• Three Rivers Advertising Specialty Association (TRASA): Regional trade association serving the Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania area, and a SAAGNY District 1 partner that co-hosted the 'Power of 1' show tour. TRASA is a direct peer in the regional association space with similar membership and event offerings.
• New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA): Regional trade association serving the New England states and a SAAGNY District 1 partner that has collaborated on the 'Power of 1' show tour. NEPPA mirrors SAAGNY's membership and event-based business model in an adjacent Northeast region.
• Chesapeake Promotional Products Association (CPPA): Regional trade association serving Maryland, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia, and one of SAAGNY's District 1 partners. CPPA offers the same membership, events, and education model for an adjacent Northeast geography, making it the closest direct peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/saagny

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SAAGNY