Trade Shows

613 Originals’ First PPAI Expo: Welcome to the 613 Diner

Cat Cosentino

If you walked through PPAI Expo in Las Vegas (1/13–1/15) and heard a bell ring followed by someone yelling “ORDER UP!”… there’s a good chance you found us.

This year was 613 Originals’ first time exhibiting at PPAI, and we knew we didn’t want to show up with a standard booth and a stack of brochures. We wanted to create something fun, memorable, and built to prove what we do best: helping brands and decorators bring products to life through high-impact decoration.

So we built the 613 Diner. 🛎️

Why a Diner?

The 613 Diner was designed as a nod to our roots in New Jersey, widely known as the diner capital of the country. Diners are part of the culture. They’re familiar, welcoming, and built around consistency and craft.

It also turned out to be the perfect framework for PPAI. In the promotional products space, the products themselves are only half the story. Decoration is what turns an item into a brand moment, and the diner concept let us showcase that in a way that felt natural, hands-on, and highly visual.

“Order up!”: Live Pressing & Live Reactions

Throughout the show, our team ran live pressing demos featuring two of our most attention-grabbing special effects:

Glitter Puff
Multidimensional Puff

As each sample was finished, we rang the bell and called out “ORDER UP!”, then served samples in plastic baskets to stay true to the diner theme. We pressed primarily on JERZEES 960M tees, and also demonstrated applications on tote bags to highlight versatility across apparel and accessories.

The live pressing format created constant momentum at the booth and gave attendees a direct way to see and feel the texture, dimension, and premium finish these effects deliver.

UV DTF Across the Entire Booth

We also used the booth itself as a proof-of-concept for UV DTF.

Any glass, metal, or plastic surface that could be decorated was. Trays, condiment bottles, napkin holders, mugs, glasses, coffee pots, bottle openers, keychains, and more were all branded with UV DTF to demonstrate its clarity, durability, and wide range of applications for promotional products.

For many attendees, it was one of the clearest demonstrations of how quickly a basic item can become a polished, retail-ready product through the right decoration method.

The Sticker Machine

One of the most popular features in the booth was our vintage sticker machine, which dispensed UV DTF stickers featuring custom designs created specifically for the 613 Diner.

It was quick, interactive, and easy to participate in, and it gave attendees a simple takeaway that reinforced the booth concept while highlighting another practical use for UV DTF.

Details That Made the Concept Feel Real

The 613 Diner worked because we went all in.

Our team wore full diner-style uniforms, including decorated tees, aprons, hats, and name tags, and we built out a merch stand displaying multiple formulas on framed garments. From the booth signage to the sample presentation, every element was designed to keep the experience cohesive and intentional.

We had a merch stand showing off different formulas on framed shirts, and we kept the booth experience consistent from wall graphics down to how we served samples.

We had an 'employee' taking a break behind the booth.

We even had a display case that featured easter eggs from prior booth experiences like The Fruit Stand and the Taco Truck.

That attention to detail went a long way. We heard incredibly kind feedback, with attendees appreciating the details and creativity, but also the excitement and energy felt in the booth.

For our first time at PPAI, we definitely left an impression.

The Giveaway: A To-Go Experience

DSCF0846 Our giveaway was built like a full brand kit.

We handed out JERZEES 960M shirts with premium finishing details:

A custom 613 Diner hang tag
A printed neck label
Back decoration using a screenprint transfer or direct-to-garment screenprint
Front decoration using Glitter Puff or Multidimensional Puff

Each shirt was packaged in a takeout box, complete with a printed diner-style menu insert.

It was equal parts fun and practical. A real “you had to be there” moment that also showed the quality and range we can produce.

The Menu: What We're Offering Now

This show was a big milestone for us for another reason.

We’ve expanded our decoration services.

The 613 Diner Menu made it simple to understand what we can produce and how we can support promo programs moving forward:

Screenprint (1, 2, or 3 Color)
Hybrid
Special Effects (Puff, Neon, and more)
Decoration services for the transfers customers already rely on
Newly added services including direct-to-garment screenprinting and embroidery

Bottom line: we’re here to help you say yes to more. More products, more methods, more consistency, and more ways to deliver premium decorated goods at scale.

Let's Continue the Conversation

If you stopped by the 613 Diner, thank you. We loved meeting you, talking shop, and showing what’s possible when creativity and production come together.

If we didn’t get a chance to connect during the show, we’d still love to talk.

Schedule time with our team to learn more about our decoration services and how 613 Originals can help you build standout promo products, retail-quality merch, and high-impact decorated goods.

Schedule a Meeting with Us