Outdoor Cap Brings AI to PPAI With Innovative "Cap AI" Experience

BENTONVILLE, Ark./ Jan. 21, 2025 — Outdoor Cap, a leader in the headwear industry, showcased a unique activation dubbed 'Cap AI' at the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Expo last week. This inventive experience combined artificial intelligence and event photography to celebrate iconic films and the timeless appeal of baseball caps. 


In a nod to the industry's affinity for vibrant and full-color designs through direct-to-film (DTF) printing, Outdoor Cap chose to bring film to life in a literal sense.  
Attendees at the PPAI Expo had the opportunity to immerse themselves in scenes from four beloved movies where baseball caps played a memorable role: Back to the Future, Barbie, Forrest Gump, and A League of Their Own. 


"This year, we put the AI in PPAI in a way that's never been done before," said Tina Parker, Outdoor Cap's marketing strategist. "By merging AI technology with classic film imagery, we created an engaging and interactive experience that was dynamic and fresh, but also perfectly aligned with current technology trends, bringing a new dimension to our booth at PPAI." 


At the Outdoor Cap booth, participants had their photos taken and selected their preferred movie scene. They then received a randomized sticker printed on the spot, featuring iconic, albeit AI, imagery from the chosen film. All photos were accessible via a QR code on the AI kiosk, emailed directly to participants, and displayed on a 100-inch TV at the booth, allowing passersby to share in the fun. 


 The Cap AI activation proved to be a standout attraction at the expo, generating buzz and drawing significant attention to the innovative potential of combining traditional promotional products with cutting-edge technology. 

Three attendees at the PPAI Expo react with excitement as they view their AI-generated photos, featuring iconic movie scenes, at Outdoor Cap's innovative 'Cap AI' experience. Ally Neumann/Outdoor Cap

This AI-generated image from Outdoor Cap's 'Cap AI' experience features Drew Holmgreen, Chief Executive Officer of PPAI, in an iconic movie moment where the main character is wearing a cap. Cap AI Experience/Outdoor Cap

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