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I was about halfway through writing
it when I heard from Rod Brown, CAS.
In traditional Rod Brown fashion the
conversation went something like this:
“Hey buddy! I have some thoughts
about Expo I want to put to paper. I will
send it over to you. I promise it will be
from the heart. Use it as you see fit. I
hope you like it.”
If you’ve been in this industry for
more than a minute it is likely you’ve
crossed paths, broken bread with or been
energized by Rod Brown, chief financial
officer of PPAI distributor member
MadeToOrder. The PPAI Expo marked
the conclusion of Rod’s four-year term as
a PPAI Board director. His infectious
personality, savvy expertise and put-your-
money-where-your-mouth-is attitude
will be missed by the board and staff.
Well, Rod, I am sharing your take on
The PPAI Expo 2015 with several thou-
sand members. I think they will enjoy it
as much as I enjoy my time with you.
Are the Beatles just another rock
band, is the Super Bowl just another
football game or is Burning Man just
another campout? The PPAI Expo is
not
just another trade show. It is the
singular event, attraction, gathering
and exchange of ideas in our profes-
sion. It is the focal point, the apex of
another year in our professional
lives. I so much believe this event is
worth not just supporting or preserv-
ing but, indeed, investing in.
I have been a lifer in the selling
of promotional products. For years I
could only dream of attending the
industry’s national trade show in
Dallas [PPAI held its show in Dallas
for 26 years before moving it to Las
Vegas in 2003]. I could not afford
the travel cost nor the time away
from my business. When I was finally
able to go, I bought a new suit and
prepared for my meetings. I couldn’t
wait to meet others in the profes-
sion and those who supplied prod-
ucts for me to sell.
I was blown away at the size and
scope of my first PPAI show, and I
was overwhelmed and energized at
the same time. Some 40 years later I
still have the same feelings, but the
event has blossomed into so much
more. As my career has grown and
my responsibilities have changed, so
has the Expo. Now when I attend
the show my time is filled with an
array of meetings, breakfasts, din-
ners, events, in-suite presentations
and on-the-floor explorations. My
days are spent in business discus-
sions, face time with CEOs and
entrepreneurs, and in sharing ideas,
nurturing friendships and learning.
This year alone there were board
meetings for PPAI and Promotional
Products Education Foundation
The PPAI Expo: More Than A Show
PERSPECTIVES
4 •
PPB
• MARCH 2015
Y FIRST COLUMN OF THE YEAR
is traditionally dedicated to sharing my thoughts
on the most recent PPAI Expo. It is a good way to reflect and recap the event, speak to
some highlights, announcements and initiatives, and to kick off the year.
Paul Bellantone, CAE
PPAI President And CEO
PERSPECTIVES
M
Continued On Page 90
Rod and Barbara Brown share a toast after Expo.