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discussions. I would encourage execu-
tives from any company to attend future
Tech Summits with their key personnel.
Having corporate leadership and IT on
the same page is critical for any organi-
zation today. Having a forum where, in a
matter of hours, you can gather input
and feedback on a variety of issues is
priceless. From Vernon’s perspective our
time was well spent,” Regan says.
The inaugural PPAI Tech Summit
was paired with Expo East in Atlantic
City in May 2014 and this year’s event
was an opportunity to make further
refinements to the program. “A perfect
mix of distributors, suppliers and service
providers made this event even better
than last year,” says Denham. “The
speaker lineup made it even more
impressive with a great blend of indus-
try professionals sharing valuable
insights while adding incredible outside
perspectives, from design first program-
ming to Kick A$$ software develop-
ment. Who knew technology summits
could be both productive and enjoy-
able? I’m already excited for next year
in San Francisco and looking forward to
another sold-out event.”
The dates for next year’s Tech
Summit are August 17-18, and details
and registration will be available soon.
—Tina Berres Filipski
OCTOBER 2015 •
PPB
• 89
PPAI has named Steve Slagle, CAE, past
president and CEO of the Association, the
2016 Hall of Fame inductee.
Since 1977, the PPAI Hall of Fame has
been honoring leaders in the promotional prod-
ucts industry who have had an impact on the
industry and their communities. The promo-
tional products industry has grown and pros-
pered because of the creative spark and dedica-
tion of many, but the Hall of Fame inductees’ selfless efforts and devo-
tion to the industry are monumental.
“This is a wonderful and well-deserved honor for Steve. We are
extremely fortunate and proud to have had such a passionate visionary
leading the PPAI team for over 16 years,” says Paul Bellantone, PPAI
president and CEO. “During his tenure as PPAI’s president and CEO,
he worked tirelessly as an advocate, counsel and mentor to so many. Steve
is deeply respected throughout our industry, and we are pleased to recog-
nize his contributions as the 2016 inductee to the PPAI Hall of Fame.”
Slagle led PPAI from 1996 to 2012, overseeing myriad refine-
ments, expansions and additions to PPAI’s organization and programs
during that time, and his legacy reflects and recognizes the impact his
achievements continue to have at the Association today. Induction into
the PPAI Hall of Fame reflects Slagle’s accomplishments and contri-
butions to the promotional products industry and his communities.
His induction ceremony will take place at The PPAI Expo in Las
Vegas, January 10-14, 2016, during the Chairman’s Leadership
Dinner. Purchase tickets online during show registration.
—James Khattak
PPAI Names Steve Slagle, CAE, 2016 Hall Of Fame Inductee
The Summit offered a forum for attendees to ask questions and collaborate to solve
problems.