PPB June 2017

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Jeff Franklin
National Accounts
Manager
Headwear
Professionals
What does the industry get out of the
SPARK incentive? We get a new lease
on life. SPARK represents the next
generation and I believe it is very
important to bring them into the fold.
Education and a strong peer network are
vital to the continuation of our industry
as it is today. Otherwise, the result will be
further disintermediation, blurred lines
and strictly online purchasing.
What does a SPARK attendee get out of
the experience? They get an opportunity
for relevant continued education that
can actually help you catapult your
career. The entire event is centered
around networking as well; a great
chance to start a peer network of
like-minded individuals that you can
do business with or bounce ideas off
of. I feel like this industry is rooted
in relationships and SPARK is an
incredible chance to find and connect
with people you can relate to.
Find more information on SPARK at .
PPAI’s Inaugural SPARK Event Targets Young Professionals
Next month, the inaugural PPAI SPARK event
for young professionals in the promotional
products industry comes to Denver, Colorado,
July 27-28. SPARK builds on a series of
“pop-ups” PPAI introduced last year that offer
education and networking opportunities for young people working
in the industry.
SPARK is focused on connecting future leaders and giving
them insight into ideas, projects and achievements that will shape
the industry going forward. Its programming
has been developed by the 10-member
SPARK Work Group, representing suppliers,
distributors, multi-line reps and regional
associations.
PPB spoke to three SPARK Work Group members about the
July event and its role in engaging, educating and connecting with
young professionals at the beginning stages of a successful career
in the promotional products industry.
Heather Clay O’Neill
National Account
Executive
Walker-Clay, Inc.
What does the industry get out of the SPARK
incentive? The industry is evolving and the SPARK
incentive is a great reflection of that. We always
need to be thinking ahead, not only in products but
in the next generation of both sales representatives
and buyers. Many of the new reps to the industry
have a strong focus on email for communication
and use social media to research clients. They face
rising internet competition and the need for speed
is at a height. The SPARK incentive is designed
to reach out to those individuals, both suppliers
and distributors, in a specific demographic facing
similar issues, and to create a network where
individuals feel confident in discussing problems
and find solutions to create a better industry.
What does a SPARK attendee get out of the
experience? Attendees get a great, interactive
introduction to a fantastic group of young
professionals. It’s great to have a group of eager
young professionals who feel comfortable enough
to ask lots of questions, as opposed to being a bit
timid in a room full of seasoned veterans. They
will leave the event eager to expand on their new
networking skills and thrilled to have expanded their
network of distributor and supplier friends.
John R. B. Cudahy, CAS
Senior National Account Manager
Prime
What does the industry get out
of the SPARK incentive? The
Millennial/young professional
work force is the largest out
there right now. Tapping into
this demographic to guide
them on their professional
career helps us all.
What does a SPARK attendee
get out of the experience?
SPARK attendees have the
opportunity to network and
learn with so many of their
peers, which is the most
rewarding aspect of the event
for me.
| JUNE 2017 | 91
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