PPB October 2017

by James Khattak NALC Brings Compelling Topics, Speakers To Austin The PPAI North American Leadership Conference (NALC) brought more than 135 industry leaders and business executives to the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Texas, in August to examine and discuss top-of-mind issues affecting the industry, learn from leading innovators in many critical areas of today’s businesses, and network and exchange ideas. “The leaders who participated in NALC are up for the challenges our industry is facing and are embracing the need to continuously engage in an approach called Strategic Foresight,” says PPAI Chair Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS, CEO of CE Competitive Edge. “This approach gives members the tools they need to understand and navigate the dynamic and fast- moving marketplace. Throughout the conference there was clarity in our need to get ahead of change, and be the change that our customers desire and will ultimately demand. There was also an abundance of optimism about the future of the promotional products industry at this year’s conference. I left energized and inspired.” NALC kicked off with a reception and dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin recognizing the 2017 PPB Rising Stars spotlighted in PPB ’s September issue, and a welcome from Steve Adler, mayor of Austin. Adler shared an insider’s look at the city and talked about its unique culture. “This is a city that lets people be who they are. It’s just part of the culture,” he said. “There is an opportunity and an expectation that people will take risks in this city. They try and may fail, but try again and become folk heroes.” The next morning, the conference opened with keynote speaker Roy Spence, partner at GSD&M Advertising and CEO of the Purpose Institute, who shared personal stories and insights based on 40 years of creating powerful campaigns for a variety of major brands. Spence was followed by two days of powerhouse speakers explored a wide range of issues critical in today’s business climate, from an examination of the economy and how it is effecting business, strategic foresight and the advantages it affords, creating highly effective word-of-mouth marketing, and the promotional products industry’s changing landscape. The schedule included panel discussions and breakout sessions, giving attendees multiple viewpoints and opportunities to tailor their NALC experience to their own needs and interests. “NALC provides attendees with a great forum to explore ideas, trends and topics that will be important to the future of their business and the industry, and to discuss the implications with other industry leaders,” says NALC Work Group co-leader David Nicholson, president of Leed’s. “Our goal is to provide engaging topics and speakers geared for the leaders of the industry. We hope attendees leave with new ideas that will help shape business strategy, leadership effectiveness and managing change.” Debbie Abergel, NALC Work Group co-leader and senior vice president for Jack Nadel International, adds, “This is the place to hear speakers targeted to our industry, and network with equally passionate industry professionals. Our hope is that people will leave inspired and ready to tackle current and future issues.” Under the leadership of Nicholson and Abergel, the NALC Work Group was instrumental in designing the educational components of the conference, selecting speakers and planning the networking and social opportunities to ensure the conference not only met but exceeded the highest level of attendee expectations. NALC Work Group members include Larry Cohen; Marc Held; Jon Levine; Bill Petrie; Leslie Roark, CAS; Nate Robson; Nichole Stella and Ruth Verver, CAS. This is my second time attending NALC,” says Kenny Ved, vice president of sales at Goldstar. “Last year was good; this year was even better. Great topics and speakers. One of the main takeaways is that it’s not the products, it’s the people and technology that will drive growth in our industry. Suppliers and distributors must continue collaborating to strengthen their partnerships.” Roy Spence (left), partner at GSD&M Advertising and CEO of The Purpose Institute, opened with an inspiring keynote, followed by Seth Kahan, principal at Visionary Leadership, who spoke on strategic foresight. 94 | OCTOBER 2017 | CONNECT