PPB December 2017

Code Of Conduct Among Topics Discussed At Fall PPAI BoardMeeting The PPAI Board of Directors held its fall meeting on October 16 in conjunction with the annual PPAI Leadership Development Workshop in Grapevine, Texas. Among attendees were incoming directors Lori Kates and Todd Pottebaum, MAS+, who were elected to the board in October. Chair Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS, presided over the full-day meeting in which a number of programs and projects were discussed, including the upcoming PPAI Expo 2018, the new knowledge community Promo Connect, industry advocacy with an update on the Get In Touch! ® campaign and Advertising Week, and the Association’s government relations efforts, among others. The board also discussed the PPAI Code of Conduct which was first approved by the board in 2011. The Code was recently revised to align with the five pillars of product responsibility and to address inspection of facilities. The board voted to approve the revised, aspirational PPAI Code of Conduct and to encourage all members to adopt the 2017 version. Janet McMaster, RAC board president, reviewed the Regional Association Council’s highlights for the year, including its new three-year strategic plan, the evolving role of the RAC delegate, needs assessments, communication, and regional challenges and opportunities. The board also heard a presentation by an outside consultant with whom PPAI has been working that addressed compensation and benefits, including base salary trends, performance evaluations and incentive compensation. Responsibility, Industry Essentials, Marketing & Advertising, Decorate, Sales & Service, Strategies & Solutions and Technology. And attendees can earn credits toward MAS or CAS certifications. The SAGE conference also runs concurrently on Monday, January 15, offering 10 sessions for suppliers and distributors about SAGE technology. While most of the education opportunities at Expo are free, the show also features the following in-depth paid workshops on Sunday with industry thought leaders who provide audiences with takeaways, samples and resources. • David Betke with distributor Avatar Brand Management, Inc. presents “Brand Is Everything,” an intensive study on brands and branding, how they differ, and how businesses can use them to stand apart from their competition and attract clients and fans. • In his presentation “Client Segmentation, Classification and Relevant Engagement Marketing For A More Profitable Business,” industry veteran Cliff Quicksell, MAS+, a consultant and acting director of marketing for distributor iPROMOTEu, looks at the advantages and opportunities inherent in developing strong, profitable vertical markets and engaging clients in those markets on different levels. • In “Establishing Effective Professional Relationships,” Michele Wierzgac, keynote speaker and author, explores how being connected to the right people results in success, and how to develop and take advantage of an effective network. • Larry Mays, president of Boardwalk Marketing and creator of the national education program Decorated For Success, hosts “Building A Solid Foundation: Successfully Selling Decorated Apparel,” a workshop on creating a professional approach to selling more decorated apparel. To learn more, purchase tickets, see all speakers scheduled and register for the show, visit ppai.org/expo. PPAI distributor attendees can personalize their time in Las Vegas by choosing one of two exclusive registration packages, new this year at Expo. Available for purchase until December 8, the Pearl and Gold packages offer distributor attendees discounts on Expo education and events, pre-show mailing of badge credentials, early seating at the Power Keynotes and opening general session, access to an exclusive lounge during the show, and for Gold package purchasers, a dedicated Expo concierge service that offers assistance both before and during the show. Limited numbers of the Expo registration packages are available. Visit ppai.org/expo-packages to learn more. 88 | DECEMBER 2017 | CONNECT Jason Patrick Ross / Shutterstock.com