PPB March 2018

Best Of Expo | FEATURE supplier attendees have embraced our drive to take The PPAI Expo from great to extraordinary and were excited to see so many of their ideas implemented in the creation of the 2018 event. The tone is set for a successful and exciting 2018.” Enhancing a trade show the size and scope of The PPAI Expo and perfecting the experience for thousands of attendees and exhibitors year over year has its challenges, but it was a target PPAI was determined to achieve. Reaching that goal required laser focus on what members asked for and working hard to deliver on that promise. Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+, CEO of distributor CE Competitive Edge, whose term as PPAI board chair concluded after the show, was delighted with the feedback she received onsite. “I heard many attendees comment that the 2018 Expo was the best ever,” she says. “Everyone was enthusiastic and optimistic about the year ahead and our industry overall. Suppliers commented that the distributors who visited their booths came with projects in mind and were more engaged than ever before. You could feel the excitement in the air. I was so proud of our entire team. We have the most dedicated and passionate professionals I have ever seen. This year it was all about the details. The team was tending to so many little Left: Shawn Raflik, Michelle Jones and Courtney Kinkade from Your Image Works in Indianapolis, Indiana, celebrate the show. Above: Water refill stations were a new and welcome addition to this year’s show floor. PPAI 2017 Board Chair Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+, passes the gavel to incoming Chair Dale Denham, MAS+, during the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. | MARCH 2018 | 27