PPB May 2018

80 | MAY 2018 | CONNECT SPARKReturns To EngageThe Industry’s Young Professionals The SPARK conference for young professionals in the promotional products industry will head to Nashville, Tennessee for its second year. Young professionals are the largest portion of the workforce in the U.S., and SPARK is where they can build their network, sharpen leadership skills and share ideas. Based at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown July 19-20, SPARK 2018 will feature two days of networking, urban exploring and workshops led by young industry thought leaders. Held at a number of diverse locations around Nashville, SPARK’s education sessions will focus on leadership development, business management basics, industry topics, and creating an individual plan for each participant’s career. Participants can tailor their SPARK experience with several optional extras, including a tour of the Ryman Auditorium, mindfulness exercises, stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking, and a community service project. The conference sold out as this issue went to press. To be added to the wait list visit www.ppai.org/spark. At Spark 2017, a musician performs an original song to illustrate the previous speaker’s point: to follow your passion. Mary Ellen Harden of supplier Wall Street Greetings presents an active break out session while on one of the free walking tours during the 2017 event. Denver, Colorado, was the location for the first Spark event held in July 2017, which drew 60 attendees.