PPB May 2018

82 | MAY 2018 | CONNECT Dana Geiger joined PPAI as regional relations manager on March 12. Geiger has 14 years of nonprofit experience, including eight in the promotional products industry, and has served as executive director for three of the industry’s regional associations. Geiger will work remotely from her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, but will visit PPAI’s Irving, Texas, headquarters on a regular basis. PPB sat down with Geiger to learn more about the newest member of the Association’s team. PPB: What was your professional history in the promotional products industry prior to joining the association? Dana Geiger: I served as executive director for three of the regional affiliates. I worked with the Virginia Promotional Products Association (VAPPA) from 2010 to the present, the Promotional Products Association of Florida from 2012 to 2015 and the Chesapeake Promotional Products Association from 2016 to the present. Prior to joining this industry, I worked for the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause near to my heart, as an event manager. PPB: What attracted you to your new position within the Association? Geiger: When I learned about the opening in the regional relations department, I felt strongly that I could make a difference. Working in the community for eight years has armed me with a perspective that I believe can help optimize the partnership between PPAI and the regionals. I believe the volunteer power that is harnessed between the two can help chart the future of the industry. The idea of being a part of that makes me giddy. PPB: What are your initial objectives for the position? Geiger: Initially I plan to listen more than I speak, ask loads of questions and try desperately to fill the very large footprint left by Melissa Weber [now PPAI’s knowledge community manager]. I want to gain an understanding from the entire community of what their vision of a partnership between PPAI and the regional associations can strive to achieve. PPB: Outside of PPAI, what are your interests? Geiger: Outside of PPAI, I spend glamorous days making lunches and driving around two of the world’s most perfect children (no, really, they are kind of perfect). I am married to my high school sweetheart who doubles as a fire captain for the City of Virginia Beach. On the rare occasion that we are all home together, we spend as much time at the beach as possible with family and friends. Needless to say, winters in Virginia are very, very long. Dana Geiger PPAIWelcomes Dana Geiger ToTheMember Engagement Team AndrewDavis Among Elite Speakers At 2018 NALC Andrew Davis, best-selling author, worldwide influential content marketer and one of the Top 20 Favorite Speakers chosen by Meetings & Conventions magazine, is bringing his insights to the PPAI North American Leadership Conference (NALC) in Washington, D.C., August 12-14. Davis, who opens the conference on Monday morning with his session, Catch, Keep And Capture: The Simple Formula Brilliant Brands Use To Turn Attention Into Retention, is just one of the highly respected experts prepared to share knowledge with the industry’s senior-level executives who come together every year to collaborate, network and exchange ideas. Attendees will also hear from author and experience architect Stan Phelps on Pink Goldfish Strategy; columnist, author and small-business owner Gene Marks on tax form updates; and filmmaker and social entrepreneur Brett Culp on Building A Culture of Leadership. The second day of the conference opens with high-tech expert and futurist Scott Steinberg’s session on Leading With Innovation; breakout sessions with Steinberg and Phelps; and a closing session giving attendees a Washington, D.C. perspective on global issues from Jen Psaki who will draw from her experience at the White House, State Department, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and CNN. NALC is a results-driven program led by an influential group of recognized industry leaders and innovators. Its programming focuses on strategic foresight and dives into the most relevant, top-of-mind business issues and ideas impacting the promotional products industry. The conference is on pace to sell out again in this year. See the full agenda and register at www.ppai.org/nalc.