PPB November 2018

PPAI’s Bellantone, Stone Speak On Strategic Foresight At AzPPA Expo Arizona Promotional Products Association (AzPPA) held its 2018 AzPPA Expo in August at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona. PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, and Public Affairs Director Anne Stone joined the trade show to present a keynote luncheon presentation on strategic foresight in the promotional products industry Proforma’s Annual Convention Held In Las Vegas Proforma drew more than 800 industry professionals to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, in August for the Cleveland, Ohio-based distributor’s 2018 Convention and Family Reunion. Education at the convention included sessions on The 12 Week Year , a book that promotes a mindset of shorter 12-week goals, rather than standard annual goals, with a sense of urgency and immediacy to get better results; the ”80/20 Rule” in which attendees learned how to have the most impact with the most impactful clients, and various strategy sessions for sales representatives to upsell and cross-sell products. PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, and Public Affairs Director Anne Stone, also delivered a strategic foresight presentation on the future of the promotional products industry and highlighted emerging trends. Designed around “The Steps” theme, Proforma’s four-day event challenged attendees to step up their success. American Solutions For Business Donates To Local Preschool American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656) donated more than $600 and three boxes of school supplies to the Minnewaska Little Lakers Pre-School in September. Larry Zavadil, American Solutions for Business founder and CEO, says, “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to get involved in our community. Education is near and dear to our hearts, and the ability to influence our youngest members of the local community makes me incredibly proud.” The money was raised by the Glenwood, Minnesota-based distributor’s local employees, who participated and donated during a recent Alley Party event, with a lunch and raffle. Bellantone and Stone’s keynote looked to the future of the promotional products industry and highlighted emerging trends to help their audience take advantage of them or prepare for the disruptions they may bring. Nearly 200 Arizona-based distributors and approximately 75 of their clients attended the AzPPA Expo. The trade show featured 66 exhibiting companies representing 100 product lines. 98 | NOVEMBER 2018 | CONNECT