PPB March 2019

than a dozen Expos, was also delighted with the show. “From what I heard onsite and since returning to the office, this year will be remembered as one of the very best events we’ve ever presented—the most engaging, the best attended and the highest satisfaction among suppliers, decorators and distributors,” he says. New This Year One of the biggest challenges in delivering a top-notch trade show is finding ways to improve it every year. To do that, this year’s Expo included a new element that drove excitement and engagement on the show floor. Surprise pop-up experiences were strategically planned throughout the three exhibit days to drive attendee traffic to new areas of the show floor. The pop-ups featured foodie favorites such as chocolate-dipped bacon, meat balls and rolled ice cream, plus caricature artists, an illusionist and playtime with puppies (yes—lots and lots of puppies). There was also a 1st-Time Exhibitor Pavilion showcasing aisles upon aisles of new industry suppliers and their products. It joined four other product pavilions focusing on new, eco-friendly, American-made and quick-ship products. Popular show-floor attractions from previous years also returned Above: This year’s show floor featured a new 1st Time Exhibitor product pavilion in addition to four other favorites: New Products, Express Ship, Green Products and Made In The USA. Above: At the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, outgoing PPAI board chair Dale Denham, MAS+ passed the gavel to incoming chair Brittany David, MAS. Above: Among the new pop-up events taking place on the show floor this year was playtime with lots of puppies. As expected, they were a huge hit with showgoers. Best Of Expo | FEATURE | MARCH 2019 | 29