PPB August 2019

PPAI’sWomen’s LeadershipConferenceBrings Education, CamaraderieToNewOrleans After almost three days, six general sessions, two breakout sessions, an afternoon of roundtables, daily networking breakfasts and lunches, two early morning yoga classes, a city dine-around, and an elegant dinner and awards presentation honoring two top industry icons, PPAI’s 2019 Women’s Leadership Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, concluded on June 26 with an evening trolley ride from the hotel to the Grand Oaks Mansion, where attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner, live jazz and more opportunities to continue conversations, create connections and cultivate friendships. The popular three-day event, running June 24-26, delivered a carefully curated mix of general and breakout sessions and roundtable discussions on highly sought-after topics, along with numerous opportunities to network with and learn from other women in the promotional products industry. “This year we have worked hard to really make sure everyone feels welcome and included,” says Kelli Denes, co-chair of the WLC Work Group, which is comprised of 15 volunteers who worked with PPAI staff to plan this year’s program and every detail of the WLC experience. Included again this year was an app with all event specifics, including an activity stream where attendees were encouraged to post photos and messages from the conference. This year the conference marked its 15th year and attracted 160 female professionals of all ages and backgrounds from companies across the industry; 61 were there for the first time. “As a first-time attendee at WLC, I couldn’t be prouder of being part of an organization that really looks out for their industry,” says Danita (Dani) Smith, CAS, owner of Third Day Creations, LLC. “PPAI is continuously looking out for its members and it really showed with the ‘evolving’ session and the ‘strategic foresight’ session. I also truly enjoyed the ‘inner critic’ and ‘innovating’ sessions, and was able to walk away armed with strategies to improve my daily work and personal life. I recommend that any woman in this industry take the time out of her busy schedule to attend this truly engaging event.” Another first-timer, Leslie Ayuko, account manager at OrderMyGear, says she gained even more than she expected. “I registered and traveled with expectancy and excitement, and what I experienced was far beyond what I imagined. Within the first hour, I felt as if I was part of a sisterhood just for being myself. I met women, such as Daryll Griffin [PPAI Woman of Achievement Award honoree], who intentionally poured into me from our first conversation. I am leaving with new friends and an even greater network and understanding of the promotional products industry.” WLC began with an optional Café Crawl on Monday for early arrivals to explore, at their own pace, the sights and sounds of the French Quarter. Over the years, WLC attendees have given back to the host city by participating The Tuesday evening dine-around (above left) was a hit with attendees as were the general session speakers such as Courtney Ramsey (above right). The PPAI 2019 Women’s Leadership Conference provided an ideal forum for professional development, idea sharing and one-on-one conversations with industry friends and colleagues. 72 | AUGUST 2019 | CONNECT