PPB September 2019

SPARKDraws Spirited, Passionate Attendee Involvement In Charlotte PPAI’s SPARK conference, the Association’s annual event targeting young professionals in the promotional products industry, drew 67 attendees—39 rst-timers—to Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 17-19 for for high-energy involvement and unmatched enthusiasm. SPARK was designed to be mobile, giving attendees the opportunity to experience some of the host city’s treasures while learning and networking. Early on July 17, before SPARK of cially commenced that evening, 10 attendees toured the 75,525-seat Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte, a main attraction of the city. That evening, the conference got under way at a kickoff event at Lucky’s Bar & Arcade, a venue that encouraged networking in a playful environment complete with classic arcade games. SPARK’s rst full day of workshops commenced the following morning on the pool deck of the Omni Charlotte and wrapped up that afternoon at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Its second day began at the Mint Museum Uptown and later decamped to Coco and the Director, a coffee house in Charlotte. The conference, now in its third year, drew speakers from both in and outside the promotional products industry. Bill Petrie, president of PromoCorner, began SPARK’s rst full day with a session on who shared the importance of having an accountability partner to leverage your own success. Also taking the stage during the conference were Alyssa Inkrott, national account manager for 3M Promotional Markets and chair of the 2019 SPARK workgroup; Mason Linn, CAS, national sales representative for Raining Rose; Danny Rosin, CAS, co-president of Brand Fuel and PPAI board member; Stephen McFadden, CAS, president of Perfect Promotions & More, Inc.; and Brittany David, MAS, vice president of sales for SnugZ USA and the chair of PPAI’s Board of Directors. by James Khattak 98 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | CONNECT