PPB July 2020

PPAI Cancels NALC 2020; Looks To Reimagine 2021 Event PPAI has made the difficult decision to cancel the Association’s 2020 North American Leadership Conference (NALC) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was made in consultation with the PPAI Board of Directors, past attendees of NALC and Association staff. The event was scheduled to be held in August in NewOrleans, Louisiana. NALC brings together the topminds in the promotional products industry and features accomplished speakers focused on the timeliest topics. It has served as PPAI’s flagship professional development event for decades. And while the Association designs the program for attendees, PPAI also benefits from the high level of interaction and idea sharing. PPAI did consider offering a virtual NALC option, but felt strongly that the level of in-person interaction with colleagues was an integral and important part of the event’s annual agenda. The Association promises to deliver an even stronger and potentially reformatted and reimagined event in 2021. While NALC has been cancelled this year, PPAI continues to recognize its 2020 PPB Rising Stars, which has been part of the conference in the past. The Rising Star program spotlights the industry’s up-and-coming leaders and is one of PPB ’s most popular and coveted honors. Since the programbegan in 2010, it has recognized nearly 140 of the most watchable young professionals at companies across the industry. These 12 individuals were selected this year based on their accomplishments, demonstrated leadership and involvement in the industry and in their communities. Readmore about them in PPB ’s September issue. • Jeff Franklin, CAS, Headwear USA • Alyssa Inkrott, CAS, Raining Rose • Sam Kabert, SwagWorx • Jason Loui, AnyPromo.com • William Lovelace, Diamondback Branding • Kate Masewich, commonsku • Rachel Minogue, Monarch & Company • Kate Plummer, MAS, Clearmount Plastics Ltd. • Alicia Skipper, PromoPros/IncentPros • Justin Washburn, Full Throttle Marketing • Tiffany Wu, Bagworld • Colton Young, Storm Creek The PPAI North American Leadership Conference brings together the top minds and business leaders from across the promo industry to share ideas, make connections and dive into pressing, timely topics. All of that will return in 2021 in a reimagined NALC. 84 | JULY 2020 | CONNECT