9427333_PPB_Sep20

PromoPolls Highlights Industry Pros’ Perspectives OnThe Issues PPAI’s PromoPolls are a series of quick, informal, twice-weekly polls published in every issue of PPB Newslink that capture the promotional product industry’s opinions on a wide range of relevant topics. Many of the recent polls have quizzed readers for their perspectives on trade shows both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Among its insights are: • Most respondents (76 percent) are at least somewhat interested in participating in a digital trade show as either an attendee or exhibitor. Almost half (44 percent) are very interested in doing so. • Zoom or other virtual conference platforms have replaced most face-to-face sales calls for almost half (48 percent) of respondents. Conversely, 28 percent say it hasn’t replaced any. • Looking ahead, 56 percent of respondents predict that distributors won’t be ready for in- person sales calls from suppliers until sometime in 2021 or later. • When live trade shows do return, 76 percent of respondents said that they expect wearing masks to be a requirement of everyone attending. To learn more about the polls’ findings, participate in the latest polls and see how industry peers have responded to other topical questions, visit pubs.ppai.org polls. 92 | SEPTEMBER 2020 | CONNECT