PPB March 2021

FEATURE | PPAI Expo Direct-2-You four-day virtual experience resulted in 479,620 booth visits, 331,833 chats with exhibitors, 178,181 scans, 439,611 product views, 31,000 education visits and 10,000 visits to the networking lounges. When it was first announced last September that PPAI wouldn’t be able to hold a live show in Las Vegas because of COVID-19 restrictions and would instead create a new, virtual experience for members, PPAI promised the same quality and scope of event that members have come to expect at the PPAI Expo. Working with its technology partner, SAGE, and long-time associate, Freeman, the PPAI staff created a one-of-a-kind virtual show with education sessions, live Q&A, pop- up events, gamification, networking lounges, social events and a live master of ceremonies sharing highlights and interviews throughout the four days of the event. Staggered opening times each morning allowed attendees to participate in live chats in the various networking lounges, then be (right) D2U Live emcee BJ Smith (in cap) interviews PPAI Interim President Bob McLean during one of the in-studio segments. Even though it was virtual this year, past and current board members meet for their annual update and to catch-up about PPAI. (below) Sharon and Frank Yuloff, principals of Yuloff Creative Marketing Solutions, present one of the nearly 20 professional development sessions delivered during Expo D2U. 24 | MARCH 2021 |