PPB August 2021

to learn and network, the desire for the workgroup was to design an experience that kept those core tenants while providing a safe environment for attendees to gather. The workgroup focused on an event agenda with carefully selected guest speakers and content. The biggest obstacle in losing face-to-face interaction was reproducing the engagement and energy we feel when together at WLC, so integrating interactive activities was an important part of the planning. We incorporated Q&A, social dine-arounds, roundtable discussions, memory videos, surveys and more to promote this connection. While there is simply no exchange for in-person connections, the D2U event created an equally compelling, uplifting and powerful experience this week.” Another way conference organizers worked to add a tangible element to the virtual event was to gift a box of eight specially-selected promo products to the first 75 conference registrants. Each BoxUp-donated box was mailed prior to the event and contained products provided by industry suppliers including resistance bands from Hit Promotional Products; a Cupanion bottle from Fill It Forward; selfie Zoom light fromGordon Sinclair; a gummy candy box fromNC Custom (formerly Chocolate Inn/Lanco); a coaster fromGill Studios, Inc.; a magnet with a poem from The Magnet Group; and a journal from JournalBooks. Supplier Citizen Watch America provided a watch which was won by a lucky attendee in a raffle on the final afternoon. For the 56 first-time attendees, the event often exceeded their expectations in sometimes surprising ways. Among themwas Emily West of SAGE, who says, “I had a fabulous time at WLC! As a first-time attendee, I didn’t know what to expect. I was very impressed with the level of interaction through a virtual platform and the speakers. Every speaker was fantastic. They each provided a different message and story, while conveying insight into ways that I can grow from a personal level and further my career. The message across the three days was very uplifting while still acknowledging that business may be different after a year in the pandemic. I hope to have the opportunity to attend next year.” Long-time WLC attendee, Jenny Straub, CAS, of Outdoor Cap, says, “While I would have loved to see all these awesome ladies in person, I really enjoyed this virtual event. The platformworked great and there were so many presentations that I loved. Two that stand out were Paula’s authenticity and wisdom of what it means to have grit and overcome the lows in your life while celebrating the successes, and I loved Chad Dziedzic’s presentation, because it is important to focus on your financial future and he delivered the message in such an approachable way. Fantastic event, as usual, for PPAI!” PPAI Welcomes Account Coordinator Mimi Duong In June, PPAI welcomed Mimi Duong to the Association’s staff. She has come onboard as account coordinator with the Business Development and Expositions team. In her new role, Duong is responsible for managing the coordination of the advertising, trade show and Direct-2-You and live event processes as well as some reporting and marketing support. She can be reached by email at MimiD@ppai.org or by phone at 972-258-3025. Duong is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and previously worked at Freeman, a trade show, event and exhibit company, and long-time PPAI vendor in the production of The PPAI Expo. PPB recently spoke with Duong to learn more about this new staff member. PPB Can you tell us more about the professional background you bring to the Association? Mimi Duong After graduating college in 2012, I started my career at Freeman in their customer support department. During my time there, I was a representative before being promoted to a coordinator. In 2017, I transitioned to a project manager role within the corporate exhibitor services team. PPB What attracted you to your new position at PPAI? Duong I found out about PPAI through Freeman. I really liked what I saw in the job description and felt it would be a good fit for me. PPB What have been your initial objectives for the position? Duong To clearly understand and define my role within the Business Development and Exposition team. Also growing the position to its maximum potential to better assist our internal and external customers. PPB Outside of PPAI, what are your interests? Duong I enjoy spending time outdoors by biking, hiking, paddle boarding and playing tennis. My goal is to travel to as many countries as possible. I love experiencing new cultures and trying new food. Mimi Duong 84 | AUGUST 2021 | CONNECT