The Education The PPAI Education Conference kicks off on January 10 with an 8:45 amwelcome and the 9 am general session, "Breakthrough Thinking For Breakthrough Sales," with speaker, author and veteran hospitality industry executive Simon T. Bailey. It’s followed by a second general session panel discussion, “Leading Through Adversity,” facilitated by PPAI President and CEO Dale Denham, MAS+. The third general session, a panel discussion, “Building A Framework For Diversity, Equity And Inclusion In The Workplace,” is moderated by Johanna Gottlieb, HALO VP of sales, Midwest. Sixteen additional breakout sessions are offered throughout the day on topics including marketing campaigns, the new economy and tech tips to increase efficiency, so attendees can tailor education to their specific needs. The Conference is free to PPAI members and $99 for PPAI associates and nonmembers. Most sessions are 60 minutes and include CAS or MAS credits. Browse the full schedule with times and speaker bios at expo.ppai.org/schedule. The Exhibits Seeing new products, visiting exhibit booths and walking the trade-show floor is the No. 1 reason why attendees say they are eager to come back to The PPAI Expo, according to the results of a recent PPAI PromoPolls. Sixty percent of respondents said they will be at The PPAI Expo for the show itself, 20 percent said they are coming because it’s the industry’s homecoming, 18 percent are looking forward to networking and after-hours events with colleagues. Returning to an in-person trade show after participating virtually in the PPAI Expo Direct-2-You in January 2021 means adjustments for some industry exhibitors. With the ongoing supply issues and fewer employees in some cases, some companies are choosing to ease back into in-person exhibits with smaller booths that they can stock and staff more easily. As a result, the footprint of The PPAI Expo 2022 will be slightly reduced compared with 2020, but the number of exhibiting companies is closing in on 1,000, meaning the ratio of exhibitors to distributors is expected to be comparable to past years’ shows. Even with the smaller footprint, The PPAI Expo 2022 will encompass a halfmillion gross square feet of exhibit space at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and promises the exceptional combination of innovative products, creative ideas and reliable resources that attendees have come to expect from this show. Exhibits open on Tuesday, January 11 with the Product Pavilion Sneak Peek from 8-9 am in Hall F, adjacent to aisle 500. From there, attendees can stop by the brand. pavilion in aisles 500-900 for the latest in branded and incentive products, and see decorating equipment in action at DECORATE in aisles 5100-5300 for what’s trending in screen printing, embroidery and digital technology for decorating promotional products. The Product Pavilion in Bayside F, adjacent to aisle 500, will be where attendees can quickly find curated collections of products by category including New Products, Green Products, Made In The USA Products, Healthpitality Products and 1st-Time Exhibitors Products. Simon T. Bailey The PPAI Expo 2022 Preview | FEATURE | DECEMBER 2021 | 27
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