feedback Send feedback on articles in PPB or opinions on industry issues to JamesK@ppai.org. What’s In A Word? In September, PPAI President and CEO Dale Denham, MAS+, shared his response to a national article advocating for the end of “cheap conference swag” on sustainability grounds. Sustainability is a noble goal and promotional products are increasingly positioned to be an eco-friendly marketing choice. Consumers just need the right education. Several industry professionals responded with their own comments on Denham’s perspective and the article. Excellent response. One supplier data point here in support of what Dale eloquently shared – the trends we are seeing in headwear continue toward high design standards with a retail look and feel for products regardless of price point. The incentives in our industry are well-aligned because they make us create better products and designs to ensure they are used and worn by consumers. In the last few years our business has focused on exceptional quality of design and form, along with more sustainable product options including joining the Better Cotton Initiative and integrating recycled fabrics like Repreve into our stock and custom products. BEN ROBERTS Head of Marketing Outdoor Cap Bentonville, Arkansas PPAI 213485, S10 Ever since SAAI (Specialty Advertising Association International) changed its name to PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) I have time and again voiced my objection to putting the emphasis on the tools we use rather than the work we do. Suppliers are in the “promotional products” business – not the creative people that work with their clients to build employee recognition programs, customer loyalty programs, prenatal care kits, etc. As an industry we have collectively allowed people within the industry and our customers to apply negative terms like “swag” to the tools we use and virtually every demeaning term applied to us is about the “products” – never the work! GREG EMMER Chief Operating Officer Kaeser & Blair Batavia, Ohio PPAI 103148, D12 I read the negative article about “cheap, disposable conference swag” and I could not help but think that your suggestion that we communicate with our clients and use our knowledge, experience and skills to guide them is really the only thoughtful and logical course of action. Because my ”real job” is the planning and production of meetings and events, I approach branded promos as another element of the overall meeting project. And because my clients expect me to provide ideas that connect and relate to the theme of their meeting, I take the opportunity to make suggestions about the branded pieces that they should consider – and explain why. I point out how they can select items that are sustainable or tie into their corporate social responsibility initiatives – I guess you could describe it as a big-picture approach. It’s a bit like a large jigsaw puzzle with many pieces, some of which can fit into more than one slot and still be an overall good fit. If COVID gave us anything positive, it is the opportunity to redefine the reason and purpose of what we do and how we choose to do it. From the meetings and events that companies host to the gifts they give attendees, the landscape was essentially cleared, allowing for careful, precise and conscientious planning. So I agree, let’s educate and communicate and make good decisions. GLENNA FULKS, MS Owner Kite Meeting Management Piqua, Ohio PPAI 733403, D1 8 | NOVEMBER 2022 | INNOVATE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU4OQ==