The 64th NATCON Was ‘One For The Books’ Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC) hosted its annual National Convention (NATCON) at the International Centre in Toronto on September 13-15. The 64th annual NATCON, sponsored by PCNA, made its in-person return this summer offering premium networking and actionable professional development opportunities for attendees. Canada’s largest promotional products trade showboasted 100 suppliers exhibiting their latest wares. It alsowelcomedmulti-line agents, over 700 distributors andmore than 500 clients, who got an exclusive preview of the hottest promotional products in Canada during the show’s designated client day on September 15. PPAI and SAGE also participated in this year’s show. “This year’s NATCONwas one for the books,” said JonathanN. Strauss, president andCEOof PPPC. “Attendees were excited to come together again in person, in one place to connect, network and effectively do business face-to-face. Post-showmembers highlighted this year’s show, PPPC awards and after-party was one of our best events ever. We’re now focused on how to top this year’s success for NATCON2023.” According to Strauss, one of the biggest highlights of this year’s event was the opening panel discussion that kicked off the first full day of NATCON (September 14) titled, “Focusing on the Triple BottomLine – People, Planet &Profits!” The distinguished panel of Canadian industry leaders included Jamie McCabe (McCabe Promotional Advertising Inc.); TaraMilburn (Ethical Swag Inc., a CertifiedBCorp); Denise Taschereau (Fairware Promotional Products), a PPAI BoardMember; andHeidi Reimer-Epp, MAS (Botanical PaperWorks – Seed Paper Company) Each brought a compelling fresh, and interesting viewpoint on the triple bottom line and how to take it to the next level. Following thepanel discussion, suppliers anddistributors fromcoast tocoast came together to showcase andpreviewthe latest andgreatest promotional products inCanada. Here they got to take their entrepreneurship to thenext level by connecting, networking and doingbusiness in-personafter a virtual twoyear hiatus. On the second full day (September 15), distributors got to share the experience with their clientswhere they got a sneak previewof thehottest Canadianpromotional products andmetwithkey suppliers. Promonoise’s AlexMorin broadcasted live fromthe trade show floor and featured interviews with Strauss and other PPPC members. Promonoisewas award the 2022 PPPCAward forMost Beneficial Sales and Marketing Aid. For EdwardHaung, VP of sales and operations for Promobilia (part of St Regis Group), NATCON is one of the singlemost important events in Canada. He has attended NATCON for the last 10 years and says having the opportunity to see somany clients in one place is highly beneficial, along with the ability tomake strong connections. “The conversations are high-level and encompass a lot of sales opportunities. It’s also a great chance to connect to see what everyone is up to, where the gaps are in categories, and in specific products.” St Regis Group, including Promobilia, showcased its products in an PPPCCOMMUNIQUÉ by Poonam Chopra 72 | NOVEMBER 2022 | CONNECT
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