“PPAI’s primary goal of the trade show is to provide each attendee the opportunity to have a memorable experience that will connect and inspire them,” she adds. “From hearing dynamic speakers to participating in invaluable networking opportunities and from engaging with peers and products on the show floor to enjoying a pop-up experience, we know The PPAI Expo will provide a lasting impression that fuels business relationships and growth.” Knowledge Is Power On Monday, January 15, The PPAI Expo 2024 kicks off with The PPAI Expo Conference, a one-day educational event with a curated slate of experts from both within and outside the industry to enlighten promo professionals and spark conversation throughout the rest of the four-day event. Futurist Anat Baron will open the conference with a session on human and AI collaboration, explaining how it will help us succeed in a world where we need to connect, predict and adapt in real time to meet customers’ needs. As the former head of Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Baron is familiar with the importance of promotional products in building and scaling a brand. There will also be a full day of breakout sessions with something for everyone in attendance. Topics will include corporate social responsibility; sales and marketing; technology and AI; new to the industry; diversity, equity and inclusion; strategy; and the latest on the Association’s Promotional Products Work! initiative. Of course, you can’t learn on an empty stomach. Take a break from the educational sessions by grabbing a bite at The PPAI Expo Networking Lunch, where you can not only connect with industry peers, but also recognize this year’s PPAI Icon Award recipients. In this new approach to celebrating PPAI’s Icon Award winners (Distinguished Service, H. Ted Olson Humanitarian, Pioneers and PPAI Hall of Fame), they’ll be the guests of honor for a meal and panel, allowing them to share their wisdom with those in attendance. In addition to this lunch, the award recipients will be given their flowers with a private, invitation-only dining experience at a memorable location. Innovation And Inspiration The Pitch – a combination of Shark Tank and The Voice that saw exhibiting suppliers attempt to impress a lineup of discerning distributor judges – was a smash hit at The PPAI Expo 2023. Due to popular demand, the live event is back in 2024 with a fresh crop of suppliers displaying some of the coolest new products in the industry. The Pitch will be Monday’s closing session and will lead directly into a debuting networking event: PPAI Expo’s Opening Reception, which will take place on Level 2 in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, will be the perfect way to kick off your Expo experience with networking, hors d’oeuvres, drinks and entertainment. Tuesday, January 16, begins with a keynote presentation from Alex Weber, former host of and contestant on American Ninja Warrior. An in-demand international speaker, Weber believes that success is about more than just knowing what to do – it’s about knowing how to do. With his contagious energy and Futurist Anat Baron will open the conference with a session on human and AI collaboration, explaining how it will help us succeed in a world where we need to connect, predict and adapt in real time to meet customers’ needs. 70 • NOVEMBER 2023 • PPAI Must Read | The PPAI Expo Preview
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