Must Read | New To Promo Welcome On In PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN one of the most tried-and-true methods of advertising for over a century. You don’t have to search PPAI’s membership for long to find family-run companies thriving on their third or fourth generation of leadership. Walk the floors of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center during The PPAI Expo and you’ll run into plenty of promo lifers – after finding the industry early in their careers, success and relationships kept them there for the long haul. But promo doesn’t live in the past. It’s constantly evolving, and that evolution has so much to do with its newcomers. Fresh perspectives bring new approaches, new products and a shot in the arm for an industry that’s managed to adapt without losing its core function. PPAI is always aiming to equip fresh faces with the tools to avoid feeling like they must play catchup with industry veterans. Education is a core tenet of the Association’s mission, and it’s made easier by members willing to extend a helping hand to those joining from other industries. “Our community is so amazing that there is a home for everyone, even those who take unconventional paths,” says Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, PPAI’s professional development lead. Promo is open to all, from C-suite executives who bring with them the knowledge of other industries to self-starters looking for a career that utilizes their creativity and doggedness to PPAI Board members shaping the direction of the industry. PPAI Magazine caught up with a handful of promo pros who came from careers in other fields to discuss the motivation and adjustment behind joining the promo world. Not every promo veteran started out in this industry. Find out how the market continues to evolve through welcoming professionals who started their careers elsewhere. By Jonny Auping “Our community is so amazing that there is a home for everyone, even those who take unconventional paths.” —Jessica Gibbons-Rauch ARGraphicss/ jackishit / Shutterstock.com 66 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
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