Community | PPPC Communiqué NATCON 2024 Brings New Experiential And Educational Events For Members This year’s convention introduces several new events to enhance professional development and provide valuable networking opportunities. By Margaret Williamson Batuszkin PPPC HOSTS ITS 66TH National Convention this month (September 9-11) at the International Centre in Toronto. This year’s NATCON introduces several new educational and interactive events curated by the PPPC that are aimed at enhancing professional development, elevating the member experience and providing valuable networking opportunities. NATCON 2024 will feature over 100 suppliers in more than 180 booths showcasing their latest promotional products and services. It is expected to draw over 1,100 distributors and their clients from more than 430 companies. Sponsors include PCNA, DML Creations and Botanical PaperWorks. As a membership perk, PPPC distributor members are able to register and bring their clients on the last day of the convention. This is an excellent chance for attendees and their clients to be among the first in Canada to preview new promotional wares and connect with top suppliers. New experiences and events offered at this year’s NATCON include: • Supplier Sip & See Tours – This exclusive PPPC members-only opportunity takes distributors to visit four of PPPC’s supplier member facilities in the greater Toronto area: PCNA, Fiel - Fairdeal Import & Export Ltd., Debco and Cutter & Buck. The tours provide distributors with valuable insight and an insider’s look at each supplier’s unique operations. • PPPC x PromoKitchen Mixer – In celebration of the newly announced partnership between PPPC and PromoKitchen, the two are teaming up to offer an early evening mixer at a restaurant close to the NATCON venue and host hotel for a perfect networking opportunity on the eve of the trade show. • Coffee & Conversation – Members can join Heidi Reimer Epp, past PPPC chair and Botanical PaperWorks co-founder and CEO, for this free educational event just before the official opening of NATCON 2024. The interactive sustainability framework masterclass will provide practical and hands-on learning to help attendees start or move their sustainability journeys forward with confidence. The convention also includes the annual PPPC Awards Ceremony and Networking After-Party. PPPC Chair Paul Wieleba, WE Promotional Advertising, is returning as co-host and welcoming this year’s new co-host, Michèle Boucher, Créapub. This free member event is one of the most anticipated social events of the year for the Canadian promotional products industry, as PPPC recognizes and awards top achievers for their excellence and provides additional networking opportunities in a celebratory environment. Registration is required for each of the memberexclusive events mentioned above as add-ons to general NATCON registration. For more information, please visit www.pppc.ca. Williamson Batuszkin is PPPC’s marketing and communications manager. Botanical PaperWorks is a sponsor of NATCON 2024, and Heidi Reimer Epp (far right) will be presenting a special session on sustainability. 94 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
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