PPAI Magazine December 2024

The PPAI Expo Conference is full of professional development covering different topics that are important to members, says Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, CAS, professional development lead at PPAI. “This content can include anything from how to sell, how to run your business, trends in merchandising, trends in sustainability and so much more,” Gibbons-Rauch says. “We want to meet every member, wherever they are on their career journey, with applicable content to enhance their development.” As per tradition, PPAI Icon Award winners (Distinguished Service, H. Ted Olson Humanitarian and PPAI Hall of Fame) will be recognized onstage and will enjoy a private, invitation-only dining experience. Razzle Dazzle Back by popular demand, The Pitch – a combination of Shark Tank and The Voice that sees exhibiting suppliers attempt to impress a lineup of discerning judges – returns for its third appearance at The PPAI Expo. “We’re so excited to bring The Pitch back for a third year,” says Jill Begun, professional development manager at PPAI. “It’s such a great opportunity for suppliers to showcase their innovative and original products to a room full of current and potential clients. Plus, the audience gets to be super interactive and vote on who actually wins The Pitch. The event is a lot of fun and a great way to kick off the trade show floor opening the next day.” The Pitch will be Monday’s closing session and will lead directly into The PPAI Expo Opening Reception, which will take place at Skyfall Panoramic Bar & Lounge. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Expo experience with networking, light bites, drinks and entertainment. What The Promo World Has Been Waiting For The PPAI Expo 2025 – roughly 1 million square feet in scope – will open with product pavilions, new exhibitors and thrilling surprises. The trade show will run Tuesday morning through Thursday afternoon and feature nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies from across the promotional products landscape in more than 2,500 booths. If you’re looking for the latest in sustainable, made-in-the-USA or first-time exhibitor products, you’ll find them all in one place at the Product Pavilions. However, before the exhibit floor opens, you’ll want to swing by the Product Pavilion Must Read | PPAI Expo 2025 Preview Back by popular demand, The Pitch – a combination of Shark Tank and The Voice that sees exhibiting suppliers attempt to impress a lineup of discerning judges – returns for its third appearance at The PPAI Expo. 46 • DECEMBER 2024 • PPAI

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