few people who have worked on multiple promo editorial teams, I’ve been blessed to learn from industry veterans about not only who the movers and shakers are, but also what topics and issues are most important to our readers. I’ll be bringing these insights, as well as a hunger to learn more about this ever-changing industry, to my new role with the goal of advancing PPAI Media’s editorial coverage for the benefit of our members.” Arianna Johnson A 2022 graduate of Clark Atlanta University, Johnson studied mass media arts, with a concentration in journalism. Her experience includes content internships at The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Discovery. Before coming on board at PPAI in October, Johnson worked on the breaking news team at Forbes, handling science and technology explanations and trend coverage. While the promotional products industry is new to Johnson, she says that was part of the appeal in joining PPAI Media. “One of the biggest things that drew me to the role was the industry itself,” Johnson says. “It’s so expansive, and I love to be kept on my toes. I think trying new things and challenging yourself is the only way to continue learning and growing in your career.” Johnson is a native of Dallas. When she’s not working, Johnson says, she can be found “at a concert, hanging out with friends, walking my dog, watching an unsophisticated reality TV show, playing pickleball, or fueling my shopping addiction.” Arianna Johnson Community | Inside PPAI Beware Of Email Scams About The PPAI Expo 2025 LARGE TRADE SHOWS such as The PPAI Expo 2025 often attract email scammers who are looking to pose as the organization holding the event for financial gain. PPAI warns all members that if you encounter emails that offer attendee lists or ask something of you that sounds suspicious, do not engage with the sender. • Do not respond. • Do not even unsubscribe, as that may confirm to the scammer that they have reached a valid email address. • PPAI encourages you to follow your organization’s procedures for reporting spam. “At PPAI, we prioritize the security of our member, attendee and exhibitor contact information,” says Ellen Tucker, CAE, MAS, vice president, revenue and expositions, at PPAI. “PPAI does not share or sell any contact information to third parties. If you receive an email claiming to sell The PPAI Expo attendee list, the PPAI member list or any list related to PPAI, it is a scam.” Of course, email scams are not specific to PPAI or the promo industry. They are a rampant problem, and unfortunately, they are only likely to increase in quantity and sophistication in the future. When it comes to trade show email scams, a common tactic includes the following steps and motivations: • Scammers reach out to potential exhibitors and attendees via email. • They fraudulently claim to have the show’s attendee list and offer to sell it. • The goal is to deceive attendees and exhibitors into sharing personal and/or financial information for malicious purposes. Ahead of big events and trade shows, like The PPAI Expo 2025, attendees are inundated with a number of necessary emails about various topics, ranging from various registrations and hotel or flight confirmations to personal and business meetings. Scammers are attempting to prey on potential email fatigue, assuming they will catch victims who hurriedly click through or follow instructions. It is important to stay diligent during the holiday season and end-of-year business when reading and reacting to emails. 80 • DECEMBER 2024 • PPAI
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