New Leadership The PPAI Expo 2025 also symbolized a new chapter for the Association, as Drew Holmgreen, PPAI’s new president and CEO, was introduced to the industry in whirlwind fashion. “I came into my first week with PPAI having a general scale of The PPAI Expo experience, yet knowing fully the importance of it to our community,” Holmgreen says. “What I discovered was validation of my expectations around the energy, vibe and mood of our attendees, volunteers and staff – joy. This community has been incredibly welcoming and shared so many of their moments of joy with me.” Kicking off The PPAI Expo Conference, Holmgreen shared preliminary numbers pointing to promo experiencing a range of sales growth between 2.6% and 3.2% in the U.S. last year. The industry climbed past $26 billion in 2023, and PPAI Research’s latest data points to the promo market nearing $27 billion in 2024. “As a critical component of any brand strategy, promotional products spread joy globally because the people who make it happen bring joy to their work and the people they work with,” Holmgreen says. “I was impressed with the engagement the PPAI team built, and their success is evident by the hugs and smiling faces observed in Las Vegas. It was a great way to kick off 2025 for the promotional merch community.” Must Read | Best Of The PPAI EXPO 2025 Learning To Adapt The PPAI Expo Conference drew its largest attendee participation since the pandemic and the highest percentage of registered show attendees in memory, leading to packed halls as the demand for education reset expectations for industry professionalism. As promo’s experts in responsibility, innovation and sales shared strategies for growing one’s business, several educational sessions and panel discussions were standing room only. For any attendee disappointed to have missed a particular session, PPAI has promised to make the entire educational lineup accessible via PPAI’s online education portal once the video material is processed. “Success at The PPAI Expo is not just about what you achieve; it’s about the knowledge you gain and the connections you make,” says Andrew Spellman, CAS, whose term as PPAI Board Chair ended at the conclusion of the show. “A great 34 • MARCH 2025 • PPAI
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