PPAI Magazine September 2025

From Coast To Coast PPPC plans for cross-country member engagement in 2026. By Margaret Williamson Batuszkin THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT PROFESSIONALS of Canada is entering 2026 with a renewed focus on member engagement, national collaboration and strategic programming. With a calendar packed with cross-country events, updated initiatives and key industry touchpoints, the association is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of Canada’s promotional products community in the new year. Kicking Off At The PPAI Expo 2026 In January, PPPC will head to Las Vegas to participate in The PPAI Expo 2026. In addition to exhibiting at the largest and longestrunning trade show in the branded merchandise industry, PPPC will once again host its exclusive Canadian member event on January 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Border Grill in Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The gathering, held in partnership with PPAI and SAGE, has become a tradition, offering Canadian industry professionals a dedicated space to share insights and experiences. Hitting The Road For TOPS+ 2026 Following The PPAI Expo 2026, PPPC is hitting the road and traveling across Canada with the return of its annual TOPS+ tour in five Canadian cities throughout February. As the country’s longest running and premier traveling promotional products trade show, TOPS+ gives distributors and suppliers the opportunity to meet face to face, discover the latest product trends and forge business opportunities in a city near them. New for 2026 is a West Coast start, with the first stop of the TOPS+ tour in Vancouver (Feb. 10), followed by Calgary (Feb. 12), Winnipeg (Feb. 19), Montreal (Feb. 24) and Toronto (Feb. 26). Catalyst 2026 Goes East PPPC’s Catalyst leadership and learning event is heading to the East Coast next spring. After making waves during its inaugural event this past May in Victoria, British Columbia, the second event is trekking to one of Canada’s top destinations. Catalyst 2026 will take place May 4-6 at the Sheraton Newfoundland Hotel in historic St. John’s. With stunning coastal views and a vibrant cultural backdrop, attendees can expect a refreshed program of inspirational keynote speakers, tactical workshops and meaningful networking events designed to elevate and empower today’s leaders and rising stars. Looking Ahead In addition to these events, PPPC members can also look forward to the return of the regional chapter golf tournaments next summer, along with the 68th annual NATCON next September in Toronto and the 45th annual PPPC Awards and after-party. 2026 promises to be an exciting year for PPPC and its members, with a focus on community, education and strategic partnerships. Whether it’s coast-to-coast programming, regional events or national celebrations, PPPC remains committed to strengthening the promotional products industry in Canada through meaningful engagement and impactful experiences. Williamson Batuszkin is PPPC’s marketing and communications manager. Featured panelists of the “Outsiders to Promo Pros” panel discussion at Catalyst 2025: Dana Zezzo American Solutions for Business; PPPC Chair Paul Wieleba, {WE} Promotional Advertising; Jill Pascuzzi, Brand Blvd; and Yousuf Sandeela, Fully Promoted. PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2025 • 97 PPPC Communiqué | Community

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