definitely be a mistake to pass over,” says Vera Minot, owner of Tucson, Arizona-based distributor Southwest Solutions and a 2025 PPAI Rising Star. Be sure to sign up for your desired sessions early, because the rooms do fill up. “There are so many people trying to get into those rooms, and there’s only so much capacity,” Minot says. “You want a backup plan or two for every session so that you’re not standing in the hallway wondering ‘What on earth do I do now?,’ knowing that every second that you stand there and wonder, you’re being boxed out of that next best room.” Adrenaline Rush 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 fourth appearance at The PPAI Expo. Hundreds of conference attendees pack into Mandalay Bay’s biggest ballroom for what is basically a reality show held in front of a live audience. There’s music, there’s dancing, there’s a bar – it’s a vibe. “[The Pitch] is so much fun. What a great idea to take a concept that already exists and then to tune it to what we do,” says Nadav Raviv, senior managing director at John Michael Associates, PPAI 100’s No. 37 distributor. Last year, Raviv was one of the four judges who voted Rupt CEO Jason Lucash as the winner of the competition for his presentation of the Trinifty, a 3-in-1 power charging station. “I loved it,” Lucash said moments after his victory. “I design the products. I love talking about something that I created. To do it on this stage with the production of The Pitch, it was awesome. I felt like I was on a game show.” 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. And as per tradition, PPAI Icon Award winners – for Distinguished Service, PPAI Regional Volunteer, H. Ted Olson Humanitarian and PPAI Hall of Fame – will be recognized on stage during Expo before enjoying a private, invitation-only dining experience. PPAI • NOVEMBER 2025 • 45 2026 Expo Preview | Must Read
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