Seven contestants were given three minutes each to pitch their ideas to a panel of industry judges. This year’s winner, however, stood out by selling something less tangible than a physical product. Audrey Miesner, strategic account manager at Sock101, impressed judges by pitching experiential activations – from sock bars to bucket hat bars – that bring customization and interaction directly to end users. “We’re not bringing a product to you,” Miesner said. “We’re bringing a full-blown activation and unforgettable experience.” The Pitch once again reinforced Expo’s role as a launchpad – not just for products, but for new ideas and exciting voices within the industry. ● Momentum On The Floor By midweek, the show floor told its own story. First-time exhibitors remarked on promo’s collaborative culture, while veteran suppliers reported steady foot traffic and more intentional conversations. For some, The PPAI Expo felt like a momentum reset after a challenging year. “I’m hearing from many of our clients that they also experienced a good fourth quarter,” said David Berger, owner of Global Promo. “Expo can and seems to be that opportunity to rekindle that momentum.” Across the floor, booths stayed busy from open to close, with experiential elements – from on-site customization to warm cookies fresh from the oven – drawing crowds and sparking conversations. ● Strengthening Community Community-building extended well beyond the booths. Throughout the week, attendees gathered for meetups focused on diversity, women’s leadership, technology and young professionals, many centered around the Promo & Pints beer garden on the trade floor. The global reach of the industry was also on display, with promo professionals from 30 countries registered to attend The PPAI Expo 2026. An international reception offered a space for global suppliers and Must Read | Best Of The 2026 PPAI Expo We’re not bringing a product to you. We’re bringing a full-blown activation and unforgettable experience. —Audrey Miesner, strategic account manager at Sock101 48 • MARCH 2026 • PPAI
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