64 • APRIL 2026 • PPAI Community | Inside PPAI state-by-state information about the scope and economic impact of the industry. These were well received and helped demonstrate the potential of using branded merch to make meaningful connections. “We used actual merch in our conversations by showing them the pen and creating a lightbulb moment,” said Samantha Kates, president of Spector, PPAI 100’s No. 18 supplier, and a PPAI Board member. “That helped them to have a more intimate connection with our industry.” After lunch, the full cohort met with officials from the White House Office of Public Liaison and the Commerce Department to discuss the impacts of economic uncertainty caused by rapid changes in trade policy throughout 2025. Members urged federal leaders to consider the effects of these policies and changes on industry companies and workers and requested that the administration take a more predictable approach with longer implementation timelines to help provide stability in pricing and operations. “We need to show up and have a presence,” said Erin Reilly, founder of Pop! Promos, PPAI 100’s No. 45 supplier and a PPAI Board member. “It’s important to be here and sharing our message, not only that I can be heard here, but also that our membership knows that we’re fighting the fight.” Attendees also discussed the possibility of tariff carveouts for specific categories, such as manufacturing equipment, drinkware and apparel. They also explained the importance of decoration – much of which is done in the U.S. after a product is imported – and that the bulk of the value of branded products lies in the decoration and customization, much of which is performed by workers in the U.S. For most attendees, LEAD ECHO was their first foray into advocacy. “I came not knowing what to expect, and the level of engagement we were able to achieve was incredible,” said Tej Shah, CEO of Overture, PPAI 100’s No. 13 distributor. “We had really impactful meetings, the quality of folks we met with was pretty strong, and their level of interest was energizing.” Coincidentally, PPAI scored another win for its advocacy goals in early February as Congress voted to approve the renewal of trade preference programs for Africa and Haiti. Renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act – which lapsed on Sept. 30 after more than two decades – has been a key goal for the Association in the past few years, and on Feb. 3, the House approved a $1.2 trillion spending package that includes a one-year extension. Stain-Resistant Table Covers $143(C) as low as 7oz 300 Denier Stain-Resistant Polyester Visit discountmp.com to see 117 Table Cover styles Full Color, Full Coverage Free PMS Color Matches Free Set-Up PPAI/582106 SAGE/50398 NEW LOWER PRICES! Non-Fitted to fit 4ft, 6ft or 8ft Tables Fitted Stretch to fit 4ft, 6ft or 8ft Tables Fitted to fit 4ft, 6ft or 8ft Tables
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