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Picture Perfect
By: Jen Alexander, Tina Berres Filipski, Audrey Sellers and Tama Swan
Issue: 2009mar
The PPAI Expo 2009 topped Everyone' s To-Do List—As It Has For Decades.
Bombarded with negative messages about the sluggish economy and the impending doom that awaits business professionals in almost every field, promotional products professionals chose to face the fear, hop on a plane to Las Vegas and spend the week at The PPAI Expo 2009. There they learned about their industry, sourced new products and ideas for their businesses and gained their X factor—that elusive quality that separates the good from the great.
As usual, this year’s Expo didn’t disappoint. Despite dire economic forecasts, The PPAI Expo boasted strong attendance and an upbeat vibe from its opening day. An enthusiastic Bill Waller, president of new exhibitor Koolgator (UPIC: KOOLGATR), says he was extremely pleased with his first Expo experience. “We didn’t know what to expect but were pleasantly surprised,” he says. “A number of distributors came by our booth who were very interested in our products. We are really looking forward to our future in the promotional products industry.”
In addition to more than 90 educational sessions attended by an estimated 8,000 professionals, the show marked the debut of the brand. pavilion, an incentive products showplace featuring nearly 50 companies and 200 brands, [X]Jam, an outdoor motocross exhibition, post-show product harvesting by PPAI’s charitable partner Kids In Need Foundation, and much more.
THE EDUCATION
More Than 90 Workshops and 8,000 Attendees Over Five Days
The results and feedback from this year’s professional development workshops can be summed up in one word: relevance.
The relevance of the content and of the speakers who presented more than 90 separate workshops resulted in an estimated overall attendance of more than 8,000 people throughout the week. The topics ran the gamut, addressing everything from creative problem solving and business ethics to starting an incentive program and preparing successful presentations.
The emphasis on peer-to-peer education continued; specifically, prior to the show members contributed ideas for sessions focused on helping industry professionals make money and grow their business. Many of these same members volunteered their time and expertise to lead these sessions.
One of this year’s focal points in education was on selling for incentive programs. The sessions lined up perfectly with PPAI’s brand. pavilion, a showcase of logoed products that could be top-notch choices for such programs.
To stay current with member needs, the PPAI professional development team also made sure to offer sessions that answered the most pressing concern of the moment—the economy. Seventeen workshops carried an economic focus.
“We recognized the need to address the economic situation, and sessions were targeted toward that. We received positive feedback on that,” says Kip Eads, CAE, PPAI professional development manager. In fact, one such session, “How To Generate Business In Spite Of A Bad Economy” led by Larry Mays, CAS, was received with a standing ovation, she added.
“We have such a rich pool of industry experts who are willing to share with their peers,” says Eads. “We’re already looking at 2010.”
Eads adds that the call for presentations for next year closes March 13—the form is available at www.ppai.org under Professional Development. Additionally, fresh, relevant sessions are likely to be added closer to the start of the show.
THE NETWORKING
PPMN Mixer Brings Out The Belly Laughs
Most of us don’t expect to see Sumo wrestlers in the hallway of Mandalay Bay Convention Center, but not only did some folks get to see them during The Expo—a few lucky individuals got to suit up and live the experience firsthand.
Nearly 200 Promotional Professionals Mentoring Network (PPMN) members and their guests stopped by on Tuesday evening for networking, cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres—and some unbelievably funny moments—at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
“I rented the Sumo wrestler outfits and Twister game for another event I managed a couple of years ago and thought they were perfect for this group because they really take networking to a whole new level,” says Immediate Past President Allison Schaffer, MAS, who helped organize the event. “I really applaud our members who were brave enough to don the suits and have a little fun. They were great sports, and I think everybody not only had a great time but it was an experience they will remember with a smile for a long time.”
PPMN MIXER SPONSORS
Ruby Sponsors
C.P.S./The Keystone Line (UPIC: keystone)
Shepenco (UPIC: SHEPENCO)
Sapphire Sponsors
Adventures in Advertising Corporation (UPIC: ADVINADV)
Ariel Premium Supply, Inc. (UPIC: ARIEL)
Norwood (UPIC: NORWOOD)
The Organization Of Promotional Products Salespeople (OOPPS)
Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF)
PROMO Marketing (UPIC: promomkg)
Quikey Manufacturing Co., Inc. (UPIC: QUIKEY)
SnugZ/USA (UPIC: SNUGZUSA)
The Vernon Company (UPIC: Vernon)
Warwick Publishing Co. (UPIC: WARWICK)
THE brand. PAVILION
PPAI’s New Incentive Products Showcase
brand., PPAI’s new incentive products showcase, made its debut at the show with thousands of distributors walking the aisles to check out the branded goods and learn more about selling incentives. The retail-styled space, sponsored by Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) and Incentive Manufacturers and Representatives Alliance (IMRA), shared the Mandalay Bay Convention Center ballroom with another high-traffic draw, the New Product Pavilion. brand., which featured 50 companies and nearly 200 brands, also posted handy workstations throughout the show floor so distributors could stop and learn valuable facts about how to increase business through incentive sales.
The innovative gallery was designed to put distributors face-to-face with knowledgeable sources on the highest quality products in the market, as well as the top sales professionals from some of the most sought-after brands.
THE NEW PRODUCTS
New Product Pavilion Is Decked To Impress
Distributors hoping to scope out the hottest products for 2009 hit the promotional products jackpot at the New Product Pavilion (NPP). Here, thousands showed up to stroll the aisles, recharge their creativity and pinpoint the products to make their clients cheer.
A Sneak Peek on Tuesday night let crowds get an early look at hundreds of new product introductions such as epicurean gifts in tempting flavors, a light kit that boosts plant growth and flowering, and plenty of green items including an energy-saving USB device.
THE CATWALK
PPAI Fashion & Accessories Show
Incoming PPAI Board Chair Sherri Lennarson, MAS, wearing an oversized feather boa and escorted on stage by a pair of fashion-savvy male models, kicked off the PPAI Fashion & Accessories Show on Wednesday morning with an inspirational welcome as well as an update on several new PPAI initiatives. Following her address, a thrilling X Games video captivated viewers’ attention with scenes of death-defying motorcycle jumps and was punctuated by a live rider who zipped across the stage and disappeared into the darkness.
Seven themed scenes followed—some of which were introduced by humorous video clips from popular TV shows “Scrubs,” “30 Rock” and “The Office” and the movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” To the beat of pulsating rock and pop tunes, the audience watched professional models strut their stuff in style-savvy logoed apparel and one-of-a-kind promotional products-accented attire including a floor-length party dress constructed of biodegradable plastic bags from Noteworthy Company and a colorful, floor-sweeping cape designed entirely of plastic bandage dispensers from Evans Manufacturing.
“We got a lot of response in the booth and people said they enjoyed our presence in the fashion show,” says Donna Schlitz, sales and marketing assistant for Garden Grove, California-based Evans Manufacturing, Inc. (UPIC: EVANS), a second-year participant in the Fashion & Accessories Show. “I thought our scene was just great and we got some positive feedback because of it,” she adds.
A total of 13 suppliers showed off their best, eye-popping apparel, accessories and stylish promotional products in this high-energy, high-profile show that is now in its 10th year.
THE FACES BEHIND THE FASHIONS
2009 Fashion & Accessories Show Participants
Board Towelz/Z Sports Inc. (UPIC: towelz)
Charles River Apparel (UPIC: CRA)
Dunbrooke Apparel Corp. (UPIC: DUNBROOK)
Evans Manufacturing, Inc. (UPIC: EVANS)
Heritage Sportswear, Inc. (UPIC: HERI0002)
In Your Face Apparel (UPIC: InYou682)
Noteworthy Company (UPIC: NWORTHY)
Ogio International, Inc. (UPIC: OGIO0001)
Panther Vision (UPIC: PantherV)
S&S Activewear (UPIC: SSAC8463)
SanMar (UPIC: SNMR)
The Corporate Marketplace, Inc. (UPIC: tcmpi)
Uptick Apparel (UPIC: uptick)
THE AWARDS
Awards Dinner & Presentation Dazzles Gala-Goers
At the annual PPAI Awards Dinner & Presentation, attendees arrived in high style to hobnob with industry A-listers, dine on fine cuisine and celebrate the accomplishments of their industry peers. During this evening gala event, PPAI honored its 2009 Hall of Fame inductee, Jo-an Lantz, MAS, as well as Carol Aastad, MAS, recipient of the 2009 PPAI Distinguished Service Award.
Other PPAI awards during the evening were presented to 24 winners of the PPAI Pyramid Awardsm, 20 PPAI Web Awardsm winners, 30 PPAI Supplier Star Awardsm and Awards of Merit winners, 52 winners of the PPAI Suppliers Achievement Awardsm, three PPAI Regional Association Pyramid Awardsm winners and five winners of the first-ever PPAI Best Of Award.
For the full scoop on the PPAI Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Award honorees and for the other PPAI awards stories, see the January and February issues of PPB or check them out online at www.ppbmag.com.
THE EXTREME SPORT
[X]Jam Wows The Crowd
On the final night of The Expo, attendees got revved up for another show first—[X]Jam. This motocross event, held in the parking lot of the Mandalay Bay Hotel just prior to ONE, featured daredevils on two wheels who dazzled onlookers with impossible jumps and dangerous tricks. A live DJ kept up the tempo during the stunt riders’ two shows.
The event, co-sponsored by Bluffdale, Utah-based supplier Ogio International, Inc. (UPIC: OGIO0001) and Preston, Washington-based supplier SanMar (UPIC: SNMR), garnered approximately 1,000 attendees.
“We were looking for another way to add a unique air of excitement to The PPAI Expo 2009,” said Darel Cook, PPAI director of expositions and meetings. “With the help of two great sponsors, [X]Jam was a thrilling, fun-filled show that attendees as well as their families enjoyed.”
THE CONCERT
Expo Attendees Tuned In To The Legendary Rock Band Styx.
ONE, the closing night party at The PPAI Expo, got a little rowdy once Grammy Award-winning rock band Styx took the stage. James “J.Y.” Young, Tommy Shaw, Ricky Phillips, Todd Sucherman and Lawrence Gowan performed classic hits such as “Lady,” “Come Sail Away” and “Crystal Ball” as throngs of people pressed to get closer to the stage.
Sponsored by North Kingstown, Rhode Island-based supplier The Corporate Marketplace (UPIC: tcmpi), ONE offered industry professionals a chance to relax and interact with friends new and old after a long week at The Expo. The concert also gave long-time Styx fans a chance to rock out to one of their favorite musical groups, many claiming the experience made them feel like a kid again. “Styx was awesome. … I met some new friends, got squished and sang at the top of my lungs,” says Memphis, Tennessee-based distributor Kristi Yarbrough, owner of Promote Your Business!, LLC (UPIC: pybpromo).
THE CHARITY
After-Show Harvesting Benefits Kids In Need
When the show closed at 3 pm on Friday, January 16, volunteers and staff from Kids In Need Foundation fanned out across both levels of the show floor collecting products left for them by exhibitors. For the first time at The PPAI Expo, exhibitors were given the opportunity to donate excess samples after the show to the Foundation which, in turn, is making the products available to teachers and children at underprivileged schools across the nation.
Products of nearly every kind were collected on-site including plush toys, recognition products, sports equipment, totebags and spiral-bound notebooks.
The products have been funneled to one or more of the 24 Resource Centers in the Kids In Need National Network. Teachers from pre-qualified schools visit those centers to regularly select free items for their classrooms. Since its creation in 1995, the Foundation has provided $250 million worth of school supplies to needy schoolchildren.
For the past year, PPAI has supported the efforts of the Kids In Need Foundation through promoting the charity to its members, monetary and product donations, organizing product harvesting at PPAI shows and support of the charity’s annual gala.
The Kids In Need Foundation accepts product and monetary donations year-round. Suppliers and distributors are encouraged to clean out their inventories and sample rooms and donate any unneeded products to the charity. Almost any kind of product is acceptable. Donation forms and details can be found under Associate Sites at www.ppai.org.
The PPB editorial team contributed to this article: Jen Alexander, Tina Berres Filipski, Audrey Sellers and Tama Swan.
Photo by Oscar Einzig Photography
THE SPONSORS
PPAI extends a sincere thank-you to the following sponsors for their support of The PPAI Expo 2009:
PLATINUM LEVEL
ISERVCORP
Exclusive Internet Café Sponsor
Exclusive Education Luncheon Sponsor
Exclusive CD
Exclusive Supplier/Distributor Group Breakfast
Opening General Session Co-Sponsor
Journalbooks/Timeplanner Calendars
Education Notebook
Exclusive Show Organizer
Exclusive Sneak Peek Sponsor
MAC Specialties
Exclusive Ball Sponsor
Exclusive Hand Fan Sponsor
Ogio
[X]Jam Sponsor
PPB Magazine
Education Day
SanMar
[X]Jam Sponsor
The Corporate Marketplace, Inc.
ONE
GOLD LEVEL
3M Promotional Markets Dept.
Exclusive Exhibitor Directory Cover Note
Coloring Book
Solutions
Exclusive Coloring Book Sponsor
Crystal D
Awards Presentation Co-Sponsor
Drummond Printing, Inc.
Exclusive Show Notebook Sponsor
Fields Mfg.
Exclusive Education Program Sponsor
Golden Pacific
Exclusive Show Tote Sponsor
In Your Face Apparel
Exclusive Badge Insert Sponsor
JetLine
Exclusive Show Bag Sponsor
Leashables By Oralabs
Exclusive Lip Balm Sponsor
Marathon Mfg./Prestige Line
Exclusive Lanyard Sponsor
Norwood Promotional Products
Exclusive Floor Plan Sponsor
R.S. Owens
Awards Presentation Co-Sponsor
Senator
Exclusive Pen Sponsor
SnugZ/USA
Opening General Session
Co-Sponsor
Carpet Graphics Co-Sponsor
S&S Activewear
Exclusive ExpoPlanIt Kiosk Sponsor
Staton
Exclusive T-Shirt Sponsor
TradeNet Publishing Co.
Exclusive Magnet Sponsor
Visstun
Exclusive Cup Sponsor
SILVER LEVEL
AZX Sport
Hand Sanitizer Co-Sponsor
BamBams
Rollabana Co-Sponsor
BCH Unique Inc.
Awards Presentation Co-Sponsor
Dard
Clipster Co-Sponsor
Featherlite
Exclusive Music Sponsor
Norwood® JaffaTM
Awards Presentation Co-Sponsor
Tripbuilder
Map Co-Sponsor
Visions Awards
Awards Presentation Co-Sponsor
BRONZE LEVEL
Chocolate Inn
[X]Jam Chocolate Co-Sponsor
Frank Lee Imports Ltd.
General Show Sponsor
Gill Studios
General Show Sponsor
Halls & Company
General Show Sponsor
Hartmann
General Show Sponsor
The List
General Show Sponsor
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