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Coming Up: The PPAI Expo 2010
By: Audrey Sellers, Associate Editor
Issue: 2009dec
When the iconic glittery ball drops in Times Square next month, it means only one thing for those in the promotional products industry: It’s almost time for The PPAI Expo 2010. The industry’s longest-running and largest tradeshow will light up the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas January 11-15, 2010, and you have to be there. From the power-packed networking and education events you’ve come to expect to loads of debut offerings, The PPAI Expo is the ultimate way to jumpstart your year. Here’s a look at what awaits you in Las Vegas.
New Product Pavilion
On the hunt for the newest, most innovative products for 2010? Make the New Product Pavilion (NPP) on Level 2 of the Mandalay Bay Ballroom your first stop. Here you’ll find a crush of the newest products to hit the market. Plus, new for 2010 is a green products pavilion located next to the NPP where you can check out eco-friendly, organic, recyclable and reusable products in one spot. Make plans to attend the Sneak Peek on Tuesday from 5 to 7 pm, or come by Wednesday or Thursday from 8 am to 5:30 pm, or Friday from 8 am to 3 pm.
brand.
Whether you’re just dipping your toe into the incentives market or you’re fully immersed, be sure to stop by brand., an incentives products showcase where you’ll uncover the full scope of how incentives can work for your business. You know the high-end, high-style brands—now see them up close on Level 2 in the Mandalay Bay Ballroom. It’s open Wednesday from 10 am to 5:30 pm, Thursday from 9 am to 5:30 pm and Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.
DECORATE: A Promo Equipment Show
Premiering at The PPAI Expo 2010, this show gives you a first-hand, in-depth look at how promotional products are transformed into promotional vehicles. Explore the latest in screen printing, embroidery and digital technology, as well as the machines behind the magic. Stop by Bayside and Shorelines on Levels 1 and 2 on Wednesday or Thursday from 9 am to 5:30 pm, or Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.
The PPAI Expo General Sessions
Instead of one session, we’re dishing up two sessions plus bringing you the PPAI Distinguished Service Award presentation. Plan for it on Tuesday when Scott McKain kicks things off at 3:30 pm on Level 3 in the South Seas Ballroom. His session, “The Collapse Of Distinction,” examines the four cornerstones of distinction and how to stand out and move up by creating the Ultimate Customer Experience™. McKain says there are three threatening factors that pull all companies and their workers back to the pack in one mass of uniformity. The session goes until 5 pm with a book signing afterwards from 5:15 to 6 pm in the South Seas Ballroom Foyer on Level 3.
Then get fired up for the next general session, “James Carville Looks At American Politics,” on Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:45 am in the South Seas Ballroom on Level 3. Our industry faces a maelstrom of regulatory laws and the Ragin’ Cajun, James Carville, is here to help you fight back. He’s been behind some of the most dramatic political victories in history and he’ll share his thoughts on current events and the new administration to help promotional products professionals create winning strategies.
Keynote Luncheons
If you’re hungry for a presentation with pep, don’t miss Tuesday’s keynote luncheon presented by Simon T. Bailey. “Release Your Brilliance: The Four Steps To Transforming Your Life And Revealing Your Genius To The World” outlines how to think in fresh, creative ways to drive change and get real results. Eager to tap your personal spark and bring more value to your company and customers? Plan to be in the South Seas Ballroom on Level 3 from 12 to 1:15 pm. It’s $40 for PPAI members and $80 for nonmembers.
Next up is Wednesday’s keynote luncheon, “FASCINATE! How To Persuade And Influence.” Ever wonder why you’re enthralled by some people but disinterested in others? What about how some leaders can get you to change your thinking? Or why you clearly remember some but not all events? Presenter Sally Hogshead says it comes down to the most deeply rooted form of persuasion: fascination. In her luncheon in Jasmine E on Level 3 from 12 to 1:15 pm, Hogshead will reveal the seven secret triggers of fascination that enable everyone to boost their persuasive abilities. PPAI members get in for $35 and nonmembers for $70. Stick around from 1:30 to 2 pm and get your book signed by Hogshead in the Jasmine Foyer South on Level 3.
PPAI Awards Dinner & Presentation
What do you get when you put the industry’s best in one ballroom for an evening of fine dining and recognition? A gala not to be missed—the PPAI Awards Dinner & Presentation, Wednesday from 7 to 9:30 pm in the South Seas Ballroom on Level 3. We’re changing up the format in 2010 and naming the top three nominees in each awards category and honoring one winner on stage for his or her outstanding achievement. PPAI members can get tickets for $125 per person; the cost for nonmembers is $175. Order your ticket when you register for the show. Onsite tickets, if available, are $175 for members; $200 for nonmembers.
PPAI Book Club 2010
Settle in with a copy of Scott McKain’s The Collapse of Distinction and Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. Keep a notepad handy to jot down your thoughts—you’ll have the opportunity to gather and discuss with other readers during two book club meetings. From 1:30 to 2:30 pm on Monday in the Palm Foyer on Level 3, Kathy Goodin-Mitchell, SPHR, PPAI’s human resources director, will lead the dialogue on McKain’s book, which explains how to stand out from the competition. Catch up with Tuesday’s group in the Palm Foyer on Level 3 from 9:30 to 10:30 am to examine Gladwell’s book. Goodin-Mitchell will keep the conversation flowing as readers discuss the book’s ideas on thinking differently.
PPAI Chat Room
Still trying to figure out the apps for your iPhone or iPod Touch? Get enlightened at this hosted chat, new in 2010, where Chad Cranford, PPAI senior account representative, will lead a discussion on how to maximize technology to increase your productivity and profitability. Don’t miss it Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:30 pm in Jasmine B on Level 3.
PPAI Action Central
If you need a refresher on the legislation and compliance issues impacting our industry, stop by the PPAI Action Central pavilion in [location TK] during show hours, a new addition for 2010. Hope Tackaberry, PPAI’s senior manager of regional relations, and Anne Lardner, PPAI senior manager of public affairs, will be on hand to answer questions and help visitors take action on the spot. You can also schedule a meeting with Susan DeRagon, associate director of toys and premiums at Specialized Technology Resources (STR), a company that provides testing, audit, accreditation and sourcing services for toy and consumer product industries. Just contact Anne Lardner at AnneL@ppai.org or 972-258-3041 before The Expo to make your appointment.
Karaoke And Wii™ Networking Event
Grab the mic or controller—or just ogle those who do—and get ready for an evening of laid-back fun. There will be singing and a Wii™ challenge, so get ready to mix it up in this networking event unlike any other. A hosted bar keeps the drinks flowing and the atmosphere lively on Wednesday from 5:45 to 7:45 pm in the North Convention Center. Members can get in on the action for $25; nonmembers for $40.
A Night At rumjungle
It’s not the same old networking venue or experience—come ready to mix and mingle with a 22-foot wall of fire and cascading waterfalls in the background. Hold on to your martini because there will also be dueling conga drums, no-risk gambling, aerialists and dancers to ignite the atmosphere. Experience it Wednesday from 7:30 to 10:30 pm in rumjungle in the Mandalay Bay Hotel. It’s $30 for PPAI members and $45 for nonmembers.
Wine Tasting From Around The World
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or you enjoy an occasional glass with dinner, sip and swill your way to this wine-and-appetizer tasting at the China Grill in the Mandalay Bay Hotel on Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. You’ll get to savor selections from around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, France, Italy, Germany and the U.S. PPAI members get in for $55 and nonmembers for $70.
ONE
The House of Blues in the Mandalay Bay Hotel is set to rock on Thursday from 7:30 to 10:30 pm when two bands from two different genres take to the stage. First up is Zoo Station, a U2 tribute band, then get ready for the Molly Ringwalds, an English ’80s quintet. PPAI members can snag a ticket for $25; it’s $40 for nonmembers. If you don’t have a ticket yet, there may be some available onsite for $40 for members and $60 for nonmembers.
Hear James Carville Live
General Session Wednesday, January 13, 7:30 – 8:45 am
The promotional products industry is under attack from a muddle of regulatory laws. You’ve seen headlines blasting up-to-the-minute news on legislation ranging from the Physician Payments Sunshine Act to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. But how do you take on a contender as powerful as Washington? Start with some advice from media personality and political strategist, James Carville.
You’ll get to hear him live during The PPAI Expo 2010 when he kicks off the show opening with his highly entertaining, not-to-be-missed general session on Wednesday, “James Carville Looks At American Politics.” No matter your personal political stance, Carville promises to help you find ways to transform your own campaigns into landslide victories.
With a nickname like the Ragin’ Cajun, you can count on Carville to offer up some rock-solid recommendations to fight back against tough laws. Here’s a look at his track record of political successes.
Behind The Political Mastermind
• 1986—Carville managed Robert Casey’s gubernatorial victory in Pennsylvania. Casey, who lost in three prior attempts, defeated the popular choice in an impressive, come-from-behind triumph.
• 1987—Wallace Wilkinson, a candidate with less than one percent of the vote in early polls, secured a win for the gubernatorial campaign in Kentucky thanks to Carville’s savvy strategizing.
• 1988—In New Jersey, Carville led Frank Lautenberg straight to a seat on the U.S. Senate, helping him defeat a Rhodes Scholar and Heisman Trophy winner.
• 1990—Carville directed Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller’s successful gubernatorial campaign, which included a tough primary win over Atlanta’s mayor.
• 1991—Carville charged into the national spotlight when he guided Senator Harris Wofford from 40 points behind in the polls to an upset landslide win over Pennsylvania’s former governor and U.S. Attorney General.
• 1992—Bill Clinton stepped into the U.S. presidency with Carville, who was honored as Campaign Manager of the Year by the American Association of Political Consultants, leading the way.
• 1999—Carville transitioned into foreign consulting, guiding Ehud Barak to victory in his push to become Israel’s prime minister.
Though Carville has a rich political background, he’s also an author, speaker, restaurateur and talk-show host, and he’s appeared in numerous television commercials and movies. His work keeps him busy, but at the end of the day, he’s a family guy who enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. The Carvilles moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2008—a definite change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C.
Think you could use a fresh approach to creating a winning strategy for your business and the industry? Be there for Wednesday’s general session and take some tips from a leader who knows what it takes to fight hard and win.
Sneak A Peek At Sally Hogshead
Luncheon: Wednesday, January 13, 12 – 1:15 pm; PPAI Members: $35, Nonmembers: $70
Wouldn’t it be great to step into a room and know you’re the most fascinating one there? It may sound like a lofty thought, but Sally Hogshead, speaker, author and branding expert, says you can do it and will share the ways how in her keynote luncheon, “FASCINATE! How To Persuade And Influence,” Wednesday during The PPAI Expo. PPB caught up with Hogshead and discovered that she is, indeed, one fascinating lady.
Q: What does it take to be the most fascinating person in the room?
A: Fascinating people have the power to attract people’s attention and to connect with others in a persuasive way. There are seven triggers to fascinating other people. Those triggers, which I’ll discuss in my presentation, are: power, lust, mystique, alarm, prestige, vice and trust. Different people respond to different triggers, but once you figure out which trigger people respond to, you can connect with them in a way that’s not only more persuasive, but also much more meaningful.
Q: You’ve raked in hundreds of awards—what has been your inspiration?
A: I’m a media junkie. I love looking around the landscape and finding really odd, exotic, curious things that lie outside my realm of experience. When I go to the newsstand, I always try to feed my brain with everything from trucker magazines and bridal magazines to Wired, Inc. and Fast Company, and the traditional business magazines. I go to the movies and foreign films, and I spend time on Twitter and Facebook to see what people are talking about. By doing this, I’m constantly looking outside my own realm to see what others are doing and thinking.
Q: Your high school classmates voted you the funniest. Does humor still play a role in your life?
A: Humor is so important, not just in our relationships with our significant others, kids and friends, but it’s also important in marketing. Humor lowers the barrier that people have—that natural resistance and cynicism—so that you can communicate your message in a way that is heard and remembered.
Q: What’s the secret to your success?
A: Irreverance. Instead of looking at a problem in the same way as other people, I try to find a different angle or counterintuitive perspective that somebody else wouldn’t come across. In some cases, this means putting something into an advertising headline that’s a bit surprising, but in other cases it could be helping a consumer or b-to-b brand reinvent their entire business model in a way that’s different from what their competition is doing. It’s a little tweak of irreverence in every idea.
Q: Your career has spanned across many different areas. What have you enjoyed the most?
A: What I love most isn’t a certain job title—I’ve been an author and a speaker and a creative director of a global ad agency. What I’ve loved the most is the process of coming up with new ideas. I love the creative development process. I love figuring out how to solve a complex problem with a solution that no one’s ever done before. I love the newness and freshness of innovation.
Q: Do you have any tips on dealing with difficult clients?
A: Many clients are so much more risk-averse today because not only are they concerned about their bottom lines and the products they’re delivering to their own clients, but they’re concerned about their own jobs. So you’re dealing with difficult layers of anxiety and frustration.
Control every possible factor you can within the interaction. For example, if you’re submitting a proposal, make sure every aspect of that proposal is totally buttoned up, so that it’s secure and reliable. When you’re making a recommendation that might involve a leap of faith or creativity or some sort of new idea the client hasn’t done before, they’ll have more faith in your recommendation.
Try to help people visualize what you’re proposing. Clients need to hold and touch and feel what you’re talking about. If you have a product you want to share with them, make it as real as you can so they get a great mental image. Also, provide as much support to the relationship as you can so you’re not expending social capital where you don’t need to be.
Q: What do you hope attendees will take away from your keynote luncheon next month?
A: As individuals, they’re more fascinating than they realize. They just need to tap into their strengths and innate characteristics to develop more persuasive and meaningful relationships with everybody in their lives. There are ways they can be marketing their own products that can add more value so they can charge more and have a greater influence in their client relationships.
Is Your Company Becoming A Beige Blur? Learn To Create Distinction.
General Session: Tuesday, January 12, 3:30 – 5 pm
“It’s not that we can’t see the forest for the trees, it’s just that every tree looks exactly the same.” If this statement doesn’t startle you, that may be part of the problem plaguing businesses today—we are all settling for uniformity. What your business launched two years ago as cutting edge may now cause more yawns than excitement because everybody’s doing it. Scott McKain calls this increasingly common phenomenon “the collapse of distinction.” In his afternoon general session of the same name on Tuesday, January 12, he’ll discuss the three ominous factors that pull every company and the professionals who work there back to the pack like a magnet—and teach you how to avoid them.
McKain’s ability to identify and speak to this crisis evolved from his experience as vice chairman of Obsidian Enterprises, a dynamic holding company with 19 diverse affiliated businesses generating more than $100 million in annual revenue. He is also vice chairman of Durham Capital Corporation and chairman of McKain Performance Group, Inc., a company specializing in educating visionary organizations and professionals on business growth through strategic differentiation.
The problem of lack of distinction may be worse than you thought. Not only are points of differentiation between businesses being eliminated into a beige blur, but it’s making it increasingly difficult for customers to be able to distinguish the difference between you and your competitors. Moreover, if your customers cannot make that differentiation, they will fall back on the one area they do recognize—price. Differentiating your company solely on price creates a host of problems including lower margins—not good for any business in the marketplace.
“Most organizations do not change, they merely shuffle,” writes McKain in his book, Collapse of Distinction. “They reorganize, add or change management, subtract staff, outsource, relocate and more—all in the hopes of stumbling onto something that will reconnect them with customers.”
Instead, McKain explains, you need to “create passion within yourself and your organization to create distinction for your business—and differentiation from your competition. [Without it] you are doomed to mediocrity in today’s changing and highly challenging market.”
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