December is a busy time for everyone, with shopping, traveling and the chance to see familiar faces again. For those in the promotional products industry, December also means one more thing: PPAI Expo is right around the corner!
The PPAI Expo
The Promotional Products Association International Expo is held each January in Las Vegas, Nevada and caters to distributors and vendors. As the industry’s largest trade show, Expo draws over 20,000 visitors with an expected increase of 40% for 2023. The show spans four days and features non-stop presentations, networking events, and the opportunity to see the absolute latest in new promotional products.
Attending this event means we’re forming new connections and strengthening relationships with vendors and other contacts in the industry. It also allows us to learn and discuss the latest in technology, marketing, logistics, and education. However, the best part is getting exclusive sneak peeks into new products that will hit the market this upcoming year. Our promo product inventory includes millions of products, and this is your chance to find the next best idea to represent your brand.
PPAI Expo is a great investment in our clients and team and it’s also a representation of the TK Way. Our proven process means everything we do is centered around education, engagement, ideation, execution, and quality. Our team is constantly pursuing new knowledge in the industry, collaborating together to provide the best service, and engaging with clients to stay ahead of their needs. Staying proactive and ahead of the curve is what we do best.
PPAI Certifications
Beyond the PPAI Expo, the Promotional Products Association International benefits distributors and vendors in many ways.
PPAI staff members are the leading experts in education for the promotional products industry. Have you ever seen one of these badges while shopping for promotional products? These certifications mean that your distributor or vendor is up to date on new marketing, branding, and logistical strategies in the industry. Most importantly, they also mean that your distributor and vendor have passed multiple courses in product safety.
The most basic education package provided by PPAI is their Product Safety Awareness program. This package covers many topics, including Safety Basics, California Proposition 65, and Undue Influence. Completing this package, means you’re informed of children’s product safety regulations, informing consumers of hazardous chemicals, and safeguarding against laboratories that alter test results when it comes to product safety.
The safety and quality of the products we provide goes hand-in-hand with our core values of collaboration, respect, commitment, drive, and service.
PPAI also offers Certified Advertising Specialist programs, Master Advertising Specialist programs, and Master Advertising Specialist Plus programs. These certifications require between 25 hours and 225 hours of education and must be recertified with new credits every 3 years. Needless to say, anyone with these certifications is dedicated to providing the best experience to their clients.
PPAI as a Whole
Besides trade shows and education certifications, PPAI also awards outstanding women leaders, those who offer volunteer service or leadership to PPAI, and those who volunteer and devote themselves to charitable organizations in their communities. They’re also advocates of corporate, environmental, and social responsibility.
PPAI is an excellent asset to the promotional products industry and allows distributors and vendors to stay on top of new trends, which helps best serve everyone. As December winds down and January arrives, we’ll be eager to collaborate with our clients and keep them front of mind as we attend PPAI Expo.
Be sure to reach out to your sales representative or contact us to discuss your marketing initiatives for next year!
