The Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, has been home to The PPAI Expo for 18 years, bringing together the industry to celebrate the power of promotional products. And in his weekly letter and video message delivered to members on Wednesday, PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, shared plans for next year’s PPAI Expo. While the Expo is expected to look different than it has in the past, its purpose will be the same—to provide community, knowledge and a forum to do business—with attendees’ and exhibitors’ safety top of mind.
“For many of you, the sense of community that The PPAI Expo offers is what you cherish the most,” says Bellantone. “And to the degree that it is possible, the PPAI Expo 2021 will be there for you. At the heart of the PPAI Expo is a strong, passionate and interconnected community that comes together each year—a community gathering like no other in our industry. From developing new relationships to connecting with old friends, networking with this community is always at the top of the list for attendees at The PPAI Expo. And the need for that community network has never been so desired as it is today. Serving as the industry’s annual gathering place and the kickoff to business each new year, the PPAI Expo is the crown jewel of community in our industry and it will continue to shine.”
The Association is making several changes to the Expo in order to streamline and facilitate the best business environment possible while considering the challenges attendees may be facing. One of these changes is to limit the size of the show by downsizing its show-floor footprint by 50 percent. This will include limiting the size of booths. This step, along with others, will ease the financial burden for exhibitors while providing a solid business experience for everyone involved. Also, the Association will change the Expo from a three-day to a two-day trade show. This will help both attendees and exhibitors with travel expenses, as well as their time away from the office. To make up for the shortened schedule, show hours will be extended each day. The new hours will also give PPAI the flexibility to control access to the show floor, if necessary, based on government guidelines.
Professional development is a key component of the Expo experience and in 2021 the show will feature 50-plus breakouts and two general sessions, with a timely and relevant lineup of top-level speakers. PPAI anticipates making Expo-related virtual opportunities available in advance of, during and after the 2021 live event, with the goal of making the PPAI Expo a brand that can be counted on for business opportunities well before and after the live event.
While no one knows exactly what things will look like in January 2021, PPAI will go above and beyond to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. Whether it’s physical distancing, hand-sanitizing stations or temperature-screening stations, the Association plans to exceed the recommended guidelines in order to offer the safest business experience and is already working with its Las Vegas partners to make these arrangements.
Bellantone said it is highly likely there will be more changes and updates as the Association moves forward in planning. Stay up to date on the latest developments, show details and the schedule by visiting expo.ppai.org.
Go to ppai.org/expo/we-are-in to download the We’re In badge to display on your social, emails and website. Read Bellantone’s full letter and see the video here.
