In 2023, The PPAI Expo saw its numbers bounce back after the pandemic – and 2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for the largest trade show in the industry, with almost 1,000 exhibiting companies and more than 10,000 distributor attendees at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
After soaking up the educational opportunities at Monday’s conference – and checking out the second annual The Pitch contest Monday afternoon, attendees and exhibitors will exchange ideas on the largest trade show floor in the industry. The show opens at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and closes at 2 p.m. on Thursday.
Christina Marcantelli, business development specialist with Illinois-based S&S Activewear, the No. 2 supplier of the 2023 PPAI 100 (booth 5441), is a first-time attendee. She had planned to attend in previous years but didn’t make it due to the pandemic and other last-minute changes.
“This is my first PPAI Expo, and I am incredibly excited to kick off the new year and get inspired,” she says, “The energy is infectious, and it’s a great way to begin the sales season and gain a fresh perspective and view after the holiday season.”
Marcantelli says she’s especially looking forward to today’s breakout sessions on marketing, creativity, selling strategies and trends, as well as talking with customers on the show floor and learning about their businesses and needs – and checking out what other suppliers are offering as well.
“I cannot wait to see what our brand partners and the competition are showing for 2024,” she adds. “It’s always exciting to see the trend focus and marketing opportunities they present in terms of content creation for our sales reps to share with customers.”
For many exhibitors, The PPAI Expo is a chance to jumpstart the year. David Miller, president of New York-based NC Custom, the PPAI 100 No. 18 supplier (booth 2819), says the Expo show floor is a great source of excitement and ideas.
“The energy on the show floor is contagious,” Miller adds. “It will get you excited about the new year, and you will be coming home with many new and creative ideas to present to your clientele.”
He says he is looking forward to visiting with distributors walking the show, catching up with prior relationships and making new ones – as well as showcasing new items.
Heidi Koch, product development manager for Cap America, the 2023 PPAI 100 No. 11 supplier (booth 2527), is also excited about renewing existing relationships and forging new ones, as well as launching new products.
“The greatest pleasure in attending PPAI is always meeting and connecting with new and also familiar industry peers,” she says. “Working the Cap America booth gives us a chance to not only show off our hard work on newly created styles and trends for 2024 but also the ability to network and build in- person relationships.”
Like Marcantelli, Koch also wants to know what’s hot and what’s next. She says as trends come and go, shows like The PPAI Expo are a great place to keep an eye out for the latest and greatest.
“Trend watching is my absolute passion. The PPAI show floor never fails to disappoint in this area,” Koch says. “It’s absolutely exciting to see how each market uniquely uses the new latest and greatest trends for 2024 and beyond. … Everyone can walk away from this show completely abuzz and excited to start 2024 with a bang!”
RELATED: Brighten Up: Hot Colors For 2024
Part of that buzz comes from the special events during The PPAI Expo. Capping off today’s conference schedule are The Pitch and the opening reception. The Pitch – promo’s take on competition shows like “Shark Tank” and “The Voice” – features selected supplier participants giving their best product pitches to win over four distributor judges and potential clients – and audience members are invited to vote for their favorites, too.
Andy Hudson, director of marketing for St. Louis-based Incentive Concepts, the 2023 PPAI 100 No. 39 supplier (booth 625), says the contest is at the top of his must-do list. “I have heard great things about The Pitch and am looking forward to attending this year,” he says.
When it comes to the trade show itself, Hudson says his favorite part is walking the show floor to see how other exhibitors are engaging booth visitors. “Get ready to walk,” he says. “Wear comfortable shoes, and make sure to visit the brand pavilion, where you can discover awesome, name-brand products that are perfect for corporate gifts and rewards.”
Brittany Frase, MAS, MASI, director of sales and marketing at Houston-based Hirsch, the No. 12 supplier in the 2023 PPAI 100 (booths 2627 & 2731), agrees that comfortable footwear is a must. Frase has attended The PPAI Expo for the past decade and offers her top three tips for a successful show:
- Wear comfortable shoes – and change your shoes between events.
- Stay hydrated: Pack Liquid I.V. or Pedialyte packets in your carry-on.
- It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Be open to new ideas, but set yourself three clear objectives before the show begins. Write them down in your phone and revisit them in the night or the morning to stay focused.
The networking opportunities at The PPAI Expo are unparalleled, Frase adds. “It’s the year’s best opportunity to connect face-to-face with current and prospective customers to drive sales growth,” she says. “There is no better place to gain valuable insight into market trends and showcase new offerings and client solutions than Expo.”
