While the rest of the world waits for the ball to drop, the promotional products industry’s year doesn’t truly begin until doors open at The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas.

The largest and longest-running promo trade show unites thousands of distributors and suppliers at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, where they’ll make new connections, share strategies and spark fresh ideas to generate business.

“We’re fired up for The PPAI Expo 2024,” says Drew Davis, owner of Denver-based Specialty Incentives (PPAI 104275, D8). “Expo annually provides the opportunity to kickstart the sales year and to present the latest product trends to clients and prospects upon our return. We fully expect to be wowed by the supplier community’s investment in new products and expanded decoration capabilities.”

“No FOMO here,” Davis adds, “Giddy up!”

Expo Newcomers

After five years in the industry, Kelli Brown, owner of Huntsville, Alabama-based GoodPeople Promotions (PPAI 798474, D2), will be attending The PPAI Expo for the first time in 2024.

“I have no idea what to expect except total awesomeness,” Brown says. “I’m looking forward to getting a lot of samples for my showroom, attending a few seminars, meeting a few of my online friends in real life and meeting people who’ve been in this industry for a long time so I can pick their brain. My family is going with me, so I’m really looking forward to us doing some cool things together like the Sphere and Meow Wolf.”

Another first timer, Tyler Merriam, MAS, owner of Lake Placid, New York-based Adirondack Awards and Promotions (PPAI 276905, D3), has decided to attend Expo for three reasons:

  • To network face-to-face with suppliers, mentors and peers in the hopes of strengthening relationships and elevating the industry as a whole.
  • To deepen his knowledge about unique, high quality and sustainable branded merch options.
  • To absorb every bit of knowledge he can glean from educational sessions and general observations on how the promo industry operates on a global scale.

“I’m jazzed to attend Expo this year because of the incredible opportunity it provides to immerse myself in the promotional products industry for the benefit of my business and the clients who trust us to bring their brand to life,” Merriam says. “Nothing surpasses the energy and value-to-time ratio of a live event surrounded by passionate people.”

What To Expect At The PPAI Expo 2024

Anybody that’s been to The PPAI Expo can attest that the four-day event stimulates inspiration and innovation.

And it all starts Monday at The PPAI Expo Conference, which brings experts together to share professional education on the industry’s most pressing issues, such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, diversifying the supply chain, marketing in uncertain times and more.

Plus, “The Pitch” – the most talked about experience from The PPAI Expo 2023 – will return as seven supplier participants try to win over a respected panel of industry judges in front of an audience of Expo attendees.

Then, at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the trade show opens. Early-bird attendees can get a sneak peek of the Product Pavilions starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

  • The PPAI Expo 2024 trade floor, which covers roughly 1 million square feet in scope, will have more than 2,500 booths and nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies, up from 900 exhibitors last year.
  • PPAI is excited to announce that 47 of the 50 suppliers in this year’s inaugural PPAI 100 list will be present and exhibiting on the trade floor at The PPAI Expo 2024.
  • If last year’s event is any indication, there will be more than 350,000 products available at The PPAI Expo 2024. If you’re looking for the latest in sustainable, made-in-the-USA or first-time exhibitor products, you’ll find them all in one place at the Product Pavilions.

Although David Bywater, president and general manager of Iowa City, Iowa-based Bankers Advertising Company (PPAI 101972, D8), has been attending The PPAI Expo for 30 years, he finds the event even more energizing today.

“It’s always a great way to begin the year, switch gears from our long busy season, renew relationships with our best supplier contacts and meet new professionals who can help our business grow,” Bywater says.