On Tuesday morning, the largest and longest-running trade show in the promotional products industry opens its doors. Over the next three days at The PPAI Expo 2024, attendees will have access to tens of thousands of the newest innovative products in the promo field, countless exciting new ideas and face time with hundreds of supplier companies from across the industry.
Hosting an event this large requires an enormous amount of planning and preparation.
Months In The Making
PPAI staff began planning for The PPAI Expo 2024 months ago. Detailed discussions, brainstorming sessions and logistical arrangements commenced to ensure every aspect of the trade show was thoroughly considered.
“This is the Super Bowl of our industry, and we know how important this is,” says Ellen Tucker, CAE, MAS, PPAI’s vice president of revenue and expositions. “Industry professionals come back year after year because of how much value they find in the event. Our preparations are guided by the goal of making each attendee’s experience meaningful and memorable.”
The Show Floor
On the one-million square-foot show floor at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, a skilled team of personnel – event planners, technicians, decorators, and logistical experts – are diligently adding the finishing touches.
“My favorite part is watching the show floor go from empty to fully assembled,” says Lindsey Davis, MAS, PPAI’s director of sales and professional development. “I also love opening day – that’s the point at which everything’s flowing, everything’s moving, and I just get to look around and enjoy.”
The final product is wonderous – 950+ exhibiting companies, more than 2,500 booths and 250,000+ products.
“It’s massive in a way that can’t be communicated. You really have to see it in person,” says Colet Williams, PPAI’s digital marketing manager.
New This Year
The PPAI Expo 2024 is debuting a new look and feel to many of the show’s design elements. In a transition from last year’s angular aesthetic (top left), attendees this year will be greeted with a fresh new look (top right) as they move through registration and other parts of the trade show. Also this year, The PPAI Expo Conference will be easier to navigate because of a new color-coding system.
“Finding the right room for education is tough because this place is a maze,” says Dale Denman, MAS, PPAI’s CEO and president. “We’ve color coded the education areas to make it easier for you to find where your room is. This idea came from listening to member feedback.”
There will also be numerous unique experiences in store for attendees.
“New for 2024 is PPAI Recharge – a lounge on the show floor where you can unwind with a chair massage and power back up with a snack,” says Vicki Sypien, PPAI’s meetings and events manager. “We put a lot of thought into the Recharge area, and I know our attendees are going to enjoy it.”
Attendees will be able to partake in pop-ups experiences throughout The PPAI Expo including a bagel stand, popsicle cart, latte station and more. The expansive show floor also accommodates a full-size pickle ball court that attendees can find at the back of aisle 2000.
PPAI Staff At The Ready
While the Mandalay Bay staff are integral in the execution of the expo, so are PPAI’s employees.
“We have more than 50 staff members attending The PPAI Expo. They’ll be helping with everything from registration to providing directions to simply welcoming attendees with a smiling face,” Davis says. “PPAI staff are a huge part of making this happen.”
“The PPAI Expo has great energy. There’s a lot going on at all times; the excitement and fun add to it all,” says Jill Begun, PPAI’s professional development manager.
“I look forward to this every year,” says Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, PPAI’s professional development manager for learning programs. “I’m so proud to be part of it.”
Planning For 2025
The development of The PPAI Expo 2025 is already underway and registration for the event is taking place during this year’s show. Connect with your PPAI account manager at PPAI booth 2445 for more information.
