Plenty goes into making a responsible promo company. Monday’s PPAI Expo Conference featured a collection of panels, presentations and educational sessions that dove into what branded merchandise companies need to focus on both now and in the future.

Sustainable Marketing: Navigating the Greenwashing Trap

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the pressure to market sustainable products is stronger than ever. But with great power comes great responsibility. This interactive workshop dove into the art of authentically marketing eco-friendly products. Attendees learned the best practices for representing eco features truthfully – without exaggerating benefits – and how to highlight sustainable features that actually resonate with consumers. The evolving regulatory landscape is cracking down on greenwashing, and it’s more important than ever to be transparent and honest about your product’s environmental impact. The session examined real-life case studies, such as Adidas’ transparency in recycled content with their Stan Smith shoes and Lululemon’s lessons learned from greenwashing allegations.

  • Brianna Mazze, Vice President of Compliance & Sustainability, St. Regis Group

“Consumers have the language to understand when you’re greenwashing now,” Mazze says. “And they might not always say anything about it; they’ll just stop doing business with you.

“It’s important that we be honest and not exaggerate [when it comes to sustainability claims],” Mazze continues. “You have to define what is sustainable about this product. They have to be informed of what they’re buying.

“You have to be authentic and build trust.”

Eco-Savvy Selling: Presenting Sustainable Options And Value In Every Pitch

Sustainability is more than a checkbox – it’s a narrative, a competitive edge and a path to greater profitability. But how do you tell the eco story in a way that resonates with your customers and drives real value? In this session, Abe Anteby with Threadfast Apparel, Kate Nash from Raining Rose, Mandi Rudd from Genumark, join moderator Elizabeth Wimbush from PPAI to unpack the secrets of selling sustainability.

 “You can be green, environmentally responsible, socially responsible and you don’t have to spend more money,” Anteby says.

Gen Z Speaks: Bridging the Gap for Authentic Connections

The future of the promotional products industry lies in the hands of the next generation, and Gen Z has a unique vision to share. In this session Millennial moderator Josh Pospisil, MAS, was in conversation with members of Gen Z including Ben Drysdale, CAS; Halle Moore and Jade Crider. They dive into their experiences and perspectives on what drives them as consumers, professionals and leaders in the making. From buying habits to communication styles, workplace engagement and their expectations for inclusivity, these panelists are breaking down the barriers between established practices and the new wave of ideas.

“[Gen Z workers] are still new, and they don’t know the industry as well as other people do, so educate them,” says Crider. “Keep them focused on the importance of the industry.” 

Improving Company Culture Through DEI Support & Awareness

Improving company culture isn’t about mandates or mission statements; it’s about commitment. Real change happens when leaders take action.

Natalie Tenner, chair of SanMar’s IDEA Council, is championing DEI initiatives from the top while balancing her day-to-day as a Credit Manager, she proves that impactful change starts with leadership. Vera Minot, who introduced DEI into her family-owned business, challenges traditions and reshapes priorities. Through her external involvement, Vera has made hiring with diversity in mind a priority, showing that small businesses can lead big transformations. Kim Sandifer brought a new perspective to the promotional products industry.

Now at HALO, she focuses on hiring and training with the precision and insight of a seasoned C-level HR leader. Moderated by Sarah White, these voices illuminate how intentionality, awareness, and action can weave DEI into the fabric of any workplace. The result? A company culture that doesn’t just support diversity but thrives because of it.

Legislative Insights: Prepare For The Issues Affecting Our Industry

Change is coming. A new administration, new laws and new challenges for the promotional products industry are just around the corner. But waiting to see what happens isn’t a strategy – it’s a risk. That’s why PPAI is bringing you the latest legislative insights to prepare your business for the road ahead.

This deep dive into the policies focused on the regulations that matter most to distributors and suppliers. With expert analysis and research findings in hand, it covered what’s on the legislative horizon and how it could reshape the industry. Plus, attendees had the chance to ask PPAI’s new Washington, D.C., lobbying partner the tough questions about what really matters.