Regional associations in the promotional products industry are experiencing growing appeal, gaining a total of 163 companies as new members in 2023, signaling increased recognition of the value offered by these groups.

Both supplier and distributor membership are on the rise, with an average of 90 supplier members and 116 distributor members per association, according to the latest survey results from PPAI Research. Meanwhile, multi-line reps are holding steady with modest gains, averaging 13 members.

  • Regional associations added an average of 23 new member companies in 2023, with a median of 26 new members per association.
  • New memberships also reflected positive momentum, increasing by 44% from an average of 16 new members in 2022.


“This balance of average and median growth points to widespread, consistent recruitment success across associations,” says Alok Bhat, market economist and research & public affairs lead at PPAI.

Operations Data

Associations have an average of seven full-time employees and 17 part-time employees, according to the survey results.

Sixteen associations say that they recognize their volunteers for their efforts. As far as member recognition goes, most associations present a Volunteer of the Year Award (13), followed by Supplier Awards (12), Multi-line Rep Awards (10), a Hall of Fame (10) and Distributor Awards (9).

  • In terms of most popular software, applications and business services used by associations, QuickBooks, Canva, PromoHunt and Zoom Catalog lead the pack with 100%, respectively.
  • Facebook is the most popular social media platform used by associations, followed by Instagram and LinkedIn.


Most associations (91%) responded that they do prepare an annual budget, indicating a high level of planning and financial discipline.

Preparing an annual budget is crucial for any organization, as it helps in forecasting, resource allocation, goal setting and financial management.”

Market Economist, Research & Public Affairs Lead, PPAI

“Preparing an annual budget is crucial for any organization, as it helps in forecasting, resource allocation, goal setting and financial management,” Bhat says.

  • In 2023, one-third of associations reviewed or planned to review their dues structure, while the rest maintained their current structure.
  • Fourteen associations reported that annual goals are set for the executive director or management firm and that a yearly evaluation process is in place.


Trade Show Dominance

All associations actively maintain a trade show committee, making trade events a cornerstone for member engagement and revenue.

Trade show revenue in 2023 showed encouraging growth, underscoring the importance of the events as the financial backbone of regional associations.

Trade Show Attendees


“By elevating attendee and exhibitor experiences, expanding networking opportunities and creating more impactful sponsorship packages, associations can amplify trade show success,” Bhat says. “Focusing on trade shows as a top priority will ensure continued growth and solidify their role as a reliable and essential source of revenue.”

Membership (85.7%), special events (85.7%) and communications/marketing (85.7%) are also widely engaged committees, emphasizing a strong focus on attracting and retaining members while enhancing visibility.

  • Two-thirds of associations have a professional development committee and 57% have a legislative/advocacy committee.


“Partnering with PPAI could amplify these efforts by providing regional associations with resources, industry insights and unified advocacy support, enabling associations to influence policy issues that impact the promotional products industry,” Bhat says.

Only 14% of associations have a volunteer/leadership development committee, presenting a growth opportunity for strengthening leadership pipelines and volunteer engagement.

  • During The PPAI Expo 2025, there will be a special pre-show gathering to learn more about your regional association and how they can help support your business on a local level.
  • Meet Your Regional: Coffee & Collaboration takes place on Wednesday, January 15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Level 2, Wedge from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
  • For more information, click here.

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The full report will be available to all Professional-tier members via Premium Research within two months.

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