Expo East Education Programming Opens Doors For Industry Professionals

Expo East 2017 brought attendees from across the Northeast for the region’s most exciting and innovative trade show. They also came for the innovative education programming consistent with the quality presented at The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. This year the show delivered more than 30 sessions across seven tracks—Strategies & Solutions, Corporate Responsibility, Industry Essentials, Marketing & Advertising, Decorate, Sales & Service and Technology—including roundtable conversations, show-floor presentations and a Power Luncheon presentation from technology strategist Crystal Washington.

I really enjoyed Expo East because it allowed me to gain further knowledge of the industry. As a Millennial, it was interesting to attend, and discuss with business owners, the struggles, expectations and best moments of our careers. I was also able to connect with other people in the industry and give them insight on their business and marketing efforts from a Millennial’s point of view. It was humbling to be able to share some of my secrets about social media marketing and gain a greater understanding from experts like Seth Barnett [PPAI Diversity Development and Engagement Manager].

There is so much to learn, and the education behind the show is what had me so excited to attend again this year. I hope to begin my CAS certification soon and see where this takes me.

SAVANNAH CARABIN

Graphic Designer & Marketing Specialist

Rocky Top Embroidery & More, Inc.

King George, Virginia

PPAI 367708

Industry Companies Build Relationships With Legislators On Connections Made In D.C.

More than 80 member volunteers and Association staff traveled to Washington, D.C., in April for PPAI’s Legislative Education And Action Day (L.E.A.D.), and to meet with legislators and their offices to discuss opportunities and challenges for the promotional products industry. And the conversations didn’t end there.

Signet recently visited with Congressman David Kustoff, whose interest was sparked when I met with him in Washington, D.C. The more I talked about our “under the radar industry,” the more interested he became. In D.C., he invited himself to come see us during his “small business week” in Memphis. He followed through, and thus the visit.

He loved it. The interesting thing is that, as he toured, he became as animated as our students and faculty at the University of Memphis. “This business looks like so much fun,” was his comment; very similar to the reactions we get to classroom lectures, internship fairs, etc. So, the D.C. visit paid off. We have one congressman for sure who has a good feel for what we do, our industry and the things that can adversely affect us. It was a good visit.

DAVID TATE

President

Signet, Inc.

Memphis, Tennessee

PPAI 101157