Take Note Of Expo East 2017’s Extensive Education Lineup

Long a favorite presenter, Cliff Quicksell, MAS+, shared his expertise at last year’s Expo East and will be teaching four sessions at the 2017 show.

Expo East 2017 is bringing the high quality, diverse education opportunities to the Atlantic City Convention Center that industry professionals have come to expect from PPAI’s trade shows, conferences and events. With 30 sessions to choose from, Expo East attendees can pick the right classes to expand their professional playbook, explore new opportunities and move their careers ahead.

The education programming at Expo East tackles a number of issues, both established and emerging, that industry practitioners are facing, such as digital and generational marketing. Lance Bachmann, founder and president of digital marketing firm 1SEO.com Digital Agency, takes a crack at the first topic in his session, “The New, The Now, The Next Digital Marketing Strategies” (June 12, 4:30 – 5:30 pm; Level 4, Room 410). Through organic search, paid advertisements and re-targeting, email marketing and social media, Bachmann will explain the best practices to reach a wider audience in the digital landscape.

Several of Expo East’s sessions explore the opportunities and challenges in working with different generations, but Lori Garland, owner of distributor New Adventure Design, takes a look at Generation Z, the demographic cohort that follows Millennials, in “Social Responsibility and Generation Z” (June 12, 4:30 – 5:30 pm; Level 4, Room 414). In her session, Garland examines how to make a connection with Generation Z through solutions that create, connect and make an impact on the world.

Education at Expo East is also designed to expand attendees’ business practices and expertise. In his session, “Creating Positively Outrageous Customer Satisfaction” (June 13, 12:45 – 1:45 pm; Level 2, Show Floor PPAI Education Area) business speaker Steve Klein takes his audience through the art of satisfying customers and clients to make them loyal for life and advocates who will spread the word. Customer and client satisfaction efforts can affect profits, and Klein’s session stresses the value in prioritizing and focusing on top customer and client expectations.

Carletta Clyatt, senior vice president at management consultancy The Omnia Group, turns the focus inward in her session, “What Behavioral Insight Can Really Do for Your Business” (June 12, 1:30 – 2:30 pm; Level 4, Room 410). She covers the real costs associated with a bad hire, and offers solutions to improve the hiring process while maximizing staff potential.

Expo East also equips attendees with the tools to expand their businesses and seek opportunities in new directions. The session “Embroider Athletic Wear and Pump Up Your Decorating Profits” (June 13, 9 – 10 am; Level 4, Room 414), presented by Colleen Hartigan, a consultant for Madeira USA and Madeira Germany, opens the door to new products that help improve the look and feel of embroidery on the lightweight, breathable fabrics often used in athletic wear.

In a pair of sessions, “Niche Marketing: Finance And Technology Sector” (June 6, 2 – 3 pm; Level 2, Show Floor PPAI Education Area) and “Be The Expert! Niche Market Training in the Healthcare and Education Sectors” (June 7, 10 – 11 am; Level 2, Show Floor PPAI Education Area), sales trainer Danny Friedman looks at two niche markets and the opportunities available within them.

Expo East begins with a day of education on June 12, and exhibits are open June 13-14. For more information and to register, visit expoeast.ppai.org.

PPAI Names Committee And Advisory Group Chairs, Liaisons

PPAI recognizes outgoing volunteer leaders during the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at The PPAI Expo in January.

PPAI has announced new volunteer committee and advisory group chairs and liaisons for the 2017-2018 term.

The PPAI committees and advisory groups are comprised of volunteer representatives from the Association’s membership including distributors, suppliers, business services partners and representatives, who work together to promote, protect and grow the promotional products industry and the Association.

PPAI volunteer committees address ongoing and essential strategic missions important to the Association and the industry. PPAI advisory groups are focused on specific strategic and tactical assignments and offer flexibility with time commitments, meetings, group size and multiple volunteer opportunities.

Awards & Recognition Committee

Chair: Tom Donlin, ADG Promotional Products; PPAI Liaisons: Carol Gauger, MAS; Christina Sanders

Certification Committee

Chair: Peggy Dixon, MAS, Gemline; PPAI Liaison: Julie Levay

Distributors Committee

Chair: Deanna Cross, Cross Promos/Division of CarCross Company, Inc.; PPAI Liaisons: Tina Filipski, Sandy Mendoza

Government Relations Advisory Council (GRAC)

Chair: Dale T. Denham, MAS+, Geiger; PPAI Liaisons: Anne Stone, Joseph Landeros

Leadership Advisory Committee

Chair: Nikki Stella, Promo Marketing; PPAI Liaisons: Lisa Beck, Paul Bellantone, CAE

Marketing Information & Research Committee

Chair: Kaettie Wenger, CAS, Specialty Incentives, Inc.; PPAI Liaisons: Keith Vincent, Mo Das

Membership Services Committee

Chair: Nate Robson, Raining Rose, Inc.; PPAI Liaisons: Natalie Clark, Kari Banner

PPB Editorial Advisory Committee

Chair: Carrie Laufenburg, MAS, The Magnet Group; PPAI Liaison: James Khattak

Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF)

Chair: Lori Bauer, BIC Graphic USA; PPAI Liaisons: Sara Besly, Bob McLean

Product Responsibility Advisory Group (PRAG)

Co-chairs: Gene Geiger, MAS+, Geiger, and Leeton Lee, Leeton Lee dba ComplyBox Consulting; PPAI Liaison: Anne Stone

Professional Development Committee

Chair: Marc Held, Hit Promotional Products; PPAI Liaison: Stacy Riddler

Public Relations Advisory Group

Chair: Chris Piper, Boundless; PPAI Liaisons: Kim R. Todora, Gretchen Demke

Regional Association Council (RAC)

President: Janet McMaster, MAS, Geiger; PPAI Liaisons: Melissa Weber, Seth Barnett

Suppliers Committee

Chair: Pierre Martichoux, Chameleon Like, Inc.; PPAI Liaisons: Alan Peterson, Ellen Tucker

Technology Committee

Chair: Mike Knapick, SanMar; PPAI Liaisons: Paul Elfstrom, Vicki Sypien

PPAI volunteer opportunities bring together industry leaders, from all levels, to explore the many facets of the promotional products industry. In most cases, the time commitment consists of monthly conference calls and input on topics as assigned. Committee and advisory group work is essential to PPAI, and the chairs routinely report to the executive team and the board of directors. PPAI relies on its members to provide volunteer leadership and support for its programs, events and services.

More than 15 different volunteer opportunities offer flexibility with time commitments, meetings, group size, projects and strategic focus. PPAI invites all Association members to complete a personal profile for volunteer service. To complete a volunteer application, or get more information about PPAI volunteer leadership opportunities visit www.ppai.org/association/volunteer.

Registration Now Open For PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit

On September 18-20, PPAI is hosting the seventh annual Product Responsibility Summit (PRS) in Newport Beach, California. An in-depth education conference, PRS will explore the current landscape in supply chain security, social responsibility and much more.

The summit will also highlight the growing importance of social compliance audits and ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices. Facilitated by industry leaders, PRS will address the ways many industry professionals have turned a cost-burden into a strategic advantage. This year's event will be held at the Duke Hotel in Newport Beach. Kicking off with an opening dinner on Sunday, September 18, the conference offers two days of insightful education and networking opportunities as well as an optional tour of the Port of Long Beach on Wednesday, September 20. Find details and register at www.ppai.org/events.