PPPC’s 2017 National Convention Draws More Than 2,600 Attendees

The Promotional Products Professionals of Canada’s 2017 National Convention, held February 12-14 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, drew exhibitors and attendees from across Canada and beyond. The three-day event featured networking and education opportunities, an extensive trade-show floor and presentation of the PPPC Image Awards.

The 2017 PPPC National Convention’s show floor opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Joined by PPAI Board Chair Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS, (second from left) and President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, (third from left), among others, PPPC Board Chair Alain Gravel (center) cut the ribbon and welcomed attendees to the exhibit floor.

The 2017 National Convention drew more than 2,600 attendees, including 1,259 end buyers who attended with industry distributors.

The 2017 National Convention drew more than 2,600 attendees, including 1,259 end buyers who attended with industry distributors.

Attendees take the opportunity to unwind at the National Convention’s axe-throwing party, sponsored by the PPPC Board of Directors and BIC Graphic.

Attendees take the opportunity to unwind at the National Convention’s axe-throwing party, sponsored by the PPPC Board of Directors and BIC Graphic.

Prime Expands Jetline’s South Carolina Facility

Supplier Prime Line (PPAI 112744) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February at its Jetline (PPAI 113558) plant in Gaffney, South Carolina to mark the facility’s expansion. The event was attended by employees, distributors and members of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. The company undertook the expansion to stay ahead of demand, and the facility now features additional manufacturing and warehouse space and includes upgrades to its silk screen, embroidery and multicolor drinkware areas.

Jerry Russo, Prime’s vice president, finance, and Gaffney Mayor Henry Jolly cut the ribbon for Jetline’s facility expansion.

Jerry Russo, Prime’s vice president, finance, and Gaffney Mayor Henry Jolly cut the ribbon for Jetline’s facility expansion.

Prime Vice President Jeff Schaffer, MAS, gives visitors a tour of the facility.

BIC Graphic Red Wing Donates $5,500 To Local Sheriff Department

BIC Graphic (PPAI 114187) donated $5,500 to the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office in Red Wing, Minnesota, in support of founding a water rescue and recovery team. In 2015, the Red Wing area was struck by the tragic loss of a young mother of two when her vehicle went into the Mississippi River. As a result, the local sheriff department prioritized the need for a water rescue and recovery team.

Deb Fleming, Linda Huppert (holding the check) and Cassie Otto of BIC Graphic Red Wing visited the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office to present them with the donation on February 2.

Deb Fleming, Linda Huppert (holding the check) and Cassie Otto of BIC Graphic Red Wing visited the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office to present them with the donation on February 2.

UK’s PPExpo Draws Strong Crowds, Introduces New Format For 2018

 On January 25, the Promotional Products Expo, formerly the Trade Only National Show, kicked off at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, UK. Now in its 11th year, the two-day show featured trade-show, education and networking opportunities. In 2018, PPExpo will be replaced by a new show, Resellex, which will run January 14-16. The new event will see several additions to the PPExpo format, including an extension to three days to allow for an industry conference and more education.

The Promotional Products Expo drew more than 2,000 attendees to its trade-show floor and its 200-plus exhibitors.

The Promotional Products Expo drew more than 2,000 attendees to its trade-show floor and its 200-plus exhibitors.

PPAI’s Barnett Joins PPAS For Young Professionals Discussion

On February 7, PPAI Diversity Development and Engagement Manager Seth Barnett joined Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) to facilitate a young professional panel discussion. The event also included a tabletop show and luncheon.

Barnett was joined on the panel by Mike Eaton, lorieaton.com; Farrah Vargas, Allied Affiliated Funding and Sarah Thomas, American Solutions for Business. Their discussion explored what it means to be a young professional in the industry and the nuances of doing business in an environment that consists of a primarily older demographic. The conversation also turned to consumerism from the Millennial point of view including technology integration, use of social media for promotion and sales, as well as how young professionals identify trends and industry best practices.

PPAI Diversity Development and Engagement Manager Seth Barnett’s (right) panelists at the PPAS event included (from left) Mike Eaton, lorieaton.com; Farrah Vargas, Allied Affiliated Funding, and Sarah Thomas, American Solutions for Business.

PPAI Diversity Development and Engagement Manager Seth Barnett’s (right) panelists at the PPAS event included (from left) Mike Eaton, lorieaton.com; Farrah Vargas, Allied Affiliated Funding, and Sarah Thomas, American Solutions for Business.