The Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) held its annual Promotions That ROAR! End User Experience on September 20 at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions.

Opening Magic

The trade show opened with an education program, “The Magic Of Promotional Products” in the atrium by the entrance to the stadium. It drew a sizable crowd of distributors, top end users and suppliers.

  • Industry speaker and consultant Cliff Quicksell, MAS+, was the emcee of the show’s education program and kicked it off by introducing professional illusionist Jeff the Magician to ramp up the audience.
  • PPAI President and CEO Dale Denham, MAS+, took the stage to speak on the Association’s Promotional Products Work! research and delivering real results in the industry.
  • Wendy Knapp, EVP of iClick spoke on sustainability and how to be intentional about recycling and reducing waste.
  • Quicksell closed the education session with guidance on working with the products on the show floor to create promo magic for clients and customers.

More Than A Trade Show

Promotions That ROAR took up two full concourses of the stadium with 130 booths and the floor was busy throughout the show.

  • The Detroit Lions mascot, ROARY, was on hand for fist bumps and selfies.
  • Attendees could go down to the playing field and attempt to kick a field goal. They received a football-shaped beer glass if successful or a mini football for making the attempt.
  • Throughout the show, attendees could take a VIP Stadium Tour that took them from the press box to the locker rooms and everything in between.
  • Pet Adoption Alternatives of Warren provided adoptable puppies and kittens and were a favorite attraction - MiPPA Board Member Scott Wakefield of alphabroder put in an application for one of the pups.
  • Donate Life of Ann Arbor was the second charitable beneficiary of the show raising funds and awareness of the importance of signing up to be an organ donor.

New Leadership

MiPPA has also announced its 2024 board of directors and board officers.

The regional association's executive committee consists of:

  • Tony Shereda, MAS, of QMI Group will serve as president.
  • David Szidik of Proforma Infinite Marketing Solutions and Image Builders Unlimited powered by Proforma will serve as president-elect and treasurer.
  • Carly Jaeger of Koozie Group will serve as secretary.
  • Glenn Miotke of Unfolding Communications will serve as immediate past president.

The association's board of directors also includes: 

  • Mike Freestone of The Promo Agency
  • Ashley Grenell of Augusta Sportswear
  • Regina Harrington of Tekweld
  • Sandra Kelley, MAS, of Prestige Promotions
  • Scott Wakefield of alphabroder | Prime
  • Jake Wylonis of Swag Consultants

Paul Kiewiet, MAS+, continues to serve as executive director of MiPPA.