Promo pros love an event. Meet-ups, usually face-to-face and often on a trade show floor or at a conference, are a great way to learn, connect and build a business. The industry’s calendar is full of them, so organizers are working hard to make memorable impressions.

From unique trade shows to energized networking opportunities to informal get-togethers where industry professionals unwind, here are some of the promotional community’s coolest events.

Coolest Reason To Pack Your Dramamine And Pool Floaties

Bid bon voyage to boring hotels. Promocations is putting a unique twist on networking by taking promo professionals onto the high seas. From previous cruises to the Bahamas and Mexico to a future trip to Key West, all-inclusive PromoCruises promise a purposeful bonding experience through snorkeling, karaoke and most importantly, an open bar. If you’re not a fan of doing business on the open ocean, Promocations has an event on the horizon in Nashville.

Coolest Excuse To Try Poutine

PPPC’s NATCON offers over 100 suppliers, 180 booths and the tastiest French fries and cheese curds north of the border. Suppliers, distributors and clients from coast to coast trek to the Great White North for the two-day event. Among the offerings are professional development sessions, networking events, the annual PPPC Awards and the ever-popular Networking After-Party.

Coolest After-Party To Promo’s Biggest Party

Step into Eyecandy, the ultimate unofficial after-party following The PPAI Expo Party, the ultimate official party. With an eclectic mix of attendees, you never know who you’re going to bump into on the dance floor, or who will share their bottle service.

With a direct view of the blackjack tables, there’s no better place to blow off steam and maybe score a drink on someone else’s dime.

Coolest Regional Trade Show Venue

Kick off summer in the Big Apple at Citi Field. The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York’s annual Summer Showcase has landed at the home of the New York Mets in 2024. Between connecting with exhibiting suppliers, distributors and their invited guests can take a stadium tour, enjoy free ballpark snacks and possibly go home with two free tickets to a Mets game. What’s not to love?

Coolest Competition

What do you get when you mix Shark Tank plus The Voice plus promo? PPAI’s annual game show, The Pitch. Held at The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, The Pitch features seven suppliers trying to win over a respected panel of industry judges in front of an audience of Expo attendees. The live, interactive event showcases a mix of established and up-and-coming suppliers, each given three minutes to sell their chosen product.

The Coolest Way To Mix Promo, Hot Dogs, Cold Beer And Fly Balls

The New England Promotional Products Association is the real MVP for taking their members out to the ballgame. The social outing provides opportunities for industry professionals to mingle while cheering on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. A home run of an event, indeed.

The Coolest Way To Put Your Outfit’s Moisture-Wicking Claims To The Test

If you relish competition, the Houston Promotional Products Association’s Pickleball Social is right up your alley. This event is not just about the game – it’s a unique platform to foster professional relationships and create lasting memories. With friendly competition, door prizes and endless networking opportunities, HPPA’s Pickleball Social is kind of a big dill.