Are you heading to the PPAI Expo this January, and secretly wondering how the pros actually work this show without burning out, getting lost, or missing the good stuff?

➡️ In this energetic, no-fluff episode of The Promo Playbook, Lisa Fosdick, Adrienne Barker, and Kim Ballerine break down the ultimate supplier + distributor guide to surviving and succeeding at the PPAI Expo. From hotel strategy to hydration, booth etiquette to pre-show marketing, this conversation walks you through exactly how to maximize your time, relationships, energy, and ROI. Whether it’s your first show or your 30th, this episode gives you the real-world perspective only industry veterans can deliver.

Key Takeaways

→ Success starts before you even land in Vegas — booking smart, resting well, and arriving hydrated will make or break your show.

→ Suppliers and distributors need different strategies, but both should prioritize planning, mapping the floor, and being intentional about who they meet.

→ Education Day matters, even for suppliers, because understanding distributor life helps you sell better and build stronger relationships.

→ Smart show behavior wins: take photos, gather reps’ cell numbers, treat everyone like your most important client, and don’t burn bridges with bad booth etiquette.

→ Follow-up is the real game. Suppliers must tag leads correctly in their CRM and personalize outreach; distributors should reconnect with clients immediately after the show.

→ Pre-show and post-show marketing determine visibility. Even small suppliers can stand out with simple campaigns, targeted invites, and thoughtful follow-ups.

➡️ Want help prepping your booth, dialing in your message, and building a follow-up plan that actually converts?

Connect with us on LinkedIn and learn more about The Promo Playbook Bootcamp. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-promo-playbook/

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