October 07, 2025

S2E7. Make The PPAI Expo Work For You

17 minutes

S2:E7: Make The PPAI Expo Work For You | Sponsored By Outdoor Cap

Thinking you can’t get away in January? This one’s for you.

In the Season 2 finale, Josh and Stacy tackle the common objections – cost, time, and “I’ll just hit my regional” – and show why The PPAI Expo pays you back in ideas, relationships and momentum that last all year. You’ll get practical, field-tested tips for doing Vegas on a budget, building a smart plan, and staying healthy and focused so you come home sharper and ready to win. Featuring rapid-fire advice from Ashley Van Der Stuyf (PPAI), Brian Swift (Swift Sourcing), Drew Holmgreen (PPAI), Jade Crider (Hasseman Marketing), Kate Nash (Raining Rose Promos), and Vera Minot (Southwest Solutions).

This episode is brought to you by Outdoor Cap. At Outdoor Cap, headwear is what they do. For 48 years, they’ve helped distributors offer custom caps that check every box: on-trend styles, reliable inventory, and decoration that gets it right.

Whether it’s for events or everyday use, they make it easy to deliver caps your clients love – and they make reordering easy. Try ordering your next cap through Compass, their new online ordering experience, and see the difference. Explore more at promo.outdoorcap.com. Outdoor Cap: The Headwear Experts.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

The math works. Member registration is free – lock flights and hotel early to control costs, and use PPAI’s negotiated room blocks for value and convenience.

Time is leverage. A few focused days at Expo deliver first-look products, face-to-face trust and partnerships you can’t duplicate online – the ROI compounds all year.

Regional shows are great – but not the same. The PPAI Expo is the whole industry under one roof, with full-category depth, activations and executives on the floor.

Plan the week, then leave space. Map must-see booths and sessions, use the website and SAGE tools and build white space for serendipity – that’s where deals often start.

Stay plugged in. Subscribe to PPAI Newslink for daily highlights so you don’t miss what matters.

Work the community. Hit meetups for international, regional, women, young pros and DEI communities – relationships formed here accelerate strategy for the year.

Pro tips pay off. Rotate comfortable shoes and hydrate like it’s your job. Keep healthy snacks and a reusable bottle; use show floor water stations. Build a quick mental map of your hotel and the convention routes to reduce overwhelm and increase chance encounters. Leave some nights open – the best conversations often happen off-agenda.

Signal seriousness. Showing up in Vegas says your brand is invested – clients and partners notice.

If you want the full advantage this industry offers, you have to be in Las Vegas in January. Book early, arrive with a plan, stay open to surprise – and turn one week into a year of results.

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By Promotional Products Association International