Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

By Promotional Products Association InternationalBusiness

Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast episodes

October 07, 2025S2E7. Make The PPAI Expo Work For You
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.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.
18 min
October 07, 2025S2E6. A History Still Being Written
S2:E6: A History Still Being Written | Sponsored By MOQ1

How did a modest product showcase become the industry’s can’t-miss week in Las Vegas?
This episode traces The PPAI Expo’s journey – from early Chicago roots and decades in Dallas to its modern home at Mandalay Bay Convention Center – and why that move transformed the show into promo’s grand stage. Josh and Stacy explore the business reasons behind the shift, the role Expo plays in funding PPAI’s broader mission, and why Vegas still amplifies energy, discovery and connection like nowhere else.
Featuring voices from Wayne Greenberg (Swag Krewe), Kevin Walsh (Showdown Displays) and Mark Hanratty (Swanky), this chapter connects history to the here-and-now – and shows how the destination fuels the industry’s future.
This podcast episode is brought to you by MOQ1, whose Mix & Max Wholesale™ feature is changing the way distributors handle bulk orders. Mix any products and any designs in a single order – with discounts starting at just 10 units and delivery in days.
Give your clients the exact product mix they want, without arbitrary minimums, wasted inventory or unnecessary delays. Mix & Max is flexible, express wholesale built for the way your clients actually buy. And best of all, MOQ1 is completely free to use. Join thousands of promo professionals already growing with MOQ1 by creating your free account today at MOQ1.com.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Humble beginnings to headline act. The show’s early gatherings laid the groundwork for a culture of discovery, education and relationships – the same pillars that define The PPAI Expo today.
Why the move mattered. Transitioning from Dallas to Las Vegas wasn’t just logistics – it was a strategic reset that reignited scale, excitement and attendance.
Association impact. Expo is a major revenue engine for PPAI – underwriting research, advocacy, education and initiatives that elevate the entire industry.
Vegas advantage. Big-show infrastructure, accessibility and endless off-floor options amplify exhibitor creativity and attendee engagement – the city’s energy shows up on the floor.
Team time that counts. For distributed companies, Expo week doubles as an annual summit – planning, bonding and strategy sessions you can’t replicate on Zoom.
A living tradition. The show evolves with the market – from first-look product theater to inclusive conversations that broaden perspectives and strengthen outcomes.
Plan like a pro. Registration opens in September – lock hotels early and build your team agenda so you can turn the destination into measurable ROI.
From tradition to destination, The PPAI Expo’s story mirrors the industry’s growth. Show up in Vegas with a plan – and be part of what’s next.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.
22 min
October 07, 2025S2E5. The Education Advantage
S2:E5: The Education Advantage | Sponsored By MOQ1

Want a better week at The PPAI Expo? Start it a day early.
This episode dives into The PPAI Expo Conference – the one-day accelerator that happens on Monday before the show floor opens. Josh and Stacy unpack how a full slate of keynotes, breakouts and real-time conversations turns good intentions into an actionable plan for the week ahead. You’ll hear why education, strategy and community set the tone for higher ROI – and how the momentum carries through every aisle.
Featuring Vera Minot (Southwest Solutions), Jade Crider (Hasseman Marketing), Kate Nash (Raining Rose Promos), and Drew Holmgreen (PPAI), plus a spotlight on The Pitch – the high-energy, live product showcase judges and attendees can’t stop talking about.
This episode is brought to you by MOQ1, whose Holiday Shops are your ticket to turning holiday demand into effortless new revenue. With MOQ1, you can launch powerful, turnkey Holiday Shops in seconds, giving clients a simple, modern way to let employees or customers choose their own branded gifts. No kitting. No inventory. No minimums. Every item is produced on-demand with fast, 1-2 day turnaround times.
For clients, it’s a stress-free personalized gifting program they'll love. For you, it’s real incremental revenue without the hassle and runaround. MOQ1 is completely free to use and is already trusted by thousands of promo professionals. Launch unlimited Holiday Shops today at MOQ1.com.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Win the week by planning Monday. The PPAI Expo Conference sharpens your focus on leadership, marketing, tech, sustainability and strategy – so you hit the floor with a prioritized game plan.
Make a session strategy. Rooms fill fast – build a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C, and choose by content and speaker to maximize value.
Education that becomes action. Great sessions deliver both data and EQ – you’ll leave with homework, client-ready ideas and renewed confidence.
The Pitch is a vibe. Rapid-fire product launches, live judging and real-time feedback prime you to spot winners on day one.
Learning doesn’t stop on Tuesday. Supplier booths double as classrooms – deeper conversations unlock applications, decoration methods, and campaign strategy.
Broaden your lens. Inclusivity and diverse perspectives strengthen the industry – and your business – through better ideas and better outcomes.
Momentum is measurable. You might not quantify every insight on the spot, but the energy and direction you gain translate into pipeline and performance all year.
If you want the most out of The PPAI Expo, don’t start at the doors – start at the Conference. One day of preparation sets up five days of discovery, connection, and results.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.
20 min
October 07, 2025S2E4. The Business Advantage
S2:E4: The Business Advantage | Sponsored By MOQ1

How do top pros spot the next big thing before it hits everyone’s inbox? They find it at The PPAI Expo.
In this episode, Josh and Stacy show how discovery at the Expo isn’t just exciting – it’s a competitive edge. From tactile product testing to first-look innovations and breakout suppliers, you’ll hear how being first to know translates into speed to market, smarter pitches, and real revenue.
Hear from Natalie O’Leary (BAMKO), Mark Hanratty (Swanky), and veteran distributor Wayne Greenberg (Swag Krewe), plus a tour of the show-floor hotspots where discovery happens fast.
This episode is brought to you by MOQ1, the instant digital sales platform that helps distributors and decorators work faster and sell smarter. In seconds, you can launch client-ready catalogs and online shops without the costs or delays of traditional solutions. Orders are automatically fulfilled on demand with industry-leading technology like DIGISOFT® and ship in only 1-2 days. No inventory. No fees. No minimums.
From seasonal Holiday Shops to everyday programs, MOQ1 removes the hassle so you can focus on growth and clients. Already trusted by thousands across the industry, it’s completely free to use. Launch faster, sell smarter, and say yes to more opportunities today at MOQ1.com
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
First to know = first to win. Why seeing, touching and testing products in January gives you a head start your competition can’t match.
A discovery playbook. Floor hotspots that compress the learning curve – brand. Pavilion (retail crossovers), Product Pavilion (curated “what’s new”), Green Product Pavilion (sustainable standouts) and First-Time Exhibitors (your hidden gems).
Veteran moves from the field. Natalie O’Leary’s non-negotiables (hit first-timers early; save the New Product Pavilion for mid-show), plus how to turn finds into client-facing content all year.
Small suppliers, big upside. Mark Hanratty shows how boutique makers win with quality, personalization, and memorable booth activations – exactly the kind of “I’ve never seen that” moment clients remember.
Make it intentional. Wayne Greenberg’s system – start with core partners, follow the crowds and leave room for surprises – so you go home with trends, not just line lists.
Timing matters. Why the January cadence is the industry’s launch button – and skipping it risks missing the trend wave for the year.
If you want your proposals to feel fresh in February (and still relevant in October), this episode maps exactly where – and how – to find what’s next, first.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.
24 min
October 07, 2025S2E3. The People You Need To Meet
S2:E3: The People You Need To Meet | Sponsored By MOQ1

What’s the real ROI of The PPAI Expo? The people.
In this episode of Voice & Force: Season 2, Josh and Stacy show how relationships are the Expo’s superpower – from spontaneous aisle chats to executive-level conversations in the booth to late-night mixers where partnerships take shape. You’ll hear how face-to-face moments turn into long-term collaboration, career opportunities and real business growth.
Featuring insights from Vera Minot (Southwest Solutions), Kate Nash (Raining Rose Promos), Kevin Walsh (Showdown Displays), Jade Crider (Hasseman Marketing), and Brian Swift (Swift Sourcing), this episode makes the case that products matter – but people come first.
This episode is brought to you by MOQ1, the instant digital sales platform built for the promotional products industry. Unlike traditional solutions, MOQ1 lets distributors and decorators launch client-ready product catalogs and online shops in seconds, backed by world-class on-demand fulfillment. Orders are fulfilled using industry-leading technology like DIGISOFT® and ship in only 1-2 days. No inventory. No fees. No minimums. Just faster results, happier clients, and more sales.
With turnkey Holiday Shops and Mix & Max Wholesale™, you can capture seasonal demand and unlock bulk discounts starting at 10 units. Trusted by thousands of professionals, MOQ1 is completely free to use – get started at MOQ1.com.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Why people > products (at least at first): Vera Minot explains how shifting focus to education, products, and people – in that order turned Expo into a must-attend every year.
Your storefront, IRL: Kate Nash shares how suppliers use The PPAI Expo like a retail experience – bringing brand, senses and strategy to life in the booth.
Meet the decision-makers: Kevin Walsh highlights why executives are on the floor – and the one question distributors should ask (“What’s something people don’t know you do?”).
The social side is strategic: From The PPAI Expo Party to Promo & Pints and pop-ups, off-floor moments accelerate trust, ideas and opportunity.
Community compounds: Jade Crider shows how in-person connections extend to social media — creating a rolling portfolio of ideas your clients can discover all year.
Show up, leave space: Brian Swift’s veteran tip — don’t overschedule. Build in time for serendipity; that’s where the magic (and deals) happen.
For introverts, intention wins: Vera’s playbook — define the connections you’re seeking, shrink big rooms into small moments, and let real conversations lead to real outcomes.
Whether you’re a born networker or still finding your footing, this episode proves that being there — in the aisles, at the mixer, on the dance floor — is how relationships turn into results.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.
25 min
October 07, 2025S2E2. The Industry’s Biggest Stage
S2:E2: The Industry’s Biggest Stage | Sponsored by Outdoor Cap

Why is The PPAI Expo the heartbeat of the promotional products industry?
From the moment you walk through the doors, The PPAI Expo feels different. Sixteen thousand professionals. Over a million square feet of innovation and ideas. A show floor alive with energy, conversations, and possibilities. In this opening episode of Voice & Force: Season 2, Josh and Stacy take you inside the industry’s grandest stage — the place where relationships deepen, products inspire, and the year’s biggest momentum begins.
With insights from distributor Nadav Raviv (J.Charles), PPAI Senior Manager of Expositions Ashley Van Der Stuyf, and PPAI President & CEO Drew Holmgreen, this episode explores why the Expo is more than a trade show — it’s the Super Bowl of promo, the ultimate place to connect, and a reminder of why we do what we do.
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:
What makes The PPAI Expo unlike any other event in the industry — scale, energy, and shared purpose.
Why the timing of the Expo sets the tone for the entire year (and why it’s our “Super Bowl”).
How first-time attendees and seasoned veterans alike experience the same spark of discovery.
Behind-the-scenes insights from PPAI’s event team on how the Expo is curated, planned, and brought to life.
Why community, culture, and connection are at the heart of the Expo experience.
How one idea, one product, or one handshake at the Expo can change the trajectory of your year.
Whether you’re attending for the first time or the 20th, this episode will remind you why The PPAI Expo isn’t just an event – it’s the stage where our industry shines brightest.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.
21 min
October 07, 2025 S2E1. Season Two Introduction
Hosted by PPAI Media's Josh Ellis and Stacy Rogers, Voice & Force Season 2 is a six-part narrative podcast that delivers everything you need to know about the promotional products industry's biggest week.
Each episode explores a different theme tied to The PPAI Expo – from trends and challenges to the energy of gathering in person – weaving together expert voices, firsthand insights and a warm, conversational style.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, Season 2 will inspire you, inform you and get you ready for the premier promotional products event of the year.
3 min
February 14, 2025S1E6. Leading PPAI 100: Adapting to Win
As we wrap up this limited series, one thing is clear: the promotional products industry is evolving fast.

Success today isn’t just about revenue, it’s about adaptability, leadership, sustainability, and innovation.

In the final episode of Leading PPAI 100, we explore how the promotional products industry is evolving and what it takes to stay ahead:
Redefining Success – Financial growth alone isn’t enough. Businesses must adapt to changing expectations to remain competitive.
Creating a Resilient Business – Long-term strategy and adaptability are key to navigating today’s fast-changing landscape.
The Impact of Purpose-Driven Leadership – Industry leaders are setting new standards in corporate responsibility, employee engagement, and brand influence.
Beyond the PPAI 100 – The real value of the ranking lies not in recognition but in the roadmap it provides for continuous growth and improvement.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✔️ How PPAI 100 isn’t just a ranking but a roadmap for industry leadership.
✔️ Why companies that invest in sustainability and corporate responsibility are securing their future, not just earning goodwill.
✔️ Benchmarking helps businesses measure where they stand and where they need to go next.
✔️ Building relationships and engaging with the PPAI community is a strategic advantage for long-term success.

Whether you're a supplier, distributor, or business services leader, these insights will help you future-proof your company, embrace industry changes, and position yourself as a leader in promo.

Resources & Mentions:
🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100
🔗 PPAI North American Leadership Conference (NALC)
🔗 PPAI Media Hub for Industry Insights

Connect with Our Guests:
Josh Ellis, PPAI Publisher and Editor in Chief on LinkedIn
Dawn Olds, Former Interim President and CEO of PPAI on LinkedIn
Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI Director of Sustainability & Responsibility on LinkedIn

Subscribe & Share
📌 Stay ahead of the curve! Follow Voice & Force for ongoing conversations about industry growth, leadership, and success strategies.

🎧 Loved this series? Share it with a colleague, rate us, and subscribe to ensure you never miss future insights.

📢 Join the Conversation: What’s your next step toward industry leadership? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s talk!

🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!
15 min
February 14, 2025S1E5. Leading PPAI 100: The Blueprint for Sustained Success
What does it take to not only reach the top but stay there? Few companies in the promotional products industry have mastered long-term, sustainable growth like SanMar, the industry leading supplier that has consistently ranked #1 on the PPAI 100.

In this episode, Jeremy Lott, President & CEO of SanMar, shares the secrets behind SanMar’s success, from customer-first strategies to employee-driven leadership.

But this conversation isn’t just about SanMar—it’s about you and your business. Success leaves breadcrumbs, and we’re here to follow the trail.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:
✔️ Success Takes Time – SanMar didn’t dominate the industry overnight. Jeremy shares why steady, strategic growth is key to lasting success.

✔️ Values Over Transactions – The best companies don’t just focus on revenue; they build trust, invest in people, and create value for their customers.

✔️ The Power of Reinvestment – How SanMar’s strategy of continuously reinvesting in the business instead of chasing short-term wins has strengthened its standing in the industry.

✔️ Listening to Customers is a Competitive Advantage – Learn how SanMar’s "Know Your Customer" program keeps it ahead of industry changes.

✔️ Sustainable Growth vs. Fast Growth – Companies that focus on strategy, corporate responsibility, and leadership development will thrive long-term.

Whether you're a distributor, supplier, or business owner, these insights will help you build a sustainable company that doesn’t just grow fast, but grows right.

Resources & Mentions:
🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100
🔗 Register for NALC

Connect with Our Guest:
Jeremy Lott, Chief Executive Officer of SanMar on LinkedIn

Subscribe & Share
📌 Never miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for exclusive insights on business leadership, sustainable growth, and industry trends.

🎧 Found this episode valuable? Share it with a colleague or leave a review—it helps other industry leaders find this content!

📢 Join the Conversation: How is your company investing in long-term success? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s discuss!

🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!
19 min
February 14, 2025S1E4. Leading PPAI 100: From Numbers to Impact | Sponsored by SRG
What separates the leading PPAI 100 companies from the rest?

It’s not just revenue, it’s a commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsibility. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how the rankings are determined, the key factors that define success, and how companies can improve their score.

This podcast episode was brought to you by SRG. The St. Regis Group is leveling up, and they've got a fresh new look to match. Introducing SRG, a modern name for a modern era.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✔️ How the PPAI 100 formula works – Revenue plays a factor, but so do sustainability, professional development, innovation, and more.

✔️ What companies can do to improve their ranking – Self-assessment, learning from leaders, and focusing on holistic business success.

✔️ How financial discipline impacts success – Danny Rosin shares how tightening up credit cycles and financial transparency improved BrandFuel’s standing (and maybe not in the way that you would think)!

✔️ The importance of culture and employee engagement – Amanda Clay explains how Walker-Clay’s focus on transparency and trust has made them a standout employer in the industry for over a decade.

✔️ Why being on the PPAI 100 is more than an award – How companies use their ranking to build credibility, attract top talent, and set industry benchmarks.

Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, or service provider, this episode offers a playbook for business growth, industry credibility, and long-term success. Learn how the leading companies in promotional products are adapting to AI, sustainability, and workforce development and how you can too.
Resources & Mentions:
🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100
🔗 Register for NALC
🔗 Greatest Companies to Work For 2024

Connect with Our Guests:
Alok Bhat, PPAI Market Economist, Research & Public Affairs LinkedIn
Josh Ellis, PPAI Publisher and Editor in Chief on LinkedIn
Danny Rosin, President & Co-Owner of BrandFuel on LinkedIn
Amanda Clay, President of Walker-Clay on LinkedIn

Subscribe & Share
📌 Never miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for exclusive insights on business strategy, leadership, and innovation in the promotional products industry.

🎧 Found this valuable? Share it with a colleague or leave a review to help other industry professionals find the podcast.

📢 Let’s Talk! What does success look like in your company? Are you focusing on innovation, sustainability, or employee growth to stay ahead? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s talk!

🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!
22 min

About Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Through compelling interviews, expert insights, and behind-the-scenes stories, we explore the trends, innovations and leadership strategies shaping the future of the branded merch industry.

Share Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

Sign up to save your podcasts

Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast episodes

About Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast