Dear PPAI Member:

 

Each week, over the past couple of months, I've reached out to you by way of these emails and video updates. My goal has been to stay in touch with you and, in some way, offer words of encouragement and information to help you through this pandemic. I hope these updates have been helpful. As we look ahead, PPAI will continue to offer opportunities and solutions for individual and company growth.

One such solution will undoubtedly be The PPAI Expo 2021. For 18 years, the promotional products industry has gathered in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to celebrate the power of promotional products. And we are planning to do the same in 2021. The PPAI Expo will certainly look different than it has in the past, but its purpose will be the same—to provide community, knowledge and a forum to do business. You can trust that we will have your safety in mind as well.

 

COMMUNITY
 

For many of you, the sense of community that the PPAI Expo offers is what you cherish the most. And to the degree that it is possible, the PPAI Expo 2021 will be there for you. At the heart of the PPAI Expo is a strong, passionate and interconnected community that comes together each year—a community gathering like no other in our industry. From developing new relationships to connecting with old friends, networking with this community is always at the top of the list for attendees at the PPAI Expo. And the need for that community network has never been so desired as it is today. Serving as the industry's annual gathering place and the kickoff to business each new year, the PPAI Expo is the crown jewel of community in our industry and it will continue to shine.

 

KNOWLEDGE
 

One of the key components to any PPAI Expo is professional development. And in 2021 we will once again set the industry standard in speakers and education opportunities, with 50-plus breakouts and two general sessions. We know that this element of the PPAI Expo is a driver in the decision-making process for many, and we are confident you will be satisfied again with this show. The list of offerings may not be as broad as in previous years, due to some of the overall changes we are making to the PPAI Expo 2021, but the quality will remain. You can expect a timely and relevant lineup of top-level speakers. 

 

BUSINESS
 

We know that many businesses in our industry have been adversely affected by the pandemic. As a result, for many of you, travel to the PPAI Expo will not be possible, regardless of the state of our nation in January. For those who may be in this position, my commitment to you is that PPAI will be here when you are ready and able to participate. 

But if it's at all possible, attending the PPAI Expo 2021 may well be one of the most important business decisions you can make. Coming out of this pandemic, businesses across all industries will seek unique marketing opportunities to reach their customers. They'll be searching for ways to break through the clutter that is likely to occur as America gets back to business. The PPAI Expo will be there to help you fill those needs.

 

But as you might expect, the PPAI Expo 2021 will look different from what you've grown accustomed to. We are making some significant changes in order to streamline and facilitate the best business environment possible while considering the challenges you may be facing.
 
First, we will limit the size of the show. We are making a conscious decision to downsize the footprint of the trade-show floor by 50 percent. This will include limiting the size of booths. This step, along with others, will ease the financial burden for exhibitors while providing a solid business experience for everyone involved.

 

Second, we will change the PPAI Expo from a three-day to a two-day trade show. This will help both attendees and exhibitors with travel expenses, as well as their time away from the office. To make up for the shortened schedule, we will extend the show hours each day. The new hours will also give us the flexibility to control access to the show floor, if necessary, based on government guidelines.

 

Finally, we anticipate making PPAI Expo-related virtual opportunities available in advance of, during and after the 2021 live event. Our goal is to make the PPAI Expo a brand you can count on for business opportunities well before and after the live event.

 

It is highly likely there will be more changes and updates as planning moves forward. I encourage you to stay up to date on the latest developments by visiting the PPAI Expo website for show details and the schedule.

 

SAFETY
 

While no one knows exactly what things will look like in January 2021, rest assured that PPAI will go above and beyond to ensure your health, safety and wellbeing. Whether it's physical distancing, hand sanitizing stations or temperature screening stations, we will exceed the recommended guidelines in order to offer the safest business experience. We are already working with our Las Vegas partners to put things in place.

 

The PPAI Expo 2021 will be the bright light the industry, your business and our community so desperately needs. We know this event has served as the gathering place for our industry in the past and we anticipate the same for the future. I invite you to share your excitement for the PPAI Expo 2021 today. Go to ppai.org/expo/we-are-in and download your We're In badge to display on your social, emails and website.