Photo: Austin Distel  /  Unsplash.com

 

 During the four days of the PPAI Expo Direct-2-You in January, more than 11,000 distributor attendees participated in the trade show, education programming, networking lounges and events. It was a first-time experience for everyone involved and proved to be a welcome and appreciated alternative when the in-person trade show wasn’t possible. 

The online platform took a little time to figure out how it all worked, how to click through to things and find events, but I could tell that it had been professionally put together with a lot of thought and effort. It was great for strolling through exhibitors and not having aching feet at the end of the day. However, I sincerely hope this does not permanently take the place of in-person shows. I want to be able to see items in person, meet and talk to reps in person. Maybe I’m a product of my generation, but live events feel so much more engaging.

LAURA SENCABAUGH
Promotional Manager
Diversified Companies
Chattanooga, Tennessee
PPAI 749203, D2

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for your amazing efforts and commitment to developing and executing a phenomenal virtual Expo 2021. None of us would have imagined when we left Vegas last year that it would be impossible for us to gather in person just 12 months later. 

Expo D2U was immersive, engaging, informative and entertaining. This is the first time CE has been able to have our 20-plus team members participate in Expo. They loved the education, the entertainment, and the virtual booths and chats with vendors old and new. We have a deck of over 100 products selected by our team throughout the week to share with clients in our show follow-up. 

We are anxious to see everyone in person when it is safe, but we do feel that this opportunity may have given us foresight into a new, integrated approach that can touch even more promotional products professionals in the future.

MARY JO TOMASINI, MAS+
CEO
CE Competitive Edge
Stevensville, Michigan
PPAI 103776, D6 

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A story in the January 14 issue of PPB Newslink reported how the public’s trust in institutions has been undermined—but business has emerged as the most trusted.

Thank you for sharing what most of us thought might be the case. Unfortunately today, many are concerned about publicly speaking their mind if you should disagree with the party in power. This may have always been the case in third-world countries, but now we are experiencing it in the U.S. with the cancel culture movement.

BOB HAFERTEPEN
Vice President of Sales
SKYE Solutions for Business
Cincinnati, Ohio

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PPB’s January cover story spotlighted PPAI’s 2021 Hall of Fame inductee Teresa Moisant, MAS, president of Moisant Promotional Products in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Moisant’s selection for PPAI’s highest honor drew accolades and good wishes from across the industry.  

I met Teresa at an ASI Power Summit many years ago, and after our first conversation, I knew I had a friend for life. I seek Teresa out every year at PPAI to say hello, have a laugh and get a big dose of inspiration. Teresa, you are deserving of this high honor. Congratulations and keep it going.

RANDY FICKE
Owner
Associated Premium Corporation
Cincinnati, Ohio
PPAI 107956, D3

As a new distributor starting up in the industry, I am inspired by all you have done and continue to do. I can only hope my journey will be as amazing as yours.

ROSE MCNALLY
Owner
Greenlight Promotions
Mount Vernon, New York
PPAI 790701, D2

Teresa, when I see you, I always think, “I love this little firecracker!” You are sweet, beautiful and giving, but your sense of humor is by far the best part about you!

JENNY STRAUB, CAS
Director of Sales
Outdoor Cap Co., Inc.
Bentonville, Arkansas
PPAI 770788, S10

I met this whirlwind at PPAI’s first Women’s Leadership Conference and have never forgotten her. She made me feel so welcomed. Kind to the core. Great choice!

MARCIA STIFF
Vice President Client Relations
BAG MAKERS, Inc.
Union, Illinois
PPAI 243166, S11 

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James Khattak is news editor of PPB.