Exhibits Open Today at the 2014 PPAI Expo

By Kyle A. Richardson

The Promotional Product Association International's (PPAI) annual trade show and convention, the PPAI Expo, got into full swing when the show floor opened to attendees this morning. The event began on Monday with education sessions and networking events, with supplier booths open today through Friday.

According to PPAI, this year's expo features 1,300-plus exhibitors taking up 3,300 booths on two floors of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. More than 100,000 of the best and newest items available are expected to be showcased over the next three days. In addition to booths for suppliers and service providers, Expo has product pavilions set up to highlight the latest additions from suppliers, the most popular eco-friendly items, promotional products made in the USA and products available for 72-hour shipment.

"We're very excited about the show. Our new product line is great. The customers and reps have been showing a lot of enthusiasm," said Elson Yeung, product line manager for Ash City Worldwide. "With the announcement of the alphabroder and Ash City merger there are a lot of incredible opportunities. There are lots of great things to come."

Tony Hsieh, CEO of online shoe retailer Zappos.com and cofounder of LinkExchange, presented his thoughts on corporate culture, marketing and community in his general session “Delivering Happiness.” Mark Graham of Rightsleeve and commonsku, and Bobby Lehew, CAS of Robyn Promotions delivered the day's keynote luncheon, “Survive and Thrive for the Future: a Glimpse at Three Models for Growth.”

“We are excited to welcome the promotional products industry to the most significant event of the year,” said Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI’s president and CEO. “This year there is great anticipation and energy in the air as distributors and suppliers from around the world gather to take part in what is shaping up to be a record-setting event showcasing the best products and innovations in promotional products advertising, incentives and branded merchandise.”

The 2014 PPAI Expo continues throughout the week, with exhibits open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and 10:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m. Friday. Stay tuned to Promo Marketing for continued show coverage.

For live show info, click here.

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Kyle A. Richardson Author's page

Kyle A. Richardson is the editorial director of Promo Marketing. He joined the company in 2006 brings more than a decade of publishing, marketing and media experience to the magazine. If you see him, buy him a drink.