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The PPAI EXPO

The PPAI Expo is the largest and most-attended promotional products trade show in the country. As an industry-renowned trade show, The PPAI Expo is a carefully crafted showcase of opportunities for industry newcomers and veterans. Sessions cover everything from basic selling skills to insightful business philosophies from expert keynote speakers.

95 Results

  • Best of Expo 2019: In Brands We Trust

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 03/08/2019

    It’s no secret that having a great brand can give can give you a competitive edge when promoting your business in the marketplace. The real question is, how do distributors really build brands that are memorable, marketable and profitable? Join Johnny Campbell to discuss the four most profitable brand-building strategies that top distributors are using to attract the best clients and dominate their marketplace.

    It’s no secret that having a great brand can give can give you a competitive edge when promoting your business in the marketplace. The real question is, how do distributors really build brands that are memorable, marketable and profitable? Join Johnny Campbell to discuss the four most profitable brand-building strategies that top distributors are using to attract the best clients and dominate their marketplace.

    Johnny Campbell, DTM, AS

    Promotional Product Profits

    Johnny Campbell, keynote speaker, author and founder of Promotional Product Profits an organization that helps people turn their personal challenges into breakthroughs, and their products and services into profits. Johnny gained his expertise in the insurance industry, where he worked as a corporate trainer and participated in leading hundreds of people through massive organizational changes. He is the past president of the National Speaker Association for the state of Illinois, and is an Accredited Speaker, a designation presented by Toastmasters International for excellence in public speaking. It is held by only Less than 100 professional speakers in the world. Johnny is also the bestselling author of the audio series “The Power of Resiliency,” and a TEDx speaker. His TED talk is called “How an Enemy Can Improve Your Life.” Based on Johnny’s sales results, experiences, and his ability to help clients overcome their challenges, as well as succeed in their businesses and life, he is called: “The Transition Man.”

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    .5 Credit

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Best of Expo 2019: Creative Cause Marketing Campaigns

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Younger promotional products buyers demonstrate an innate desire to connect to brands with a story to tell and a commitment to social causes. Distributors and suppliers will find unique selling opportunities when they add cause-marketing outcomes to the transaction, and successful execution of this strategy proves to often be a difference-maker when end buyers make a product choice. Roger Burnett will share case studies from the PromoCares Experiment, and help attendees develop ways to uncover prospects’ passion for philanthropy.

    Younger promotional products buyers demonstrate an innate desire to connect to brands with a story to tell and a commitment to social causes. Distributors and suppliers will find unique selling opportunities when they add cause-marketing outcomes to the transaction, and successful execution of this strategy proves to often be a difference-maker when end buyers make a product choice. Roger Burnett will share case studies from the PromoCares Experiment, and help attendees develop ways to uncover prospects’ passion for philanthropy.

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    1 Credit

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Best of Expo 2019: Big Game Hunting

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 02/22/2019

    In selling, large accounts are a different animal. Like big game, they are at once exhilarating and frightening. The tactics you use to sell to small clients might cause your death if you try them on the big game. In this session, Paul Kiweiet, MAS+ will share the strategies and tactics that can give you a chance to bag the big client and keep it from killing you. The rules are different. From prospecting, to pre-approach, then getting started and keeping them happy; profitable large accounts are rare and take a great deal of care and feeding. The payoffs can be huge but require patience, persistence and commitment. Not everyone can do it, but if you want to go for it – go in prepared.

    In selling, large accounts are a different animal. Like big game, they are at once exhilarating and frightening. The tactics you use to sell to small clients might cause your death if you try them on the big game. In this session, Paul Kiweiet, MAS+ will share the strategies and tactics that can give you a chance to bag the big client and keep it from killing you. The rules are different. From prospecting, to pre-approach, then getting started and keeping them happy; profitable large accounts are rare and take a great deal of care and feeding. The payoffs can be huge but require patience, persistence and commitment. Not everyone can do it, but if you want to go for it – go in prepared.

    Paul Kiewiet, MAS+

    Paul Kiewiet, MAS+ is an international speaker, writer, coach and facilitator. He earned the Master Advertising Specialist Plus from PPAI and the Certified Incentive Professional designation from the Association of Incentive Marketing and Certified Life Coach from Fowler Wainwright International Institute of Professional Coaching. He's the winner of nine Pyramid Awards from PPAI for creativity and results and has received two ASI Spirit Awards including Marketer of the Year. His magazine articles were recognized with the EXCEL Award from the Society of Non-Profit Association Publications He's the recipient of a Golden Key Award from the Incentive Manufacturers Representatives Association, President's Award from National Premium Sales Executives, and has been inducted into the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association Hall of Fame. Prior to founding Promotion Concepts, Inc. in 1982, Paul worked in the point of purchase merchandising, outdoor advertising and radio advertising and production disciplines. He has created sales promotion, marketing, incentive and merchandising campaigns for some of America's finest and most valuable brands including Kellogg's, Coca-Cola, Whirlpool, Kitchen Aid, Borden, Elmer's, Krylon, Kroger, Wal-Mart, Dow Brands, Tobler-Suchard, Andes Candies, Mentos, Soup Starter, Wyler's, Realemon, Hush Puppies, Rocky Shoes and Boots and RainDance. He sold Promotion Concepts in 2005 and has focused on people performance, leadership, corporate social responsibility and industry growth issues. His articles have appeared in numerous business publications and podcasts of his presentations have been featured on CBS Radio, the American Marketing Association, and on US Airways Sky Radio. He has been quoted in Fortune, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, B2B Magazine, Kipplinger Newsletter and Wired magazine. He is a member of the National Speakers Association, a lifetime member of the Promotional Products Association International, The Incentive Marketing Association, and Promotional Products Association of Chicago, Michigan Promotional Professionals Association. He has been trained in Gallup University on positive emotions and Marcus Buckingham-trained for strength-based alignment. He has served as a trustee, board member and/or officer of the Forum for People Performance Management and Measurement at Northwestern University, National Premium Sales Executives, Association of Incentive Marketing and the Promotional Products Association International. Paul lives in Grand Rapids, MI and enjoys biking, running, music, arts and Lake Michigan. He has completed twenty 26.2 mile marathons, climbed 103 stories to the top of Willis Tower, climbed Mt Ararat, summited Mt Kilimanjaro, dove the Great Barrier Reef, survived a Warrior Dash, and standup paddle boarded all five of the Great Lakes. In 2015, we was inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame.

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    1 Credit

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Best of Expo 2019: Networking And Prospecting On LinkedIn For Business

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 02/15/2019

    With over 100 million business users in the U.S., LinkedIn is one of the best sources for leads. Of course, with over 100 million leads, finding the right people to meet with is like finding a needle in a haystack. In this session Bill McCormick will show attendees how to use the free search function on LinkedIn to find specific people; how to use the “Jobs” section to get into new companies; how to use the search function of Sales Navigator; and how to use LinkedIn in networking situations.

    With over 100 million business users in the U.S., LinkedIn is one of the best sources for leads. Of course, with over 100 million leads, finding the right people to meet with is like finding a needle in a haystack. In this session Bill McCormick will show attendees how to use the free search function on LinkedIn to find specific people; how to use the “Jobs” section to get into new companies; how to use the search function of Sales Navigator; and how to use LinkedIn in networking situations. 

    Bill McCormick

    Co-Owner

    Bill McCormick is co-owner of Team Creative Connections (PPAI 624673), and started in promotional products sales when he and his wife started their company in 2013.  Bill quickly found the value of LinkedIn, first as a lead generator, and then to increase sales.  Since then, they can attribute over $350K in sales to utilizing LinkedIn as part of their sales cycle.  
    Bill is passionate about the power of LinkedIn and combing that with the power of promotional products to help distributors find leads and generate sales.
    Bill recently joined the team of Social Sales Link, helping both individuals and sales teams leverage the power of social selling to attract, teach and engage targeted buyers.
    Bill lives with his wife Sue in Catskill, NY.

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    1 Credit

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Best of Expo 2019: Leadership To Drive The Bottom Line

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 02/08/2019

    If you’re ready to drive change and innovation, and motivate your staff to make a lasting impact on your organization and profitability, let Lindsay Anvik show you how. Attendees at this session will learn how to manage middle management so that the company runs more efficiently; how to design days for delegation, automation and priority operations; and, how to hire people who help the leaders lead.

    If you’re ready to drive change and innovation, and motivate your staff to make a lasting impact on your organization and profitability, let Lindsay Anvik show you how. Attendees at this session will learn how to manage middle management so that the company runs more efficiently; how to design days for delegation, automation and priority operations; and, how to hire people who help the leaders lead.

    Lindsay Anvik

    Lindsay Anvik is a fourth-generation entrepreneur who has worked with high-profile celebrities and CEOs in music and film, and in the digital space. Her marketing and business development strategies that have led to coverage in The New York Times, InStyle magazine, the New York Post, Metro New York and many others.  She's been a featured contributor on MSNBC's Your Business.

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    1 Credit

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Best of Expo 2019: Safe Conversations: Dialogue That Transforms Workplace Culture

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Employee conflict is a reality in the workplace. When working relationships are strained, organizations experience lowered productivity, employee under performance and negative workplace culture. While conflict is inevitable, when workplaces engage in “safe conversations”—transformative dialogue that uncovers hidden workplace issues—concerns are identified, behaviors are addressed, and a positive workplace culture is established. Join Lorie Reichel-Howe to learn how to equip managers to foster greater innovation, inclusion and collaboration within their teams by learning skills to safely talk about issues that hinder the success of the people they lead.

    Employee conflict is a reality in the workplace. When working relationships are strained, organizations experience lowered productivity, employee under performance and negative workplace culture. While conflict is inevitable, when workplaces engage in “safe conversations”—transformative dialogue that uncovers hidden workplace issues—concerns are identified, behaviors are addressed, and a positive workplace culture is established. Join Lorie Reichel-Howe to learn how to equip managers to foster greater innovation, inclusion and collaboration within their teams by learning skills to safely talk about issues that hinder the success of the people they lead.

    Lorie Reichel-Howe

    Founder - Conversations in the Workplace

    Lorie Reichel-Howe is founder of Conversations in the Workplace. She equips managers and teams to have “safe conversations” – transformative dialogues that uncover hidden workplace issues. These conversations foster greater innovation, inclusion and collaboration within the organization. With over 20 years of experience in communications and relationship management, training and development, Lorie is passionate about supporting organizations in creating a culture where people love where they work and with whom they work. Lorie is a professional mediator and conflict coach. Lorie mediates small claims and civil harassment cases at the Santa Clara Superior Court and provides community mediation for the Santa Clara Department of Human Relations. 

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    1 Credit

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: The Keys To Client Retention

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/16/2019

    Attracting and winning new customers has become increasingly challenging and costly, which makes existing client retention incredibly important for a distributor attempting to maintain and grow the business. In this session, Matt Gresge will share the tactics and strategies his team has developed to help distributors retain clients, spot sales trends, proactively create repeat business, use reporting to build credibility, and identify growth opportunities with existing customers.

    Attracting and winning new customers has become increasingly challenging and costly, which makes existing client retention incredibly important for a distributor attempting to maintain and grow the business. In this session, Matt Gresge will share the tactics and strategies his team has developed to help distributors retain clients, spot sales trends, proactively create repeat business, use reporting to build credibility, and identify growth opportunities with existing customers.

    Matt Gresge

    CEO, AIA

    Matthew Gresge is an entrepreneur, respected leader and a seasoned sales expert with more than 25 years of executive-level leadership experience in advancing companies and growing profits in the business services industry. Gresge possesses a deep understanding of growing independent distributor networks and has long track record of delivering results for customers, suppliers and stockholders. As the CEO of AIA, he is responsible for the satisfaction of AIA's distributors, growing AIA's network of distributors, leading the industry's best team of service providers, overseeing the development and execution of high impact sales and marketing programs that support distributor sales growth and ensuring AIA provides distributors with market leading technology solutions.

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    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Turning Set-Backs Into Stepping Stones

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/16/2019

    Life doesn’t always follow our script. Learning how to live life fully and purposefully can help anyone turn set-backs into stepping stones to find more meaning, more purpose and more enjoyment out of life and more success out of business. Stay focused on the important and learn to live out your values.

    Life doesn’t always follow our script. Learning how to live life fully and purposefully can help anyone turn set-backs into stepping stones to find more meaning, more purpose and more enjoyment out of life and more success out of business. Stay focused on the important and learn to live out your values.

    Paul Kiewiet, MAS+

    Founder, Promotion Concepts, INC.

    Paul A Kiewiet MAS+ founded a sales promotion agency and sold consumer sales promotions, dealer incentives, years of service and other premium, incentive and recognition programs to companies such as Kellogg’s, Whirlpool, Borden and Coca-Cola. He was chairman of PPAI, inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame and currently serves as the executive director of MiPPA.

    CAS-Apprvd.jpg

    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Keynote Luncheon: PPAI Association Update

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/16/2019

    Join Dale Denham, MAS+, PPAI chair of the board, Brittany David, CAS incoming chair of the PPAI board and Paul Bellantone, CAE president and CEO of PPAI for this town hall-style meeting covering current issues and opportunities for the promotional products industry, the Association and its more than 15,000 member companies. The presentation will include Association initiatives designed to deliver compelling member value as well as to protect and grow the industry. Pre-registration and a ticket are required to attend this session. The first 150 people who register will be provided a complimentary lunch. Tickets to attend (no meal provided) will be available for any attendee.

    Join Dale Denham, MAS+, PPAI chair of the board, Brittany David, CAS incoming chair of the PPAI board and Paul Bellantone, CAE president and CEO of PPAI for this town hall-style meeting covering current issues and opportunities for the promotional products industry, the Association and its more than 15,000 member companies. The presentation will include Association initiatives designed to deliver compelling member value as well as to protect and grow the industry. Pre-registration and a ticket are required to attend this session. The first 150 people who register will be provided a complimentary lunch. Tickets to attend (no meal provided) will be available for any attendee.

    Paul Bellantone, CAE

    President and Chief Executive Officer of the Promotional Products Association International

    Paul Bellantone, CAE, is president and CEO of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the not-for-profit association for more than 15,500 member companies in the $24.7 billion-dollar promotional products industry. Bellantone is responsible for executing the strategies and vision of the PPAI Board of Directors and advocating for the industry and its professional practitioners. His focus on delivering compelling member value and business-building products and services, combined with his commitment to active and meaningful member communication, has helped PPAI achieve marked growth. Bellantone holds a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and a master’s in business administration from the School of Management at Texas Woman's University. He is a Certified Association Executive and is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives, the Dallas Fort Worth Association Executives, the American Marketing Association, the Dallas/Fort Worth AMA and a board trustee for The Forum: Business Results Through People.

    Brittany David, MAS

    Vice President of Sales, PPAI Board Chair

    Brittany David, MAS, vice president of sales at West Jordan, Utah-based supplier SnugZ USA, is a 10-year veteran of the promotional products industry. She has been with SnugZ USA for five years. Prior to that, she was the trade show management services manager at SAGE Quick Technologies Inc. in Addison, Texas. David is currently serving on the PPAI Board of Directors and Expo East Advisory Board, is board liaison to the Supplier Committee and member of the Power Meeting advisory group, and continues to serve as co-chair of the PPAF Expo Committee for the third consecutive year. She also volunteers for the Utah Food Bank, Primary Children's Hospital and various community service projects with the SnugZ GiveZ community service committee.


    Dale Denham

    CIO

    Dale Denham, MAS+, is the CIO for top 40 distributor Geiger and previously served as Senior Vice President of ASI. Recognized as the industry's top technologist, Dale has continued to deliver innovative, helpful products and solutions during his 20 years in the industry.

    Among the first 10 people certified as a Master Advertising Specialist+ by PPAI., Dale was also recognized by ASI Counselor Magazine as one of “40 under 40” and named one of Corporate Logo's Most Influential People in 2004.

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    1.5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Domestic Freight Management 101 

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/15/2019

    What’s the best way to save time, money and resources on shipments? In this “logistics 101” session, Jason Schrier will cover how carriers calculate LTL rates, common freight classification errors and the financial risks associated with freight misclassification, what FAK (Freight of All Kinds) means, costly freight packaging errors, and more.

    What’s the best way to save time, money and resources on shipments? In this “logistics 101” session, Jason Schrier will cover how carriers calculate LTL rates, common freight classification errors and the financial risks associated with freight misclassification, what FAK (Freight of All Kinds) means, costly freight packaging errors, and more.

    Jason Schrier

    Director of Business Development

    Jason Schrier is a Director of Business Development for Ascent Global Logistics in Hudson, OH. After serving as an infantryman in the U.S Army and completing a tour in Iraq, Jason started his career in logistics with FedEx in 2010. While at FedEx, Jason became an expert in LTL, air freight, full truckload, expedited freight and cold chain shipping solutions. After building a strong foundation of logistics and transportation best practices at FedEx, he spent two years assisting pharmaceutical companies with complex supply chain solutions as a Special Accounts Representative. While helping these companies, Jason created recommendations in areas such as cold chain packaging, modes of domestic and international transportation management, customs paperwork assistance, setting up shipments and tracking shipments until delivery. He was rewarded several Purple Promise Awards for his dedication to his customers and was the only individual in the contiguous United States to win an ICan award from his Asian Pacific counterparts. After spending six years in operations, Jason transitioned into sales with Ascent Global Logistics in 2016. After spending eight months working as an Inside Sales Representative, he was promoted to Director of Business Development.

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    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Marketing Your Business Online

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/15/2019

    Everybody wants to drive business online, but few know how to do it, let alone correctly. In this hand-on class with Chris Jenkin, attendees will learn foundational things every business, no matter the size, must do to succeed online.

    Everybody wants to drive business online, but few know how to do it, let alone correctly. In this hand-on class with Chris Jenkin, attendees will learn foundational things every business, no matter the size, must do to succeed online.

    Chris Jenkin

    CEO

    Chris Jenkin is a visionary and innovator. In 2011, he founded and launched gotcha! Chris also developed a large sales channel of marketing distributors to bring digital solutions to businesses across the U.S. He began by introducing gotcha!Apps™, some of the first progressive web apps powered by a platform of his own design. Since the launch of gotcha!, Chris and his team have built hundreds of websites, over 150 mobile apps, built custom software solutions, ran social media campaigns, AdWords and Facebook campaigns, SMS messaging campaigns, and created two proprietary SEO products;  gotcha!LocalSEO™ and his latest product gotcha!Stream™, both designed to drive traffic to websites for conversions. Through his sales channel, Chris and his team have taken care of small and large businesses alike such as Orbitz, Apartment Guide, Catalent, Horiba, Bombgar, Purolator, Eyemart, Intuit, Allstate, and many many more. Today, Chris is a leading expert on SEO and knows what works and what doesn’t. He knows and understands how to navigate the digital landscape, business development, product innovation, sales, and strategy. Chris, his team, and suite of SEO products can deliver results other agencies only dream of.

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    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Social Media: Custom Content Vs Curated Content

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/15/2019

    Everyone knows they should be interacting with clients and prospects through social media, but few know why, or how to do it effectively. Chris Jenkin will demonstrate how to effectively build and grow client interaction through social media channels without spending all day online.

    Everyone knows they should be interacting with clients and prospects through social media, but few know why, or how to do it effectively.  Chris Jenkin will demonstrate how to effectively build and grow client interaction through social media channels without spending all day online.

    Chris Jenkin

    CEO

    Chris Jenkin is a visionary and innovator. In 2011, he founded and launched gotcha! Chris also developed a large sales channel of marketing distributors to bring digital solutions to businesses across the U.S. He began by introducing gotcha!Apps™, some of the first progressive web apps powered by a platform of his own design. Since the launch of gotcha!, Chris and his team have built hundreds of websites, over 150 mobile apps, built custom software solutions, ran social media campaigns, AdWords and Facebook campaigns, SMS messaging campaigns, and created two proprietary SEO products;  gotcha!LocalSEO™ and his latest product gotcha!Stream™, both designed to drive traffic to websites for conversions. Through his sales channel, Chris and his team have taken care of small and large businesses alike such as Orbitz, Apartment Guide, Catalent, Horiba, Bombgar, Purolator, Eyemart, Intuit, Allstate, and many many more. Today, Chris is a leading expert on SEO and knows what works and what doesn’t. He knows and understands how to navigate the digital landscape, business development, product innovation, sales, and strategy. Chris, his team, and suite of SEO products can deliver results other agencies only dream of.

    CAS-Apprvd.jpg

    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Community Marketing: Turn Customers Into Raving Fans

    Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/15/2019

    The most powerful and enduring companies today don’t have customers; they have raving fans who trust, love and have a deep connection with them. At the core is a commitment to community building and tribal marketing. Join Mark Graham to learn some new approaches to building a strong community in the post-social media age, and how these strategies can be baked into the core of a modern company’s operations.

    The most powerful and enduring companies today don’t have customers; they have raving fans who trust, love and have a deep connection with them. At the core is a commitment to community building and tribal marketing. Join Mark Graham to learn some new approaches to building a strong community in the post-social media age, and how these strategies can be baked into the core of a modern company’s operations.

    Mark Graham

    Founder of Rightsleeve.com

    Mark Graham is the founder of RIGHTSLEEVE.COM, one of the industry's leading web based promotional products distributors. Mark's online marketing strategy has allowed RIGHTSLEEVE to scale, enhance margins as well as provide a point of differentiation within a crowded and mature industry.

    RIGHTSLEEVE is the National winner of the Dell Small Business Excellence Award, an honor presented to businesses that use technology in innovative ways to enhance customer experience and company growth. In 2011, Mark was named Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year (Counselor Awards). In the same year, he was inducted into ASI's Hot List and PPAI's Rising Stars.

    Mark has been featured in several major media publications on his approach technology and social media, including PPB, Counselor Magazine, Stitches and Advantages. Mark has presented multiple times on web marketing and social media best practices to promotional industry professionals across North America (PPAI Expo, ASI Chicago, ASI San Diego, PPPC, MAPPA, SPPA, Promo East, Partnering Group, NALC, ASI Power Summit).

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    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Introduction To The Strategic Foresight Playbook

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    Strategic foresight offers the promise of continued business growth in a world of uncertainty. Whether yours is a small shop looking to grow beyond your current set of customers or a larger organization faced with ever-increasing demands for growth, strategic foresight can help. Join Paul Bellantone, CAE, and Anne Stone for coffee and this thought-provoking session. They will provide an introduction to the Strategic Foresight Playbook and discuss the new playbook’s real-world applications. 

    Strategic foresight offers the promise of continued business growth in a world of uncertainty. Whether yours is a small shop looking to grow beyond your current set of customers or a larger organization faced with ever-increasing demands for growth, strategic foresight can help. Join Paul Bellantone, CAE, and Anne Stone for coffee and this thought-provoking session. They will provide an introduction to the Strategic Foresight Playbook and discuss the new playbook’s real-world applications. 

    Paul Bellantone, CAE

    President and Chief Executive Officer of the Promotional Products Association International

    Paul Bellantone, CAE, is president and CEO of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the not-for-profit association for more than 15,500 member companies in the $24.7 billion-dollar promotional products industry. Bellantone is responsible for executing the strategies and vision of the PPAI Board of Directors and advocating for the industry and its professional practitioners. His focus on delivering compelling member value and business-building products and services, combined with his commitment to active and meaningful member communication, has helped PPAI achieve marked growth. Bellantone holds a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and a master’s in business administration from the School of Management at Texas Woman's University. He is a Certified Association Executive and is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives, the Dallas Fort Worth Association Executives, the American Marketing Association, the Dallas/Fort Worth AMA and a board trustee for The Forum: Business Results Through People.

    Anne Stone

    Director of Public Affairs

    Anne Stone is the director of public affairs at PPAI, responsible for guiding PPAI's legislative and government relations efforts, which includes taking a contingent of PPAI members to Washington, D.C., to advocate directly to U.S. lawmakers on issues important to the promotional products industry. Stone also oversees the Association's product responsibility programs, including the development of industry best practices and the PPAI Product Safety Summit, a two-day education event focused specifically on product responsibility issues. She currently serves as staff liaison to both the Government Relations Advisory Council and the Product Responsibility Advisory Group.

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    1.5 Points

  • Expo 2019: Leading The Strategic Organizational Change Process

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    Ryan Sauers leads this session in which attendees will examine principles and applications of strategic planning and organization structure. It will overview key features of organizational environments and competitive situations: identifying, developing, selecting and implementing strategy; what a strategic vision is; and what it looks like when all parts of an organization buy into the strategy.

    Ryan Sauers leads this session in which attendees will examine principles and applications of strategic planning and organization structure. It will overview key features of organizational environments and competitive situations: identifying, developing, selecting and implementing strategy; what a strategic vision is; and what it looks like when all parts of an organization buy into the strategy.

    Ryan Sauers

    President

    Ryan T. Sauers is president/CMO of Sauers Consulting Strategies. Sauers’s key consulting focus areas include sales growth, brand positioning, organizational strategy and customized marketing plans. Sauers is a national speaker and blogs for Printing Impressions and Print and Promo. He has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top 80 CMOs in the world. Sauers is an adjunct university professor teaching leadership and marketing to business leaders. Sauers is a Certified Marketing Executive and is the author of two best-selling books, Everyone is in Sales and Would You Buy from You?  

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    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Promotional Products And Experiential Marketing

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    In today’s increasingly complex digital marketing landscape, it’s harder than ever to reach prospects and customers. Now that digital is literally everywhere, it is time to get physical to cut through the clutter. We’ll explore how two industry leaders found creative ways to elevate their brand through personalized and unique customer experiences. CEO and founder of Boundless, Henrik Johansson, will discuss how three-dimensional marketing elements can be used to elevate customer experiences and share insights and data on how getting physical can impact the bottom line!

    In today’s increasingly complex digital marketing landscape, it’s harder than ever to reach prospects and customers. Now that digital is literally everywhere, it is time to get physical to cut through the clutter. We’ll explore how two industry leaders found creative ways to elevate their brand through personalized and unique customer experiences. CEO and founder of Boundless, Henrik Johansson, will discuss how three-dimensional marketing elements can be used to elevate customer experiences and share insights and data on how getting physical can impact the bottom line!

    Henrik Johansson

    CEO

    Henrik Johansson is the CEO & co-founder of Boundless. A serial entrepreneur, Johansson quest is innovation through technology-enabled services. At Boundless, he has spearheaded innovation in marketing spend management through the development of the Boundless Brand Portal, which to date has five approved patents. Most recently the team has evolved the Boundless platform to enable the industry’s first fully-transparent catalog at the product level. Prior to Boundless, Henrik served as the president of Everydaywealth, an online financial services company, and was also the and President of creditland, an online credit and lending marketplace. Prior to entrepreneurship, Johansson was a management consultant with Andersen Consulting in the U.S. and abroad.

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    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: BrandYou: How To Out-Amazon Your Competition

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    Amazon and their online promotional counterparts have become the most frightening threat to distributor business in the past 20 years. Instead of running away from the risk Amazon brings to the traditional promotional products distributor (or, even worse, ignoring it outright). Join Bill Petrie for this session. He will explain how to face the “Amazon” threat head-on. By implementing a few tactics, distributors will not only be able to insulate themselves from the threat of Amazon and online competitors, they will be able to create an Amazon-like customer experience that will build and drive loyalty.

    Amazon and their online promotional counterparts have become the most frightening threat to distributor business in the past 20 years. Instead of running away from the risk Amazon brings to the traditional promotional products distributor (or, even worse, ignoring it outright). Join Bill Petrie for this session. He will explain how to face the “Amazon” threat head-on. By implementing a few tactics, distributors will not only be able to insulate themselves from the threat of Amazon and online competitors, they will be able to create an Amazon-like customer experience that will build and drive loyalty.

    Bill Petrie

    President

    Bill has over 17 years working in executive leadership positions at leading promotional products distributorships. Through his career, his primary focus has been working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. In 2014, he launched brandivate – the first executive outsourcing company solely focused on helping small and medium sized promotional products enterprises responsibly grow their business. In 2017, brandivate was acquired by PromoCorner where he now serves as president. A featured speaker at numerous national and international industry events, a serial creator of content marketing, and PromoKitchen chef, Bill has extensive experience coaching sales teams, creating successful marketing campaigns, developing operational policies and procedures, creating and developing winning RFP responses, and presenting winning promotional products solutions to Fortune 500 clients. Service has always been at the forefront of Bill’s industry activities. Before relocating to Nashville, TN in 2011, Bill served on the board of Directors for PPAChicago and is the current president for the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS). Additionally, Bill is on the board of directors of the Regional Association Council (RAC) board and has worked closely with senior executives at Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) on several committees and work groups – most recently for the North American Leadership Conference. In appreciation of his years of service to the promotional products industry, Bill was named as an inaugural PPAI Fellow – a program designed to recognize influential individuals who have actively supported the industry through personal involvement.

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Succeeding In The Give First Economy

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    In today’s economy, the power is in the hands of the consumer, which has changed the way smart companies go to market. The best companies, salespeople and entrepreneurs provide value up front in order to create long term business relationships. This session from Kirby Hasseman will not only make the case that this is good for us, but it will also share some things everyone can do to succeed in this new world.

    In today’s economy, the power is in the hands of the consumer, which has changed the way smart companies go to market.  The best companies, salespeople and entrepreneurs provide value up front in order to create long term business relationships.  This session from Kirby Hasseman will not only make the case that this is good for us, but it will also share some things everyone can do to succeed in this new world.

    Kirby Hasseman

    CEO

    Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications, a full service marketing company and promotional products distributor. Hasseman Marketing has four full-time internal employees and seven salespeople. Hasseman is a thought leader in the promotional products industry. Recently, out of 300,000 (some) industry professionals, he was recognized as a top social media influencer on two different industry lists. Hasseman hosts a weekly web show called Delivering Marketing Joy, where he interviews business leaders from around the country. He also co-hosts an industry leading podcast, unscripted.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2019: Tackling The Age Of Transparency

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    The global trend of supply chain transparency is rapidly changing the landscape for the promotional product industry. An increasingly transparent world in combination with growing customer expectations and preferences for authentic brands, is highlighting an important area in our industry that we need to be educated on. During this session, we will look closely at potential risks that have arisen as a result and share frameworks that will empower industry professionals to proactively respond to new regulations and requirements and ensure that they are able to transform this potential risk into an opportunity for their business.

    The global trend of supply chain transparency is rapidly changing the landscape for the promotional product industry. An increasingly transparent world in combination with growing customer expectations and preferences for authentic brands, is highlighting an important area in our industry that we need to be educated on. During this session, we will look closely at potential risks that have arisen as a result and share frameworks that will empower industry professionals to proactively respond to new regulations and requirements and ensure that they are able to transform this potential risk into an opportunity for their business.

    Henrik Johansson

    CEO

    Henrik Johansson is the CEO & co-founder of Boundless. A serial entrepreneur, Johansson quest is innovation through technology-enabled services. At Boundless, he has spearheaded innovation in marketing spend management through the development of the Boundless Brand Portal, which to date has five approved patents. Most recently the team has evolved the Boundless platform to enable the industry’s first fully-transparent catalog at the product level. Prior to Boundless, Henrik served as the president of Everydaywealth, an online financial services company, and was also the and President of creditland, an online credit and lending marketplace. Prior to entrepreneurship, Johansson was a management consultant with Andersen Consulting in the U.S. and abroad.

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    .5 Point

  • Expo 2019: 2019 Is All About Video!

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    Almost 5 billion videos are watched every day. So how are you promoting your business through video? Join this session with Gordon Glenister for more insights into the future of video marketing.

    Almost 5 billion videos are watched every day. So how are you promoting your business through video? Join this session with Gordon Glenister for more insights into the future of video marketing.

    Gordon Glenister

    Director General of the British Promotional Merchandise Association

    Gordon Glenister is a director general of the British Promotional Merchandise Association and has had over 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry. He has also run his own distributor business and worked with major international brands. Gordon believes passionately in the power of promotional products and its relevance to the marketing mix. Gordon launched the BPMA academy many years ago, an online education platform for industry professionals, this has now been superseded by a top-class development program. Gordon’s sessions will be lively and illuminating.

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    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Blockchain Supply Chain Management

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    Blockchain was a buzzword in 2018, attend this session with Anne Stone to understand what it is, how it works and why more and more retailers are adopting this model to manage supply chain transparency. This session is an elective for the Product Safety Awareness initiative.

    Blockchain was a buzzword in 2018, attend this session with Anne Stone to understand what it is, how it works and why more and more retailers are adopting this model to manage supply chain transparency. This session is an elective for the Product Safety Awareness initiative.  

    Anne Stone

    Director of Public Affairs

    Anne Stone is the director of public affairs at PPAI, responsible for guiding PPAI's legislative and government relations efforts, which includes taking a contingent of PPAI members to Washington, D.C., to advocate directly to U.S. lawmakers on issues important to the promotional products industry. Stone also oversees the Association's product responsibility programs, including the development of industry best practices and the PPAI Product Safety Summit, a two-day education event focused specifically on product responsibility issues. She currently serves as staff liaison to both the Government Relations Advisory Council and the Product Responsibility Advisory Group.

    Maurice Norris

    Public Affairs Manager

    Maurice manages both product responsibility and the government relations program for the Association. A recent transplant from Atlanta to Fort Worth, Maurice is a graduate of Herzing University and Keller Graduate School.

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    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Tour Of The LinkedIn Mobile App

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    Over 50 percent of LinkedIn users access the platform via the mobile app, and if you’ve used it, you know there are several differences between the mobile and desktop version, including features and functions. Join Bill McCormick as he addresses the major differences between the two platforms, how to use app-only features, and native video and video best practices.

    Over 50 percent of LinkedIn users access the platform via the mobile app, and if you’ve used it, you know there are several differences between the mobile and desktop version, including features and functions. Join Bill McCormick as he addresses the major differences between the two platforms, how to use app-only features, and native video and video best practices.

    Bill McCormick

    Co-Owner

    Bill McCormick is co-owner of Team Creative Connections (PPAI 624673), and started in promotional products sales when he and his wife started their company in 2013.  Bill quickly found the value of LinkedIn, first as a lead generator, and then to increase sales.  Since then, they can attribute over $350K in sales to utilizing LinkedIn as part of their sales cycle.  
    Bill is passionate about the power of LinkedIn and combing that with the power of promotional products to help distributors find leads and generate sales.
    Bill recently joined the team of Social Sales Link, helping both individuals and sales teams leverage the power of social selling to attract, teach and engage targeted buyers.
    Bill lives with his wife Sue in Catskill, NY.

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    .5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Synergy: Organizational Change And Culture

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    This session from Ryan Sauers focuses on strategies for creating successful change in the face of resistance, conflict or behaviors rooted in the DNA of an organization. Particular attention will be paid to conflict resolution strategies at the organizational culture level to examine the history of why people and the organization do what they have always done, and will provide tangible leadership tools to create and sustain real change.

    This session from Ryan Sauers focuses on strategies for creating successful change in the face of resistance, conflict or behaviors rooted in the DNA of an organization. Particular attention will be paid to conflict resolution strategies at the organizational culture level to examine the history of why people and the organization do what they have always done, and will provide tangible leadership tools to create and sustain real change.

    Ryan Sauers

    President

    Ryan T. Sauers is president/CMO of Sauers Consulting Strategies. Sauers’s key consulting focus areas include sales growth, brand positioning, organizational strategy and customized marketing plans. Sauers is a national speaker and blogs for Printing Impressions and Print and Promo. He has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top 80 CMOs in the world. Sauers is an adjunct university professor teaching leadership and marketing to business leaders. Sauers is a Certified Marketing Executive and is the author of two best-selling books, Everyone is in Sales and Would You Buy from You?  

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: New E-Commerce Is Engagement Commerce

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    E-commerce in the promotional products industry today is largely a transactional experience. Some of the largest and most successful ecommerce companies in our industry have perfected the online buying experience according to B2C principles, creating an Amazon-like model. But it’s not the most successful model in the ecommerce space; the one to consider is the other ecommerce: engagement commerce. This session from Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew will explore how to engage with customers in a way that surpasses transactional B2C commerce, fusing an efficient digital buying experience with the customer with creative and strategic consultative value to elevate B2B ecommerce. B2B ecommerce is about complementing creative insights and strong relationships with an enhanced digital experience.

    E-commerce in the promotional products industry today is largely a transactional experience. Some of the largest and most successful ecommerce companies in our industry have perfected the online buying experience according to B2C principles, creating an Amazon-like model. But it’s not the most successful model in the ecommerce space; the one to consider is the other ecommerce: engagement commerce. This session from Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew will explore how to engage with customers in a way that surpasses transactional B2C commerce, fusing an efficient digital buying experience with the customer with creative and strategic consultative value to elevate B2B ecommerce. B2B ecommerce is about complementing creative insights and strong relationships with an enhanced digital experience.

    Mark Graham

    Founder of Rightsleeve.com

    Mark Graham is the founder of RIGHTSLEEVE.COM, one of the industry's leading web based promotional products distributors. Mark's online marketing strategy has allowed RIGHTSLEEVE to scale, enhance margins as well as provide a point of differentiation within a crowded and mature industry.

    RIGHTSLEEVE is the National winner of the Dell Small Business Excellence Award, an honor presented to businesses that use technology in innovative ways to enhance customer experience and company growth. In 2011, Mark was named Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year (Counselor Awards). In the same year, he was inducted into ASI's Hot List and PPAI's Rising Stars.

    Mark has been featured in several major media publications on his approach technology and social media, including PPB, Counselor Magazine, Stitches and Advantages. Mark has presented multiple times on web marketing and social media best practices to promotional industry professionals across North America (PPAI Expo, ASI Chicago, ASI San Diego, PPPC, MAPPA, SPPA, Promo East, Partnering Group, NALC, ASI Power Summit).

    Bobby Lehew

    Chief Content Officer at commonsku

    Bobby Lehew is the Chief Content Officer at commonsku, a cloud-based CRM, order management, and social collaboration platform designed for the promotional products industry by promotional product experts. A 25-year industry veteran, Bobby was formerly the CEO at Robyn, a branded products fulfillment company that specialized in private-label, e-commerce company stores. A PPAI Gold Pyramid Award winner, a PPAI Silver Technology recipient, an Addy Award recipient, and recognized (in his work with Robyn) three years in a row by Inc. Magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in the U.S., Bobby is a national speaker on topics related to B2B marketing, company stores, productivity, and storyselling. Featured in ASI’s Counselor magazine as one of “41 people who are shaking up the market with new and innovative approaches” (2010) and in OKC Biz magazine’s “Forty Under 40″ (2009), Bobby is an ardent bibliophile and loves working at the intersection of art and commerce. 

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: How Change Happens And Excellence Is Achieved

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/14/2019

    Are the changes in today’s world an opportunity for prosperity or a pain in the neck? Many leaders of today are struggling with how to direct change while benefiting from it. When it comes to change there are many challenges from how we get started, to how the change will be perceived by the public and embraced by your team. In this entertaining and informative program, we will discuss how leaders can effectively implement, lead and navigate through the uncertainties of change.

    Are the changes in today’s world an opportunity for prosperity or a pain in the neck? Many leaders of today are struggling with how to direct change while benefiting from it. When it comes to change there are many challenges from how we get started, to how the change will be perceived by the public and embraced by your team. In this entertaining and informative program, we will discuss how leaders can effectively implement, lead and navigate through the uncertainties of change.

    Johnny Campbell

    Rise-Up and Win International

    Million dollar sales producer, trainer and author, Johnny helps clients turn their products and services into profits. Johnny is CEO of Rise-Up and Win International, the publisher of the “Promotional Product Sales Confidential Newsletter" and the video pitchman of “Just Sell It", an online WebTV show that educates distributors on the newest promotional products & the most profitable ways to sell them to prospects and clients using social media.

    Johnny's business expertise is in team management, lead generation and sales conversion methods for revenue enhancement. He is also an Accredited Speaker a designation presented by Toastmaster International and is held by only 65 professional speakers in the world for excellence in public speaking. Based Johnny's sales results, experiences and his ability to help business owners make changes in their businesses that boost sales and increase profits he is called: “The Transition Man"

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    0.5 Point

  • Expo 2019: Build Your Business Selling Exhibits And Displays

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/13/2019

    Learn the basic tools and techniques needed to win the sale for exhibit and display solutions. From asking the right questions to doing research and knowing your customer as well as the competition, Bill Roman will show attendees how to win the sale over the competition.

    Learn the basic tools and techniques needed to win the sale for exhibit and display solutions. From asking the right questions to doing research and knowing your customer as well as the competition, Bill Roman will show attendees how to win the sale over the competition.

    Bill Roman

    Senior Field Sales Representative

    Bill Roman is a senior field sales representative at Orbus Exhibit & Display Group. Roman has a master’s degree in communications from Western Illinois University. He began his career at Orbus in 2011 as the East Coast business development representative and now leads the Las Vegas team as the West Coast field sales representative.

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: People Skills For Promo Products Professionals

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/13/2019

    This session will explain how to sell more, enhance productivity and achieve success. Industry veteran, Conrad Franey, provides real life stories "from the trenches" with recommendations for both the distributor and supplier professional. Franey presents on time management, interpersonal skills, best practices and the keys to elevating your career. Whether you're brand new to this bewildering industry or a multi-decade professional, you will leave this presentation with new skills to achieve greater success, starting tomorrow!

    This session will explain how to sell more, enhance productivity and achieve success. Industry veteran, Conrad Franey, provides real life stories "from the trenches" with recommendations for both the distributor and supplier professional. Franey presents on time management, interpersonal skills, best practices and the keys to elevating your career. Whether you're brand new to this bewildering industry or a multi-decade professional, you will leave this presentation with new skills to achieve greater success, starting tomorrow! 

    Conrad Franey

    Managing Director

    Conrad Franey was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, attending De Smet Jesuit High School and earning a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri - Columbia. Franey worked as a foreign correspondent for The Stars & Stripes in Darmstadt, Germany before returning to the States to continue his journalism career for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Sporting News and other publications. He joined Maritz in 1984 and enjoyed ten years in the international travel field, spending the last five years with Maritz located in the New York City area selling incentive and travel programs. In 1994, Franey returned to St. Louis to become the sixth employee of GatewayCDI, a promotional products distributor, as the vice president, sales. Franey eventually earned an equity position. At its peak, GatewayCDI employed 100 people with revenue of $35 million. GatewayCDI was purchased by Brand Addition in January 2016. In 2018, Franey launched his consulting company: Elements of Success Consulting Group. He also self-published his first book. He earned a master’s degree in classical history from Washington University in 2006. His interests include reading, travel, exercise and spending time with friends and family. Franey served as Chair of both the Annual Catholic Appeal and Catholic Charities of St. Louis. Of greatest importance, on January 31, 2014, Franey married Stephanie Re and is currently living happily ever after.

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: You Can't Skip This Ad

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/13/2019

    It’s more important now that businesses must start using promotional products effectively to help create brand touch experiences in this era of ad avoidance and ad blockers. Learn how to position promotional products effectively with traditional advertising medium adding value to marketing campaigns and helping to extend their life -driving ROI for the advertiser. Learn how to utilize case studies so that you can tell great stories of how a promotional product motivated and drove an action.

    It’s more important now that businesses must start using promotional products effectively to help create brand touch experiences in this era of ad avoidance and ad blockers. Learn how to position promotional products effectively with traditional advertising medium adding value to marketing campaigns and helping to extend their life -driving ROI for the advertiser. Learn how to utilize case studies so that you can tell great stories of how a promotional product motivated and drove an action.

    Chris Piper

    President of Northwest Promotional Marketing Association and Regional Vice President, NW with Halo Branded Solutions

    Chris is President of Northwest Promotional Marketing Association and Regional Vice President, NW with Halo Branded Solutions. He is an active volunteer in our industry too – he currently is President of the Northwest Promotional Marketing Association (NWPMA) and is a certified advocate for PPAI as well as a past L.E.A.D participant. Chris has presented 5 Sense Branding Solutions to the Association of Luxury Suite Directors, Fan Loyalty Managers with national sports organizations. Business' such as Nike and Intel, small & medium sized businesses, and Universities have also appreciated Chris's education and case studies about the Promotional Products Industry as an effective advertising medium that targets all 5 senses of the consumer and employee. Chris advocates that, “Traditional Marketing can't work alone in this day of technology – Brands must escape the clutter, beat their chest, and engage the consumer to take an action. Savvy businesses want products that have REACH, RECALL, and LOW COST-PER IMPRESSION and the promotional product provides all that and more! The right promotional product, with a plan behind the branded product, can give your customers advantages that simply aren't available with other advertising media.” During Chris' interactive session, you'll hear case studies of what's worked and discover proven research that will help you create a customer sensory experience for your clients that will engage and motivate your client's customers to take action. Chris has 20+ years of hands on experience in the Promotional Products Industry and resides in Bend, Oregon

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: 40 Powerful Ideas To Keep Your Clients Happy!

    Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/13/2019

    In this fast-moving session, you will discover 40 ideas to keep your customers happy and coming back for more. Excellent customer service is around the corner. Come and Learn today. Implement 1 or all ideas to drive customer satisfaction. Discover what’s important to succeed in Customer Service today. Utilize and leverage all modes of technology to keep your customer service top notch.

    In this fast-moving session, you will discover 40 ideas to keep your customers happy and coming back for more. Excellent customer service is around the corner. Come and Learn today. Implement 1 or all ideas to drive customer satisfaction. Discover what’s important to succeed in Customer Service today. Utilize and leverage all modes of technology to keep your customer service top notch.

    Charles Duggan II, MAS+

    National and Strategic Account Manager

    For more than twenty-five years, Charles has been active in the promotional products industry. From speaking, training and consulting distributors and suppliers specializing in creating, developing and driving tactical sales in accounts. Duggan is an active industry volunteer, currently serving as RAC Delegate, Past President of PPAMidwest and former PPAI Board of Directors. He has served on many committees and task forces for PPAI. In 2014 Charles was recognized by PPAI by winning the PPAI Bronze Pyramid for Promotional Programs Developed as a Result of a Distributor/Supplier Collaboration: Charles is PPAI Distinguished Service Award winner in 2018. He is an Ironman, Marathon and Triathlete. He enjoys an active lifestyle.

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Solution Selling For Your Clients

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/13/2019

    Are you new to the industry and want to increase sales by offering incentives campaigns to your customers? Join Ryan Sauers and he will give you greater insight into designing awards, safety/wellness and recognition incentive program. This session will explain which of your accounts would be good candidates for these programs, which department you should talk to about these programs and more!

    Are you new to the industry and want to increase sales by offering incentives campaigns to your customers? Join Ryan Sauers and he will give you greater insight into designing awards, safety/wellness and recognition incentive program. This session will explain which of your accounts would be good candidates for these programs, which department you should talk to about these programs and more!

    Ryan Sauers

    President

    Ryan T. Sauers is president/CMO of Sauers Consulting Strategies. Sauers’s key consulting focus areas include sales growth, brand positioning, organizational strategy and customized marketing plans. Sauers is a national speaker and blogs for Printing Impressions and Print and Promo. He has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top 80 CMOs in the world. Sauers is an adjunct university professor teaching leadership and marketing to business leaders. Sauers is a Certified Marketing Executive and is the author of two best-selling books, Everyone is in Sales and Would You Buy from You?  

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    0.5 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: The Quintessential Quote 

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/13/2019

    Many opportunities to close a customer are missed because a quote has not been considered. Join Gordon Glenister for this session on increasing sales by refining your quote for your campaigns.

    Many opportunities to close a customer are missed because a quote has not been considered. Join Gordon Glenister for this session on increasing sales by refining your quote for your campaigns.

    Gordon Glenister

    Director General of the British Promotional Merchandise Association

    Gordon Glenister is a director general of the British Promotional Merchandise Association and has had over 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry. He has also run his own distributor business and worked with major international brands. Gordon believes passionately in the power of promotional products and its relevance to the marketing mix. Gordon launched the BPMA academy many years ago, an online education platform for industry professionals, this has now been superseded by a top-class development program. Gordon’s sessions will be lively and illuminating.

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Double Your Sales With Excellent Customer Service! 

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/13/2019

    Drive new sales growth with excellent customer service. Plan to deliver the best customer service ever! It all starts with a plan. In this session we will execute a customer service plan to deliver results. Develop a customer service plan that fits on a single sheet of paper. Engage your team in the process. Use your plan to keep on track. Set, achieve and celebrate progress on priorities.

    Drive new sales growth with excellent customer service. Plan to deliver the best customer service ever! It all starts with a plan. In this session we will execute a customer service plan to deliver results. Develop a customer service plan that fits on a single sheet of paper. Engage your team in the process. Use your plan to keep on track. Set, achieve and celebrate progress on priorities.

    Charles Duggan II, MAS+

    National and Strategic Account Manager

    For more than twenty-five years, Charles has been active in the promotional products industry. From speaking, training and consulting distributors and suppliers specializing in creating, developing and driving tactical sales in accounts. Duggan is an active industry volunteer, currently serving as RAC Delegate, Past President of PPAMidwest and former PPAI Board of Directors. He has served on many committees and task forces for PPAI. In 2014 Charles was recognized by PPAI by winning the PPAI Bronze Pyramid for Promotional Programs Developed as a Result of a Distributor/Supplier Collaboration: Charles is PPAI Distinguished Service Award winner in 2018. He is an Ironman, Marathon and Triathlete. He enjoys an active lifestyle.

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Expo 2019: Productivity For Profitability

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/13/2019

    Being busy doesn’t always mean results will be produced. Join Lindsay Anvik in this session to learn the difference between organization and productivity by mastering skills and tasks to move through the day with efficiency. Attendees will learn use smartphone applications to do more of the work, freeing up time to spend thinking, creating and working with customers; how to find holes in the day and fill them with the things that make a difference to the bottom line; and understand how to run meetings quickly and efficiently.

    Being busy doesn’t always mean results will be produced. Join Lindsay Anvik in this session to learn the difference between organization and productivity by mastering skills and tasks to move through the day with efficiency. Attendees will learn use smartphone applications to do more of the work, freeing up time to spend thinking, creating and working with customers; how to find holes in the day and fill them with the things that make a difference to the bottom line; and understand how to run meetings quickly and efficiently.

    Lindsay Anvik

    Lindsay Anvik is a fourth-generation entrepreneur who has worked with high-profile celebrities and CEOs in music and film, and in the digital space. Her marketing and business development strategies that have led to coverage in The New York Times, InStyle magazine, the New York Post, Metro New York and many others.  She's been a featured contributor on MSNBC's Your Business.

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    1 Point

  • Become A Tradeshow Superhero With SAGE Mobile

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/09/2019

    The key to the ultimate tradeshow experience is in your very own hands! Join Ryan Hanchey, CAS to discover how SAGE Mobile, the PPAI Expo’s official show planner, can help you get more out of the industry’s largest tradeshow.

    The key to the ultimate tradeshow experience is in your very own hands! Discover how SAGE Mobile, the PPAI Expo’s official show planner, can help you get more out of the industry’s largest tradeshow. See the newly added features, like the discussion group area where you can connect with other PPAI Expo attendees throughout the show. You’ll also see how to add a preference group of your favorite suppliers to your show walk list and easily search for products from exhibitors that are at the show.

    Ryan Hanchey

    Sr. Sales Manager - Distributor Sales

    Ryan Hanchey joined SAGE in 2010 after selling technology services for a firm in Dallas, Texas. Hanchey was named a 2016 Rising Star by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). He has a bachelor’s degree in emergency management from the University of North Texas. When Hanchey is away from the office, you can find him spending time with his wife, Grace, and their son, Theo, or working on restoring his dad’s 1975 Ford Bronco.

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    0.5 Credits

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Best of Expo 2018: Cashing In On Niche Markets: Earn More As A Promotional Specialist

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/20/2018

    In every profession, specialists earn more than general practitioners. It’s true in medicine, law and even sales. If prospects see you as just another promotional products salesperson, you’re a commodity. But if they see you as a specialist—someone who knows how to create results in their specific industry—you can command higher fees, attract higher quality clients and earn more money. In this session, David Blaise will show you how to begin cashing in immediately on niche markets, even those in which you might not have any experience. If you want to earn more in this business, you need to specialize. This presentation will show you exactly how to do that.

    In every profession, specialists earn more than general practitioners. It’s true in medicine, law and even sales. If prospects see you as just another promotional products salesperson, you’re a commodity. But if they see you as a specialist—someone who knows how to create results in their specific industry—you can command higher fees, attract higher quality clients and earn more money. In this session, David Blaise will show you how to begin cashing in immediately on niche markets, even those in which you might not have any experience. If you want to earn more in this business, you need to specialize. This presentation will show you exactly how to do that.

    David Blaise

    Industry entrepreneur, author and business consultant

    What do the promotional product industry's first video podcast, audio podcast, extreme makeover and theme song all have in common? Industry entrepreneur, author and business consultant David Blaise. In 1998, Blaise created Top Secrets of Promotional Products Sales, the industry's premier “success system in a box." Since then, he has built the most recognized and successful training brands in the industry, including Getting Started, Top Secrets of Customer Acquisition, Top Secrets of Multi-Million Dollar Producers and The Power of Promotional Products. Currently Blaise's company helps thousands of industry professionals each year increase sales, improve profit margins and grow their businesses on a guaranteed basis.

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • Best of The PPAI Expo 2018: People Management Tips And Trends

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/06/2018

    Even the best managers face challenges when navigating tricky personnel issues at work. From hiring and on boarding new employees to engaging and managing existing ones, to ultimately disciplining and separating with them, this session discusses effective people management tips and anticipated workforce trends for 2018.

    Even the best managers face challenges when navigating tricky personnel issues at work. From hiring and on boarding new employees to engaging and managing existing ones, to ultimately disciplining and separating with them, this session discusses effective people management tips and anticipated workforce trends for 2018. Join Claudia St. John for this session and learn to recognize common management pitfalls, discover ways to navigate those pitfalls and gain a clear understanding of how to improve your people management practices to increase employee engagement and reduce legal risk.

    Claudia St John, SHRM-SCP,SPHR

    President of Affinity HR Group, LLC

    Claudia St. John, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is the founder and president of Affinity HR Group, Inc., a national human resources and management consulting firm specializing in hiring and recruiting, HR compliance and employee engagement. Affinity HR Group is PPAI’s endorsed HR partner and resource.  As a consultant and frequent speaker, St. John has given hundreds of presentations and workshops on such topics as how to recruit like a pro, common management mistakes, employee engagement and multi-generational workplace challenges. She is the author of the Amazon bestselling book Transforming Teams – tips for improving collaboration and building trust.  Her weekly HR Minute emails and monthly articles are followed by thousands of business leaders nationwide. 

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    1 Point

  • MAS: Marketing Strategies That Eliminate Price Resistance And Increase Sales Revenue

     Contains 5 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 03/09/2018

    The promotional products industry is changing and currently is in a state of mass disruption regarding how business is done. Suppliers are now going direct, the demographics of buyers are changing and the internet is now where buyers search first for promotional items. It is also how they determine who to trust and buy from.

    The promotional products industry is changing and currently is in a state of mass disruption regarding how business is done. Suppliers are now going direct, the demographics of buyers are changing and the internet is now where buyers search first for promotional items. It is also how they determine who to trust and buy from. In this program, Johnny Campbell will explain the seven marketing strategies that eliminate price traps, increase referrals and double sales.

    Johnny Campbell

    Rise-Up and Win International

    Million dollar sales producer, trainer and author, Johnny helps clients turn their products and services into profits. Johnny is CEO of Rise-Up and Win International, the publisher of the “Promotional Product Sales Confidential Newsletter" and the video pitchman of “Just Sell It", an online WebTV show that educates distributors on the newest promotional products & the most profitable ways to sell them to prospects and clients using social media.

    Johnny's business expertise is in team management, lead generation and sales conversion methods for revenue enhancement. He is also an Accredited Speaker a designation presented by Toastmaster International and is held by only 65 professional speakers in the world for excellence in public speaking. Based Johnny's sales results, experiences and his ability to help business owners make changes in their businesses that boost sales and increase profits he is called: “The Transition Man"

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    1 Point

  • Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) Package

     Contains 16 Product(s)

    The Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) Program requires the following: Have a current CAS Certification Complete all dedicated courses and their quizzes Complete 35 MAS elective credits Re-certification every three years (by earning 25 additional CAS or MAS credits within the three years and submitting a Re-certification Application)

    The Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) Program requires the following:

    Have a current CAS Certification 

    Complete all dedicated courses and their quizzes: You will have 3 attempts to pass each quiz. You must answer 4 out of 5 questions correctly. If you have not passed a quiz after 3 attempts, please contact certification@ppai.org

    Complete 35 MAS elective credits 

    Re-certification every three years (by earning 25 additional CAS or MAS credits within the three years and submitting a Re-certification Application) 



  • CAS: Dressing A Brand: Be The Apparel Expert Your Customers Need

     Contains 5 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 02/21/2018

    Do you sell stuff, or create impression sessions? Become a value-added extension of your client’s marketing efforts with advanced apparel expertise and the ability to help them reach branding goals. After participating in this education session, you’ll gain tips and facts that will instantly set you apart.

    Do you sell stuff, or create impression sessions? Become a value-added extension of your client’s marketing efforts with advanced apparel expertise and the ability to help them reach branding goals. After participating in this education session, you’ll gain tips and facts that will instantly set you apart. Join Teresa Fudenburg and Doug Jackson for this session and you’ll help your customers make smart apparel buying decisions that drive greater brand awareness and ROI.

    Teresa Fudenberg

    CEO

    Teresa has a 25-year track record of helping growth companies carve their unique market space through highly efficient, on-the-mark business and marketing strategies. Serving the gamut of industries including transportation, professional services, pharmaceutical and consumer products – as well as her own start-up – Teresa takes aim at distinguishing an organization through results-oriented branding, marketing and sales strategy. 

     

    Teresa brought this passion to Storm Creek in 2014 with a vision to enhance brands through better apparel. As CEO and majority owner of Storm Creek, she is also the marketing strategist. She’s been instrumental in forging the company’s business model change away from wholesalers to working directly with distributors. 

    Doug Jackson

    President

    Doug has been making high-quality technical outdoor apparel for nearly three decades. After starting his apparel career in the skiwear and retail sectors, Doug noticed a need for high quality, high value outerwear in the promotional products industry – so that became his focus in 1995. Dubbed “Jacket Jackson” by his peers and customers, he demonstrates a relentless pursuit of apparel that fits, works, looks great and is priced right.

    Throughout his career, Doug has traveled the world finding the best technical fabrics and apparel innovations, along with building valuable factory partnerships. This masters-level knowledge of apparel from initial design/ideation to finished garments gives him a 360-degree understanding of what it takes to make best-in-class product. Over the years, he’s built many outdoor apparel brands as well as private label offerings, and in 2006 he launched the Storm Creek brand. As president of and co-owner of Storm Creek, he is the company’s product visionary and sourcing strategist. 

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    1 Point

  • Certified Advertising Specialist Package

     Contains 27 Product(s)

    Get all your sessions registered in one-stop shopping style and complete at your own pace!

    Get all your sessions registered in one-stop shopping style and complete at your own pace! 

    Please complete all dedicated courses and their quizzes: You will have 3 attempts to pass each quiz. You must answer 4 out of 5 questions correctly. If you have not passed a quiz after 3 attempts, please contact certification@ppai.org

    Please note in order to start working on your CAS please make sure you have completed the TAS Certificate program first.

  • Expo 2018: Networking To Gain Even More Business

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Join this interactive session in best practices for networking to gain even more valuable leads that can develop into long term clients. Learn the right way to approach networking, develop a powerful elevator speech that positions you as a solution provider, and learn effective ways to follow up.

    Join Mary Ellen Sokalski for this interactive session in best practices for networking to gain even more valuable leads that can develop into long term clients. Learn the right way to approach networking, develop a powerful elevator speech that positions you as a solution provider, and learn effective ways to follow up. Understand practices to avoid and have fun practicing tips and secrets to improving your networking exchanges with new prospects and existing contacts.

    Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS

    Owner

    Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS, is a 33-year industry veteran noted for her fun and interactive educational sessions which earned her the Promotional Products Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Education Excellence, PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award and its Facilitator Excellence Award. Currently the owner of The Scarlet Marketeer, a creative content marketing firm, she has presented hundreds of sessions on the topics of Marketing, Communications, Selling, Apparel, Direct Mail, Creativity, Promotional Programs, Supplier-Distributor Relations, and How to Have a Happy Life. A multi-winner of PPA’s Supplier Achievement Awards and the Golden Pyramid, ASI’s Distinguished Women in Promotional Products, one of ASI’s Women to Watch in Promotional Products in 2011, as well as numerous other communications awards, she has captured more marketing and speaking honors than any other industry professional. She is also a featured author in industry publications, and originator of the Promotional Apparel Advisory Council for PPAI. Past presidents of SACDV and PPNA, former Vice Chair of Marketing for PPAI, member of the PPAI Board of Directors, and inducted into the PAPPA Hall of Fame.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: Best Of 2017: Ten Small Secrets To Small-Business Success And Profitability

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Most businesses start without a plan, letting their entrepreneurial spirit to drive their success. But when the business begins to get away from the owner, frustration, angst and confusion creep in. This seminar will bring to light 10 tools that, when applied and honed, can get your business back on the right track, putting you in complete control once again.

    Join Cliff Quicksell, MAS+ for this session on profitability. Most businesses start without a plan, letting their entrepreneurial spirit to drive their success. But when the business begins to get away from the owner, frustration, angst and confusion creep in. This seminar will bring to light 10 tools that, when applied and honed, can get your business back on the right track, putting you in complete control once again.

    Cliff Quicksell, MAS+

    CEO

    Cliff Quicksell, Jr., MAS+ has been involved in the promotional marketing and sportswear industries for 32 years. During this time he has achieved the MAS+ certification and has been actively involved in PPAI as a volunteer. Cliff’s He has served five terms as the education chairperson for the Chesapeake Promotional Products Association and is the recipient of several PPAI Pyramid Awards and PPAI Ambassador Speaker of the Year Awards. Cliff consults for and directs the marketing efforts for distributor iPROMOTEu.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: Inbound Marketing: How To Weave Merchandise Into Your Client's Strategy

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    In the ever-changing world of marketing, promotional distributors need to find an edge on how to pitch merchandise to clients. In this session you’ll learn about inbound marketing and how it can form an essential part of an integrated promotional marketing strategy, helping you position yourself as a valuable resource to your clients.

    Join Justin Reynolds for this session on client strategy. In the ever-changing world of marketing, promotional distributors need to find an edge on how to pitch merchandise to clients. In this session you’ll learn about inbound marketing and how it can form an essential part of an integrated promotional marketing strategy, helping you position yourself as a valuable resource to your clients.

    Justin Reynolds

    Managing Director

    An industry thought leader with 20 years of experience in the sales and marketing space.  His goal is to help take our industry to new levels and create unforeseen value to marketing professionals by using effective promotional merchandise strategies. Justin aims to do this by approaching new client projects with vigour and passion to ensure that his clients are getting the best value for their promotional marketing spend.  Justin holds an MBA from Jacksonville University and is the founder and Managing Director of Red Tomato | Promotional Marketing Agency.  They service a variety of blue chip companies in Australia and abroad.

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    1 Point

  • CAS:The Business Of Doing Good

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    The promotional products industry has a responsibility to deliver goods that are created in an ethical and responsible way by people in this country and around the world. In this panel presentation, Jeremy Lott and other key industry leaders will address the business imperatives of making a difference in the communities where we source, sell and ship our products.

    The promotional products industry has a responsibility to deliver goods that are created in an ethical and responsible way by people in this country and around the world.  In this panel presentation, Jeremy Lott and other key industry leaders will address the business imperatives of making a difference in the communities where we source, sell and ship our products. By working within industry guidelines and with international labor organizations, as well as building measurable compliance and social programs, we all can make a difference.  Making social responsibility a cornerstone of a company’s strategy means that key decisions about sourcing, partnerships and product design are all heavily influenced by the company’s commitment to doing the right thing.

    Jeremy Lott

    President

    A picture on SanMar's very first catalog cover with a two-year-old peddling a big wheel proves it — Jeremy has worked at SanMar for nearly his entire life. 

    Today, as President of the family-owned business, Jeremy works in partnership with his father, Marty and his brother, Jordan. Over the years Jeremy learned the business from the inside out, from pulling orders to purchasing. After college and a stint studying in Hong Kong, he launched his career as an analyst for investment bank Piper Jaffray's technology team. Jeremy moved to Chicago in 2001 to earn his MBA, and then joined SanMar full-time. Adding strategy to vision, he continues to steward the company toward long-term growth and health. Proud of the opportunities given to so many tenured staff members to thrive, he often spends time "table-hopping" at the company's on-site café. He learns a lot during those casual conversations because, he says, employees have the pulse on what's really going on in their arenas.

    The father of six young children, Jeremy discovered that a work/life balance holds the key to maximum productivity. He enjoys spending time outdoors — skiing, hiking, boating and generally staying active.

    Emily Gigot

    Social Responsibility Specialist

    As a Social Responsibility Specialist, Emily works to ensure that all SanMar products are produced in compliance with the highest social and environmental standards. She believes that business done well has the power to do good, and joined SanMar in 2016 to see that vision through. Her mission is to improve worker well-being and minimize environmental impacts in the apparel supply chain. With diverse experience spanning apparel, international community development and sustainability, she’s a Pacific Northwesterner who’s as at home in the rain as she is in the streets of Bangkok. She holds an MBA in Sustainable Business from Pinchot and a BA in Diplomacy and World Affairs from Occidental College.

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    1 Point

  • MAS: Three Essential Ingredients To Scale Your Business

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    At some point in time, many companies hit a wall in their growth. This could be due to a lack of resources and process, or simply not knowing how to take the next step in structuring a team. Who do you hire first? How do you put in place processes to allow the company to grow beyond you or your original core team? In this session, attendees will learn three essential ingredients required to push past this wall and position for growth.

    At some point in time, many companies hit a wall in their growth. This could be due to a lack of resources and process, or simply not knowing how to take the next step in structuring a team. Who do you hire first? How do you put in place processes to allow the company to grow beyond you or your original core team? In this session, attendees will learn three essential ingredients required to push past this wall and position for growth.

    Catherine Graham

    CEO

    Catherine Graham is the CEO of commonsku and the President of RIGHTSLEEVE. Commonsku is a cloud-based CRM, order management and supply chain collaboration platform for the promotional products industry. RIGHTSLEEVE is a promotional products agency and has been the recipient of numerous industry awards including ASI Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year, PPAI Web Award and Counselor's Best Places to Work. Catherine has previously been named as a PPB's Best Boss and ASI Rising Star.

    Prior to RIGHTSLEEVE and commonsku, Catherine worked for TD Bank, eBay and A.T. Kearney and obtained an MBA. Outside of work, Catherine is a mother to 3 children ranging in age from 9 to 4 years old. She has a passion for learning and is an avid sports enthusiast playing ice hockey, squash and running.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: The Accomplished Life: The Art Of Getting More Done

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Every business professional wants to maximize productivity and get more done in less time. This presentation will provide specific tips and tactics on how to get more done and be happier while doing it.

    Every business professional wants to maximize productivity and get more done in less time. Join Kirby Hasseman for this presentation as and he will provide specific tips and tactics on how to get more done and be happier while doing it.

    Kirby Hasseman

    CEO

    Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications, a full service marketing company and promotional products distributor. Hasseman Marketing has four full-time internal employees and seven salespeople. Hasseman is a thought leader in the promotional products industry. Recently, out of 300,000 (some) industry professionals, he was recognized as a top social media influencer on two different industry lists. Hasseman hosts a weekly web show called Delivering Marketing Joy, where he interviews business leaders from around the country. He also co-hosts an industry leading podcast, unscripted.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: Basic SEO For The Promotional Products Industry: Separating Fact From Fiction

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Selling promotional products online is not for the faint of heart. Maintaining a website, keeping content fresh, getting your site to appear in applicable search results … there is an art and a science (and some luck) to optimizing your online presence. With literally thousands of sites selling essentially the same products, it takes a lot more work to be successful in an ecommerce-driven world. This session discusses the basics of optimizing your website, and the tools available to help you analyze your efforts and retool your strategy where necessary.

    Selling promotional products online is not for the faint of heart. Maintaining a website, keeping content fresh, getting your site to appear in applicable search results … there is an art and a science (and some luck) to optimizing your online presence. With literally thousands of sites selling essentially the same products, it takes a lot more work to be successful in an ecommerce-driven world. Join David Shultz for this session as he discusses the basics of optimizing your website, and the tools available to help you analyze your efforts and retool your strategy where necessary.

    David Shultz

    Vice President of Supplier Partnerships

    David Shultz is the vice president of supplier partnerships for commonsku. David has more than 17 years of experience in the promotional products industry and is the former vice president of operations at Distributor Central. A recent PPAI Fellow inductee and recipient of PPAI's Industry Collaborator award, he is the incoming president of the Promotional Products Association Midwest (PPAM) and serves as a member of the Regional Association Council (RAC). In his new role, David will work with suppliers to help them connect with distributors more effectively, as well as help them integrate with Promo Standards to achieve better operational efficiency.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: Fixer Upper: How To Rehab Your Business To Be Profitable And Resilient

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Do you know what it takes to build a healthy distributorship?  Do you struggle with the operational necessities of running a strong company?  This seminar will address the many challenges owners face when running a distributorship and how to implement the right strategies to make a growing distributorship successful.

    Do you know what it takes to build a healthy distributorship?  Do you struggle with the operational necessities of running a strong company?  Join Jamie Watson, MAS and Jeffry Meyer, MAS for this seminar and they will address the many challenges owners face when running a distributorship and how to implement the right strategies to make a growing distributorship successful.

    Jamie Watson, MAS, CPA

    Senior Financial Analyst for Certified Marketing Consultants, LLC

    Jamie Watson, MAS, CPA is a senior financial analyst for Certified Marketing Consultants, LLC., and has been involved various aspects of finance and accounting for over 12 years. Watson graduated magna cum laude with her bachelor’s in business administration from Stetson University and holds a master’s in accountancy from Manchester College. She qualified as a CPA in the state of Indiana where she worked for the regional accounting firm of Alerding & Co., LLC.. Watson has been involved in the consulting of both supplier and distributor companies in the Promotional Products Industry for over seven years.

    Jeffry C. Meyer, MAS

    CEO, CPA, CFO

    Jeffry C. Meyer has been involved in various aspects of finance for more than 36 years. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Manchester College. He qualified as a CPA in the state of Indiana where he worked for the international accounting firm of Ernst & Young (formerly Ernst & Ernst). He has been active in the promotional products industry for 32 years in various CFO and CEO capacities, during which time he consolidated the largest group of companies in the industry. During his career he has evaluated, negotiated and consummated many acquisitions in the promotional products industry and performed valuations on many more. He joined Certified Marketing Consultants, Ltd. in 1998, where as CEO and partner he and his two partners only serve companies in the promotional products industry. Services include mergers and acquisitions, business valuations, strategic planning, business plans, marketing plans and general consulting. The team also teaches various industry education seminars.

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  • Expo 2018: Making Your Prices Stick Without Getting Stuck

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Are you pricing your goods and services to capture your fair share of the market while still achieving profitability? Do your revenues exceed the operating and overhead expenses for healthy business growth? Explore these questions and learn ways to defend the prices you must charge to grow and succeed.

    Are you pricing your goods and services to capture your fair share of the market while still achieving profitability? Do your revenues exceed the operating and overhead expenses for healthy business growth? Explore these questions and learn ways to defend the prices you must charge to grow and succeed. Join Vince DiCecco for this spirited and idea-filled seminar will dissect and explore what you can do to sell at prices higher than your competition, and uphold your professional image at the same time. Learn how to handle the tactic “I can get the same stuff down the block cheaper” and discover the powerful “what if” tool, The Break Even Formula.

    Vince DiCecco

    Business Coach, Founder, and Owner

    Vince DiCecco is a dynamic and sought-after business coach and seminar leader with a unique yet practical perspective on the art and science of selling, strategic planning, business development, and leadership and management subjects. As the founder and owner of the metro Atlanta-based consultancy, Your Personal Business Trainer, Inc., Vince sparks the kind of passion within his client business owners and sales professionals that creates customer delight and loyalty, sharpens their competitive edge and delivers double-digit gains in profitability to an organization’s bottom line.

    As an award-winning professional with over 36 years of roll-up-your-sleeves experience in training, sales and marketing, Vince has made significant contributions to the success of two Fortune 200 companies, the United States Coast Guard and numerous small- to mid-sized businesses. He has been a presenting speaker at many industry expos—including SGIA—and is a monthly columnist and featured author for several trade publications—including Awards & Engraving magazine.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: Finding And Keeping Star Employees

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    One of the biggest challenges within the promotional products industry is finding and keeping talent. Ever heard the saying, “You’re only as good as your worst employee”? Most of the top distributors and suppliers are often successful because they have great staff. Do you have a retention strategy?

    One of the biggest challenges within the promotional products industry is finding and keeping talent. Ever heard the saying, “You’re only as good as your worst employee”? Most of the top distributors and suppliers are often successful because they have great staff. Do you have a retention strategy? It’s expensive to recruit and train people, so the last thing you want is for them to leave or not work out. Join Gordon Glenister for this session and explore training and development opportunities as well as loads of innovative ways to help you look after your staff. Come away with a defined strategy to retain your top performers, a guide to finding the very best people and a way of measuring the success of your recruitment process.

    Gordon Glenister

    Director General of the British Promotional Merchandise Association

    Gordon Glenister is a director general of the British Promotional Merchandise Association and has had over 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry. He has also run his own distributor business and worked with major international brands. Gordon believes passionately in the power of promotional products and its relevance to the marketing mix. Gordon launched the BPMA academy many years ago, an online education platform for industry professionals, this has now been superseded by a top-class development program. Gordon’s sessions will be lively and illuminating.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: How To Bring Your A-Game to Every Presentation

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Bringing your “A” game means not only being ready with relevant and well-researched information for your sales presentation, but also coming in with your best attitude, look and abilities. Regardless if it’s personal or work-related, to be your very best and to have the most success you need to have a plan—and follow that plan. This session will discuss the nine key points you need to make every single presentation you deliver a home run. This program will be fun and full of energy, and you will leave empowered knowing every time you step up to the plate, your batting average will increase dramatically.

    Bringing your “A” game means not only being ready with relevant and well-researched information for your sales presentation, but also coming in with your best attitude, look and abilities. Regardless if it’s personal or work-related, to be your very best and to have the most success you need to have a plan—and follow that plan. Join Cliff Quicksell, MAS+ for this session as he discusses the nine key points you need to make every single presentation you deliver a home run. This program will be fun and full of energy, and you will leave empowered knowing every time you step up to the plate, your batting average will increase dramatically.

    Cliff Quicksell, MAS+

    CEO

    Cliff Quicksell, Jr., MAS+ has been involved in the promotional marketing and sportswear industries for 32 years. During this time he has achieved the MAS+ certification and has been actively involved in PPAI as a volunteer. Cliff’s He has served five terms as the education chairperson for the Chesapeake Promotional Products Association and is the recipient of several PPAI Pyramid Awards and PPAI Ambassador Speaker of the Year Awards. Cliff consults for and directs the marketing efforts for distributor iPROMOTEu.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: Finding Your Voice

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    In a mature industry with over 22,000 distributors selling the same merchandise at similar pricing to the same target audience, the single biggest challenge is differentiation. Standing out from the crowded marketplace is simultaneously the most critical and difficult undertaking in the promotional products industry. This session will take a deep dive into the steps necessary to truly find your voice and elevate you, your company, and your brand from the clamorous crowd that is your competition.

    In a mature industry with over 22,000 distributors selling the same merchandise at similar pricing to the same target audience, the single biggest challenge is differentiation. Standing out from the crowded marketplace is simultaneously the most critical and difficult undertaking in the promotional products industry. Join Bill Petrie for this session as he takes a deep dive into the steps necessary to truly find your voice and elevate you, your company, and your brand from the clamorous crowd that is your competition.

    Bill Petrie

    President

    Bill has over 17 years working in executive leadership positions at leading promotional products distributorships. Through his career, his primary focus has been working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. In 2014, he launched brandivate – the first executive outsourcing company solely focused on helping small and medium sized promotional products enterprises responsibly grow their business. In 2017, brandivate was acquired by PromoCorner where he now serves as president. A featured speaker at numerous national and international industry events, a serial creator of content marketing, and PromoKitchen chef, Bill has extensive experience coaching sales teams, creating successful marketing campaigns, developing operational policies and procedures, creating and developing winning RFP responses, and presenting winning promotional products solutions to Fortune 500 clients. Service has always been at the forefront of Bill’s industry activities. Before relocating to Nashville, TN in 2011, Bill served on the board of Directors for PPAChicago and is the current president for the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS). Additionally, Bill is on the board of directors of the Regional Association Council (RAC) board and has worked closely with senior executives at Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) on several committees and work groups – most recently for the North American Leadership Conference. In appreciation of his years of service to the promotional products industry, Bill was named as an inaugural PPAI Fellow – a program designed to recognize influential individuals who have actively supported the industry through personal involvement.

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    1 Point

  • Relationship Revolution: Elevating Your Impact And Influence In The Connected Age

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    We are entering the greatest period of business transformation the world has ever known. The rigid models and long-standing rules we’ve come to count upon are no longer reliable. The constant state of disruption mandates a new level of courage and influence in order to effectively impact our organizations, our customers, and our communities.

    We are entering the greatest period of business transformation the world has ever known. The rigid models and long-standing rules we’ve come to count upon are no longer reliable. The constant state of disruption mandates a new level of courage and influence in order to effectively impact our organizations, our customers, and our communities. Join Seth Mattison for this highly engaging keynote designed to help leaders and sales professionals understand the forces affecting the new state of work today, arm them with the practical tools and techniques to deepen their connection to those around them, and amplify their capacity to positively effect change and influence outcomes.

    Seth Mattison

    International Speaker

    Millennial Seth Mattison is making quite a name for himself on the international speaking circuit. His primary interest is in workforce trends and his generation—the Millennials. His presentations focus on the generational divide between younger and older generations and how bridging the gaps can infuse new ideas and energy into organizations everywhere. Seth works with executives across the country to help them understand how they can best maximize their young talent, as well as maintain connections with their experienced workforce, to drive innovation and sustainability. As one of the millions of Millennials/Gen Yers around the world trying to make an impact in their communities and companies, Seth helps organizations deal with the challenges of effectively recruiting, managing, and retaining top young talent. His success is driven by his unique ability to communicate and connect with all four generations to help them better understand not only their differences, but their commonalities, thus creating engaging environments for employees, customers and members.

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    1 Point

  • MAS: Stand Out! Selling From A Position Of Power

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Why should I buy from you? In a world where buyers want to commoditize suppliers, your brand has to stand out from the crowd as a different and better option. And, your salespeople have to present your company and your products accordingly. In this session, we'll take a hard look at branding and positioning as they apply to the business-to-business sales process.

    Why should I buy from you? In a world where buyers want to commoditize suppliers, your brand has to stand out from the crowd as a different and better option. And, your salespeople have to present your company and your products accordingly. In this session, we'll take a hard look at branding and positioning as they apply to the business-to-business sales process. You'll use Larry's Brand Ladder to walk prospects step-by-step, from total stranger to customer to evangelist (They blog, tweet and tell their colleagues about you.). You'll use the Four Market Positions to position your business versus the other options they might consider. Then you'll get the Five Traits of a Sales Superstar. Whether you hire and train a sales team, or you ARE your sales team, this segment alone will be worth the trip to Las Vegas! Start getting the return on investment you deserve from your marketing budget and sales activities.

    Larry Mersereau

    Author and Differentiation Specialist

    Smart business owners, marketers and sales professionals know who to turn to for the ideas and insights they need to grow their sales and profits; Larry Mersereau, CTC. Niched as a differentiation specialist, he is the author of four books on the topic and a professional speaker who addresses dozens of audiences, in a broad range of industries every year. He’s the only speaker who shares the simple, doable… effective growth strategies and tactics that made his books so popular and have helped so many businesses and sales professionals succeed.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: Keynote Luncheon: Open More Doors, Close More Sales

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    You followed all the rules. You’ve read all the books. You’ve implemented the strategies. But you’re still you’re struggling to hit the goals. Face it, the rules have changed and selling today is different. Customers demand more. Sales cycles are longer. Competition is stronger. And getting above the white noise is damn near impossible. Sales success today means attracting, investing and powerfully adding value but it also means having a purpose and designing a strategy that gets results. Join Meridith Elliott Powell for this energizing, highly engaging and power-packed content keynote as she delivers it all: motivation, entertainment and content. Develop business growth strategies you need to dominate your market, leaving the competition in the dust.

    You followed all the rules. You’ve read all the books. You’ve implemented the strategies. But you’re still you’re struggling to hit the goals. Face it, the rules have changed and selling today is different. Customers demand more. Sales cycles are longer. Competition is stronger. And getting above the white noise is damn near impossible.  Sales success today means attracting, investing and powerfully adding value but it also means having a purpose and designing a strategy that gets results. Join Meridith Elliott Powell for this energizing, highly engaging and power-packed content keynote as she delivers it all: motivation, entertainment and content. Develop business growth strategies you need to dominate your market, leaving the competition in the dust.

    Meridith Elliott Powell

    Award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist

    Voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to watch by Currency Fair, and one of the top 20 Sales Experts To Follow by Linked In. Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in corporate sales and leadership, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare and finance.  Meridith worked her way up from entry-level to earn her position in the C-Suite. She is a Master Certified Strategist, Executive Coach and Certified Speaking Professional, a designation held by less than twelve percent of professional speakers.  She is Master Certified DISC Trainer and Coach, and has facilitated and coached thousands in the program. 

    She has a cutting-edge message, rooted in real-life examples and real-world knowledge. She  is the author of four books, including Winning In The Trust & Value Economy (a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards) and her latest “Own It: Redefining Responsibility – Stories of Power, Freedom & Purpose about how to build cultures the inspire ownership at every level to create profits at every turn. 

    Meridith is regularly featured in publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., Investment News, and American Banker among others. High energy and highly interactive, Meridith’s helps leaders and business owners learn the new rules of success today. How today’s economy has changed. How that has changed today’s customers and employees. And specifically how that affects your business.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: Keynote Luncheon: PPAI Association Update With Paul Bellantone, CAE

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Join Paul Bellantone, CAE, president and CEO of PPAI, for this town hall-style keynote covering current key issues and opportunities faced by the promotional products industry, the Association and its more than 15,000 member companies. This presentation will include Association initiatives designed to deliver compelling member value, and to protect and grow the industry.

    Join Paul Bellantone, CAE, president and CEO of PPAI, for this town hall-style keynote covering current key issues and opportunities faced by the promotional products industry, the Association and its more than 15,000 member companies. This presentation will include Association initiatives designed to deliver compelling member value, and to protect and grow the industry. 

    Paul Bellantone, CAE (Moderator)

    President and Chief Executive Officer of the Promotional Products Association International

    Paul Bellantone, CAE, is president and CEO of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the not-for-profit association for more than 15,500 member companies in the $24.7 billion-dollar promotional products industry. Bellantone is responsible for executing the strategies and vision of the PPAI Board of Directors and advocating for the industry and its professional practitioners. His focus on delivering compelling member value and business-building products and services, combined with his commitment to active and meaningful member communication, has helped PPAI achieve marked growth. Bellantone holds a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and a master’s in business administration from the School of Management at Texas Woman's University. He is a Certified Association Executive and is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives, the Dallas Fort Worth Association Executives, the American Marketing Association, the Dallas/Fort Worth AMA and a board trustee for The Forum: Business Results Through People.

    Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+

    Founder, Owner, PPAI Board of Directors

    Mary Jo founded Competitive Edge in 1993 working alone in a store basement. Now, over 20 years later, she has 25 employees working in an office building overlooking Lake Michigan. Mary Jo’s success is driven by her belief in going above and beyond customer expectations to deliver incredible levels of service. Prior to being elected to the PPAI Board of Directors in 2014, Mary Jo served on the PPAI Public Relations committee, and in 2015 she served on the Certification Committee. She currently serves on GRAC (Government Relations Advisory Committee) and is a Michigan delegate for LEAD (Legislative Education Action Day).  In addition to being a successful business person, Mary Jo still finds time for volunteer work. She currently serves on the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees, Foundation and Alumni Boards.  Her desire and dedication to give back to the community is evident as she offers her services and expertise to a long list of organizations that include United Way, Junior Achievement and Hospice.  Mary Jo lives in Stevensville, Michigan with her husband and number one fan, Fred.

    Dale Denham, MAS+

    Chief Information Officer

    Dale Denham, MAS+, is the CIO for top 40 distributor Geiger and previously served as Senior Vice President of ASI. Recognized as the industry's top technologist, Dale has continued to deliver innovative, helpful products and solutions during his 20 years in the industry.

    Among the first 10 people certified as a Master Advertising Specialist+ by PPAI., Dale was also recognized by ASI Counselor Magazine as one of “40 under 40" and named one of Corporate Logo's Most Influential People in 2004.

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    1.5 Point

  • Expo 2018: Sales CRUSH Planning Workshop

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    New to the industry? Want to get a jump start on your sales for 2018? Want to sell more volume in 2018 than ever before? Then let's create a sales plan for you and your business. You will walk away from this session with a personalized plan to help you grow faster and more profitably. Plan your work, then work your plan.

    New to the industry?  Want to get a jump start on your sales for 2018?  Want to sell more volume in 2018 than ever before?  Then let's create a sales plan for you and your business. Join Josh Frey for this session and walk away from this session with a personalized plan to help you grow faster and more profitably. Plan your work, then work your plan.  

    Josh Frey

    Small Business Owner

    2018 is the Year of the Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner (at least according to me and my small-business-owner-friends that I know and hang with!).  I am a business junkie and Kool-aid drinking entrepreneur, having started my own swag business and career at the ripe old age of 22 with no experience, contacts or resources (yeah, so I am a little old(er), but a little wiser too).


    Josh is a front line sales guy who has coached and helped others launch dozens of businesses in the promotional products industry (and other industries), simply by teaching the very same best sales and business practices I use to support my own family and lifestyle. In 2012 I launched the The Swag Coach™ Program, a step-by-step guide for "how to start and grow" your very own promotional products business, with the help and support of a 20+ yr seasoned entrepreneur and sales veteran.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: The Art Of Building A Great Distributor Brand

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    How do you build a distributor brand that connects in a way that helps it pays big dividends? Connecting with customers through the art of purposeful branding results in stronger margins, longer customer lifetime value, and sustains a long-term business. Come to this session and see examples of brands that demonstrate how you can carve out your own special place in a crowded world.

    How do you build a distributor brand that connects in a way that helps it pays big dividends? Connecting with customers through the art of purposeful branding results in stronger margins, longer customer lifetime value, and sustains a long-term business. Come to this session and see examples of brands that demonstrate how you can carve out your own special place in a crowded world. Branding and community building are interrelated, and the best brands make the connection seamlessly and in an authentic way that generates results and gives meaning and purpose to commerce. Join Mark Graham for this session and learn why successful branding is the key to long-term value creation, and why good branding equals strong margins.

    Mark Graham

    Founder of Rightsleeve.com

    Mark Graham is the founder of RIGHTSLEEVE.COM, one of the industry's leading web based promotional products distributors. Mark's online marketing strategy has allowed RIGHTSLEEVE to scale, enhance margins as well as provide a point of differentiation within a crowded and mature industry.

    RIGHTSLEEVE is the National winner of the Dell Small Business Excellence Award, an honor presented to businesses that use technology in innovative ways to enhance customer experience and company growth. In 2011, Mark was named Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year (Counselor Awards). In the same year, he was inducted into ASI's Hot List and PPAI's Rising Stars.

    Mark has been featured in several major media publications on his approach technology and social media, including PPB, Counselor Magazine, Stitches and Advantages. Mark has presented multiple times on web marketing and social media best practices to promotional industry professionals across North America (PPAI Expo, ASI Chicago, ASI San Diego, PPPC, MAPPA, SPPA, Promo East, Partnering Group, NALC, ASI Power Summit).

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    1 Point

    1. Register and watch the session. Please note it will open in a new window. Please do not close the session launch page.

    2. Please make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off in order to access the session once you select it.

    3. Once you have completed the session, please close the event recording or webinar window and proceed to the session launch page for the Online Education Survey to receive credit. Please note, it will not be on your event recording or webinar window.

  • CAS: 14 Ways To Manage The Time You Don't Have

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    In our business, it’s all about the details. So how do you keep them all straight, in a timely manner? Time seems to be the one thing we all wish we had more of, and we can generally agree it’s also the one thing we’re not always using effectively. In this session, we’ll identify the key things in our lives that steal our time, discuss three strategies for organization, and learn a host of practical tips to help us get the most out of our day.

    In our business, it’s all about the details. So how do you keep them all straight, in a timely manner? Time seems to be the one thing we all wish we had more of, and we can generally agree it’s also the one thing we’re not always using effectively. Join Christopher Duffy, MAS for this session, we’ll identify the key things in our lives that steal our time, discuss three strategies for organization, and learn a host of practical tips to help us get the most out of our day.

    Christopher Duffy, MAS

    Senior Vice President of Marketing

    Christopher Duffy, MAS is the Director of Marketing for Top 40 Supplier Ariel Premium Supply. A 25 year industry veteran, Christopher is a long-time award winning speaker for PPAI on a variety of key industry and business topics, including supplier/distributors relations, time management, business writing and strategic planning. Christopher has been honored with PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award, served on the PPEF Board of Trustees and holds 2 masters degrees.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: Seven Highly Effective Low-Cost Marketing Habits That Will Get Your Business Noticed

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Do your marketing efforts convey and support the widely-accepted belief that people buy from people whom they like, trust and with whom it is convenient to do business? Learn how becoming a brand name that’s recognized throughout your marketplace is easier and more affordable than you may think.

    Do your marketing efforts convey and support the widely-accepted belief that people buy from people whom they like, trust and with whom it is convenient to do business? Learn how becoming a brand name that’s recognized throughout your marketplace is easier and more affordable than you may think. Join Vine DiCecco as he gives tips and techniques to ensure your customers think of you first when they are shopping for the things you sell. Topics include social media marketing, establishing a unique value proposition, measuring marketing IQ, and more.

    Vince DiCecco

    Business Coach, Founder, and Owner

    Vince DiCecco is a dynamic and sought-after business coach and seminar leader with a unique yet practical perspective on the art and science of selling, strategic planning, business development, and leadership and management subjects. As the founder and owner of the metro Atlanta-based consultancy, Your Personal Business Trainer, Inc., Vince sparks the kind of passion within his client business owners and sales professionals that creates customer delight and loyalty, sharpens their competitive edge and delivers double-digit gains in profitability to an organization’s bottom line.

    As an award-winning professional with over 36 years of roll-up-your-sleeves experience in training, sales and marketing, Vince has made significant contributions to the success of two Fortune 200 companies, the United States Coast Guard and numerous small- to mid-sized businesses. He has been a presenting speaker at many industry expos—including SGIA—and is a monthly columnist and featured author for several trade publications—including Awards & Engraving magazine.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: The Exhibit Clinic: How To Get Better Results At Trade Shows

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    Learn what makes a trade show different, how to differentiate expectations of attendees, learn the do’s and don’ts of working the booth and the event, and learn creative ways to follow up after the show ends.

    Join Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS for this interactive session.  It will help even the most seasoned trade show exhibitors maximize the potential they have to create an extraordinary booth experience. Learn what makes a trade show different, how to differentiate expectations of attendees, learn the do’s and don’ts of working the booth and the event, and learn creative ways to follow up after the show ends.

    Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS

    Owner

    Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS, is a 33-year industry veteran noted for her fun and interactive educational sessions which earned her the Promotional Products Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Education Excellence, PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award and its Facilitator Excellence Award. Currently the owner of The Scarlet Marketeer, a creative content marketing firm, she has presented hundreds of sessions on the topics of Marketing, Communications, Selling, Apparel, Direct Mail, Creativity, Promotional Programs, Supplier-Distributor Relations, and How to Have a Happy Life. A multi-winner of PPA’s Supplier Achievement Awards and the Golden Pyramid, ASI’s Distinguished Women in Promotional Products, one of ASI’s Women to Watch in Promotional Products in 2011, as well as numerous other communications awards, she has captured more marketing and speaking honors than any other industry professional. She is also a featured author in industry publications, and originator of the Promotional Apparel Advisory Council for PPAI. Past presidents of SACDV and PPNA, former Vice Chair of Marketing for PPAI, member of the PPAI Board of Directors, and inducted into the PAPPA Hall of Fame.

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    1 Point

  • MAS: Selling Schemes Around The World

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/18/2018

    The world is getting smaller. Globalization means that your customers are trading on a global scale. More and more buyers are looking at cutting cost out of the supply chain while retaining product choice and quality. You don’t have to be a big player to trade internationally. Knowledge is power, and this session will help you understand how best to approach and sell merchandise internationally.

    The world is getting smaller. Globalization means that your customers are trading on a global scale. More and more buyers are looking at cutting cost out of the supply chain while retaining product choice and quality. You don’t have to be a big player to trade internationally. Knowledge is power, and this session will help you understand how best to approach and sell merchandise internationally. Join Gordon Glenister as he explains the opportunities of trading internationally, how to have a strategy to win more international clients and revisit how best you promote schemes.

    Gordon Glenister

    Director General of the British Promotional Merchandise Association

    Gordon Glenister is a director general of the British Promotional Merchandise Association and has had over 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry. He has also run his own distributor business and worked with major international brands. Gordon believes passionately in the power of promotional products and its relevance to the marketing mix. Gordon launched the BPMA academy many years ago, an online education platform for industry professionals, this has now been superseded by a top-class development program. Gordon’s sessions will be lively and illuminating.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2018: First-Time Attendees: Navigating The PPAI Expo

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/10/2018

    Walking onto the trade show floor may seem like an overwhelming experience. If it’s your first time at The PPAI Expo, it might even feel a bit chaotic. Start here to learn about the physical challenges of the trade show and how to be best prepared for them. Learn to develop a plan of attack, and understand what you can expect to accomplish at the show. Learn tips on show etiquette, best practices, supplier expectations and what to do once you get home after the show. You’ll leave this session a trade show pro.

    Walking onto the trade show floor may seem like an overwhelming experience. If it’s your first time at The PPAI Expo, it might even feel a bit chaotic. Start here to learn about the physical challenges of the trade show and how to be best prepared for them. Learn to develop a plan of attack, and understand what you can expect to accomplish at the show. Learn tips on show etiquette, best practices, supplier expectations and what to do once you get home after the show. You’ll leave this session a trade show pro.

    Natalie Clark

    Director of the PPAI Membership Services Department

    As the director of PPAI's membership services department, Natalie oversees recruiting and retention efforts for the Association. Natalie has over 20 years of experience in sales, service and operations. She joined PPAI in 2013, oversees a staff of 13 and is responsible for approximately 40% of the overall revenue for the association.

    Jeff Coulter

    PPAI Member Care Representative

    Jeff has been with PPAI since 2015 as a Member Care Representative. He assists members with day to day questions about the memberships with PPAI. Before he was with PPAI, Jeff worked for MultiView as an Account Manager where he was responsible for selling online advertising for trade associations. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington where he received a bachelors in Kinesiology.

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    1 Point

  • CAS: Creating Client Loyalty

     Contains 5 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/14/2017

    In this session, join Ruth Verver to learn how to create a customized loyalty plan for your top clients. This enhances your relationship with them and solidifies future business. Through a combination of self-promos, customer loyalty techniques and VIP attention, you’ll find ways to innovate your business and take your business to the next level. Participants will walk away with three primary elements: new ideas for self-promos that will surprise and delight their customers, a unique and unexpected approach to building customer relationships, and a plan to execute that involves critical touch points for the important customers.

    In this session, join Ruth Verver to learn how to create a customized loyalty plan for your top clients. This enhances your relationship with them and solidifies future business. Through a combination of self-promos, customer loyalty techniques and VIP attention, you’ll find ways to innovate your business and take your business to the next level. Participants will walk away with three primary elements: new ideas for self-promos that will surprise and delight their customers, a unique and unexpected approach to building customer relationships, and a plan to execute that involves critical touch points for the important customers.

    Ruth Verver

    Co-founder, Paperclip Promotions

    Ruth Verver, CAS with over 15 years of marketing and operations experience. After graduating with a BA in marketing from Southwest Texas State (Now Texas State University), she worked for a promotional company as the operations manager where she assisted in growing its sales 400 percent in just 10 years. In 2007, she spread her wings and co-founded Paperclip Promotions, a distributorship in Austin. She served as vice president and membership chair for her regional association and she has served on a PPAI Action Group and Committee. She is married to her high school sweetheart, loves animals and believes we should all find a way to learn, love and laugh a little each day.

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    1 Point

  • Best of Expo 2017: Using Promo to Sell Promo

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2017

    We say that promotional products are the most effective tool in the marketing tool box, yet as professionals in the industry we use cold calls etc. to market our own businesses. If we tout that what we do provides marketers the best bang for the buck, then we need to work on having our businesses be our best case studies! In this session, attendees will walk through how to define your target audience, picking the best self-promo for your business, and how to measure success.

    Join Charity Gibson for this session on how to use promo items to sell more promo items. We say that promotional products are the most effective tool in the marketing tool box, yet as professionals in the industry we use cold calls etc. to market our own businesses. If we tout that what we do provides marketers the best bang for the buck, then we need to work on having our businesses be our best case studies! In this session, attendees will walk through how to define your target audience, picking the best self-promo for your business, and how to measure success.

    Charity Gibson

    National Account Coordinator

    Charity Gibson spent 16 years as a distributor prior to founding green banana social, an industry social media consultancy, and eventually moving to the supplier side of the industry. She is currently the National Account Coordinator for Peerless, and editor for the well known industry 501c3 non-profit, PromoKitchen.

    Charity has counter intuitive thinking and marketplace disruption hard-coded into her dna. In addition, she has been gifted with unparalled creativity, a keen eye for eye-catching design, and a personality that has been described as both playful and magnetic. With these skills as a foundation, and creative marketing strategies that include leveraging both traditional and digital mediums, Charity has built a reputation as a tech savvy promotional marketing powerhouse.

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    1 Point

  • Best of Expo 2017: Hybrid Selling: How to Succeed as Online Business Grows

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 03/31/2017

    Customer shopping expectations are racing ahead at light speed. We are at the point where buying online is often simpler and preferred over talking with a person. When that happens, new value is created, and a new buying preferences are formed. In this session, you will learn how to leverage your relationships, while participating in the burgeoning online channel. We’ll dig into how a great web experience enhances customer relationships – and drives more sales. You will leave with actionable information to help you create your own strategy for hybrid selling.

    Join Dale Denham, MAS+ for this session on hybrid selling. Customer shopping expectations are racing ahead at light speed. We are at the point where buying online is often simpler and preferred over talking with a person. When that happens, new value is created, and a new buying preferences are formed. In this session, you will learn how to leverage your relationships, while participating in the burgeoning online channel. We’ll dig into how a great web experience enhances customer relationships – and drives more sales. You will leave with actionable information to help you create your own strategy for hybrid selling.

    Dale Denham, MAS+

    Chief Information Officer

    Dale Denham, MAS+, is the CIO for top 40 distributor Geiger and previously served as Senior Vice President of ASI. Recognized as the industry's top technologist, Dale has continued to deliver innovative, helpful products and solutions during his 20 years in the industry.

    Among the first 10 people certified as a Master Advertising Specialist+ by PPAI., Dale was also recognized by ASI Counselor Magazine as one of “40 under 40" and named one of Corporate Logo's Most Influential People in 2004.

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    1 Point

  • Best of Expo 2017: Marketing and Building Your Distributorship

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 03/24/2017

    So, you have a small distributorship, want to grow it, and don't have a lot of resources. Joseph Scott will take you through the mistakes, successes, and budget-friendly tools and ideas he and his wife Katie used to grow their business from $0 into a multi-million dollar enterprise.

    So, you have a small distributorship, want to grow it, and don't have a lot of resources. Joseph Scott will take you through the mistakes, successes, and budget-friendly tools and ideas he and his wife Katie used to grow their business from $0 into a multi-million dollar enterprise.

    Joseph Scott

    Founder

    Joseph Scott co-founded Scott & Associates, Inc. with his wife Katie in 1993. Second generation joined company in 2009. Selling Principal: $25 million + in career Promotional Products sales. Joe has transitioned his Distributorship into an Agency that gets paid for their time and the results that they generate for their clients. He makes his living selling Promotional Products and Advertising Services. Public Speaking is a fun, side-business.

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    1 Point

  • Best of Expo 2017: Marketing On A Shoestring

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 03/17/2017

    The promotional marketing industry has some of the most advanced suppliers providing exceptional options to foster your continued growth. With this high level of sophistication, why is it that we only resort to handing out “stuff” with our names on it? Developing great marketing campaigns that are targeted and resonate with our target audiences is now something everyone can do.

    Join Cliff Quicksell, MAS+ for this session on Marketing on a Shoestring. The promotional marketing industry has some of the most advanced suppliers providing exceptional options to foster your continued growth. With this high level of sophistication, why is it that we only resort to handing out “stuff” with our names on it? Developing great marketing campaigns that are targeted and resonate with our target audiences is now something everyone can do. With a little creativity, the right suppliers, and a bit of imagination you can create amazing marketing tools for a fraction of what cost in the past. Learn the questions to ask key vendors, learn how to build unique marketing programs that resonate with your client and prospects inexpensively, and learn how to effectively implement these programs in the market.

    Cliff Quicksell, MAS+

    CEO

    Cliff Quicksell, Jr., MAS+ has been involved in the promotional marketing and sportswear industries for 32 years. During this time he has achieved the MAS+ certification and has been actively involved in PPAI as a volunteer. Cliff’s He has served five terms as the education chairperson for the Chesapeake Promotional Products Association and is the recipient of several PPAI Pyramid Awards and PPAI Ambassador Speaker of the Year Awards. Cliff consults for and directs the marketing efforts for distributor iPROMOTEu.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: The Leadership Advantage

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Kim Busse for this session on the Leadership Advantage! Successful leaders recognize and appreciate the differences within their teams and manage to those preferences. This session explores how behavior influences your management style. Learn how to use behavioral insight to build and maintain a cohesive, loyal and productive team. Walk away with real advice on how to handle different types of employees. Understanding your team’s natural work practices and communication preferences allows you to play into their strengths and navigate around weaknesses. Learn more about who you are and how you communicate. Receive honest feedback into your strengths and challenges and how to use that knowledge to your advantage.

    Join Kim Busse for this session on the Leadership Advantage! Successful leaders recognize and appreciate the differences within their teams and manage to those preferences. This session explores how behavior influences your management style. Learn how to use behavioral insight to build and maintain a cohesive, loyal and productive team. Walk away with real advice on how to handle different types of employees. Understanding your team's natural work practices and communication preferences allows you to play into their strengths and navigate around weaknesses. Learn more about who you are and how you communicate. Receive honest feedback into your strengths and challenges and how to use that knowledge to your advantage.

    Kim Busse

    Key Relationship Manager

    Kim Busse is the Key Relationship Manager at The Omnia Group, an employee selection and management consulting firm. In her current role, Kim partners with her clients to select top talent, manage more effectively, build high-performance teams, and succession planning using behavioral assessment tools/concepts.

    Utilizing over 20 years of human resource management and business development experiences, she has provided guidance to hundreds of businesses in a wide range of industries, including insurance, financial services, automotive, staffing, and healthcare. Prior to joining the Omnia team, Kim was in the financial industry for 10 years serving in various roles such as branch manager, business development, NMLS registered mortgage loan originator, small business relationship banker, and certified trainer.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: Creating A Sales Culture: Coaching CSRs To Sell

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Kim Busse for this session on Creating A Sales Culture! As the needs of your business change, your customer service representatives are required to adjust and take on more tasks and responsibilities. They also find themselves in the position to sell more products or services. If you are creating a sales culture, you have to make selling comfortable for CSRs. It’s no secret most dislike it and prefer to simply avoid the task altogether. It is the manager’s responsibility to help representatives understand that great customer service includes an additional sales offer. Gaining insight into your CSRs’ natural work practices and communication styles allow you to play into strengths and navigate around weaknesses when it comes to making confident cross-sellers of service workers.

    Join Kim Busse for this session on Creating A Sales Culture! As the needs of your business change, your customer service representatives are required to adjust and take on more tasks and responsibilities. They also find themselves in the position to sell more products or services. If you are creating a sales culture, you have to make selling comfortable for CSRs. It's no secret most dislike it and prefer to simply avoid the task altogether. It is the manager's responsibility to help representatives understand that great customer service includes an additional sales offer. Gaining insight into your CSRs' natural work practices and communication styles allow you to play into strengths and navigate around weaknesses when it comes to making confident cross-sellers of service workers.

    Kim Busse

    Key Relationship Manager

    Kim Busse is the Key Relationship Manager at The Omnia Group, an employee selection and management consulting firm. In her current role, Kim partners with her clients to select top talent, manage more effectively, build high-performance teams, and succession planning using behavioral assessment tools/concepts.

    Utilizing over 20 years of human resource management and business development experiences, she has provided guidance to hundreds of businesses in a wide range of industries, including insurance, financial services, automotive, staffing, and healthcare. Prior to joining the Omnia team, Kim was in the financial industry for 10 years serving in various roles such as branch manager, business development, NMLS registered mortgage loan originator, small business relationship banker, and certified trainer.

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    1 Point

  • CAS: Customer Engagement In A Digital World

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join David Shultz for this session on Customer Engagement In A Digital World. This session is designed for distributors interested in learning how to leverage their website and other digital properties to increase customer engagement. It will look at the elements of an effective website including overall design and usability, the importance of responsiveness/mobile usability when designing a website, product research and presentation tools, virtual sampling tools, social sharing tools, and the incorporation of video into your website. We will also explore ways to use blogs, social media and email marketing to build and grow relationships with your customers to keep them coming back for more as well as touch on the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) and ways to use analytics to help refine your digital efforts.

    Join David Shultz for this session on Customer Engagement In A Digital World. This session is designed for distributors interested in learning how to leverage their website and other digital properties to increase customer engagement. It will look at the elements of an effective website including overall design and usability, the importance of responsiveness/mobile usability when designing a website, product research and presentation tools, virtual sampling tools, social sharing tools, and the incorporation of video into your website. We will also explore ways to use blogs, social media and email marketing to build and grow relationships with your customers to keep them coming back for more as well as touch on the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) and ways to use analytics to help refine your digital efforts.

    David Shultz

    Vice President of Supplier Partnerships

    David Shultz is the vice president of supplier partnerships for commonsku. David has more than 17 years of experience in the promotional products industry and is the former vice president of operations at Distributor Central. A recent PPAI Fellow inductee and recipient of PPAI's Industry Collaborator award, he is the incoming president of the Promotional Products Association Midwest (PPAM) and serves as a member of the Regional Association Council (RAC). In his new role, David will work with suppliers to help them connect with distributors more effectively, as well as help them integrate with Promo Standards to achieve better operational efficiency.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: How Full And How Strong Is Your Sales Pipeline?

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Dave Fellman for this session on How Full and How Strong Is Your Sales Pipeline. You have some good customers, but do you really have enough of them to get beyond your current income level, to make the kind of money you really want to make? Here’s an equally important question, do you have enough prospects in your pipeline to ensure that you’ll get where you want to go? This session will prepare you to build and strengthen your pipeline, teaching you who to prospect and how to prospect for maximum success in the modern marketplace.

    Join Dave Fellman for this session on How Full and How Strong Is Your Sales Pipeline. You have some good customers, but do you really have enough of them to get beyond your current income level, to make the kind of money you really want to make? Here's an equally important question, do you have enough prospects in your pipeline to ensure that you'll get where you want to go? This session will prepare you to build and strengthen your pipeline, teaching you who to prospect and how to prospect for maximum success in the modern marketplace.

    Dave Fellman

    president

    David M. Fellman is the president of David Fellman & Associates, a sales & marketing consulting firm serving numerous segments of the graphic arts and promotional products industries. He is the author of Sell More Printing (2009) and Listen to the Dinosaur (2010), which Selling Power magazine listed as one of its “10 Best Books to Read in 2010." His articles on sales, marketing and management topics have appeared in a variety of industry publications, and he is a popular speaker who has delivered seminars and keynotes at industry events across the United States, Canada, England, Ireland and Australia.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: Sales Management: How To Hire A Winner

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Dave Fellman for this session on Sales Management. You've decided that it's time to hire a salesperson, either to open new territory, or to replace a salesperson who's leaving (or being discharged!) This can be an exciting time for your company, but it's also a dangerous time. You want to hire a top performer, not an underachiever who'll cost you time and money and never deliver a return on your investment. There's a lot more to hiring a winner than just running an ad in the paper or on monster.com. Learn how to profile the ideal candidate for your sales position, ask the right questions in the interview stage and test the most important success factors.

    Join Dave Fellman for this session on Sales Management. You've decided that it's time to hire a salesperson, either to open new territory, or to replace a salesperson who's leaving (or being discharged!) This can be an exciting time for your company, but it's also a dangerous time. You want to hire a top performer, not an underachiever who'll cost you time and money and never deliver a return on your investment. There's a lot more to hiring a winner than just running an ad in the paper or on monster.com. Learn how to profile the ideal candidate for your sales position, ask the right questions in the interview stage and test the most important success factors.

    Dave Fellman

    president

    David M. Fellman is the president of David Fellman & Associates, a sales & marketing consulting firm serving numerous segments of the graphic arts and promotional products industries. He is the author of Sell More Printing (2009) and Listen to the Dinosaur (2010), which Selling Power magazine listed as one of its “10 Best Books to Read in 2010." His articles on sales, marketing and management topics have appeared in a variety of industry publications, and he is a popular speaker who has delivered seminars and keynotes at industry events across the United States, Canada, England, Ireland and Australia.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: PromoKitchen Presents: Salt And Pepper LIVE!

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Bill Petrie and Kirby Hasseman will discuss relevant industry topics to present differing views in an educational environment. Utilizing the debate structure similar to politicians, Petrie and Hasseman will share their thoughts on a variety of issues that affect both suppliers and distributors, and will take questions from the audience.

    Bill Petrie and Kirby Hasseman will discuss relevant industry topics to present differing views in an educational environment. Utilizing the debate structure similar to politicians, Petrie and Hasseman will share their thoughts on a variety of issues that affect both suppliers and distributors, and will take questions from the audience.

    Bill Petrie

    President

    Bill has over 17 years working in executive leadership positions at leading promotional products distributorships. Through his career, his primary focus has been working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. In 2014, he launched brandivate – the first executive outsourcing company solely focused on helping small and medium sized promotional products enterprises responsibly grow their business. In 2017, brandivate was acquired by PromoCorner where he now serves as president. A featured speaker at numerous national and international industry events, a serial creator of content marketing, and PromoKitchen chef, Bill has extensive experience coaching sales teams, creating successful marketing campaigns, developing operational policies and procedures, creating and developing winning RFP responses, and presenting winning promotional products solutions to Fortune 500 clients. Service has always been at the forefront of Bill’s industry activities. Before relocating to Nashville, TN in 2011, Bill served on the board of Directors for PPAChicago and is the current president for the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS). Additionally, Bill is on the board of directors of the Regional Association Council (RAC) board and has worked closely with senior executives at Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) on several committees and work groups – most recently for the North American Leadership Conference. In appreciation of his years of service to the promotional products industry, Bill was named as an inaugural PPAI Fellow – a program designed to recognize influential individuals who have actively supported the industry through personal involvement.

    Kirby Hasseman

    CEO

    Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications, a full service marketing company and promotional products distributor. Hasseman Marketing has four full-time internal employees and seven salespeople. Hasseman is a thought leader in the promotional products industry. Recently, out of 300,000 (some) industry professionals, he was recognized as a top social media influencer on two different industry lists. Hasseman hosts a weekly web show called Delivering Marketing Joy, where he interviews business leaders from around the country. He also co-hosts an industry leading podcast, unscripted.

    Jon Norris

    Vice President

    Jon Norris is the vice president of operations for Starline USA Inc, located in Grand Island, New York, where he oversees manufacturing, warehousing, customer service and technology functions. Norris is currently the chair of the PPAI Technology Committee. Norris is currently helping drive an industry data integrations project, labeled PromoStandards, that believes that this is the future of our industry long term sustainability.He also is a PromoKitchen volunteer and Chef. As an industry Millennial, he is involved in numerous millennial initiatives industrywide to help drive the awareness of the changing workplace.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: Seven Marketing Strategies That Eliminate Price Resistance And Increase Sales Revenue

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Johnny Campbell for this session on Seven Marketing Strategies that Eliminate Price Resistance. The promotional products industry is changing and currently is in a state of mass disruption regarding how business is done. Suppliers are now going direct, the demographics of buyers are changing and the internet is now where buyers search for promotional items. It is also how they determine who to trust and buy from. In this program, you will learn seven marketing strategies that eliminate price traps, increase referrals and double sales.

    Join Johnny Campbell for this session on Seven Marketing Strategies that Eliminate Price Resistance. The promotional products industry is changing and currently is in a state of mass disruption regarding how business is done. Suppliers are now going direct, the demographics of buyers are changing and the internet is now where buyers search for promotional items. It is also how they determine who to trust and buy from. In this program, you will learn seven marketing strategies that eliminate price traps, increase referrals and double sales.

    Johnny Campbell

    Rise-Up and Win International

    Million dollar sales producer, trainer and author, Johnny helps clients turn their products and services into profits. Johnny is CEO of Rise-Up and Win International, the publisher of the “Promotional Product Sales Confidential Newsletter" and the video pitchman of “Just Sell It", an online WebTV show that educates distributors on the newest promotional products & the most profitable ways to sell them to prospects and clients using social media.

    Johnny's business expertise is in team management, lead generation and sales conversion methods for revenue enhancement. He is also an Accredited Speaker a designation presented by Toastmaster International and is held by only 65 professional speakers in the world for excellence in public speaking. Based Johnny's sales results, experiences and his ability to help business owners make changes in their businesses that boost sales and increase profits he is called: “The Transition Man"

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: Effective Presentation Skills For Women

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Jessica Hiner for this session on Effective Presentation Skills For Women. A presentation is one of the most important tools a professional has for getting things done and influencing others. Whether you are persuading colleagues, selling to a client, energizing a team or recommending an idea to senior leaders, an effective presentation can be the difference between your success and failure. This fun, one-hour session will help you focus on the visual, vocal and verbal components of presentation delivery so that your message has the intended impact on your audience.

    Join Jessica Hiner for this session on Effective Presentation Skills For Women. A presentation is one of the most important tools a professional has for getting things done and influencing others. Whether you are persuading colleagues, selling to a client, energizing a team or recommending an idea to senior leaders, an effective presentation can be the difference between your success and failure. This fun, one-hour session will help you focus on the visual, vocal and verbal components of presentation delivery so that your message has the intended impact on your audience.

    Jessica Hiner

    Vice President of Key Accounts

    Jessica is the Vice President of Key Accounts for a Top 40 Promotional Products Supplier, with experience on both the supplier and distributor sides of the industry. Dedicated to the value and importance of partnering with customers to reach their business goals and objectives, with the use of promotional products and marketing tools. Expertise includes sales presentations, corporate and incentive programs, merchandising, sales evaluations and growth review, contract negotiation, networking and much more.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: Win And Win BIG!

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Tom Rizzi and Greg Armstrong for the session Win and Win Big! Discover proven tools, processes and strategies to help you win million and multi-million dollar deals. Learn how to position yourself and your solution to win large deals and contracts and how to quickly and efficiently implement your solution to capture the cash.

    Join Tom Rizzi and Greg Armstrong for the session Win and Win Big! Discover proven tools, processes and strategies to help you win million and multi-million dollar deals. Learn how to position yourself and your solution to win large deals and contracts and how to quickly and efficiently implement your solution to capture the cash.

    Tom Rizzi

    ​Senior Sales Executive

    Tom Rizzi is the Senior Sales Executive with over 20 years of experience in winning large enterprise account deals in the promotional products, print and packaging industries. Has won over $1 Billion in new sales during career. Expertise in sales process, deal qualification, presentation development and delivery. Extensive management and leadership experience. Has led sales teams of over 500 people producing in excess of $1 Billion in annual sales. Experienced in conducting sales and sales process training focused on winning large enterprise accounts.

    Greg Armstrong

    Former Vice President of Sales & Marketing

    Greg Armstrong, formerly the Vice President of Sales & Marketing with AIA Corporation, has joined Proforma as its Vice President of Sales Development. In this role, Armstrong will help Proforma Owners identify, pursue and win enterprise level accounts. Based in Fountain Valley, CA, Armstrong will work closely with Proforma Owners primarily on the west coast to secure major account opportunities.

    Armstrong has more than 20 years of experience in all facets of the print and promotional products industry as a supplier, distributor and buyer. Prior to his recent position with AIA, Armstrong held the title of Director of Supplier Relations for Alcone Marketing. On the supplier side, Armstrong served in managerial sales roles with Headmaster, Logomark and Gemline. He was also a buyer for Sechrist Clinical Services as their Marketing Manager.

    Armstrong served on the Board of Directors for Specialty Advertising Association of California (SAAC), is a member of the American Marketing Association and was selected as one of PPB magazine's 13 Rising Star's in 2012.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: Social Media Sales Blueprint: Creating A Social Media Campaign That Works

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Johnny Campbell in the session Social Media Sales Blueprint! Social media is one of the most powerful new marketing tools for business growth in the world. In fact, it is safe to say that if your business has not started to integrate social media marketing campaigns into your over-all marketing plans, then your business is missing out on additional income streams and business growth opportunities. In this program, Johnny Campbell will provide you with a three step social media marketing template that will help you to generate more leads, more sales and more money in your business.

    Join Johnny Campbell in the session Social Media Sales Blueprint! Social media is one of the most powerful new marketing tools for business growth in the world. In fact, it is safe to say that if your business has not started to integrate social media marketing campaigns into your over-all marketing plans, then your business is missing out on additional income streams and business growth opportunities. In this program, Johnny Campbell will provide you with a three step social media marketing template that will help you to generate more leads, more sales and more money in your business.

    Johnny Campbell

    Rise-Up and Win International

    Million dollar sales producer, trainer and author, Johnny helps clients turn their products and services into profits. Johnny is CEO of Rise-Up and Win International, the publisher of the “Promotional Product Sales Confidential Newsletter" and the video pitchman of “Just Sell It", an online WebTV show that educates distributors on the newest promotional products & the most profitable ways to sell them to prospects and clients using social media.

    Johnny's business expertise is in team management, lead generation and sales conversion methods for revenue enhancement. He is also an Accredited Speaker a designation presented by Toastmaster International and is held by only 65 professional speakers in the world for excellence in public speaking. Based Johnny's sales results, experiences and his ability to help business owners make changes in their businesses that boost sales and increase profits he is called: “The Transition Man"

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    1.5 Points

  • Expo 2017: Podcasting 101

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    In today’s busy media landscape, podcasting has emerged as one of the most dynamic ways to capture your customer's attention. Previously the domain of expensive production studios, podcasts can now be recorded with simple software tools and published to the Internet within hours. In this session, Mark Graham will show you why podcasts are such an effective communication tool, how to craft a great interview, how to land a high-profile guest, and how to produce and record your very own podcast. Mark Graham has hosted the popular PromoKitchen podcast since its founding in 2011. He is also the host of the commonsku podcast, skucast.

    In today's busy media landscape, podcasting has emerged as one of the most dynamic ways to capture your customer's attention. Previously the domain of expensive production studios, podcasts can now be recorded with simple software tools and published to the Internet within hours. In this session, Mark Graham will show you why podcasts are such an effective communication tool, how to craft a great interview, how to land a high-profile guest, and how to produce and record your very own podcast. Mark Graham has hosted the popular PromoKitchen podcast since its founding in 2011. He is also the host of the commonsku podcast, skucast.

    Mark Graham

    Founder of Rightsleeve.com

    Mark Graham is the founder of RIGHTSLEEVE.COM, one of the industry's leading web based promotional products distributors. Mark's online marketing strategy has allowed RIGHTSLEEVE to scale, enhance margins as well as provide a point of differentiation within a crowded and mature industry.

    RIGHTSLEEVE is the National winner of the Dell Small Business Excellence Award, an honor presented to businesses that use technology in innovative ways to enhance customer experience and company growth. In 2011, Mark was named Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year (Counselor Awards). In the same year, he was inducted into ASI's Hot List and PPAI's Rising Stars.

    Mark has been featured in several major media publications on his approach technology and social media, including PPB, Counselor Magazine, Stitches and Advantages. Mark has presented multiple times on web marketing and social media best practices to promotional industry professionals across North America (PPAI Expo, ASI Chicago, ASI San Diego, PPPC, MAPPA, SPPA, Promo East, Partnering Group, NALC, ASI Power Summit).

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: Designing A Sales Compensation Plan That Works

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Designing an effective sales compensation plan is one of the best tools you have as a sales manager/business owner, yet, it’s one of the hardest and most frustrating things to get right. Catherine Graham shares her successes (and many failures) in designing a sales compensation plan at RIGHTSLEEVE that now gets results.

    Designing an effective sales compensation plan is one of the best tools you have as a sales manager/business owner, yet, it's one of the hardest and most frustrating things to get right. Catherine Graham shares her successes (and many failures) in designing a sales compensation plan at RIGHTSLEEVE that now gets results.


    Catherine Graham

    CEO

    Catherine Graham is the CEO of commonsku and the President of RIGHTSLEEVE. Commonsku is a cloud-based CRM, order management and supply chain collaboration platform for the promotional products industry. RIGHTSLEEVE is a promotional products agency and has been the recipient of numerous industry awards including ASI Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year, PPAI Web Award and Counselor's Best Places to Work. Catherine has previously been named as a PPB's Best Boss and ASI Rising Star.

    Prior to RIGHTSLEEVE and commonsku, Catherine worked for TD Bank, eBay and A.T. Kearney and obtained an MBA. Outside of work, Catherine is a mother to 3 children ranging in age from 9 to 4 years old. She has a passion for learning and is an avid sports enthusiast playing ice hockey, squash and running.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: Putting The Social In Your Media

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Bill Petrie and Kirby Hasseman for the session Putting the Social in Your Media! Every company, every brand and every person is a media company, but very few act like it. Just as media company creates a wide variety of programming to reach different target audiences, promotional products professionals need to leverage different media types to reach a high level of engagement. From content marketing to video to blogging, this session will teach you how to leverage your unique voice to create meaningful media content that moves your target audience.

    Join Bill Petrie and Kirby Hasseman for the session Putting the Social in Your Media! Every company, every brand and every person is a media company, but very few act like it. Just as media company creates a wide variety of programming to reach different target audiences, promotional products professionals need to leverage different media types to reach a high level of engagement. From content marketing to video to blogging, this session will teach you how to leverage your unique voice to create meaningful media content that moves your target audience.

    Bill Petrie

    President

    Bill has over 17 years working in executive leadership positions at leading promotional products distributorships. Through his career, his primary focus has been working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. In 2014, he launched brandivate – the first executive outsourcing company solely focused on helping small and medium sized promotional products enterprises responsibly grow their business. In 2017, brandivate was acquired by PromoCorner where he now serves as president. A featured speaker at numerous national and international industry events, a serial creator of content marketing, and PromoKitchen chef, Bill has extensive experience coaching sales teams, creating successful marketing campaigns, developing operational policies and procedures, creating and developing winning RFP responses, and presenting winning promotional products solutions to Fortune 500 clients. Service has always been at the forefront of Bill’s industry activities. Before relocating to Nashville, TN in 2011, Bill served on the board of Directors for PPAChicago and is the current president for the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS). Additionally, Bill is on the board of directors of the Regional Association Council (RAC) board and has worked closely with senior executives at Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) on several committees and work groups – most recently for the North American Leadership Conference. In appreciation of his years of service to the promotional products industry, Bill was named as an inaugural PPAI Fellow – a program designed to recognize influential individuals who have actively supported the industry through personal involvement.

    Kirby Hasseman

    CEO

    Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications, a full service marketing company and promotional products distributor. Hasseman Marketing has four full-time internal employees and seven salespeople. Hasseman is a thought leader in the promotional products industry. Recently, out of 300,000 (some) industry professionals, he was recognized as a top social media influencer on two different industry lists. Hasseman hosts a weekly web show called Delivering Marketing Joy, where he interviews business leaders from around the country. He also co-hosts an industry leading podcast, unscripted.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: A Salesperson's Guide To Understanding Financial Statements

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Jamie Watson for the session A Salesperson's Guide to Understanding Financial Statements. The financial side of any business can be intimidating to someone who doesn’t have experience managing it. However, understanding financials is essential to evaluating success and planning for the future. An owner doesn’t have to have a degree in accounting to understand the basic elements of a financial statement and what they mean to the business. This seminar will explain the key parts of a financial statement and how they impact a distributor’s success.

    Join Jamie Watson for the session A Salesperson's Guide to Understanding Financial Statements. The financial side of any business can be intimidating to someone who doesn't have experience managing it. However, understanding financials is essential to evaluating success and planning for the future. An owner doesn't have to have a degree in accounting to understand the basic elements of a financial statement and what they mean to the business. This seminar will explain the key parts of a financial statement and how they impact a distributor's success.

    Jamie Watson, MAS, CPA

    Senior Financial Analyst for Certified Marketing Consultants, LLC

    Jamie Watson, MAS, CPA is a senior financial analyst for Certified Marketing Consultants, LLC., and has been involved various aspects of finance and accounting for over 12 years. Watson graduated magna cum laude with her bachelor’s in business administration from Stetson University and holds a master’s in accountancy from Manchester College. She qualified as a CPA in the state of Indiana where she worked for the regional accounting firm of Alerding & Co., LLC.. Watson has been involved in the consulting of both supplier and distributor companies in the Promotional Products Industry for over seven years.

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    1 Point

  • Expo 2017: Power Keynote: How Digital Is Inspiring A New Era Of Experience Design

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Brian Solis for the session How Digital Is Inspiring a New Era of Experience Design. People don’t want products, they want experiences. This is one of the reasons why businesses over the next 10 years are going to increase investments in customer experience to more effectively compete. The secret to success however, is understanding the relationship between digital and the evolution of customer expectations, behaviors and preferences. What people value, what they find relevant, the experiences they want, are ours to discover. And, they’re not what we think. In his presentation, digital analyst, anthropologist and futurist Brian Solis will share why and how digital will help businesses design meaningful and relevant experiences that people love online and in the real world. More so, he will share insights into how see the world differently to design for a different generation of connected customers.

    Join Brian Solis for the session How Digital Is Inspiring a New Era of Experience Design. People don't want products, they want experiences. This is one of the reasons why businesses over the next 10 years are going to increase investments in customer experience to more effectively compete. The secret to success however, is understanding the relationship between digital and the evolution of customer expectations, behaviors and preferences. What people value, what they find relevant, the experiences they want, are ours to discover. And, they're not what we think. In his presentation, digital analyst, anthropologist and futurist Brian Solis will share why and how digital will help businesses design meaningful and relevant experiences that people love online and in the real world. More so, he will share insights into how see the world differently to design for a different generation of connected customers.

    Brian Solis

    Principal Analyst

    Brian Solis is Principal Analyst at Altimeter Group, a Prophet company. Solis studies the effects of disruptive technology on business and society. He has a very special ability to humanize all of these incredible trends to help us see how technology and people are changing and what to do about it.

    He is an award-winning author and avid keynote speaker who is globally recognized as one of the most prominent thought leaders in digital transformation, innovation and experience. Brian has authored several best-selling books. His latest book “X,” explores the intersection of where business meets design to create engaging and meaningful customer experiences.

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  • Expo 2017: The Lessons Of 100%: Strategies To Reduce Friction To Sell More

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join Bill Petrie for this session on The Lessons of 100%. In our continually evolving marketplace, clients are seeking sales experiences that are as friction-less as possible. It’s about going beyond the “big things” all distributors do well: source, decorate, deliver, and invoice for merchandise. To truly stand out and reduce client friction in an Amazon world, it’s the seemingly little areas where it’s critical to give 100 percent. In this session, Bill Petrie will outline easily implemented, tactical actions that can be taken immediately to create an experience clients will gladly pay for again and again.

    Join Bill Petrie for this session on The Lessons of 100%. In our continually evolving marketplace, clients are seeking sales experiences that are as friction-less as possible. It’s about going beyond the “big things” all distributors do well: source, decorate, deliver, and invoice for merchandise. To truly stand out and reduce client friction in an Amazon world, it’s the seemingly little areas where it’s critical to give 100 percent. In this session, Bill Petrie will outline easily implemented, tactical actions that can be taken immediately to create an experience clients will gladly pay for again and again.

    Bill Petrie

    President

    Bill has over 17 years working in executive leadership positions at leading promotional products distributorships. Through his career, his primary focus has been working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. In 2014, he launched brandivate – the first executive outsourcing company solely focused on helping small and medium sized promotional products enterprises responsibly grow their business. In 2017, brandivate was acquired by PromoCorner where he now serves as president. A featured speaker at numerous national and international industry events, a serial creator of content marketing, and PromoKitchen chef, Bill has extensive experience coaching sales teams, creating successful marketing campaigns, developing operational policies and procedures, creating and developing winning RFP responses, and presenting winning promotional products solutions to Fortune 500 clients. Service has always been at the forefront of Bill’s industry activities. Before relocating to Nashville, TN in 2011, Bill served on the board of Directors for PPAChicago and is the current president for the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS). Additionally, Bill is on the board of directors of the Regional Association Council (RAC) board and has worked closely with senior executives at Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) on several committees and work groups – most recently for the North American Leadership Conference. In appreciation of his years of service to the promotional products industry, Bill was named as an inaugural PPAI Fellow – a program designed to recognize influential individuals who have actively supported the industry through personal involvement.

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  • Expo 2017: Keynote Luncheon: Mark Graham In Conversation With Norm Hullinger - A Look Inside The Industry's First Billion Dollar Company

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    ​In this special fireside chat, Mark Graham will sit down with Norm Hullinger CEO of alphabroder to uncover the ups and downs of running the industry's largest company. We'll explore themes as wide ranging as the state of the apparel sector, industry consolidation, how Alibaba and Amazon are changing how we buy wearables as well as Norm's rituals and routines for managing an organization that spans the globe with thousands of partners and employees.

    In this special fireside chat, Mark Graham will sit down with Norm Hullinger CEO of alphabroder to uncover the ups and downs of running the industry's largest company. We'll explore themes as wide ranging as the state of the apparel sector, industry consolidation, how Alibaba and Amazon are changing how we buy wearables as well as Norm's rituals and routines for managing an organization that spans the globe with thousands of partners and employees. This is the first time Norm has spoken publicly about these issues. The format will be real and honest. Mark will ask a range of questions that will get at what's really at stake for our industry as seen through the eyes of one of the most influential companies in our industry today.

    Mark Graham

    Founder of Rightsleeve.com

    Mark Graham is the founder of RIGHTSLEEVE.COM, one of the industry's leading web based promotional products distributors. Mark's online marketing strategy has allowed RIGHTSLEEVE to scale, enhance margins as well as provide a point of differentiation within a crowded and mature industry.

    RIGHTSLEEVE is the National winner of the Dell Small Business Excellence Award, an honor presented to businesses that use technology in innovative ways to enhance customer experience and company growth. In 2011, Mark was named Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year (Counselor Awards). In the same year, he was inducted into ASI's Hot List and PPAI's Rising Stars.

    Mark has been featured in several major media publications on his approach technology and social media, including PPB, Counselor Magazine, Stitches and Advantages. Mark has presented multiple times on web marketing and social media best practices to promotional industry professionals across North America (PPAI Expo, ASI Chicago, ASI San Diego, PPPC, MAPPA, SPPA, Promo East, Partnering Group, NALC, ASI Power Summit).

    Noarm Hullinger

    CEO

    CEO of alphabroder

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  • Expo 2017: Keynote Luncheon: It's Not Who You Know, It's Who Knows You! How To Build Your Business By Building Your Brand

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/11/2017

    With so many choices confronting your prospective customers and clients, the question is: Why should they choose you? In his eye-opening, energetic and entertaining signature-presentation, internationally-renowned business marketing speaker and expert David Avrin, The Visibility Coach, will reveal what it truly takes to recognize and promote your true competitive advantage while building a category-leading brand identity.

    With so many choices confronting your prospective customers and clients, the question is: Why should they choose you? In his eye-opening, energetic and entertaining signature-presentation, internationally-renowned business marketing speaker and expert David Avrin, The Visibility Coach, will reveal what it truly takes to recognize and promote your true competitive advantage while building a category-leading brand identity. Based on the lessons in his breakout book: It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who Knows You! David Avrin’s engaging business marketing presentation will leave you with a new perspective of what it takes to stand out and a head full of new ideas and actionable strategies to become top-of-mind with your top prospects.

    David Avrin, CSP

    Former CEO Group-Leader and Business Marketing Firm Owner

    One of the most in-demand business branding speakers in the world today, David Avrin, CSP has shared his content-rich, entertaining hard hitting, hilarious and memorable presentations to enthusiastic audiences across North America and around the world, including recent presentations in Singapore, Bangkok, Melbourne, Brisbane, Antwerp, Buenos Aires, Sri Lanka, Manila, Glasgow, Rotterdam, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, London, Johannesburg and Dubai. David Avrin shows business owners and leaders, sales professionals, HR audiences and entrepreneurs how to ferret-out, recognize, craft and promote compelling competitive advantages. 

    A former CEO group-leader and business marketing firm owner, David's business insights have been featured on hundreds of broadcast media outlets and thousands of online and print publications around the world. He is also the author of three books including the acclaimed: "It's Not Who You Know, It's Who Knows You!" His new book "Visibility Marketing — The No-Holds-Barred Truth About What It Takes to Grab Attention, Build Your Brand and Win New Business” will be released internationally in July.

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  • Expo 2017: General Session: Recipe For Brand Loyalty

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    In this session, Johnny will piece together how his success reinforces the power of details, experience and loyalty. Through his inspiring, and certainly unpredictable journey, Johnny exudes the fundamental connection between the person and the brand. Johnny's presentation provides comprehensive blueprints for getting any small business, passion or idea off the ground, while also expanding the way existing creators think.

    Why have thousands of customers from around the world chosen to get the Johnny Cupcakes' logos tattooed on themselves? And how does Johnny get hundreds of people to camp outside his fake bakeries? Over the past decade Johnny Cupcakes, founded by speaker Johnny Earle, has grown from a "joke" to a multi-million dollar, highly exclusive t-shirt brand driven by a community of world-wide collectors. Johnny shares his story of how he took his t-shirt brand from the trunk of his rusty car at age 19, with a learning disability, to some of the world's most sought after retail locations.

    In this session, Johnny will piece together how his success reinforces the power of details, experience and loyalty. Through his inspiring, and certainly unpredictable journey, Johnny exudes the fundamental connection between the person and the brand. Johnny's presentation provides comprehensive blueprints for getting any small business, passion or idea off the ground, while also expanding the way existing creators think. Johnny has been named Americas #1 Young Entrepreneur by BusinessWeek, one of the top innovative people in Massachusetts by The Boston Globe, he has been recognized 4 years in a row for making it into the INC 500/5000 fastest growing independent companies in America, and has been featured on MTV, NPR, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and as a case study in several branding and business books.

    Johnny Earle

    CEO and Founder

    Johnny has been named Americas #1 Young Entrepreneur by BusinessWeek, one of the top innovative people in Massachusetts by The Boston Globe, he has been recognized 4 years in a row for making it into the INC 500/5000 fastest growing independent companies in America, and has been featured on MTV, NPR, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and as a case study in several branding and business books.

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  • Expo 2016: Incentives 101: An Overview For Promotional Product Professionals

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    A basic primer on how offering incentive solutions is similar to offering promotional products, what the significant differences are, and how you can expand your promotional products sales by offering incentives.

    Join Sean Roark for this session on incentives 101. A basic primer on how offering incentive solutions is similar to offering promotional products, what the significant differences are, and how you can expand your promotional products sales by offering incentives.

    Sean Roark, CPIM

    Stage Manager, a corporate Marketing Director and Chief Operating Officer

    A true Renaissance man, Sean brings his expertise as a theatrical Stage Manager, a corporate Marketing Director and Chief Operating Officer in widely diverse companies such as a Broadway costume house, voice-recognition company and a web-based video conferencing service, to bear in everything he does. Listing his extensive experience does not begin to describe his marketing genius. Sean is able to see things that most are not, and he easily communicates these insights to our clients, large and small. Combining his gift with his managerial experience and creative talents, Sean brings unique and complete solutions to every client interaction.

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  • Best of Expo 2016: Breaking Free Of Your Business. The Entrepreneurs Plan To Independence

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    While the word ‘entrepreneur’ summons images of wealth and freedom, the reality is that many business owners feel like self-employed wage slaves. They feel chained to their desks and accountable to their employees. Many work nights, weekends and holidays to support the salaries and benefits of employees who don't work nearly as much. In this session, learn how to move from self-employed wage slave to company president to liberated entrepreneur. Attendees will walk away with a process for creating consistent results in their business without having to do it all themselves.

    Join David Blaise for this session on the entrepreneurs plan to independence. While the word 'entrepreneur' summons images of wealth and freedom, the reality is that many business owners feel like self-employed wage slaves. They feel chained to their desks and accountable to their employees. Many work nights, weekends and holidays to support the salaries and benefits of employees who don't work nearly as much. In this session, learn how to move from self-employed wage slave to company president to liberated entrepreneur. Attendees will walk away with a process for creating consistent results in their business without having to do it all themselves.

    David Blaise

    Industry entrepreneur, author and business consultant

    What do the promotional product industry's first video podcast, audio podcast, extreme makeover and theme song all have in common? Industry entrepreneur, author and business consultant David Blaise. In 1998, Blaise created Top Secrets of Promotional Products Sales, the industry's premier “success system in a box." Since then, he has built the most recognized and successful training brands in the industry, including Getting Started, Top Secrets of Customer Acquisition, Top Secrets of Multi-Million Dollar Producers and The Power of Promotional Products. Currently Blaise's company helps thousands of industry professionals each year increase sales, improve profit margins and grow their businesses on a guaranteed basis.

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  • Best of Expo 2016: How Full Is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies For Work And Life

    Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Based on the bestselling book by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, this session will show attendees how to bring positive strategies to their work and personal lives. Even the briefest interactions can affect productivity, relationships and even health. Higher worker satisfaction from more engaged employees who deliver a better brand experience to your customers is the result of creating a more positive work environment. Proven, scientifically sound research from the Gallup Organization outlines how to build a stronger workplace through positive strategies. Attendees will learn: How to Prevent Bucket Dipping, How to Shine a Light on What’s Right, How to Make Best Friends, Give Unexpectedly, and How to Reverse the Golden Rule.

    Join Paul Kiewiet, MAS+ for this session on positive strategies for work and life. Based on the bestselling book by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, this session will show attendees how to bring positive strategies to their work and personal lives. Even the briefest interactions can affect productivity, relationships and even health. Higher worker satisfaction from more engaged employees who deliver a better brand experience to your customers is the result of creating a more positive work environment. Proven, scientifically sound research from the Gallup Organization outlines how to build a stronger workplace through positive strategies. Attendees will learn: How to Prevent Bucket Dipping, How to Shine a Light on What's Right, How to Make Best Friends, Give Unexpectedly, and How to Reverse the Golden Rule.


    Paul Kiewiet, MAS+

    Founder, Promotion Concepts, Inc.

    Paul A Kiewiet MAS+ founded a sales promotion agency and sold consumer sales promotions, dealer incentives, years of service and other premium, incentive and recognition programs to companies such as Kellogg’s, Whirlpool, Borden and Coca-Cola. He was chairman of PPAI, inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame and currently serves as the executive director of MiPPA.

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  • Best of Expo 2016: Industry Technology Automation And Integration

     Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 03/25/2016

    Companies all across the industry are streamlining processes, from order entry and product data sharing to inventory look-ups. This growing segment of the population is the future of communication between industry suppliers, distributors and service providers. Companies of all sizes should be aware of the current variety of technology automation and integration. This session will walk through some of the larger more successful industry technology automation and integration projects happening in the industry today.

    Join Jon Norris for this session on industry technology automation and integration. Companies all across the industry are streamlining processes, from order entry and product data sharing to inventory look-ups. This growing segment of the population is the future of communication between industry suppliers, distributors and service providers. Companies of all sizes should be aware of the current variety of technology automation and integration. This session will walk through some of the larger more successful industry technology automation and integration projects happening in the industry today.

    Jon Norris

    Vice President

    Jon Norris is the vice president of operations for Starline USA Inc, located in Grand Island, New York, where he oversees manufacturing, warehousing, customer service and technology functions. Norris is currently the chair of the PPAI Technology Committee. Norris is currently helping drive an industry data integrations project, labeled PromoStandards, that believes that this is the future of our industry long term sustainability.He also is a PromoKitchen volunteer and Chef. As an industry Millennial, he is involved in numerous millennial initiatives industrywide to help drive the awareness of the changing workplace.

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  • Expo 2016: Strategic Planning For Companies Big And Small

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Many small companies were started by individuals who pursued an opportunity and built a business out of chance. Chance itself defines much of what small and large companies respond to, but in a true game of chance, you win as often as you lose. Running a business should be more sound than that. Explore the purpose behind the planning and components of strategic planning, as well as tools for individuals to use when conducting their own strategic planning activities.

    Join Claudia St. John in the session Expo 2016: Strategic Planning For Companies Big And Small. Many small companies were started by individuals who pursued an opportunity and built a business out of chance. Chance itself defines much of what small and large companies respond to, but in a true game of chance, you win as often as you lose. Running a business should be more sound than that. Explore the purpose behind the planning and components of strategic planning, as well as tools for individuals to use when conducting their own strategic planning activities.

    Claudia St John, SHRM-SCP,SPHR

    President of Affinity HR Group, LLC

    Claudia St. John, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is the founder and president of Affinity HR Group, Inc., a national human resources and management consulting firm specializing in hiring and recruiting, HR compliance and employee engagement. Affinity HR Group is PPAI’s endorsed HR partner and resource.  As a consultant and frequent speaker, St. John has given hundreds of presentations and workshops on such topics as how to recruit like a pro, common management mistakes, employee engagement and multi-generational workplace challenges. She is the author of the Amazon bestselling book Transforming Teams – tips for improving collaboration and building trust.  Her weekly HR Minute emails and monthly articles are followed by thousands of business leaders nationwide. 

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  • Expo 2016: How To Navigate Brand: Where Promotional Products Meet Incentives!

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    A panel discussion with major industry representatives on how to get the most out of your time on the BRAND show floor, including a review of the different opportunities represented by exhibitors from the incentive marketplace.

    Join Sean Roark for this session how to navigate BRAND. A panel discussion with major industry representatives on how to get the most out of your time on the BRAND show floor, including a review of the different opportunities represented by exhibitors from the incentive marketplace.

    Sean Roark, CPIM

    Stage Manager, a corporate Marketing Director and Chief Operating Officer

    A true Renaissance man, Sean brings his expertise as a theatrical Stage Manager, a corporate Marketing Director and Chief Operating Officer in widely diverse companies such as a Broadway costume house, voice-recognition company and a web-based video conferencing service, to bear in everything he does. Listing his extensive experience does not begin to describe his marketing genius. Sean is able to see things that most are not, and he easily communicates these insights to our clients, large and small. Combining his gift with his managerial experience and creative talents, Sean brings unique and complete solutions to every client interaction.

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  • Expo 2016 Keynote: Secrets Of The Millennial Code

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    As a film director who specializes in making movies with environmental messages popular with the 18-35 year old demographic Josh Tickell will reveal the secret world of social and psychological triggers that drive this generation.

    As a film director who specializes in making movies with environmental messages popular with the 18-35 year old demographic Josh Tickell will reveal the secret world of social and psychological triggers that drive this generation. You will learn how their “future-focused” value set differs from the previous generations (“Generation X” and the “Baby Boomers”) and – most importantly – you will learn how to tailor your sustainability policies, communication, HR and customer service to meet the needs of the next generation of the marketplace. Born from 1980 to 2000, Generation Y (a.k.a. “the Millennials”) is the largest generation ever with 80 million people in the United States and 2.3 billion people worldwide. As the most digitally connected and educated generation – they have a keen eye on what it will mean to live on earth in the near future – making them intensely interested in sustainability.

    Josh Tickell

    Film Director

    Josh Tickell is a film director who specializes in connecting with the Millennial Generation, those born between 1980-2000, (a.k.a. “Generation Y”). This year, Inc. Magazine called him “America's #1 expert on the Millennials Generation”.

    Tickell grew up in Louisiana next to waterways polluted by petroleum refineries. In 1997 he captured national attention by driving a van powered by used French Fry oil across the United States with his college sweetheart. “The Veggie Van” as it was called was a viral sensation. Only four years after the first web browser was introduced, Tickell's Veggie Van Web Site with its early “blog” received over 1 million unique visitors (continuously crashing its server due to overwhelming traffic). The Veggie Van Voyage spurred an international wave of media coverage pushing Tickell into the spotlight as a voice of change for the young generation.
    By 1998, Tickell had published his first book and was touring colleges giving talks to the first members of “Generation Y” (a.k.a. “The Millennials”). College students enthusiastically embraced Tickell's philosophy of making the world a better place through smarter technologies.

    Tickell continued his lecture tour de force for a decade – going to over 100 colleges; serving as a breakthrough business consultant for a number of high profile companies; and earing a Master's Degree in Film from FSU along the way. His journey culminated in 2008 with the release of his first feature film, FUEL (a.k.a. 'Fields of Fuel'). FUEL won the Sundance Audience Award for Best Documentary and was released theatrically in the United States. FUEL became a global sensation gaining millions of viewers on Netflix, iTunes, Hulu and CNBC, Russia TV, TeleSur and beyond. The movie was screened in the White House for energy and environment staff working in the Obama Administration and was shortlisted for an Oscar.

    During the production of FUEL, Tickell met his wife Rebecca Harrell, (a Millennial) who was at the time a producer on the movie. The two married in 2010 and have made several films together. The Tickells run a film studio called The Big Picture Ranch in the California resort town of Ojai.

    Josh Tickell directed the Cannes Film Festival movie, The Big Fix (2011). The film explores the corporate and political malfeasance that led to the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. His latest documentary PUMP (2014) exposes a conspiracy to block fuel choice at the gas pump and is being theatrically released by Submarine Entertainment in select theaters in September. He is currently in production on Good Fortune (2015), The Official Biography of John Paul DeJoria, Co-Founder of Patrón Tequila and Paul Mitchell Systems.
    Today Tickell spends much of his time working for companies on strategies that engage members of the millennial generation. He achieves breakthrough results by modifying internal and external corporate practices to meet the desires and needs of Generation Y. By combining aspects of Corporate Social Value, Participation, Emotional Response and Product Design and Functionality, Tickell provides a wide variety of organizations with unprecedented success in working with the next generation.
    He also consults with many large corporations and governments on sustainability and the future of energies and fuels.

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  • Best of EXPO 2014: Double Sales, Double Profit, Double The Fun

     Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    In this session, you will learn first and foremost how to change your perspective and attitude in selling and the sales process. You will also be able to identify the critical resources needed to maximize results in growing sales and profits.

    Join Greg Muzzillo for this session on sales. It is all a matter of perspective, attitude and results. In this session, you will learn first and foremost how to change your perspective and attitude in selling and the sales process. You will also be able to identify the critical resources needed to maximize results in growing sales and profits. Whether you are new to this industry or a seasoned professional, you will walk away from this session with a fresh outlook on sales, a new or renewed passion to at least double your sales and profits, and the secrets to making it all fun. Participants will learn the top 3 secrets to making selling fun, the 7 critical steps to earning new customers, as well as the 5 tools you MUST have to differentiate yourself from the competition and position yourself for success.

    Greg Muzzillo

    Founder

    Greg Muzzillo founded Proforma in 1978 as an industry distributor. Within five years he built the company from zero to several million in sales. By the mid 1980's Proforma had been recognized by Inc. magazine as an Inc. 500 fastest growing company three years in a row as Muzzillo grew his distributorship to more than $25 million in annual sales.

    In the late 1980's Proforma introduced its membership program to enable distributors to retain their business ownership and independence. This enabled them to share in sales and marketing resources, purchasing power with industry suppliers, one back office including all billing, accounting, vendor payments, cash flow, computer systems and more.

    Today, Proforma has more than 750 members with more than $400 million in sales. Proforma has more than 100 members of its Million Dollar Club and more than 40 members of its Multi-Million Dollar Club. In 2012, eight Proforma Owners earned a spot on Inc. magazine's list of the 5000 fastest-growing, private companies in America.

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