PPAI
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.
45 Results
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
Improving company culture isn’t about mandates or mission statements; it’s about commitment. Real change happens when leaders take action. Natalie Tenner, chair of SanMar’s IDEA Council is championing DEI initiatives from the top while balancing her day-to-day as a Credit Manager, she proves that impactful change starts with leadership. Vera Minot, who introduced DEI into her family-owned business, challenges traditions and reshapes priorities. Through her external involvement, Vera has made hiring with diversity in mind a priority, showing that small businesses can lead big transformations. Kim Sandifer brought a new perspective to the promotional products industry. Now at HALO, she focuses on hiring and training with the precision and insight of a seasoned C-level HR leader. Moderated by Sarah White, these voices illuminate how intentionality, awareness, and action can weave DEI into the fabric of any workplace. The result? A company culture that doesn’t just support diversity but thrives because of it.
Improving company culture isn’t about mandates or mission statements; it’s about commitment. Real change happens when leaders take action. Natalie Tenner, chair of SanMar’s IDEA Council is championing DEI initiatives from the top while balancing her day-to-day as a Credit Manager, she proves that impactful change starts with leadership. Vera Minot, who introduced DEI into her family-owned business, challenges traditions and reshapes priorities. Through her external involvement, Vera has made hiring with diversity in mind a priority, showing that small businesses can lead big transformations. Kim Sandifer brought a new perspective to the promotional products industry. Now at HALO, she focuses on hiring and training with the precision and insight of a seasoned C-level HR leader. Moderated by Sarah White, these voices illuminate how intentionality, awareness, and action can weave DEI into the fabric of any workplace. The result? A company culture that doesn’t just support diversity but thrives because of it.
Kim Sandifer
Chief Human Resource Officer
HALO
Kim Sandifer joined HALO in 2020 as the company’s first HR Business Partner, bringing over 20 years of experience in business-facing HR and operational management roles. Throughout her career, Sandifer held senior HR positions at several Fortune 500 companies in the financial services and retail sectors. She played a key role in establishing a best-in-class HR function at HALO.
During her first two years with the company, Sandifer partnered with senior leaders to build the HR Business Partner function, focusing on executing talent strategies, developing leaders, and enhancing organizational effectiveness. In 2023, she was promoted to Chief HR Officer, where she continues to support HALO’s growth by prioritizing the people and their experience.
Mrs. Sandifer holds a BA in Finance and Economics from Elmhurst College and is an alumna of the Smith College Leadership Consortium.
A Chicago native, Kim lives with her husband of 33 years, Michael. They have two children: Mykala, Associate Vice President of University Relations, Talent, and Inclusion at Kansas University; and Jabari, who works as a buyer for GM by day and a fashion influencer and stylist by night.
Natalie Tenner
Credit Manager and Chair, IDEA Council
SanMar
Natalie Tenner has been with the SanMar corporation out of Issaquah, Washington for nearly 23 years. She currently serves as a Credit Manager and the Chair of the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Action) Council. As the council's first chair, Natalie feels privileged to lead its initiatives and has spent the past four years working closely with departments across the organization, both as a guest speaker and through active engagement. She is deeply committed to ensuring the council's vision of empowering employees to embrace differences, maximize their talents, and create opportunities for equitable growth remains at the forefront. In addition, she strives to foster an inclusive culture grounded in respect and open communication. As she explains, “True innovation arises when an organization views diversity as an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Differences can spark extraordinary relationships and creativity.”
Natalie is passionate about inclusion, believing that having the right people at the table and giving them an opportunity to be heard is essential to employee engagement. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing a culture that values inclusivity and psychological safety as an integral part of the organization’s overall vision and mission. She believes that we can learn valuable lessons from one another when we are eager to listen and learn.
Natalie holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communication along with a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Natalie is married and the proud mother of two sons.
Vera Minot
Creative Director
Southwest Solutions
Vera is the Creative Director for, and part owner of, Southwest Solutions – an award-winning marketing materials company. She is a heart-first professional who’s known for her creativity; aversion to small talk; and appreciation of good vocabulary and clever marketing materials. She studied Linguistics and Gender & Women’s Studies at the University of Arizona, and after stints in a variety of industries that converged into a unique perspective on business and humans, she joined the wide world of promo. Vera is the past Board President of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce (AKA the Gaymber)- cultivating a safe space for queer folks in business as well as a space of learning for allies, who are tremendously important to the LGBTQIA+ community. She – and her entire team at Southwest Solutions - believes Inclusive Business is Good Business. When she isn’t hard at work, you’ll find Vera being lifting weights, making prints, tending to too many houseplants, and hanging out with her wife and their cats.
Sarah White (Moderator)
COO & Founder
Fairware
Sarah White is COO and co-founder of Fairware, North America’s leading provider of sustainable and ethically sourced promotional merchandise. In addition to operations and human resources, Sarah drives Fairware’s commitment to being an anti-racist organization. She is a Co-Chair of the President’s Group, a network of B.C. business leaders championing more accessible, inclusive workplaces. For over 10 years, Sarah has volunteered with the Vancouver Street Soccer League an organization that utilizes sport to uplift marginalized folks.
Outside of work Sarah loves time with friends and family and being in the outdoors. Being the subject of the documentary film Not Quite That has opened new areas of interest and exploration, including advocating for gender affirming healthcare and continuing to uplift the underrepresented lives of the LGBTQ+ community.
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In a world where attention is the ultimate currency, being just "good enough" doesn't cut it. Your competition isn't just the company next door—it's every TikTok trend, Netflix series, and headline-grabbing spectacle out there. Barbie's house, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, Dunkin's viral collabs—they aren't just products or events; they're experiences that are much bigger than any one individual "thing." In the age of shrinking TV audiences and skyrocketing social media moments, the most talked-about brands win. So, what makes your brand worthy of being talked about? Spoiler: it's not another water bottle. It's friendship bracelets at concerts and charms on Crocs. It's hot pink everywhere — personal, relevant, and unmissable. Your promo gear can be more than "stuff." It can turn customers into walking, talking billboards. This is *your* moment in an industry perfectly positioned to capture the spotlight. Will you level up or settle for forgettable?
In a world where attention is the ultimate currency, being just "good enough" doesn't cut it. Your competition isn't just the company next door—it's every TikTok trend, Netflix series, and headline-grabbing spectacle out there. Barbie's house, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, Dunkin's viral collabs—they aren't just products or events; they're experiences that are much bigger than any one individual "thing." In the age of shrinking TV audiences and skyrocketing social media moments, the most talked-about brands win. So, what makes your brand worthy of being talked about? Spoiler: it's not another water bottle. It's friendship bracelets at concerts and charms on Crocs. It's hot pink everywhere — personal, relevant, and unmissable. Your promo gear can be more than "stuff." It can turn customers into walking, talking billboards. This is *your* moment in an industry perfectly positioned to capture the spotlight. Will you level up or settle for forgettable?
Kristen Cavallo
Former CEO
MullenLowe Global and The Martin Agency
Kristen is a globally respected leader in the world of branding and advertising. A dynamic speaker, she is known for transformational growth, Leadership development, succession planning, serving as a champion for equity and inclusion, and defending the integrity of original creative ideas. Under Kristen's leadership, The Martin Agency grew 50% in five years, was recognized as Adweek’s U.S. Agency of the Year in '21 and '22, and Ad Age's Agency of the Year in ’23. Martin also made the coveted Fast Company Most Innovative Companies list in ’23 and ’24. Her team was recognized for exceptional leadership across multiple disciplines including creative, PR, new business, and talent & culture, and she was named Virginia Businessperson of the Year. She simultaneously held the position of Global CEO of MullenLowe, where she spearheaded an agency rebrand that united a 55-office global network. In addition to building employee morale, the work was heavilyawarded, winning three Cannes Lions in 2024, including a Gold for Best Rebrand/Refresh of an Agency. During her tenure as Global CEO, six MullenLowe agencies won Agency of the Year in their respective international markets. After 30 years as a strategist and C-Suite leader, she recently retired from the ad industry. She continues to act as a consultant to business leaders and travel to places she’s never been.
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Join us for an informative and energizing session where we uncover key trends for 2025. We’ll take a look at what PCNA is doing to support these trends, and you, this year.
Join us for an informative and energizing session where we uncover key trends for 2025. We’ll take a look at what PCNA is doing to support these trends, and you, this year.
Liz Haesler
Global Chief Merchandising Officer
PCNA
Liz Haesler is the Global Chief Merchandising Officer, responsible for product – retail brands, and product development, supply chain and pricing. Liz brings product and supply chain experience from leadership roles at Target, Best Buy, Staples and Dicks Sporting Goods. Liz joined Polyconcept North America (PCNA) in 2019.
Mary Furto
Senior VP of Marketing
PCNA
Mary is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at PCNA, where she drives brand growth, demand generation, and customer loyalty through innovative, data-driven marketing strategies. With over 20 years of experience leading marketing initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, Mary’s career highlights include her most recent role as Chief Marketing Officer for Honeywell’s Safety Division where she led high impact growth strategies and strengthened customer engagement. Mary holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a degree in Industrial & Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. She is known for inspiring teams, navigating change, and delivering customer-centric solutions, which have significantly contributed to PCNA’s success since she joined the company three years ago. Mary resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband, their son Joseph, a German Shepard named Napa, and a Golden Retriever named Wrigley.
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In a world flooded with ads and promotions, standing out is harder than ever. But the Simplicity Brothers campaign by Goldstar proves that creativity, humor, and personality are the keys to cutting through the noise. Award-winning and unforgettable, this self-promotion campaign used laughter to build deeper customer connections, turning simple products into powerful brand experiences. Join Charles Duggan and Kenny Ved as they unpack the inspiration, strategy, and execution behind this game-changing campaign. You’ll learn how to use humor to make an impact, create a brand experience that’s uniquely yours, and design promotional products that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking to refresh your marketing or build a lasting connection with your audience, this session will give you the tools to elevate your self-promo efforts and make your brand memorable.
In a world flooded with ads and promotions, standing out is harder than ever. But the Simplicity Brothers campaign by Goldstar proves that creativity, humor, and personality are the keys to cutting through the noise. Award-winning and unforgettable, this self-promotion campaign used laughter to build deeper customer connections, turning simple products into powerful brand experiences. Join Charles Duggan and Kenny Ved as they unpack the inspiration, strategy, and execution behind this game-changing campaign. You’ll learn how to use humor to make an impact, create a brand experience that’s uniquely yours, and design promotional products that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking to refresh your marketing or build a lasting connection with your audience, this session will give you the tools to elevate your self-promo efforts and make your brand memorable.
Charles Duggan, MAS +
VP of Sales, North America
Goldstar
Charles G. Duggan II, MAS+, Vice President of Sales North America at Goldstar. With over 32 years in the promotional products industry, Charles brings expertise in speaking, training, and consulting, particularly in tactical sales strategies for distributors and suppliers. Known for creative, customer-focused solutions, Charles champions the idea that Anything is Possible, even >span class="NormalTextRun SCXW156965319 BCX8"> times of challenge and change.
An industry leader, Charles, has served on the PPAI Board of Directors, and held key volunteer roles with PPAI and PPAMidwest. Recognized with awards like the 2020 Gold Pyramid and the 2018 PPAI Distinguished Service Award, Charles is also ASI’s 2020 Supplier Rep of the Year.
An Ironman, marathoner, and triathlete, Charles brings the same commitment to his active lifestyle, and at home, he proudly ranks ninth in the pecking order. (Ask him about that!)
Kenny Ved, MAS
Director of Global Sales
Goldstar
Kenny Ved, MAS, is the Director of Global Sales at Goldstar. Kenny brings over 25 years of experience in building dynamic, culture-driven workplaces that inspire employees to thrive. Throughout his time at Goldstar, Kenny has helped launch initiatives designed to empower employees to bring their best selves to work, fostering an environment where collaboration, resilience, and growth are celebrated. His approach to leadership centers on aligning company culture with core values—a strategy that has not only strengthened team bonds but also attracted top talent in a competitive market.
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From the New York Times to Vogue, virtually every major media outlet highlights stories celebrating merch. Why? Merch madness has entered a new era where brand expression and personal identity combine to create a bold opportunity for those who understand the zeitgeist and know how to use it effectively and boldly.
From the New York Times to Vogue, virtually every major media outlet highlights stories celebrating merch. Why? Merch madness has entered a new era where brand expression and personal identity combine to create a bold opportunity for those who understand the zeitgeist and know how to use it effectively and boldly.
Bobby Lehew
Chief Content Officer
commonsku
Bobby Lehew is the Chief Content Officer at commonsku, a cloud-based CRM, order management platform designed for the promotional products industry by promotional product experts. Bobby was the CEO for 15 years at Robyn, a branded merch 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 co-host of the popular podcast, skucast, and a national speaker on topics related to B2B marketing, B2B selling, and storyselling. Bobby is an ardent bibliophile who loves to explore creative insights from entrepreneurs who bridge the world between art + commerce.
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Jumping from traditional selling to hosting or navigating end-user shows isn’t just a shift—it’s a leap. The rules are different, the audience is new, and the stakes are high. But here’s the thing: done right, these shows can be a powerful way to connect with your buyers, build trust, and drive sales.This panel will help you reimagine your approach to end-user events. Learn about the different kinds of shows that fit your sales plan, where to find them, and how to build a strategy that works before, during, and after the event. Hear from experts like Kirby Hasseman, who successfully runs his own show, and other panelists with real-world experience. Whether you’re creating your own event or showing up at someone else’s, you’ll leave with the tools you need to make it a win. Sponsored by the RCC.
Jumping from traditional selling to hosting or navigating end-user shows isn’t just a shift—it’s a leap. The rules are different, the audience is new, and the stakes are high. But here’s the thing: done right, these shows can be a powerful way to connect with your buyers, build trust, and drive sales.This panel will help you reimagine your approach to end-user events. Learn about the different kinds of shows that fit your sales plan, where to find them, and how to build a strategy that works before, during, and after the event. Hear from experts like Kirby Hasseman, who successfully runs his own show, and other panelists with real-world experience. Whether you’re creating your own event or showing up at someone else’s, you’ll leave with the tools you need to make it a win. Sponsored by the RCC.
Kirby Hassemen
Owner
Hasseman Marketing & Communications
Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications, a full-service marketing company and promotional products distributor. He was named as a Rising Star in the industry by PPB magazine. Recently, out of 300,000 (some) industry professionals, he was recognized as a top social media influencer on two different industry lists.
Kirby hosts a weekly Web show called Delivering Marketing Joy where he interviews business leaders from around the country. In addition, he hosts a weekly (award-winning) podcast called Promo UPFront with Bill Petrie. He is an industry leader in content creation and has won 4 Pyramid awards for content.
Kirby has published five books. His most recent is "Hit The TARGET." He has also written the book, The Give First Economy, "Fan of Happy," and Delivering Marketing Joy (about doing "promo right).
Lisa Greyhill, MAS
President
Firebrand Global Marketing, Inc.
Lisa Greyhill, President of Firebrand Global Marketing, leads a certified women-owned business with over 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry. Known for innovative solutions and strategic acquisitions, Lisa empowers her team to create impactful branding strategies for buyers across a spectrum of industries, and embraces the skills and relationships of fellow distributors that have joined the Firebrand family. She feels in-person interactions are where the magic happens and expects the tradeshow industry to skyrocket in presence and impact in the coming years.
A 15-year part-time veteran of the fire service and advocate for women entrepreneurs, Lisa brings resilience, mentorship and leadership to her work. Outside the office, she shares with friends and clients a passion for global adventure travel, including African safaris, mountaineering, skiing, and kayaking.
Malik Hemani
Principal and Creative Director
Graphic Stylus, LLC.
Malik Hemani is the Creative Director and Managing Partner of Graphic Stylus, a Houston-based marketing and promotional products agency. With extensive experience supporting small businesses to large enterprises, Malik collaborates with marketing executives and HR directors to develop impactful campaigns that leverage hard goods to attract and retain both customers and employees.
As the 2024 President and Chair of the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) and Bellaire Business Association (BBA), Malik leads efforts that support over 500 combined members, promoting economic growth and fostering community development. In 2024, Malik chaired HPPA's largest end-buyer trade show, demonstrating his ability to orchestrate high-profile events, and he also serves on multiple trade show committees across industries such as Oil & Gas, technology, HR, and multi-family.
Malik holds degrees in Bioinformatics from Baylor University and Management Information Systems from the University of Houston. He previously had a 13-year career at ExxonMobil, deploying international infrastructure projects exceeding $50 million.
Tom Goos, MAS
President
Image Source
A passionate entrepreneur and leader, Thomas Goos is the President of Image Source, a nationally recognized branded merchandise agency known for its purpose driven culture and strategic client approach. Thomas leads our strategic direction, international partnerships, as well as financial management, operations, and supplier partnerships. With 27+ years of branded merchandise experience, Thomas is a true industry leader and expert.
Thomas is a Past-Chair of the board and two-term board member of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). Thomas currently serves in many roles with PPAI including their Strategic Foresight Committee, International Advisory Committee and Government Relations Action Council (GRAC). He has also served as a board Director of the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF). Thomas is a former two-term President of the Northwest Promotional Marketing Association (NWPMA) and a founder and partner of Reciprocity Road, the innovative industry buying and shared learning group comprised of thirteen elite branded merchandise agencies.
Thomas has a B.A. in Marketing and Management from the University of Washington Bothell. He is a currently board member at the University of Washington Bothell School of Business where he is a guest speaker and advisor to undergraduate and MBA students. Thomas has founded several companies, including Branded Solutions by Edgar Martinez, a branded merchandise agency, Branded Solutions Properties, Image Source Properties, Monopoly Investments as well as several other real estate investment companies.
He is a passionate athlete who has competed in triathlon & duathlon national and world championships. Thomas is a soccer coach, where you can regularly find him coaching his son on the pitch. His passion for real estate and cars is only rivaled by his tenacity for competitive games and sports.
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Finding the perfect salesperson is just the start. The real challenge? Keeping them engaged, motivated, and consistently performing. In today’s competitive environment, it’s not enough to attract top talent—you need to create an ecosystem where they can thrive and grow. Join our expert panel, moderated by Nicole Rhooms, with insights from leaders like Brittany Frase, Brandon Kennedy and Mykala Goodwin. Together, they’ll unpack the secrets to recruiting top sales talent, building a high-performing team, and retaining the best in the business. Whether you’re looking to hire your first rep or optimize an established team, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to hit your sales goals and create a culture that keeps your team at the top of their game.
Finding the perfect salesperson is just the start. The real challenge? Keeping them engaged, motivated, and consistently performing. In today’s competitive environment, it’s not enough to attract top talent—you need to create an ecosystem where they can thrive and grow. Join our expert panel, moderated by Nicole Rhooms, with insights from leaders like Brittany Frase, Brandon Kennedy and Mykala Goodwin. Together, they’ll unpack the secrets to recruiting top sales talent, building a high-performing team, and retaining the best in the business. Whether you’re looking to hire your first rep or optimize an established team, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to hit your sales goals and create a culture that keeps your team at the top of their gam
Brandon Kennedy
President and CEO
BrandCo Marketing
Brandon Kennedy is the Owner, Founder, and President at BrandCo Marketing, and started the company in 2004. Since that time, he joined ASB as a HUB Owner. He has been married to his wife Christina for 20 years, and has a 17-year-old high school senior, Colton. Brandon loves to play golf, basketball and go offshore fishing with his son.
Brittany Frase
VP Sales
Hirsch
Brittany Frase, MAS is the Vice President of Sales for Hirsch with 15 years of experience in the promotional products industry on both the supplier and distributor sides. With a successful track record in sales leadership, Brittany has a passion for leading dynamic teams and mentorship inside and outside of industry. Brittany was named a PPAI 2024 Rising Star, is a Premier Group board member, and volunteers on many industry committees. When she's not working, you can find Brittany corralling her two kids, and if they have a babysitter, you can catch her at a stand-up comedy show.
Mykayla Goodwin
VP, Strategy
OrderMyGear
A self-described professional student, Mykayla Goodwin is the VP of Strategy for OrderMyGear (OMG), an online store platform for selling branded merchandise to groups. As a strategy leader, Mykayla is focused on identifying growth opportunities and guiding company strategy through market research and strategic planning. She also assists with positioning to help the market understand who OMG is, what they do, and how they're different from the rest. Mykayla received an M.B.A. from University of North Carolina Charlotte where she focused on innovation and growth strategy, as well as a B.B.A. in Marketing from Texas State University.
Nicole Rhooms (Moderator)
Human Resources Director
PPAI
Nicole Rhooms is the Human Resources Director for PPAI. She oversees the Human Resources department and develops and implements HR strategies that align with organizational goals. With over 15 years of experience, she has a strong background in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and performance management. She is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing employee satisfaction. Nicole is passionate about driving initiatives supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion while ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. She is dedicated to mentoring emerging leaders and firmly believes in the transformative power of people in organizations.
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Are you ready to optimize your operations and stay ahead of the competition? This session is packed with valuable insights to empower you to leverage commonsku to its fullest potential. If you’re not a commonsku customer, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of our powerful features. Join Aaron Kucherawy, VP of Customer Success at commonsku, as he explores how our powerful features create a fully connected workflow. Discover how our platform enhances collaboration and streamlines processes, ensuring that every team member works seamlessly together. Charlie Moscoe, VP of Product Management, will also share exciting highlights from our latest developments. Get an exclusive look at the innovative updates that have recently launched, and gain insights into commonsku’s immediate and future roadmap for 2025. Don’t miss this chance to see how we’re shaping the future of the promotional products industry! About commonsku commonsku is a comprehensive software solution tailored specifically for the promotional products industry. It serves as a CRM, Order Management, and eCommerce platform, providing a sophisticated hub that seamlessly connects distributors and suppliers. With commonsku, teams can streamline their workflow and focus on what they do best, fostering efficient and sustainable growth.
Are you ready to optimize your operations and stay ahead of the competition? This session is packed with valuable insights to empower you to leverage commonsku to its fullest potential. If you’re not a commonsku customer, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of our powerful features. Join Aaron Kucherawy, VP of Customer Success at commonsku, as he explores how our powerful features create a fully connected workflow. Discover how our platform enhances collaboration and streamlines processes, ensuring that every team member works seamlessly together. Charlie Moscoe, VP of Product Management, will also share exciting highlights from our latest developments. Get an exclusive look at the innovative updates that have recently launched, and gain insights into commonsku’s immediate and future roadmap for 2025. Don’t miss this chance to see how we’re shaping the future of the promotional products industry! About commonsku
commonsku is a comprehensive software solution tailored specifically for the promotional products industry. It serves as a CRM, Order Management, and eCommerce platform, providing a sophisticated hub that seamlessly connects distributors and suppliers. With commonsku, teams can streamline their workflow and focus on what they do best, fostering efficient and sustainable growth.
Charlie Moscoe
VP of Product
commonsku
Charlie Moscoe is the VP of Product management at commonsku, bringing over 10 years of business-to-business software Product Management experience to the team. With a background in design and computer science, he has worked across a wide variety of industries, with a focus on marketplace applications. Charlie combines user-centric design processes with data-driven experimentation to help promo distributors and suppliers grow and thrive. Outside of work, Charlie likes to get out in nature, hiking in the forests of his native Canada or out in the backcountry on his snowboard.
Aaron Kucherawy
VP of Customer Success
commonsku
Recognized by PPAI’s PPB Magazine in 2016 as one of the industry’s most Powerful Partners and by PPB Magazine as a 2018 Rising Star, Aaron Kucherawy’s grace under pressure is legendary. Aaron began with commonsku in the early days and with the platform’s rise and success, he grew from Manager to VP of customer success, leading a team that’s always there when you need him. Aaron remains one of the most admired team members by customers. An expert in platform proficiency and systems integration, Aaron thrives on guiding new users and advising the pros on how to scale and grow their business using the commonsku platform.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
Expo is more than an event—it’s a launchpad. The way you show up and engage here can set the tone for your entire year. So how are the top companies positioning themselves to thrive in 2025? What do they know that you don’t (yet)? In this special lunch session, you'll hear from top-performing executives from PPAI’s 100 Distributors list. These are the leaders shaping the future of our industry, and they’re pulling back the curtain on the strategies driving their success. From cutting-edge sales tactics to game-changing business trends, they’ll share insights you can use right away. And this isn’t just a sit-back-and-listen kind of session. There’s a lively Q&A where you can ask the tough questions and get straight answers. Plus: lunch! Because big ideas are even better with a good meal. Come ready to learn what it takes to stay ahead, adapt to emerging trends, and make 2025 your most impactful year yet.
Expo is more than an event—it’s a launchpad. The way you show up and engage here can set the tone for your entire year. So how are the top companies positioning themselves to thrive in 2025? What do they know that you don’t (yet)? In this special lunch session, you'll hear from top-performing executives from PPAI’s 100 Distributors list. These are the leaders shaping the future of our industry, and they’re pulling back the curtain on the strategies driving their success. From cutting-edge sales tactics to game-changing business trends, they’ll share insights you can use right away. And this isn’t just a sit-back-and-listen kind of session. There’s a lively Q&A where you can ask the tough questions and get straight answers. Plus: lunch! Because big ideas are even better with a good meal. Come ready to learn what it takes to stay ahead, adapt to emerging trends, and make 2025 your most impactful year yet.
Debbie Abergel
Chief Strategy Officer
Nadel
Debbie Abergel has spent over 25 years shaping the promotional products industry as a visionary leader and trusted mentor. As Chief Strategy Officer at Nadel, she has been a part of the team that has driven the company’s growth, leading the 2022 rebrand and the recent renovation of its headquarters, which has so far garnered two prestigious architectural awards, including the Building of the Year Award from Interior Design magazine. Debbie also leads the Nadel Cares initiative, benefiting organizations like the Assistance League of Los Angeles. Known for her mentorship and advocacy for women and minorities in business.
Debbie’s influence extends beyond her role at Nadel. Among her accolades, she has served various boards including the Dickies Advisory Board and was elected to the Promotional Products Education Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2018. In 2022, she received the prestigious Counselor Woman of Distinction Award and is a perennial member of Counselor’s Power 50 list.
Jill Albers
Senior Director of Business Development
BDA, Inc.
Jill is a dynamic and accomplished industry executive with over 20 years of expertise in business development, sales, and marketing. Renowned for her ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with some of the world’s largest companies, Jill has a proven track record of driving innovative client programs through creative collaboration and strategic leadership.
Since joining BDA in September 2023 as Senior Director of New Business Development, Jill has continued to excel in building enterprise partnerships and delivering impactful results. Prior to this, she served as Director of Client Success at BAMKO, where she played a pivotal role in managing high-profile client relationships.
Jill’s achievements have earned her industry recognition, including being named to ASI’s Counselor Power 50 List in 2017 and 2018 for her influential work at Shumsky. She was also honored as a PPB Rising Star in 2015. Passionate about giving back to the industry, Jill has held numerous committee and volunteer roles and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of professionals.
Mitch Mounger
Enterprise Group President
HALO
Mitch brings over 25 years of industry experience as both a successful entrepreneur and a respected business leader. He currently serves as the President of HALO’s Enterprise Business, where he oversees teams that provide innovative solutions and activate brands globally for Fortune 500 and high-growth companies. As an integral member of HALO's executive team, Mitch plays a pivotal role in advancing the company’s growth strategy, developing innovative solutions for clients, and leading business teams. Prior to his current role, he was the founder and CEO of Sunrise Identity, a Seattle-based firm he led for over 20 years until its acquisition by HALO in 2018. Under Mitch's leadership, Sunrise Identity grew into one of the most innovative and largest firms in the industry, propelled by the company's commitment to branded merchandise solutions, product sourcing, and development. Mitch currently resides in Seattle, WA.
Danny Rosin (Moderator)
Co-President
Brand Fuel
Danny Rosin is co-owner of Brand Fuel, a Raleigh-based distributor that is a proud certified B Corp. He serves on the PPAI board and will be chair in 2026. He is the co-founder of Band Together, a nonprofit that has donated $15 million to nonprofits through live music experiences. He serves on the board of A Place at The Table, a “pay what you can” café and is advisor to Gabi’s Pals, a nonprofit that empowers people with special abilities through fulfillment programming. He is also the co-founder of these social impact orgs: PromoKitchen, PromoCares, Reciprocity Road and Operation Smile International’s Student Programs. Danny was recognized with the Ted Olden Humanitarian Award in 2023. He is married with two teenage daughters and has come to grips with the idea that well-behaved women rarely make history.
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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.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
What if the key to brand success wasn’t the biggest budget or the loudest ad? What if it was joy? Glimmers are micro-moments of joy—authentic, powerful flashes of connection that resonate deeply with your audience. They’re the overlooked secret to building brands that matter in an increasingly noisy, complex world. In this session, Vicki Ostrom shows us how to identify and cultivate these micromoments of joy in our products, merchandising, and marketing. Discover how glimmers can be your guiding light to success in 2025 and beyond.
What if the key to brand success wasn’t the biggest budget or the loudest ad? What if it was joy?
Glimmers are micro-moments of joy—authentic, powerful flashes of connection that resonate deeply with your audience. They’re the overlooked secret to building brands that matter in an increasingly noisy, complex world.
In this session, Vicki Ostrom shows us how to identify and cultivate these micromoments of joy in our products, merchandising, and marketing.
Discover how glimmers can be your guiding light to success in 2025 and beyond.
Vicki Ostrom
CEO
Trendependent
Vicki Ostrom (she/her), is a futurist, trend analyst and founder of Trendependent, a trend analysis and consulting company. With over 25 years in design and forecasting, Vicki excels in translating macro trends into accessible, clearly presented concepts, helping brands understand what is happening today and forecast what products will be needed tomorrow.
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.
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