Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

S2E5. The Education Advantage

S2:E5: The Education Advantage | Sponsored By MOQ1 Want a better week at The PPAI Expo? Start it a day early.
This episode dives into The PPAI Expo Conference – the one-day accelerator that happens on Monday before the show floor opens. Josh and Stacy unpack how a full slate of keynotes, breakouts and real-time conversations turns good intentions into an actionable plan for the week ahead. You’ll hear why education, strategy and community set the tone for higher ROI – and how the momentum carries through every aisle.
Featuring Vera Minot (Southwest Solutions), Jade Crider (Hasseman Marketing), Kate Nash (Raining Rose Promos), and Drew Holmgreen (PPAI), plus a spotlight on The Pitch – the high-energy, live product showcase judges and attendees can’t stop talking about.
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Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Win the week by planning Monday. The PPAI Expo Conference sharpens your focus on leadership, marketing, tech, sustainability and strategy – so you hit the floor with a prioritized game plan.
Make a session strategy. Rooms fill fast – build a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C, and choose by content and speaker to maximize value.
Education that becomes action. Great sessions deliver both data and EQ – you’ll leave with homework, client-ready ideas and renewed confidence.
The Pitch is a vibe. Rapid-fire product launches, live judging and real-time feedback prime you to spot winners on day one.
Learning doesn’t stop on Tuesday. Supplier booths double as classrooms – deeper conversations unlock applications, decoration methods, and campaign strategy.
Broaden your lens. Inclusivity and diverse perspectives strengthen the industry – and your business – through better ideas and better outcomes.
Momentum is measurable. You might not quantify every insight on the spot, but the energy and direction you gain translate into pipeline and performance all year.
If you want the most out of The PPAI Expo, don’t start at the doors – start at the Conference. One day of preparation sets up five days of discovery, connection, and results.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.

S2E6. A History Still Being Written

S2:E6: A History Still Being Written | Sponsored By MOQ1 How did a modest product showcase become the industry’s can’t-miss week in Las Vegas?
This episode traces The PPAI Expo’s journey – from early Chicago roots and decades in Dallas to its modern home at Mandalay Bay Convention Center – and why that move transformed the show into promo’s grand stage. Josh and Stacy explore the business reasons behind the shift, the role Expo plays in funding PPAI’s broader mission, and why Vegas still amplifies energy, discovery and connection like nowhere else.
Featuring voices from Wayne Greenberg (Swag Krewe), Kevin Walsh (Showdown Displays) and Mark Hanratty (Swanky), this chapter connects history to the here-and-now – and shows how the destination fuels the industry’s future.
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Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Humble beginnings to headline act. The show’s early gatherings laid the groundwork for a culture of discovery, education and relationships – the same pillars that define The PPAI Expo today.
Why the move mattered. Transitioning from Dallas to Las Vegas wasn’t just logistics – it was a strategic reset that reignited scale, excitement and attendance.
Association impact. Expo is a major revenue engine for PPAI – underwriting research, advocacy, education and initiatives that elevate the entire industry.
Vegas advantage. Big-show infrastructure, accessibility and endless off-floor options amplify exhibitor creativity and attendee engagement – the city’s energy shows up on the floor.
Team time that counts. For distributed companies, Expo week doubles as an annual summit – planning, bonding and strategy sessions you can’t replicate on Zoom.
A living tradition. The show evolves with the market – from first-look product theater to inclusive conversations that broaden perspectives and strengthen outcomes.
Plan like a pro. Registration opens in September – lock hotels early and build your team agenda so you can turn the destination into measurable ROI.
From tradition to destination, The PPAI Expo’s story mirrors the industry’s growth. Show up in Vegas with a plan – and be part of what’s next.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.

S2E7. Make The PPAI Expo Work For You

S2:E7: Make The PPAI Expo Work For You | Sponsored By Outdoor Cap
 
Thinking you can’t get away in January? This one’s for you.
In the Season 2 finale, Josh and Stacy tackle the common objections – cost, time, and “I’ll just hit my regional” – and show why The PPAI Expo pays you back in ideas, relationships and momentum that last all year. You’ll get practical, field-tested tips for doing Vegas on a budget, building a smart plan, and staying healthy and focused so you come home sharper and ready to win. Featuring rapid-fire advice from Ashley Van Der Stuyf (PPAI), Brian Swift (Swift Sourcing), Drew Holmgreen (PPAI), Jade Crider (Hasseman Marketing), Kate Nash (Raining Rose Promos), and Vera Minot (Southwest Solutions).
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Key Takeaways from This Episode:
The math works. Member registration is free – lock flights and hotel early to control costs, and use PPAI’s negotiated room blocks for value and convenience.
Time is leverage. A few focused days at Expo deliver first-look products, face-to-face trust and partnerships you can’t duplicate online – the ROI compounds all year.
Regional shows are great – but not the same. The PPAI Expo is the whole industry under one roof, with full-category depth, activations and executives on the floor.
Plan the week, then leave space. Map must-see booths and sessions, use the website and SAGE tools and build white space for serendipity – that’s where deals often start.
Stay plugged in. Subscribe to PPAI Newslink for daily highlights so you don’t miss what matters.
Work the community. Hit meetups for international, regional, women, young pros and DEI communities – relationships formed here accelerate strategy for the year.
Pro tips pay off. Rotate comfortable shoes and hydrate like it’s your job. Keep healthy snacks and a reusable bottle; use show floor water stations. Build a quick mental map of your hotel and the convention routes to reduce overwhelm and increase chance encounters. Leave some nights open – the best conversations often happen off-agenda.
Signal seriousness. Showing up in Vegas says your brand is invested – clients and partners notice.
If you want the full advantage this industry offers, you have to be in Las Vegas in January. Book early, arrive with a plan, stay open to surprise – and turn one week into a year of results.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.