Heading to Vegas for PPAI as a first-timer this year? It can be overwhelming with so much to see and do – but fear not! We surveyed the promotional products pro’s and got some great tips for having a successful PPAI Expo. Even if you’re a promo veteran, we hope you’ll take advantage of this list to have the best expo ever!
1. Prepare:
Let your clients know NOW that you’re heading to PPAI to research the latest and greatest products, and meet with suppliers to gather ideas to help grow business.
Prior to heading out to Vegas, send out an email blast, make some phone calls and post on social media. Let everyone know that you’re investing in this event, why you’re going, and how it can help them. Ask your clients and prospects if they have any events coming up, or better yet, suggest a few events for them (here’s a monthly event list we put together). This will help you stand out and it’s a great touch point to contact your prospects and clients if you haven’t chatted in a while.
2. Pack:
A few essentials you won’t want to forget:
- Your written goals for the show
- A list of suppliers or peers you want to meet up with
- Itinerary for meetings and classes
- Comfy shoes for walking
- Lots of business cards
- Healthy snacks
- Re-fillable water bottle
- Power banks and portable phone charger
- Notebook + a reliable pen
- Hand sanitizer, gum, chapstick
- Layers! Temperatures can fluctuate in the casino and expo center
3. Take Advantage of Education Day!
PPAI has a host of amazing classes and keynote presentations from some of the best marketing and sales minds in the industry. Be sure to check out all of the classes and seminars available at the show, and schedule some time in your itinerary to attend these sessions.
Be a sponge, and keep an open mind. You’ll get lots of ideas for new ways to grow business, be more efficient, create value, and get better at marketing and sales. Soak up as much knowledge as you can, and don’t forget to implement what you learn and follow up with the new contacts you make!
4. Utilize Tech & Apps for Efficiency
SAGE has a great mobile app that helps you organize your entire PPAI Expo itinerary. Make a walk- list of the show floor in advance, upload photos and take notes right in the app, share with your team members, view all of the education classes, search for exhibitors and products, connect with other attendees, and more!
Instagram is a great app to find out what’s hot at the expo. Follow hashtags like #PPAI #PPAIExpo and get a look at everyone’s highlights from the show. Suppliers usually post their show specials and giveaways, here too – this can be a great way to find out about awesome deals and freebies!
Traveling with friends or colleagues? Divide and conquer! Split up the show floor, and make a shared Google Drive folder or iCloud album so you can have an easy place to find everyone’s photos and notes.
5. Email Clients from the Show Floor
See an awesome idea for a client as you’re walking around? Snap a picture and write a short email or text while it’s fresh in your mind, and send it off. This makes less post-show follow-up work for you—and shows your client that they are top-of-mind.
6. Eat Healthy & Hydrate
We can’t promise you’ll win big on the slots, but we can promise there are lots of germs floating around.
Between all of the handshakes and product samples being exchanged, be sure to wash your hands frequently. Also, stay hydrated to avoid catching a bug! Look for the water hydration stations.
There aren’t always a lot of healthy, quick food options at Mandalay Bay, but there’s a Whole Foods Market just 10 minutes away. Why not grab an Uber and get some groceries for your whole team? Staying nourished and hydrated keeps your brain working at full capacity, and will help you get the most out of the show.
7. Network & Socialize
There are lots of great mixers and networking events to take advantage of at PPAI. Ask around and you’ll be sure to find some great meetups to make new connections and grow your network.
The networking opportunities are one of the best parts of Expo. You get to meet new people from all over the country and share ideas, and find new opportunities to collaborate or get involved in the industry.
We hope these tips help you organize your plan for PPAI Expo this year. Have another tip to get the most out of Expo? We’d love to know. Share with us in the comments! Visit the Warwick team at booth 3450 to see our new products and enter our drawing for a free 250-piece self-promo!
Want some more tips for rocking it at PPAI Expo? Check out these great resources, too:
Sage World: Surviving the PPAI Expo
Before, During, and After: How to Get the Most Out of PPAI Expo