Exhibit Info

Who May Exhibit

Exhibit privileges are generally open to North American Supplier and Business Service members who are in good standing with PPAI and current in payment of dues and all other charges invoiced by the Association and have executed the exhibitor’s contract.

PPAI reserves the right to decline any request, including from an otherwise qualified Supplier or Business Services member, if the request to exhibit is not in the best interest of The PPAI Expo, PPAI DECORATE, PPAI brand. or other PPAI sponsored shows, as determined by PPAI.

The primary purpose of The PPAI Expo, PPAI DECORATE, PPAI brand. and PPAI sponsored shows is to provide distributors and qualified resellers exposure to suppliers’ promotional products, premiums and business gifts and to provide appropriate educational forums and opportunities.

The secondary purpose of The PPAI Expo, PPAI DECORATE, PPAI brand. and PPAI-sponsored shows is to provide distributors (and their qualified designees), other members and resellers exposure to business services, products and equipment that facilitate and enhance the supply chain of suppliers’ products through distributors to end buyers.

Exhibit locations within these areas are based on a priority point system.

Distributor member and non-member companies are not permitted to exhibit at The PPAI Expo. This extends to Business Service companies that are owned by or have common control with a Distributor company.

Business Service member and non-member companies constitute virtually any business that sells services, information or products (other than promotional products) that support the normal conduct of business. Given the scope of potential business services and go to market strategies of these business service companies, and given that The PPAI Expo is a key financial support mechanism for virtually all of PPAI’s operations and membership- and industry-focused programs, PPAI reserves the right to fairly evaluate applicants for Business Service exhibitor privileges so as to advance the primary purpose of The PPAI Expo and, more globally, the best interest of PPAI, present and future.

For example, but not by limitation, a Business Service member or non-member company that, as a core business component, leverages the company’s Distributor customers/client network to negotiate cost of goods, rebates, or other price-related matter with any third-party Supplier company is generally not permitted to exhibit at The PPAI Expo.

PPAI may have legitimate reasons for permitting a Business Services member or non-member company to exhibit at The PPAI Expo, even if the company may offer, as a non-core business component, a program that may otherwise disqualify the company for exhibitor privileges. In an ever-changing promotional products marketplace, PPAI’s determinations in this regard are, at times, not perfect for all involved. But, the determinations are reasoned and thoughtful, taking into consideration a multitude of present and future interests of The PPAI Expo and PPAI itself.

If PPAI discovers that a Business Service company should not be permitted exhibitor privileges but was unknowingly approved to exhibit, PPAI will refund only exhibitor booth fees paid to PPAI by the company.

PPAI strives to maintain a “big tent” philosophy for The PPAI Expo. PPAI puts forth tremendous effort—both financially and from a human resource perspective—to ensure there are numerous meaningful opportunities for Suppliers, Distributors, and Business Services companies alike—whether or not they are permitted exhibitor privileges. For more information on these additional opportunities, please contact expositions@ppai.org.

Equipment, machinery, parts or materials used in the production or decoration of promotional products, and exhibited for the purposes of distribution, sale or resale, may only be exhibited in a specifically designated area of The PPAI Expo. Such equipment, machinery, parts or materials are those typically used in the awards and recognition, decorated apparel and digital printing industries.

PPAI qualified nonmember companies may exhibit if they are in good standing with PPAI, have executed the nonmember exhibitor’s contract and paid all related nonmember fees. (Equipment, machinery, parts or materials used in the production or decoration of promotional products, and exhibited for the purposes of distribution, sale or resale, may only be exhibited in a specifically designated area. Such equipment, machinery, parts or materials are those typically used in the awards and recognition, decorated apparel and digital printing industries.) Any nonmember supplier’s product may be exhibited at not more than three shows in a time period not to exceed 18 months, after which the firm must apply for membership in PPAI and be accepted in order to have its products exhibited. (Non-Member exhibitors will pay a Non-Member fee for booths and other services.)

PPAI reserves the right to decline any request, including from an otherwise qualified Supplier or Business Services member, if the request to exhibit is not in the best interest of The PPAI Expo, PPAI DECORATE, PPAI brand. or other PPAI sponsored shows, as determined by PPAI.

The primary purpose of The PPAI Expo, PPAI DECORATE, PPAI brand. and PPAI sponsored shows is to provide distributors and qualified resellers exposure to suppliers’ promotional products, premiums and business gifts and to provide appropriate educational forums and opportunities.

The secondary purpose of The PPAI Expo, PPAI DECORATE, PPAI brand. and PPAI-sponsored shows is to provide distributors (and their qualified designees), other members and resellers exposure to business services, products and equipment that facilitate and enhance the supply chain of suppliers’ products through distributors to end buyers.

Exhibit locations within these areas are based on a priority point system.

Distributor member and non-member companies are not permitted to exhibit at The PPAI Expo. This extends to Business Service companies that are owned by or have common control with a Distributor company.

Business Service member and non-member companies constitute virtually any business that sells services, information or products (other than promotional products) that support the normal conduct of business. Given the scope of potential business services and go to market strategies of these business service companies, and given that The PPAI Expo is a key financial support mechanism for virtually all of PPAI’s operations and membership- and industry-focused programs, PPAI reserves the right to fairly evaluate applicants for Business Service exhibitor privileges so as to advance the primary purpose of The PPAI Expo and, more globally, the best interest of PPAI, present and future.

For example, but not by limitation, a Business Service member or non-member company that, as a core business component, leverages the company’s Distributor customers/client network to negotiate cost of goods, rebates, or other price-related matter with any third-party Supplier company is generally not permitted to exhibit at The PPAI Expo.

PPAI may have legitimate reasons for permitting a Business Services member or non-member company to exhibit at The PPAI Expo, even if the company may offer, as a non-core business component, a program that may otherwise disqualify the company for exhibitor privileges. In an ever-changing promotional products marketplace, PPAI’s determinations in this regard are, at times, not perfect for all involved. But, the determinations are reasoned and thoughtful, taking into consideration a multitude of present and future interests of The PPAI Expo and PPAI itself.

If PPAI discovers that a Business Service company should not be permitted exhibitor privileges but was unknowingly approved to exhibit, PPAI will refund only exhibitor booth fees paid to PPAI by the company.

PPAI strives to maintain a “big tent” philosophy for The PPAI Expo. PPAI puts forth tremendous effort—both financially and from a human resource perspective—to ensure there are numerous meaningful opportunities for Suppliers, Distributors, and Business Services companies alike—whether or not they are permitted exhibitor privileges. For more information on these additional opportunities, please contact expositions@ppai.org.

Equipment, machinery, parts or materials used in the production or decoration of promotional products, and exhibited for the purposes of distribution, sale or resale, may only be exhibited in a specifically designated area of The PPAI Expo. Such equipment, machinery, parts or materials are those typically used in the awards and recognition, decorated apparel and digital printing industries.

No one under the age of 16, is allowed access to the show floor, education seminars or events of The PPAI Expo or other PPAI Events during installation/move-in, show days and dismantle/move-out periods. Evidence of age must be presented upon request. Violators of this policy will be asked to leave the event or applicable area.

Why Exhibit At The PPAI Expo?

The PPAI Expo has become synonymous with success. Consistently named one of the top 50 shows by Tradeshow Executive Magazine, The PPAI Expo draws thousands of suppliers, distributors and industry associates from across the country and around the globe. You need to be here.

Not convinced? Check out the top reasons to exhibit at The PPAI Expo or in the brand. or DECORATE pavilions.

This highly anticipated, industry-renowned event offers an impressive showcase of opportunities for attracting new customers, reconnecting with old ones and highlighting your impressive collection of promotional products.

Want to increase your exposure? Capitalize on one of the many Sponsorship Opportunities that get your name out, in front of clients, making you unable to be missed.

Looking to reach professionals in the incentives sector? Exhibit at brand., an incentive products showcase, which features, exclusively, high-end, high-style retail products.

The best in screen printing, embroidery and digital technology exhibit in DECORATE. Give attendees an experience with demonstrations of the newest products and equipment.

Interested in getting your newest products in the spotlight? Purchase entry in the Product Pavilions area (New Products, Green Products, Made In The USA Products and 1st-Time Exhibitors Products), a select gathering of items that are set to make a splash in 2024.

Make your tradeshow dollars work – for you. Maximize your ROI, maximize your experience, and maximize your business at The PPAI Expo 2024 where you’ll find your business growing. Where you’ll find success. 

The PPAI Expo draws more attendees than any other promotional products tradeshow. Over the last three years, The PPAI Expo has averaged 12,500 promotional consultants representing 4,125 distributor companies.

(These numbers are from February 2020 and may not reflect the attendance in 2022.)

The majority of distributors attending The PPAI Expo have sales volume ranging from $500,000 to $10,000,000+, but the magic of The PPAI Expo is that it attracts businesses of all shapes, sizes and location.

(These numbers are from February 2020 and may not reflect the attendance in 2022.)

Nearly 70 percent of individuals are repeat attendees to The PPAI Expo. It’s much easier to execute business when the business-building aspects – education, networking opportunities and the hottest-selling products – are all under one roof.

Move-In Date

Friday, January 12, 2024, 8 AM - 5 PM

Saturday, January 13, 2024, 8 AM - 5 PM

Sunday, January 14, 2024, 8 AM - 5 PM

Monday, January 15, 2024, 8 AM - 5 PM

Move-Out Date

Thursday, January 18, 2023, 2 PM - 9 PM

Friday, January 19, 2023, 8 AM - Noon

Booth Specifications

Make sure that your booth is compliant with display rules before submitting your contract for exhibit space. For specific questions, email expositions@ppai.org.

Advertising Specifications

If you have purchased or planning on purchasing advertising at The PPAI Expo, please review the advertising specification for your images, logos, ads or graphics.

Sponsorship Has Its Benefits

 Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship Levels
Standard Sponsorship Package Promotion X X X X
Company logo on the sponsorship signage at the show     X X
One free product placement in the Product Pavilions     X X
Two free product placements in Product Pavilions       X

 

Position your company as a true industry leader by becoming a Platinum Level Sponsor. An investment of $11,000 provides you with the highest visibility and brand awareness. 
This premium level distinguishes your company from the competition and makes a lasting impression on the attendees. A Gold Level Sponsorship can be yours for an investment of at least $5,500.
Highlight your company and strengthen your message to attendees. Silver Level Sponsorships are available for an investment of at least $4,000.
This sponsorship provides great exposure at the show for only a small investment. Bronze Level Sponsorships are available for as little as $2,000.

 

Investment in all advertising and sponsorship opportunities listed on promotional opportunities contract count toward sponsorship level. Product Pavilion and Spotlight Showcase entries do not count toward a sponsorship level. 


2023 Standard Sponsorship Package Promotion Includes:
• Recognition on PPAI website
• Recognition in pre-show and onsite promotional pieces
• Your company name on sponsorship signage in the convention center at The PPAI Expo.
• Bronze sponsors will be provided a booth sign identifying your company as a sponsor
• Sponsorship ribbons for booth personnel

Special Note: Exhibitors who are exclusive sponsors will have first right of refusal for that sponsorship at The PPAI Expo 2025. The deadline to exercise the exclusive right is one week prior to the established initial space allocation deadline date for that show. 

Specifications

Make sure that your booth is compliant with display rules before submitting your contract for exhibit space. For specific questions, email expositions@ppai.org.

Check out the Advertising Specs before you have your art team design any of your images, logos, ads or graphics. 

 

Sponsorship & Sales Contacts

Need more information about exhibiting at PPAI events? Contact your Account Manager today.
Account Manager, Northeast


Heather Mangold
972-258-3051
HeatherM@ppai.org

Account Manager, Southeast


Connie Brazil
972-258-3064
ConnieB@ppai.org

Account Manager, Central


Sandy Mendoza
972-258-3019
SandyM@ppai.org

Account Manager, West


Taylor Coward
972-258-3033
TaylorC@ppai.org

Product Safety Aware

All companies wanting to access the PPAI marketplace through trade-show exhibit space, sponsorships or advertising must obtain Product Safety Aware status. The PPAI Expo 2024 deadline is January 5, 2024. 

This free program for both suppliers and distributors is designed to ensure that at least one person at each company possesses a basic understanding of our industry’s compliance obligations. This can be achieved by simply completing four hours of product safety education (live or recorded), attending The Product Responsibility Summit (live or virtual) or ICPHSO conference or being a member of PRAG.

To learn more, click here or email our certification department at Certification@ppai.org.

Short on time?
The three required webinar courses and the one elective webinar course are available here.

Please visit the PSA Program page for all information on how to earn your PSA status and access PSA education.

Once your company has earned Product Safety Aware (PSA) status, it is valid for two years. Renewal through continuing education is required every two years by taking two additional hours of any of these webinars. Visit the PSA Renewal Requirements page for more information on how to ensure your PSA status is current through The PPAI Expo 2023.

Do you believe these requirements may not be applicable to your business? Please email our certification department at Certification@ppai.org to see if your qualify.

Have questions about the program? Click here to read more.