What are PPAI Marketshows?
PPAI has reached an agreement to create co-located education programs with five Imprinted Sportswear Shows (ISS) beginning in 2008 and PPAI MarketShows at two ISS shows.
What is ISS?
The Imprinted Sportswear Shows are Atlanta-based properties of Nielsen Business Media, a division of The Nielsen Co. Nielsen Business Media is a leading market-focused provider of integrated information and sales and marketing solutions, helping businesses go to market more effectively and efficiently.
The Imprinted Sportswear Shows are the leading events for the decorated apparel and imprinted products industry. The exposition floor showcases products, apparel and equipment. The ISS team has more than 30 years of experience in the business. These are the premier shows for the imprinted sportswear industry - the first major and still the largest tradeshow in that industry.
Why did PPAI enter into this co-location agreement?
This agreement is a proactive step to deliver education, products and services to the decorated apparel marketplace. Research shows a growing number of decorated apparel professionals are selling promotional products and access to products and education are significant factors in driving business growth. Additionally, PPAI's 2005 distributor survey states that many current distributor members are active in providing goods and services outside of traditional promotional products, including embroidery and screen printing, core elements of the imprinted sportswear market. As the trade association for the industry, it is our responsibility to elevate the professionalism of the marketplace as a whole by delivering world-class education and networking opportunities to the entire distribution channel. This agreement isnÕt about the equipment or the decorating method, nor is it about the product. Rather, it's about people, professionalism and the distribution channel. We recognize that these companies and salespeople are active in the promotional products industry - selling, imprinting or distributing promotional products or plan to grow their businesses by expanding into this market, and it is our responsibility to deliver education and professional development services.
When are the shows?
Orlando, February 8-10, 2008 (PPAI Education Program Only)
Providence, RI July 18-20, 2008 (PPAI Education Program Only)
Schaumburg, IL August 7-9, 2008 (PPAI Education Program Only)
Atlanta, September 11-13, 2008 (PPAI MarketShow and Education Program)
Fort Worth, October 3-4, 2008 (PPAI MarketShow and Education Program)
How will the two shows be structured?
The PPAI exhibit hall will be adjacent to the ISS exhibit hall and PPAI will offer co-located education at five ISS shows in 2008, and exhibits, education and networking events at two shows. Show management, registration and education functions will be managed separately by the respective organizations.
Promotional products suppliers will benefit by gaining access to those UPIC-qualified and verified ISS attendees who will cross over to the PPAI show floor. These attendees will also be able to enhance their knowledge about the industry at PPAI professional development workshops. Likewise, PPAI tradeshow attendees will have access to the products and services exhibited at the ISS show. Decorating equipment will be on display exclusively on the ISS show floor.
How will this affect our relationship with NNEP?
We do not expect one agreement to have any impact on the other. Our agreement with the National Network of Embroidery Professionals to co-locate their show at the PPAI Expo 2008 is driven by the same philosophy as our agreement with ISS -- As the trade association for the industry, it is our responsibility to elevate the professionalism of the marketplace as a whole by delivering world-class education and networking opportunities to the entire distribution channel.
What impact will this have on shows sponsored by regional associations?
PPAI has opened discussions with regional associations in these areas to identify how they can benefit from and participate in this co-location initiative.