A fashion show, self-defense class and bonfire.
These are just a few of the plethora of activities slated for the Ohio Promotional Products Association’s Women In Merch, a three-day event happening Oct. 20-22 at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio.
The retreat is designed to empower and uplift women within the promotional products industry. Attendees can expect to make meaningful connections and gain transformative insights that will inspire them to shape a brighter, more innovative future.
LaDonna Belcher, executive director of OPPA, has been wanting to organize an event like this for the past decade.
“I deal with a lot of women on the phone who are a one-person business,” Belcher says. “It’s hard for them to network and make friends. Although trade shows are great for making acquaintances, Women In Merch will be a place where we can bond and build relationships with suppliers and fellow distributors.
LaDonna Belcher
Executive Director, OPPA
“The goal is to have communication ongoing beyond OPPA. There’s a real need to bring our huge industry into a smaller arena where everyone can connect. After all, women need fellowship in a cozy way.”
‘Show Up Better Together’
Women In Merch is devoted to professional development with sessions on building confidence, profit with purpose, being authentic and leading with heart.
“Oftentimes, sessions are geared toward leaders, which almost creates an inaudible insecurity in people who don’t have a ‘leader’ title, making them think perhaps they don’t belong,” says Jodie Schillinger, MAS, executive vice president of Maple Ridge Farms, PPAI 100’s No. 49 supplier, and a speaker at the event.
Jodie Schillinger, MAS
EVP, Maple Ridge Farms
“Expanding that leadership bench and growing the confidence needed for everyone in our industry to believe in their own leadership skills and where they take space in their community is really an integral part of this event. The goal is to build resiliency in our attributes so we can show up better together.”
Schillinger’s colleague, Jamie Johnson, national sales executive at Maple Ridge Farms, is looking forward to Women In Merch as an opportunity to slow down and decompress, which will allow her to have meaningful connections with her peers.
“How do you step forward with intention and purpose when your day-to-day life doesn’t allow you the time to do so? These three days will pause time and allow that to happen,” Johnson says.
“Although this event will be something of a micro community, the impact will be on a macro level.”
Jamie Johnson
National Sales Executive, Maple Ridge Farms
Network, Network, Network
In addition to educational sessions and wellness activities, Women In Merch offers ample opportunities for networking.
“I don’t know what I would do if I had my own distributorship all by myself,” says Shawna Tromczynski, MAS, vice president of OPPA. “I don’t know how I’d know all the products and have the supplier relationships I have. I can’t imagine doing business. The format of Women In Merch will bring suppliers and solo distributors together, and you’ll make lifelong friends.”
Shawna Tromczynski, MAS
VP, OPPA
Belcher remembers Tromcynski’s first time networking at OPPA. Although she and her business partner were shy, everyone welcomed them with open arms. Next thing you know, Tromcynski is serving on the board and leading a committee.
“It’s exciting to see people grow,” Belcher says. “That’s why it’s important to get involved in your regional association. It’s a great steppingstone for growth, confidence and to go onto the national level with PPAI.”
RELATED: WLC 2025 Highlights The Importance Of Connection, Taking Risks
Schillinger agrees, recalling the first time she sat on a committee with Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE, chief revenue and experience officer at PPAI. “Ellen reminded me to take the space that’s already mine,” Schillinger says. “Women sometimes need to hear that there’s nothing for us to prove.
“All these sessions are transforming everyday moments into something applicable, relatable and meaningful. We want attendees to leave with one meaningful, valuable, actionable takeaway because when you can take something and relate it to your everyday life, it becomes a habit, and you progress.”
Register here.
