We’re less than two months away from The PPAI Expo 2026 – the largest and longest-running trade show in the promotional products industry.

Your friends, your competitors and probably even some of your family will be descending upon the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the biggest gathering in branded merch. If you’ve been, you know the benefits of attending outweigh any cons. And if you haven’t been, we’ve got 10 reasons why you need to make sure you’re in Las Vegas from January 12-15, 2026.

1. Discover The Newest Products

The PPAI Expo 2026 – roughly 1 million square feet in scope – will open with product pavilions, new exhibitors and thrilling surprises. The trade show will run Tuesday morning through Thursday afternoon and feature nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies from across the promotional products landscape in more than 2,500 booths. If you’re looking for the latest in sustainable, retail, made-in-the-USA or first-time exhibitor products, you’ll find them all in one place on the trade show floor.

2. Network, Network, Network

The PPAI Expo 2026 is all about making connections with peers, colleagues and potential customers. After all, it’s a homecoming for the industry. Suppliers, distributors, decorators and business services providers all gather to learn, network and reconnect. Having an opportunity to come together in person is especially cherished in today’s remote working environment.

3. Advance Yourself

On Monday, The PPAI Expo 2026 kicks off with The PPAI Expo Conference, a one-day educational event with a curated slate of experts from both within and outside the industry to enlighten promo professionals and spark conversation throughout the rest of Expo.

The PPAI Expo Conference is full of professional development covering different topics that are important to members, such as leadership, strategy, marketing, sustainability, innovation, technology and more. This is where the best-prepared players in promo gather to sharpen their edge before they even set foot in an exhibit hall.

  • Sessions are first-come, first-serve, and if history is any indication, you want to get there early because rooms do fill up.


4. The Pitch Returns

The most exhilarating game show in the promotional products industry – The Pitch – returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in January. Since debuting at The PPAI Expo three years ago, promo’s combination of Shark Tank and The Voice has been a smash hit. At The PPAI Expo 2026, exhibiting suppliers will once again attempt to impress a lineup of discerning judges in front of an audience of Expo attendees.

  • The rules are simple: Up to seven presenters, representing both newer and established suppliers, will have up to three minutes to make their pitch.


The Pitch will take place on Monday, Jan. 12, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

5. Cheers To Inclusion

In an effort to make the promo industry more welcoming, The PPAI Expo 2026 will once again host several themed meetups at Promo & Pints, a beer garden located on the show floor. On Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., there is the Inclusive Impact Meetup. From 4-5 p.m., the Women in Promo Meetup will follow.

ICYMI: Elizabeth Wimbush, CAS: 24 Ideas Making The PPAI Expo More Sustainable

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., there is the Technology Meetup. From 4-5 p.m., the Young Professional Meetup will follow. That morning, from 8:30-9:30, the Meet Your Regional Meetup will be an opportunity for members to connect with representatives of their local regional association for coffee and collaboration. This will take place on the Level 2 Foyer.

  • The Association is also planning a PPEF Meetup on Wednesday where attendees come to the PPAI booth to learn more about the Promotional Products Education Foundation and if they donate a certain amount, they’ll receive a drink.


6. Fore! A Good Cause

Speaking of which, you can participate in the Glen Holt & Fran Ford Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, January 12, at Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas. One hundred golfers from dozens of promo firms raised $47,000 for PPEF’s college scholarship program last year.

The late Glen Holt, MAS, was a PPAI board member and Hall of Fame inductee who passed away in 2010, and Fran Ford Jr., CAS, was president of supplier Castelli, a division of Magnet, and PPAI Hall of Fame inductee who passed away in 2018. As a dedicated supporter of PPEF, Ford launched the PPEF Glen Holt Scholarship Golf invitational in 2014. The tournament celebrates their lasting legacies with PPEF scholarships named in their honor.

7. Storm The Field

It’s a celebration three years in the making… The PPAI Expo Party returns to Allegiant Stadium! On Wednesday night, the promo industry will cut loose after days of education and exploring. Enjoy food, drinks, music and games all on the field. Attendees can expect to take part in Punt, Pass, Kick competitions, cornhole and plenty of space to network, unwind and keep the energy going after the show floor closes.


8. A Sky Lounge View Of “Sin City”

Each year, at the end of a long day of enriching and informative educational content during The PPAI Expo Conference, the Association likes to provide attendees with an informal opening reception to unwind, network or gameplan for the following day’s trade floor opening.

This year, that reception will return to the Skyfall Panoramic Bar & Lounge in Mandalay Bay. Stunning views of Las Vegas accompany drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

9. Recognize Your Peers

As per tradition, PPAI Icon Award winners will be recognized on stage during Expo before enjoying a private, invitation-only dining experience. The Icon Awards celebrate the accomplishments of those who have gone above and beyond in service to the promotional products industry, the Association and their communities.

This year’s honors are being bestowed on:


10. Meet Your Favorite Writers

Saved the best for last! PPAI Media will be on hand during every part of Expo, documenting the sights, sounds and sips of the industry’s biggest spectacle. After hounding you for comments and headshots all year, we’re looking forward to connecting in person and making it even harder for you to ignore our incessant requests throughout 2026.

RELATED: The PPAI Expo 2026 Preview

Register Now

Don’t wait any longer – register and book your trip to The PPAI Expo 2026 right now.

PPAI member distributors may have their registration fees waived based on their membership tier. It’s $50 per person for additional registrants.

Qualified non-member distributors may access the exhibits and conference for $250 per person if they register by December 4 and $350 per person after that date. Members of industry regional associations but not PPAI can receive a code from their executive director for a discounted rate.

Suppliers and business services providers who are members but not exhibiting will be charged $750 per person for access to the exhibit hall but may attend The PPAI Expo Conference for no additional cost.

Non-member, non-exhibiting suppliers/business services providers are not permitted to attend The PPAI Expo.