Anyone who has been to The PPAI Expo knows that it isn’t just the industry’s biggest trade show. A promo pro could theoretically barely step foot on the trade floor and still get their money’s worth out of the trip to Las Vegas.

Along with the networking that comes with the promo world converging on one place, PPAI takes the opportunity to pack Monday and Tuesday morning before the trade floor officially opens with educational sessions and panels covering everything a newcomer or veteran in this industry could possibly hope to learn about. The PPAI Expo Conference’s educational sessions and workshops reflect the current promo products market landscape, highlighting opportunities and challenges.

Included in dozens of scheduled sessions are three keynote speakers, all bringing different expertise and backgrounds, but each are known for their high energy and proven track record.

There is no single “next big thing” in an industry as wide-ranging as promo, so the keynote speakers at The PPAI Expo 2026 will touch on topics from AI and technology to future-proofing your culture and driving growth through personality.

“Our industry is incredibly diverse in the types of roles people hold,” says Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, MAS, MBA, PPAI’s senior manager of professional development. “We made it a point to provide learning opportunities that speak to everyone – from someone brand-new to the industry to seasoned executives looking to refine their leadership approach.”

‘Cracking Creativity…’ With Abigail Posner, Former Director of Creative Works at Google

“Cracking Creativity: A Business Driving Guide For Human Ingenuity In The Age Of AI”

  • Monday, January 12
  • 8:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
  • Mandalay Bay Ballroom J

Abigail Posner

Former Director of Creative Works, Google

The promo world knows that growth doesn’t come from cost-cutting. Revenue and client value are driven by creativity. Posner is a former director of creative works at Google, who brings a three-step framework to unlock innovation in daily work through storytelling and real experience scaling creativity. Posner also hosts The Human Code Podcast, where she interviews creative thinkers across industries to uncover the principles of imagination and problem-solving.

Some ‘Hands On LEGO Serious Play’ With Leo Chan, Chief Innovation Igniter at Abound Innovation

Lunch Keynote: “The Art Of Innovation”*

  • Monday, January 12
  • Noon-1:20 p.m.
  • Mandalay Bay Ballroom J

Leo Chan

Chief Innovation Ignighter, Abound Innovation

*Ticket required & can be purchased during registration
$35/person through January 10
$45/person onsite

Distributors, suppliers, service providers and even regional leaders know that so many problems have human origins, and they require human solutions, as long as everyone can think on the same level. Chan’s expertise is in building innovation cultures inside organizations so that creative problem-solving becomes the norm. A four-time LinkedIn Learning Instructor and speaker at conferences like TEDx, SXSW and ATD, Chan hosts hands-on sessions, so expect to be engaged and flex muscles in your brain and your fingers.

Discovering The Part Of Your Personality That Pops With Daniel Lewis, founder of T By Daniel

Welcome & General Session: “The POP: Discover The Power Of Your Personality & How To Infuse It Into Your Business To Elevate, Engage And Excel!”

  • Tuesday, January 13
  • 8:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
  • Mandalay Bay Ballroom J

Daniel Lewis

Author, Entrepreneur & International Keynote Speaker

The promo industry is full of entrepreneurial success stories. Many of the people attending The PPAI Expo 2026 are at the beginning of that success story. Lewis is the type of impactful keynote speaker who can distill that journey and what it takes because he has been on it, and he’s still learning and teaching.

Having founded T By Daniel, an award-winning tea company, Lewis has won countless awards for both his business acumen and his ability to inspire others through motivational speaking. But it’s his moniker as “Human Caffeine” on the stage that will rev up Expo attendees about to hit the trade floor for the first time. They’ll be well-equipped with Lewis’s human-centric approach to business, leadership and life.

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 $350 per person. 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.