There are so many forward-looking professional development opportunities at The PPAI Expo 2026 that laser-focus on role-specific education.
“This year, we’re elevating the energy of what it means to work in this industry,” says Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, MAS, MBA, PPAI’s senior manager of professional development. “Every element of PPAI Advance has been designed to set you up for success in 2026 and beyond, ensuring that merch continues to have its moment and that our community keeps pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
The PPAI Expo 2026, to be held January 12-15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, begins with a professional development conference, followed by three days of an open show floor featuring products from domestic and international brands.
Beyond the show floor, these educational sessions provide attendees with a foundation for business growth as they kick off 2026. The curriculum reflects the wide range of responsibilities in the promotional space for owners, salespeople, marketing, tech and more.
Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, MAS, MBA
Sr. Manager of Professional Development, PPAI
“At the heart of it all, PPAI Advance is built for every professional in our industry at every stage of career, every ambition, every pathway forward,” Gibbons-Rauch says. “Whether you’re refining your strategy, building new skills or seeking inspiration, you’ll find opportunities here that move you further, faster.”
This month we’re taking a deeper dive into the course tracks and the sessions resonating most strongly with promo professionals heading into 2026.
Performance & Leadership Track
Sales leaders, managers and owners can get an early start twith a high-intensity, interactive workshop. “If you want to start your Expo off right, you can’t go wrong with this session,” says Josh Storey, content manager of professional development at PPAI. “It’ll energize and inspire you to kick off your trade show with a bang!”
Must-Attend Workshop: Roll Call: Where High Performers Report for Duty
Jan. 12, 7:30 a.m., Mandalay Bay D
Jenna “JQ” Quaranta, director of sales at HPG, PPAI 100’s No. 4 supplier, will help promo pros develop a performance mindset, emphasizing discipline, accountability and proactive planning. Starting at first thing in the morning, when high performers seize the day, attendees will proactively plan their year, quarter by quarter, qualify and protect their accounts and strengthen their mental game.
AI + Technology Track
For marketers, sales pros and owners, the AI + Technology Track delivers up-to-the-minute insights into how AI is changing the way people work and compete in the promo industry.
“AI is at the forefront of everyone’s mind,” Storey says. “Whether you’re figuring out how to optimize your business or just trying to keep up with the latest trends, our education day has you covered.”
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Must-Attend Panel: Real-World AI Tools Reshaping Promo Today
Jan. 12, 10 a.m., Breakers L
This fast-paced panel brings together industry innovators who are using AI right now in practical, creative and surprisingly simple ways. If you’re curious about AI, this is a great entry point to explore tools, workflows, tangible outcomes and “I tried this and here’s what happened” stories.
Must-Attend Session: AI + Promo: Trends and Tools Every Pro Needs
Jan. 12, 2:30 p.m., Mandalay Bay D
From smarter product search to hyper-personalized B2Me marketing, the biggest technology shifts are already reshaping how pros sell, source and scale branded merch. In this fast-moving session, Bobby Lehew, chief content officer at commonsku, will cut through the hype and focus on the AI trends that matter for distributors and suppliers.
Sustainability & Compliance
Sustainability is a growing conversation in the industry and a major factor in client decisions, affecting everyone from owners to sales and marketing pros. “Sustainability is becoming one of the biggest factors shaping client decisions,” says Kirsten Kelley, professional development admin at PPAI.
Must-Attend Session: Green Flags: Vetting Suppliers for Sustainability
Jan. 12, 1:30 p.m., Breakers D
Laura Smith, sustainability and compliance manager at Storm Creek, PPAI 100’s No. 33 supplier, will share what authentic sustainability looks like from inside. “She’ll explain how to spot the difference between authentic action and marketing fluff,” Kelley says.
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Strategy & Vision Track
“Business owners will find high-value strategic conversations tailored to the decisions they’re making today,” Gibbons-Rauch says.
Must-Attend Session: Built to Engage: Crafting Immersive Brand Moments That Matter
Jan. 12, 1:30 p.m., Lagoon L
This exciting panel brings together leaders in immersive engagement to explore how experiential moments, tactile personalization, and thoughtful product storytelling can transform ordinary interactions into unforgettable brand experiences. Through real-world case studies and practical strategies, attendees will learn how they can use customization, sensory engagement, and event-driven activations to create moments that resonate and convert.
“If your clients are asking for ‘experiences,’ this panel is where you’ll see what that really looks like: tactile moments, smart customization and brand stories that stick long after the event is over,” says Arianna Johnson, manager of content at PPAI.
Must-Attend Panel: Rising Stars Live: Real Talk From the Next Generation of Leaders
Jan. 12, 1:30 p.m., Breakers L
“New and seasoned professionals alike will have the chance to learn from this year’s Rising Stars and standout voices from the #Online 18,” Gibbons-Rauch says.
PPAI’s Rising Stars will take the stage for an unscripted, high-energy discussion about leadership, growth, and the future of the promotional products industry.
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Must-Attend Panel: Vision Forward: A Town Hall With PPAI Leadership
Jan. 12, 2:30 p.m., Breakers D
“Jump into PPAI’s Town Hall for a fast-paced look at the next five years,” Kelley says. “From strategy and big initiatives to member value and your voice. This is your chance to ask the questions that shape the future.”
This special session is a highly interactive, unscripted conversation with PPAI’s leadership as they discuss major industry developments and a focused look ahead with attendees in a town-hall-style format.
Every Professional, Every Stage, Every Pathway
The PPAI Advance program now empowers members to attend tracks and sessions tailored to specific job roles and functions. The tracks offer a clear throughline to learn specialized knowledge and skills to thrive in 2026’s business conditions. Additionally, the most transformative update of PPAI Advance has been the introduction of universal CEUs, which simplifies the process. Now, any qualifying learning experience contributes toward certification goals, regardless of the level being pursued.
“We’ve challenged every session to rethink engagement,” Gibbons-Rauch says. “Expect fresh formats, interactive moments, and new ways to spark connection — all while delivering the depth, relevance and industry expertise you rely on.”
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.
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