Monday’s PPAI Expo Conference, the official kickoff of The PPAI Expo 2026 also marked the return of The Pitch, promo’s version of a hybrid between Shark Tank and The Voice. In front of a packed audience full of promo professionals, seven contestants were given three minutes each to pitch their product to a panel of judges.

Most of the contestants had the benefit of bringing great promo products to the table, and they all came prepared to make the sale. There could only be one winner.

  • But this year, Audrey Miesner, strategic account manager at Sock101, PPAI 100’s No. 92 supplier, wowed the judges without even putting a specific product in their hands. Instead, she sold them on an experience.
  • The Missouri-based supplier offers what it calls “Experiences” that might consist of something like a “Sock Bar” or a “Bucket Hat Bar” or even a “Shoe Bar” where a team will come to an event to work a heat/transfer machine to put specific designs on hats or shoes.


As Miesner pointed out, the design only takes about 20 seconds to press on, but the team arrives rowdy with music and prepared to interact with the forming line.

“We’re not bringing a product to you; we’re bringing a full-blown activation and unforgettable experience,” Miesner said to the judges on stage.

We’re not bringing a product to you; we’re bringing a full-blown activation and unforgettable experience.”

Audrey Miesner

Strategic Account Manager, Sock101

After winning The Pitch, Miesner said that she had never spoken to a group of more than a dozen or so people before taking the stage in front of more than 500. Her grandpa gave her great advice coming into the event, however: “Find someone smiling in the audience and smile back at them.”

^Sock101.com You can find Sock101 on the trade floor at Booth 2111

Additionally, The Ave Customs won the Audience poll award with for its pitch of customization designs for name brand sneakers. The company’s pitcher, Nick Romero, impressed the judges as well, and said that the supplier only recently entered the promotional market.

“I still don’t know what PPAI stands for,” Romero admitted on stage, while also making a point to say that every contestant on The Pitch brought incredible products worthy of winning.

Instead of Mark Cuban, Reba McEntire, Mr. Wonderful or Snoop Dogg, the panel of judges included four respected industry veterans:

Along with Sock101, the competitors included: