It’s time to elevate the merch industry. The 2026 PPAI 100 is officially set for a spring research and release timeline that will once again spotlight the market’s leading distributors and suppliers.

First launched in 2023, PPAI 100 was created to offer a more complete picture of industry leadership among PPAI member companies, while also delivering benchmarking insights that help businesses of every size strengthen their operations. The rankings are built on eight core factors that reflect what will matter most in the marketplace’s future.

This year, PPAI is jump-starting the momentum by offering a playbook to help your company overcome the most common mistakes, and earn the highest spot on the list that your efforts rightly deserve. The PPAI 100 Playbook includes information a subtle changes to the scoring factors that will begin to take shape in 2026 and expand in 2027, following the Association’s new Strategic Plan to elevate branded merchandise.

WATCH: The PPAI 100 Playbook Webinar

READ MORE: The PPAI 100 Playbook

The 2026 PPAI 100 research process begins with the company surveys – three for distributors and three for suppliers – scheduled to be open from Feb. 23 through March 8.

These surveys, focused on Responsibility, Innovation and Business Fundamentals, remain a key component of scoring for the fourth annual PPAI 100. The program stands as PPAI’s highest recognition of member companies and its premier annual research initiative.

Each survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will again serve a dual purpose: determining rankings and generating industry-wide benchmarking analysis.

Companies across all membership tiers and revenue levels are encouraged to complete all three surveys, even if they don’t anticipate making the list. Broad participation strengthens PPAI 100’s goal of tracking industry progress and helping organizations measure themselves against peers.

The Surveys

Each participating company will be asked to provide a primary contact and top executive, though surveys may be completed by any designated subject matter expert.

Some survey questions are included strictly for benchmarking purposes and do not impact PPAI 100 scoring.

Preview the surveys here:


What To Watch For

PPAI continues refining the program to ensure companies are evaluated as fairly and accurately as possible with respect to their leadership in the industry. In 2026, for example, efforts to elevate the marketplace through volunteerism with PPAI and regional associations will become a small scoring factor in the Industry Faith category, as will nominations for Pyramid Awards.

In 2027, Industry Elevation will expand to its own category, replacing Online Presence.

As in previous years – the eight categories do not carry equal weight. Previous year’s revenue remains the single largest factor in overall scoring, while category weightings have evolved each of the past two years.

  • PPAI members with active International membership plans as of the eligibility date, March 8, 2026, will be eligible, but must provide revenue validation documentation.
  • A bonus-and-penalty structure will continue to apply to 2025 Revenue scores based on the level of validation provided. Companies submitting revenue through the Business Fundamentals survey or offering estimate guidance will receive neither bonus nor penalty. Companies providing revenue along with verifying documentation will earn a scoring bonus. Companies offering no guidance will receive a penalty.
  • No company will have its revenue estimated – or scored – above the recommended earnings range for its PPAI membership tier. Any tier adjustment must be confirmed by a PPAI account manager by March 8, 2026.
  • For the Industry Faith category, distributor scoring will again begin with the PPAI Credit Profile, powered by Forius. Supplier scoring will be based on SAGE Rating.


Key Dates

The 2026 PPAI 100 distributors and suppliers will once again be unveiled at PPAI’s North American Leadership Conference, scheduled for May 12-14 in San Diego. Be notified with NALC 2026 registration opens.

Mark these important dates for the 2026 PPAI 100:

February 3: The 2026 program is announced, including scoring updates, survey dates, instructions and content release plans.

February 23: Surveys open; notifications will be sent to the primary PPAI account contact at every member company.

March 8: All surveys close at 11:59:59 p.m. (CT).

May 12-14: NALC attendees receive the first look at both distributor and supplier lists. Winner assets, including logos, will be sent to PPAI account contacts at recognized firms, subject to embargo.

May 19: The 2026 PPAI 100 suppliers are officially revealed.

May 26: The 2026 PPAI 100 distributors are officially revealed.

June: PPAI Magazine celebrates the 2026 PPAI 100.

July: PPAI Magazine unveils The State Of Growth: 2026 benchmarking report.

September: PPAI Magazine unveils The State Of Innovation: 2026 benchmarking report.

October: PPAI Magazine unveils The State Of Responsibility: 2026 benchmarking report.