We’re less than three months away from The PPAI Expo 2027 – the largest and longest-running trade show in the branded merchandise 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 nine reasons why you need to make sure you’re in Las Vegas from January 11-14.
1. The Pitch Returns
The most exhilarating game show in the branded merch industry – The Pitch – returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in January. Since debuting at The PPAI Expo four years ago, merch’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. 11, from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
2. Discover The Newest Products
The PPAI Expo 2027 – 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 branded merchandise 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.
3. Advance Yourself
On Monday, The PPAI Expo 2027 kicks off with PPAI Advance at Expo, a one-day educational event with a curated slate of experts from both within and outside the industry to enlighten merch professionals and spark conversation throughout the rest of Expo.
PPAI Advance at Expo 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 merch 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. Network, Network, Network
The PPAI Expo 2027 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.
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5. Watch Out For Brad Pitt
The PPAI Expo Party 2027 brings the industry together for an incredible night at Grand Prix Plaza, Home of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, located inside the Las Vegas Grand Prix Pit Building. On Wednesday, January 13, from 6:3010 p.m., attendees will enjoy food, beverages and exclusive access to immersive attractions including F1 X, F1 Hub and F1 simulators.
Round‑trip shuttles from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center make getting there easy, and the venue’s dynamic atmosphere sets the stage for a celebration unlike anything we’ve hosted before. Whether you’re reconnecting with colleagues, making new connections or simply taking in the experience, this is your chance to celebrate an incredible week with excitement, momentum and the full power of our community.
6. New Programming
At The PPAI Expo 2027, the keynote lunch is being reimagined as a fashion show for a bold new experience.
“The idea of the fashion show is to provide our distributor attendees the opportunity to be inspired by curated collections of the coolest new apparel options,” says Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, MAS, director of professional development at PPAI. “There’s always a big difference from seeing a product in a catalog or even on a hanger, but when it’s truly stylized, it comes to life.”
7. Cheers To Inclusion
In an effort to make the industry more welcoming, The PPAI Expo 2027 will once again host several themed meetups at Promo & Pints, a beer garden located on the show floor. PPAI currently offers four communities – DEI, Technology, Women in Promo and Young Professionals – with dedicated on-site meetups for each. This year, the Association will launch three additional communities, resulting in three new on-site meetup opportunities during the week in Vegas.
8. Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
In addition to the fashion show and three new communities, attendees will notice a different look and feel throughout The PPAI Expo 2027. The updated environment is intended to create a stronger sense of energy and excitement. The Association is also introducing The PPAI Expo Exchange, a hosted distributor program connecting participating companies with qualified distributor executives through a two-day, scheduled meeting program.
9. A Sky Lounge View Of “Sin City”
Each year, at the end of a long day of enriching and informative educational content during PPAI Advance at Expo, 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. Don’t miss it!
Register Now
Don’t wait any longer – register and book your trip to The PPAI Expo 2027 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 3 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 PPAI Advance for no additional cost.
Nonmember, nonexhibiting suppliers and business services providers aren’t permitted to attend The PPAI Expo 2027.
