The PPAI Expo 2023 is officially here. You’re unlikely to meet anyone in the promotional products industry who takes a casual approach to the biggest week in the industry. Any first-time attendees have surely been warned: You won’t truly understand the scope of the industry until you’ve spent a few days at Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

With more than 2,000 exhibitor booths to see and over 9,000 pre-registered attendees, The PPAI Expo 2023 might seem overwhelming to newbies, but there are plenty of industry veterans who know exactly how to make the most of the one of the biggest trade shows in the world.

Here are a few tips for maximizing The PPAI Expo 2023 from the promo pros who have walked the Mandalay Bay Convention Center trade show floor for more than a couple miles.  

Have A Networking Plan

Wayne Greenberg, MAS, of Swag Krewe, was PPAI Board Chair when The PPAI Expo moved from Dallas to Las Vegas. He’s been attending since The PPAI Expo as we know it took shape. For Greenberg, a good plan is the key to the week.

“Being prepared for Expo starts before you leave for Vegas,” says Greenberg, who reaches out to connections beforehand to let them know he’ll be looking for them at the event.

The whole week is a networking opportunity, and while the event brings is an organic environment for networking, it’s wise to increase your chances.

“If there is someone who has meant a lot to your business, book a breakfast or drink to thank them for what they’ve meant to you over the previous year,” Greenberg says. “And you buy. An amazing ROI in the year ahead is a possibility.”

You may not see many of these peers and collaborators for another calendar year. Don’t be afraid to pick up the conversation after the day’s events.

“The show doesn’t end when the show floor closes,” says Charity Gibson, national account coordinator at Peerless Umbrella. “Instead, that’s when the real networking begins. Go out. Meet the people. Do the things. You’ll be tired, but you’ll look back and be glad you did.”

PPAI’s Director of Business Development Lindsey Davis advises, “bring more business cards than you think you will need.”

Remember There’s More Than The Trade Show Floor

If you’re reading this on Monday morning, then don’t be mistaken: You have a full day ahead of you. The PPAI Expo Conference is a full day of educational sessions that rival any promo conference all year.

Kathy Cheng, president of Redwood Classics Apparel, says you should not only attend as much of the Monday educational sessions as you can, but you should try to get a good balance of perspectives in regard to DEI/CSR talks, “from end-user corporate buyers chatting about the value of certification to HR professionals sharing their expertise on retaining millennial and Gen Z Talent.”

Don’t expect the same old faces and voices that you’ve heard speak about the same old issues in promotional products.

“This year, PPAI has been really intentional with inviting more diverse speakers, so you have a great opportunity to learn,” Cheng says.

Mandi Rudd, owner of Brand Energy Marketing, says the Product Pavilion (held all week), the educational sessions and PPAI’s newest event, The Pitch are all musts to getting the most out of your trip.

“Voice memos are so helpful when you are moving fast and don’t want to forget an idea or a conversation,” Davis says.

Perhaps Christopher Duffy, VP, Marketing for California Tattoos, puts it best when it comes to what can be accomplished away from the trade floor.

“Don’t treat it as just a trade show, treat it as an event,” Duffy says. “Take advantage of every component.”

Keep Food And Hydration In Mind

You probably don’t need to be told that you need to keep your head on a swivel when walking the trade show. It requires attentiveness and stamina. You’ll have great food options nearby, which can be a blessing and a curse. A long break at a pricey restaurant might kill your motivation for the day. Worse yet, the last thing you want is to forgo nourishment for fear of losing trade floor momentum.

“High protein snacks: protein bars, jerky, whatever gets you through the afternoon,” distributor Big Promotions tweeted.

Davis likes the nearby Border Grill and its outdoor patio for when you need fresh air and a snack.

Nearly every promo veteran PPAI Media heard from agreed that dehydration is no joke, and sore feet come with the territory. Drink a lot of water. Bring a lot of water. And remember that your FitBit is going to be working overtime.

Event veterans from PPAI suggest taking steps to combat the dry desert air, such as packing lip balm and lotion, and even unorthodox moves such as filling your hotel room’s bathtub or sink with hot water to act as a humidifier.

Use The SAGE Mobile App

Ultimately, the trade show floor has more than any one person can see. Of course, planning makes a difference. Greenberg suggests making a list of your top 50 suppliers that you want to see and find out what new products they might be showcasing.

Scott McCarville of Amplified Image Marketing adds that it’s wise to not let others’ networking attempts distract you from the top priorities you set for yourself.

“You don’t have to stop at every booth or talk to all that make eye contact,” says McCarville. “Be polite but stay on your course all while looking for that ‘gold nugget’ you need.”

Another handy tip from Greenberg is to “use the SAGE [Mobile] app to help create a walking trail to the ones you want to see.”

SAGE Mobile is a virtual product database in your pocket. It will be tempting to just wander the trade floor in amazement – and you might find some great things via that strategy – but it makes sense to use all the tools at your disposal. SAGE Mobile can help you navigate your unique product experience.