One of the priority lanes of PPAI’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is International Partnerships and Advocacy, which emphasizes the Association’s intent to expand its global voice, develop international alliances and support a more connected worldwide branded merchandise community.

The tentpole event of PPAI’s global presence is the International Leadership Summit, hosted in conjunction with the European Associations Cooperation, from June 8-10 in Brussels, Belgium.

  • The aim of the EAC is to raise the profile of the branded merchandise and textile industry at the European level through the exchange of best practices between member countries.


“PPAI is excited to once again be joining forces with the European Associations Cooperation to host the International Leadership Summit, an annual event that brings together industry leaders from across borders to engage in learning, networking and collaborating on advancing the industry forward,” says Ellen Tucker, CAE, MAS, chief revenue and experience officer at PPAI.

PPAI is excited to once again be joining forces with the European Associations Cooperation to host the International Leadership Summit.”

Ellen Tucker, CAE, MAS

Chief Revenue & Experience Officer, PPAI

What To Expect At ILS

The International Leadership Summit will convene global leaders and industry experts from the branded merchandise sector for three days of engaging dialogue and strategic discussions.

  • Key topics will include sustainability initiatives, digital transformation strategies and navigating the complexities of cross-border political dynamics.


“As someone who has spent my entire career focused on the North American market, it was truly inspiring and eye-opening to connect with branded merch leaders from across Europe: Germany, France, the U.K., Poland, the Netherlands, Spain and many more,” Samantha Kates, president of Spector & Co., PPAI 100’s No. 18 supplier, reported after the inaugural event last year.

ICYMI: PHOTOS: Inaugural PPAI International Leadership Summit Underway In Brussels

“The topics were timely, the dialogue was engaging and the sense of community was energizing. It was impactful to be able to share my perspectives on what we’re experiencing in the U.S. and reassure our European friends that we are with them and supporting them.”

In addition to absorbing and sharing world-class thought leadership, attendees will participate in guided discussion to identify opportunities for overall industry growth, as well as premiere executive networking.

Keynote Speakers

Susi O’Neill is a seasoned technology communications strategist who aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical business applications so that AI and innovation work for everyone.

She is the founder of consultancy EVA, where she partners with forward-thinking leaders to make tech adoption work for businesses and people. Her years of expertise have equipped her with the ability to transform complex tech concepts into tangible strategies.

  • O’Neill is a technology expert for the BBC World News and regularly appears as a guest expert on Someone on Earth.
  • She hosts the award-winning podcast Insight Story and authors of the “Rethinking The Hype Circle” newsletter.
  • Her passion for technology and communication led her to serve as the head of global brand content at Kasperksy, one of the world’s largest privately owned cybersecurity firms.


As a record-breaking polar explorer, Ben Saunders learned early that success in the world’s most unforgiving environments has less to do with heroics and more to do with leadership, preparation and trust.

Those hard-earned lessons – facing fear, self-doubt and relentless adversity while pursuing goals few believe are possible – are what define him today as founder and CEO of Arctic Research and Development. On stage, Saunders draws directly from these experiences, connecting polar expeditions to the real challenges faced by leaders and organizations around the world.

  • He holds the world record for the longest human-powered polar journey in history, a 108-day, 1,800-mile return journey to the South Pole (69 consecutive marathons, dragging 440 pounds of supplies).
  • He’s also the youngest person to ski solo to the North Pole, spending 72 days alone on the Arctic Ocean in the worst conditions in 25 years, and the third person in history to ski solo to both poles.


Despite these extremes, Saunders describes his record journey as “a tough camping trip,” reflecting the understated humor and honesty that define his leadership style and make him an exceptional speaker. He often notes that he “spent more time in spreadsheets than on skis for twenty years,” meticulously planning for trips. That discipline prepared him for his next frontier: building and leading a fast-growing, venture-backed technology company.

Register Now

The International Leadership Summit takes place June 8-10 at Dolce La Hulpe Brussels.

  • Early bird pricing, available through April 23, is $550 for PPAI members and $1,000 for non-members.
  • After April 23, standard pricing is $600 for PPAI members and $1,100 for non-members.


For more information and to register for the event, click here.