Sandwiched between daytime sessions on strategic planning, AI tools to use and the art of giving feedback, attendees at PPAI’s Leadership Development conference came together Tuesday night for a Celebration of Achievement Dinner, sponsored by SAGE.
The evening was highlight by Genumark Director of New Markets Mandi Rudd receiving the PPAI Regional Volunteer Award for her contributions to Promotional Products Association Midwest over the last seven years, including her term as the association’s president.
“To be able to do what you love in an industry that you love, with people that you respect, admire and genuinely adore, is reward enough in itself,” Rudd said. “But to get recognized for it is humbling and slightly embarrassing – an embarrassment of riches, I think. But everyone in the room is volunteering in some capacity. So we all elevate one another by talking about our experiences, sharing ideas, asking for ideas and brainstorming with one another.
“It’s just a way to elevate all of us to do even more and better things for our industry.”
Mandi Rudd
2025 PPAI Regional Volunteer Award Recipient
Tuesday evening also saw recognition for the 2025 PPAI Rising Stars, who were welcomed to the stage for a photo opportunity. This year’s Rising Stars class took in education among 37 attendees of LDC’s Young Professionals track, and participated in media activities to support the cover story of PPAI Magazine in December.
During the conference, attendees raised more than $3,300 for Promotional Products Education Foundation, which PPAI pledged to match. A representative of all 25 regional associations in attendance donated to the scholarship fund.
More than 140 professional attendees took part in this year’s LDC, including 37 for the Young Professionals track – a 16% growth from 2024. The conference began with networking on Monday evening and wrapped after lunch on Wednesday. U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame bobsledder Steve Mesler served as the keynote speaker.
In addition to SAGE, event sponsors included Allmade, ETS Express and PCNA.
Tuesday night also brought a chance to recognize some of the regional association community’s greatest success stories of the past year. Three associations shared their wins with the group during dinner:
Carolinas Association of Advertising and Marketing Professionals
Record-breaking demand drove this year’s traveling shows to new heights for CAAMP. The fall event sold out with a 20% increase and a waitlist, while the spring show expanded from 100 to 120 tables – its first time using a second floor. Distributor and end user attendance hit all-time highs. The surge stemmed from coordinated efforts by the association’s membership and marketing committees and full Board, combining personal outreach with strong social media to deliver sold-out shows and record non-dues revenue.
Promotional Marketing Association of Northern California
When PMANC couldn’t hold a traditional trade show, the association launched its branded box – a creative alternative pairing a curated set of supplier products with a live virtual showcase. Distributors experienced new items firsthand, while suppliers gained visibility and engagement. The program generated non-dues revenue through participation fees and has become one of PMANC’s most successful initiatives, proving that innovation and connection can thrive even without a show floor while sparking demand for future editions.
Promotional Products Association Midwest
To boost local engagement, PPAM launched “Pints and Promos,” a relaxed networking event featuring six presenters sharing creative promo ideas. Attendance more than doubled to 16 members, and the event generated net revenue far exceeding expectations. The format’s success inspired a Kansas City version, drawing 23 members and eight presenters and producing another profit. Both events proved that casual, community-driven gatherings can strengthen connections and deliver financial value.
