The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York has announced that Daymond John, world-renowned entrepreneur, investor and star of ABC’s Shark Tank, will serve as the keynote speaker at Promotions East, an end user event taking place June 16 at the Metropolitan Pavillion in New York City.

John is best known as the founder and CEO of the global lifestyle brand FUBU and a long-standing investor on Shark Tank.

  • He is also the founder of The Shark Group, a brand management and consulting firm, and a New York Times best-selling author.
  • Recognized as one of the Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World, John is widely respected for his ability to turn entrepreneurial insights into actionable strategies for growth and success.


John’s keynote session will be held from 4-5 p.m., closing out a full day of connection, innovation and business building at one of the industry’s most anticipated events.

We’re swinging for the fences.”

Josh Nachman

Co-Chair of Promotions East Planning Committee

It’s All About Experience

SAAGNY has made a concerted effort to reimagine the regional trade show experience with Promotions East. As a result, in addition to the star-studded keynote, the end user event will feature more than 100 brand activations, Jenna Quaranta’s Field Sales Method training sessions, a happy hour on the show floor and a networking party at Dimes, NYC’s exclusive members-only speakeasy, the night before.

“The traditional trade show is still a great venue for buying and selling, but an experience is something people want more of,” Josh Goodelman, president of Liqui-Mark and a SAAGNY board member, tells PPAI Media.

“From a supplier side, I can stand at a tabletop all day, scanning badges and handing out samples. But I want to have more interactive conversations and make it feel more casual and go meet at the coffee cart and drum up a conversation with a distributor I haven’t seen in years.”

The traditional trade show is still a great venue for buying and selling, but an experience is something people want more of.”

Josh Goodelman

Co-Chair of Promotions East Planning Committee

Goodelman is co-chair of the Promotions East planning committee along with Josh Nachman, fellow board member and executive vice president of Zagwear, PPAI 100’s No. 32 distributor.

“We’re swinging for the fences,” Nachman says. “We want to have an amazing show that people leave feeling was different than your typical trade show.”

Register now for Promotions East on June 16 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.