Effort is the path to mastery. Failure isn’t fatal.
Problems aren’t defeat. You don’t have to be perfect to lead.
These are the principles that attendees of the Ohio Promotional Products Association’s Women In Merch event took home with them, according to Sydney Dych, executive director of the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association.
“I met people I’d only known by name, had real conversations with folks we share members with and left with some reminders that have me feeling stronger than ever,” Dych says. “I’m excited to bring these ideas back into my own work and MIPPA. And I’m grateful for the chance to grow alongside others in this industry.”
Dych was joined by 52 others during the three-day event in mid-October at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio. Women from nine states were in attendance, according to Shawna Tromczynski, MAS, vice president of OPPA.
“The feedback has been phenomenal,” Tromczynski says. “We couldn’t be happier with the event, attendees and outcome!”
The feedback has included rave reviews about the instant relationships created and the safe space nurtured for discussing women’s issues. The retreat, which OPPA Executive Director LaDonna Belcher had been wanting to organize for the past decade, was designed to empower and uplift women within the promotional products industry.
“The goal is to have communication ongoing beyond OPPA,” Belcher said. “There’s a real need to bring our huge industry into a smaller arena where everyone can connect. After all, women need fellowship in a cozy way.”
Women In Merch had something for everyone: a fashion show, self-defense class, bonfire and many sessions focused on professional development, such as how to build confidence, profit with purpose, be authentic and lead with heart.
“It was such a boost connecting with so many smart, creative women from all corners of the promotional products world,” says Gwen Hall, owner of Maine-based distributor Logo Owl Promotional Advertising. “More than anything, I came home reminded of why I love this industry. It’s all about connection, creativity and the power of thoughtful branding to make people feel valued.”
Each session also included branded merch for attendees to take with them. Stephanie McCue, chief happiness officer at Michigan-based distributor Creative i Promotions, emphasized that the progressive swag drop was “so much more impactful” because it matched the topics being discussed.
“It was awesome to be able to have conversations with our suppliers and other women in the industry who are killing it,” McCue says. “Such a great event and loved every minute of it. Can’t wait until next year already.”
