The ball might drop in New York City, but we get it rolling at The PPAI Expo.
While most people set their sights on NYC as the “it” city for New Year’s, the branded merchandise industry knows that the best place to ring it in is Las Vegas.
From January 11-14, The PPAI Expo 2027 takes over the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 24th year. Registration is now open.
The longest-running and largest trade show in the industry, The PPAI Expo is always one of the most exciting events of the year, and this time it will be better than ever with new features and returning popular attractions.
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“The PPAI Expo is where our branded merch community comes together each year to learn from one another, strengthen relationships and discover new opportunities for growth,” says Drew Holmgreen, CAS, president and CEO of PPAI. “This year, we’re excited to introduce new experiences and continue evolving Expo in ways that create even more value for attendees.”
New Year, New You
The PPAI Expo is known for its unrivaled educational opportunities, and this year’s event is no different.
Registered attendees can start their Expo experience on Monday, January 11, with PPAI Advance. Before the trade show begins, PPAI Advance is a one-day educational event with a curated slate of experts from both within and outside the industry to enlighten branded merch professionals and spark conversation for the rest of the year.
Along with PPAI Advance, there will be plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge throughout the week, with presentations covering topics such as professional development, leadership, sustainability, innovation, marketing, strategy, technology and more.
Many of these educational sessions are firstcome, first-served, so be sure to arrive early to snag a seat before the rooms fill up.
Drew Holmgreen, CAS
PPAI President & CEO
On The Show Floor
On Tuesday, January 12, The PPAI Expo 2027 trade show floor – roughly 1 million square feet in scope – will open at 9:30 a.m. with product pavilions, new exhibitors and exciting surprises. The show will run through Thursday afternoon and will feature nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies from across the branded merch landscape in more than 2,500 booths.
Before the show floor officially opens, be sure to stop by the Product Pavillion Sneak Peek at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. This gives you the inside scoop on what products and suppliers are featured so you can create a strategic plan to see as many as you can in the time you have available.
Additionally, this year you can use SAGE Workplace, the official show planning app of The PPAI Expo 2027, to prepare for your floor experience. You can create walking lists, communicate with fellow attendees and more, all in one easy-to-use app.
“This year is a foundational year for The PPAI Expo and the start of an exciting three- year roadmap,” says Ashley Van Der Stuyf, senior manager of events and expositions at PPAI. “We’re focused on making The PPAI Expo experience easier, clearer and more intentional for our members, while continuing to deliver the energy and connections they expect.”
New & Improved
As Holmgreen indicated, The PPAI Expo 2027 has been revamped with new experiences, new ideas and new ways to serve our members. “If we’re not innovating, we’re just putting our logo on the same old thing – and none of us wants that,” Holmgreen says.
Among the changes is a refreshed Expo experience – attendees will notice a different look and feel throughout the event. The updated environment is intended to create a stronger sense of energy and excitement.
There will also be new programming. At The PPAI Expo 2027, the keynote lunch is being reimagined as a fashion show for a bold new experience.
“The idea of the fashion show is to provide our distributor attendees the opportunity to be inspired by curated collections of the coolest new apparel options,” says Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, MAS, director of professional development at PPAI. “There’s always a big difference from seeing a product in a catalog or even on a hanger, but when it’s truly stylized, it comes to life.”
Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, MAS
Director of Professional Development, PPAI
The Association is also introducing The PPAI Expo Exchange, a hosted distributor program connecting participating companies with qualified distributor executives through a two-day, scheduled meeting program.
But that’s not all: PPAI currently offers four communities – DEI, Technology, Women in Promo and Young Professionals – with dedicated on-site meetups for each. This year, the Association will launch three additional communities, resulting in three new on-site meetup opportunities at The PPAI Expo 2027.
“Every improvement we’re making is centered around reducing friction and creating a better experience for both attendees and exhibitors,” says Van Der Stuyf. “While some of the changes may feel simple on the surface, they’re all intentional and designed to create a strong experience year after year. Beyond that, our goal is continuing to create unexpected moments of delight, because learning, networking and growing your business should also be fun.”
Fan Favorites
Along with the debut of new features, The PPAI Expo 2027 will see the return of popular event staples. The Pitch, a combination of Shark Tank and The Voice that sees exhibiting suppliers attempt to impress a lineup of discerning judges, has been a smash hit for the past four years. The live event is back in 2027 on Monday from 3:45-4:45 p.m., with new suppliers showing off some of the most innovative products in the industry.
Immediately following The Pitch is the opening reception of The PPAI Expo 2027 at Skyfall Panoramic Bar & Lounge, where unforgettable views will set the stage for meaningful connections with fellow merch pros. Enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres and great conversation as our community comes together for an evening of networking and celebration. Tickets are $50 each through December 3. (Must be 21 or older to attend.)
Promo & Pints is also returning to The PPAI Expo. This beer garden is located on the trade show floor and is a place for attendees to meet with clients and network with colleagues. Seating is open anytime the show floor is open, and wine and beer will be served to keep the fun going.
Ashley Van Der Stuyf
Sr. Manager of Events & Expositions, PPAI
Night Life
The PPAI Expo Party 2027 brings the industry together for an incredible night at Grand Prix Plaza, Home of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, located inside the Las Vegas Grand Prix Pit Building. On Wednesday, January 13, from 6:30- 10 p.m., attendees will enjoy food, beverages and exclusive access to immersive attractions including F1 X, F1 Hub and F1 simulators.
Roundtrip shuttles from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center make getting there easy, and the venue’s dynamic atmosphere sets the stage for a celebration unlike anything we’ve hosted before. Whether you’re reconnecting with colleagues, making new connections or simply taking in the experience, this is your chance to celebrate an incredible week with excitement, momentum and the full power of our community.
“I’m incredibly excited about what’s ahead, especially our new PPAI Expo Party venue, which attendees are going to love,” Van Der Stuyf says. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone for an event that’s both impactful and a lot of fun.”
Register Now
Don’t wait any longer – register and book your trip to The PPAI Expo 2027 right now.
PPAI member distributors may have registration fees waived based on membership tier. It’s $50 per person for additional registrants.
Qualified nonmember distributors may access the exhibits and conference for $250 per person if they register by December 3, and $350 per person after that date. Members of industry regional associations but not PPAI can receive a code from their executive director for a discounted rate.
Suppliers and business services providers who are members but not exhibiting will be charged $750 per person for access to the exhibit hall but may attend The PPAI Expo Conference for no additional cost.
Nonmember, nonexhibiting suppliers and business services providers aren’t permitted to attend The PPAI Expo 2027.
