Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), Irving, Texas, announced at The PPAI Expo that the association has surpassed the 16,000-member mark.
“During this period of PPAI’s exceptional growth, the association ensured its top priority—our members—benefited from this success by creating member value through special programs, benefits and partnerships like the Power of Two with SAGE,” said Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI president and CEO. “Reaching the 16,000-member mark is a special accomplishment for PPAI, and I am excited about the growth opportunities that lie ahead. Together we continue to fulfill our shared mission of delivering essential knowledge, resources and community to ensure the success of our members and the industry.”
“Our association continues to be ahead of the curve because promotional products are the only advertising medium where people actually say, “thank you”, said Brittany David, MAS, chair of the PPAI Board. “There is so much value to being a PPAI member, and we are working hard through messaging and advertising to ensure our Association is thought of as a strong medium and not just a hidden treasure.”
Distributor E The Center of Marketing, headquartered in Alamonte Springs, Florida, was recognized as the 16,000th member during this year’s PPAI Expo. Principal Eric Bernhardt joined PPAI onsite while attending the show. The PPAI Expo has been ranked in the top tier of the Trade Show Executive’s TSE Gold 100 since the ranker’s inception in 2007.
“This is my first year at the PPAI show,” said Bernhardt. “I was at another industry show and asked a friend about the Expo and they told me how much bigger it was than anything else in the industry. I’ve discovered so many exhibitors here that I’ve never seen before! I liked what I saw and what PPAI offers, and I decided to become a member. For me, it’s all about making my business more efficient. It’s the key.”
PPAI continues to grow at a rapid pace, as the organization reached the 15,000-member mark just two years ago. For more information, visit www.ppai.org.