The 2021 PPAI Expo will officially be all-virtual after the organization deemed it unsafe to host an in person event of that size during the COVID-19 pandemic. This past summer, PPAI chose not to hold Expo East in Atlantic City, N.J., as the facility was being used in case the area needed more hospital beds at the height of the pandemic.
PPAI will rebrand this year’s event as “PPAI Expo Direct-2-You.”
“With the transition to a virtual live event, we can deliver a unique experience to connect our members globally, give more people the opportunity to view new, trending products, expand their knowledge with exclusive education sessions, network with their promotional products community and make lasting business connections,” PPAI president and CEO Paul Bellantone said in a statement. “This unprecedented time has generated an amazing amount of creativity and collaboration in business, and PPAI is responding in kind. Participants can expect the same quality and scope of event that has long been a distinguishing attribute of the PPAI Expo.”
The virtual setting will allow promotional products professionals who may not want to travel, are uncomfortable attending a large or event or are operating under travel restrictions from their company to see the show just like everyone else. The format might also appeal to a more global audience.
“While I will personally miss seeing everyone face-to-face, I’m excited about the transition to virtual because of the opportunity to reach the many members in our industry and around the world who would otherwise be unable to attend,” Bellantone added. “This format also provides savings and convenience to businesses by eliminating travel while including access to our expansive list of exhibitors and quality educational programming.”
As usual, Promo Marketing will provide daily coverage as we do every year from Las Vegas. So expect a week’s worth of interviews, features, analysis, podcasts and more, just like previous years.
The PPAI Expo Direct-2-You will be held Jan. 11-14, with PPAI set to release more details in the coming weeks. Bellantone confirmed that the association does plan to hold the 2022 event as scheduled in Las Vegas.
