PPAM Increases Fall Show Attendance

How to re-energize a show while doubling attendance? That was the question facing the PPAM (Promotional Products Association of the Midwest) board. After a decline in show attendance, this year PPAM offered distributors and suppliers the opportunity to meet in Kansas City and St. Louis for a Fall Holiday Showcase highlighting items to use in the upcoming holiday selling season. The Kansas City show attracted 161 people versus last’s year attendance of 58; and St. Louis had 186 in attendance versus last’s year attendance of 91.

To generate interest in the shows, suppliers were offered cash prizes for the best decorated booth while distributors were entered into a drawing for a laptop computer (valued at $850). Furthermore, this was the first year free education classes were offered before the opening of the show. Bren Clevenger-Ori with PPAI presented on “Generational Marketing,” where attendees learned how to market to different generations and what generational preferences involved.

Wendy Franklin, PPAM president, said, “Our goals for this year were to increase attendance and make sure all of our suppliers enjoyed the shows. Based on feedback generated from our on-site supplier surveys, we accomplished our goals and more.”

For more information, visit www.ppam.org.

Related posts