With a full slate of events spanning education, networking, celebrations, and nationally recognized entertainment during PPAI Expo 2026, iPROMOTEu reinforced why its Affiliate-first approach and continued investment in community set it apart within the promotional products industry. The organization’s presence throughout the week reflected both the strength of its network and its commitment to helping distributors across North America thrive.
Ahead of the show, iPROMOTEu generated excitement by sending Affiliates a pre-show mailer featuring branded merchandise from Ariel Premium Supply, Hit Promotional Products, HPG Brands, iClick, LogoIncluded, and PCNA. The gifts introduced iPROMOTEu’s Full Speed Ahead theme and set the tone for a week of high-energy, community-driven events.
“PPAI Expo establishes the direction for the year ahead in a way few events can,” said Lori Bauer, Chief Executive Officer of iPROMOTEu. “It brings together the full scope of innovation, education, and relationships in the industry at a moment when our Affiliates are focused on momentum and planning. For iPROMOTEu, PPAI Expo is the ideal opportunity to align our community, share ideas, and start the year with clarity and purpose.”
The week began Monday, January 12, with iPROMOTEu Affiliate committees convening between PPAI education workshops to discuss plans and strategy for the year ahead. A highlight of the day was the annual Canadian Affiliate Networking Hour at Rí Rá Irish Pub. The invitation-only gathering brought Canadian Affiliates together to enhance connections, exchange perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations focused on the unique considerations facing distributors operating in Canada.
Following a kick-off session led by Bauer, iPROMOTEu COO Joe Hoffmann, and iPROMOTEu SVP of Affiliate Sales and Support Dave Saracino, Affiliates participated in a collaborative roundtable discussion. During the From Box to Brainstorm: Building Campaigns Together session, each table received a mystery box filled with products from top suppliers to spark creative thinking around campaigns, target industries, and innovative product applications. The hands-on activity energized participants and helped shape how they approached the show floor when it opened on Tuesday.
Education continued throughout the week with sessions highlighting updates and insights on iPROMOTEu’s comprehensive suite of services designed to help Affiliates work smarter and scale more efficiently. Exclusive presentations from Jeremy Lott, President & CEO of SanMar; Frank Carpentino, President & CEO of Gemline; Drew Holmgreen, President & CEO of PPAI; and the team from SAGE throughout the week reinforced iPROMOTEu’s commitment to delivering targeted, actionable education.
Beyond education, iPROMOTEu’s events also celebrated excellence across its community. Recognition moments included the Elite 100 Reception at SBAR, Affiliate and Supplier Awards luncheons, and awards presented during the A Woman’s View networking event. Together, these gatherings honored top-performing businesses, valued partners, and influential leaders, underscoring iPROMOTEu’s belief that celebrating achievement strengthens both connection and performance across the industry.
“All our events are designed with purpose,” said Dave Saracino, Senior Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Support at iPROMOTEu. “We believe bringing people together outside of meetings creates a deeper sense of community. Seeing our Affiliates genuinely enjoy being together is what makes PPAI Expo so special for us.”
The week also featured engaging off-site experiences, including the iPROMOTEu Welcome Party at Brooklyn Bowl, where music, conversation, and camaraderie took center stage. That momentum carried into the highly anticipated Thank You Reception. The invitation-only evening honored iPROMOTEu’s preferred supplier partners and was headlined by Billboard chart-topping country duo LOCASH. Known for #1 hits including “I Know Somebody,” “One Big Country Song,” and “Hometown Home,” LOCASH delivered a high-energy set that transformed the reception into a concert-level experience and generated widespread buzz.
“Investing in memorable experiences like the performance by LOCASH reflects how iPROMOTEu views community as a priority, not an afterthought,” Bauer said. “Strong relationships are a business advantage, and creating opportunities for our network to connect in meaningful ways is fundamental to the long-term success of our Affiliates.”
“So blessed to be part of the iPROMOTEu family. It truly makes attending the PPAI Expo an exceptional experience,” said Naomi Bodway, a long-standing iPROMOTEu Affiliate. “I can’t imagine working the show without the iPROMOTEu support and resources. From the camaraderie and exchange of ideas to the attention we receive on the show floor, to the opportunity to learn from the industry’s most respected leaders—it’s all invaluable. Add in the fun and food shared together, the helpful staff, and the creative, fun events each night, it’s clear just how special this community is…and it all reminds me of why I’m so grateful to do this work alongside such an incredible group of people.”