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We started spring in style—safari hats, vests, and binoculars ready to spot the next big thing. You guessed it: Promo Safari Tacoma! What a fun and energizing kickoff to another great season in promo.
In this issue, you’ll find a recap from Tacoma, upcoming shows across the Northwest, advocacy updates, industry news, and more ways to learn, connect, and stay engaged.
Thanks for being part of the NWPMA community—we’re glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to see you at the next Promo Safari stop in Boise on May 21.
| | Thank You for Joining Us in Tacoma! | | |
Promo Safari Tacoma delivered exactly what we hope for each year—fresh product inspiration, great conversations, and a fun day of connecting with our industry friends.
After an epic networking party at Seven Seas, we kicked off show day with The Field Guide to High-Performance Habits led by JQ and spent the rest of the day spotting the next big things across the show floor. From new ideas and standout products to reconnecting with familiar faces and making new connections, Tacoma was such a fun stop on our Promo Safari.
Our favorite part, as always, was the people. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Tacoma and helped make the day such a success. Special thanks as well to our generous sponsors, and congrats to our Promo Safari Grand Prize winners—Janey, Amber, and Raylene!
Next stop: Boise on May 21. Register today and join us on our Promo Safari—we can’t wait to see you there!
| | Help Bring the Northwest’s Voice to LEAD 2026 | | |
As LEAD 2026 approaches, our Northwest representatives are gathering short member stories to help bring real perspectives to the table. Lawmakers hear statistics all the time, but what makes a difference are real stories from real businesses.
LEAD (Legislative Education and Action Day) brings industry professionals together with lawmakers to advocate for the promo industry and share how policy decisions directly affect our businesses.
| | | | | "What stood out most to me at LEAD last year was how hungry people were for real examples, real businesses, real challenges, and real solutions. Being part of those conversations made it clear how valuable it is to get involved and contribute your perspective. LEAD isn’t just about learning; it’s about shaping the direction of our industry together." - Jen Gangwish, NWPMA Vice President & CEO at College Hill | | |
Share Your Story—Helpful examples can include how tariffs or trade policy affect costs and sourcing, how inconsistent state rules create compliance challenges, or how branded merch has supported a public or community initiative.
Submit your story before our representatives head to the Hill on April 21. Thank you for helping bring the Northwest’s voice to these conversations.
| | | Upcoming Shows - Save the Date! | | |
Ideas & Inspiration Tour - WA
Apr 21, 2026 | 10 AM - 2 PM
Embassy Suites SeaTac
Seattle, WA
Complimentary Parking
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Ideas & Inspiration Tour - OR
Apr 23, 2026 | 10 AM - 2 PM
Holiday Inn Portland Columbia Riverfront
Portland, OR
Complimentary Parking
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Rep's Idea Showcase - WA
May 19, 2026 | 10 AM - 2 PM
DoubleTree Spokane City Center
Spokane, WA
Free to Attend • Free to Bring Clients
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NWPMA Promo Safari - ID
May 21, 2026 | 10 AM - 2 PM
The Riverside Hotel, Boise, ID
Free to Attend • Free to Bring Clients
Networking Party & Complimentary Parking
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"Solopreneur Circus - Branding, Tools, & Tactics"
April 29, 2026, at 9:30 AM PT
Running a one-person business can feel like a three-ring circus: you’re the CEO, marketing manager, salesperson, admin, and janitor – all while you’re trying to build a brand that truly stands out.
Bill Petrie, Founder & Creative Director of brandivate and longtime solopreneur, will pull back the curtain on what it takes to build a brand that matters without dropping all the balls you’re juggling.
Through humor and real-life experiences, you’ll see firsthand how to make your brand anything you want it to be, and make that vision a reality.
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Cliff Quicksell, MAS+, MASI
Quicksell Speaks
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"Sales Feed Egos, Profits Feed Families. Why Selling at the Highest Possible Margins is Your First Responsibility"
May 12, 2026, at 9:30 AM PT
Too many salespeople chase revenue while ignoring the one metric that truly sustains a business: profit. In this session, Cliff challenges the industry’s obsession with price and volume, revealing why protecting margin is a professional responsibility and a critical part of long-term success. He will also explore how low-margin selling can quietly undermine growth, weaken client expectations, and put unnecessary strain on the business. Attendees will learn how to position value, defend pricing, and sell with confidence.
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"The First 90 Days - What I Learned Jumping into a Sales Leadership Role "
May 21, 2026, at 9 AM MDT
Aspen Room at Riverside Hotel
2900 W Chinden Blvd, Boise, ID
Stepping into a VP of Sales role comes with immediate pressure to deliver results, build trust, and make the right decisions quickly.
In this session, Ashley Colautti will share what she learned in her first 90 days, inspired by Michael D. Watkins’ The First 90 Days. From building data-driven strategies to hiring the right team and showing up as a confident leader, this session is a practical playbook for anyone stepping into a new role.
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Ashley Colautti
Spector & Co
Don’t miss Ashley’s keynote session—
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PRAG Regulatory Roundup
PPAI’s latest update highlights ongoing regulatory changes affecting product compliance and safety standards across the industry. Read More
New Data Reinforces the Value of Branded Merchandise
ASI’s newly released research continues to reinforce the effectiveness of branded merchandise, showing strong consumer impact, long-term brand recall, and one of the lowest costs per impression compared to other advertising methods. Read More
Washington Invests in Grid Resilience Across 32 Counties
Washington State Commerce recently announced more than $60 million in clean energy and grid resilience investments across 32 counties, supporting projects designed to strengthen local power systems, improve reliability, and lower energy costs. Read More
| | Please join us in welcoming our newest Supplier Member! | | Secret Swig brings a fun, innovative twist to drinkware with its portable silicone flask design made for concerts, events, and on-the-go use. Our NWPMA President, Nicole Stachowicz, MAS, MASI, recently connected with Codie Cartwright from Secret Swig in a Supplier Live to learn more about their playful product line. Watch our YouTube Channel | | | | | |
Mentorship with PromoKitchen
If you’d love a go-to promo pro for real-world advice, fresh ideas, and a little extra momentum, PromoKitchen is a great place to start. With more than 1,000 mentor-mentee pairings, their mentorship program continues to create meaningful connections across the promo community.
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Have you renewed your membership? Renewing your NWPMA membership helps you grow your network, unlock valuable savings and scholarship opportunities, and stay connected to education, mentorship, volunteer, and advocacy opportunities that support both your growth and the broader promo community.
Questions? Reach out anytime to our Executive Director, Shay Murphy at shay@nwpma.org.
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Boost your visibility! Put your brand in front of NWPMA members with newsletter ads, website placements, and social media spotlights—easy, effective ways to stay top-of-mind throughout the year.
If you're interested and would like more details, please email shay@nwpma.org
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