September 2023

A Message From Our PPAMidwest President......

 

PPAMidwest Members,

 

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Ok, well maybe it is a little too early for that, unless you visit your local retailer! But summer has now come to an end, the kids are all back in school and that means it is time for a show! The incredible board of PPAMidwest truly understands the importance of successful shows for our members and we absolutely love bringing you two amazing shows each year. It’s time for the Fall Showcase and we know you will be thrilled by this year’s fall shows, which will be packed with incredible exhibitors, education opportunities thanks to PPAI, and wonderful chances to reconnect and plan for the holiday season. It is my sincere hope that as we are heading into Fall, each of you are continuing to SPRING forward with great successes and new opportunities.


Don’t forget to mark your calendars:

  • Our Fall Showcase dates are set for September 26th in Overland Park, KS and September 28th in St. Louis.
  • Our annual holiday parties will be held on November 29th at Pinstripes in Overland Park, KS and November 30th at Trainwreck Saloon Westport in St. Louis. 


I remain humbled to serve as your President and am looking forward to seeing all of you in person soon. Please reach out directly to me with your comments, questions, or just to chat and don’t forget to share your stories. I can be reached via email at dennis.oglesby@go2partners.com


Yours in Service,


Dennis Oglesby, MAS

2023 PPAMidwest President

September 12, 2023 Tuesday Learning Lab: "Seven Reasons Why Marketing Fails and Ways to Prevent Them"


This seminar will uncover the seven major reasons why marketing fails, and most importantly we will discuss how to prevent those failures. What are some of the things that you need to be looking at? How can you identify those issues long before they take hold and become too difficult to uproot? You have this amazing opportunity now to analyze your marketing efforts and get on the right path to success. Not only that but this seminar will also help you when you’re out speaking with your clients and prospects so you can help them to identify areas where they may need improvement.



Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding the Seven Marketing Fails
  • Prevention Methods to Ensure your Marketing Does NOT Fail
  • Building a Sound Message and Markeitng Protocol
  • Helping Themselves, AND Their Clients Have Better Outcomes
  • Determine Client's Needs, Wants, and Desires


Read more and register

Mark your calendars and register to attend our
upcoming Fall Holiday Showcase!
 
Don't miss this year's Fall Holiday Showcase which will be held in
both Kansas City and St. Louis. Our annual end user friendly tabletop
show format will be at two fun and unique locations that you
and your customers are sure to love!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
The Fiorella's
9000 West 137th Street
Overland Park, KS 66221

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
The Foundry Arts Centre
520 North Main Center
St. Charles, MO 63301

Exhibits Open: 10 am - 1pm

Register to exhibit or attend today!
 For event details and registration links, click here

September 27, 2023 Wild Wednesday Webinar: "2023 State of the Industry from ASI"


The 2023 State of the Industry will provide a comprehensive overview of the promo industry’s most pressing issues along with strategies for success and the latest sales, product, and market trends. Bring your questions for Nate and Sara!

 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Issues impacting Promo
  • Recent sales, product, and market trends
  • Predictions for Q4 and beyond. 


Read more and register

PPAMidwest News

American Solutions for Business Hosts Annual Summit in Lake Tahoe, CA

Glenwood, MN Vantage American Solutions for Business hosted their annual American Summit in Lake Tahoe, CA last week. Top ASB sales associates from around the country gathered for this yearly recognition of their achievements over the last year. The Summit event is complete with morning and afternoon supplier sessions across two days, and supplier-sponsored socials in the evening.

 

“What a beautiful location and collection of individuals to have at this year’s Summit,” expressed Larry Zavadil, ASB Founder & CEO. “I never get tired of seeing the hugs from people meeting for the first time, or reuniting for the 20th time. I’m excited to see the new connections that blossom from the networking from last week.”

 

The annual charity effort that is included in the 3-day event featured “Keep Tahoe Blue”, a nonprofit whose mission is to protect and restore the environmental health, sustainability and scenic beauty of the Lake Tahoe Basin. With a goal of $5,000, event attendees were able to begin donating weeks before the event, and were once again able to double their goal and raise $10,000.

 

“The dedication of our teams, sales associates, and supplier partners is evident in each Summit event that we host,” explained VP of Marketing, Vendor Relations & Events, Dana Zezzo. “To each person who had a hand in making this the highest-attended Summit in ASB history, we want to say, ‘Thank you!’”

Les Love Joins Arch Promo Group


St. Louis, MO Arch Promo Group recently announced the appointment of Les Love, CAS as Midwestern Sales Manager. Love’s responsibilities include meeting and supporting regional distributors throughout the Midwest, introducing the Arch Family of Brands to all and attending industry events. “Meeting our distributor friends on their turf, doing everything possible to support their position as creative resources for their customers and helping them grow their business and profits is at the top of my list,” says Love.


Steven Meyer, Arch Promo Group's National Sales Manager, reports that Love’s new responsibilities are another example of change and growth with Arch. “His 17 years of experience as a distributor sets him apart from most supplier reps and his understanding of the distributor side of the business makes his voice valuable,” Meyer adds.


“As we continue to grow, adding new suppliers and focusing on US made/decorated product yet happily NOT mashing everyone into one way of doing business, we’re finding out that both our new brands as well as their long time loyal customers appreciate and feel great about joining or working with Arch,” Meyer states. 

Looking for Talent? Looking for a New Position?


Did You Know We Have a Job Board?


PPAMidwest Members may submit job openings or job search listings to be posted on the PPAMidwest website and in the PPAMidwest monthly newsletter. Please visit https://ppam.org/Job-Postings to view current listings or for the requirements to submit a listing.

Want to earn points and join in on the fun?
Simply complete the easy request form to have your points credited
for the activities you participate in. For live events and activities, your attendance will automatically be recorded and points assigned, provided you are an active member of PPAMidwest. For recorded webinars, referrals and completion of PPAI Certifications or renewals, simply complete the easy request form to have your points credited.
It is that simple! (click on above image for more information).

Industry News

PPAI 2023 Rising Stars

PPAI Newslink

PPAI Announces the 2023 Rising Stars

 

The most difficult judging process in competition history has wrapped, and PPAI Media is finally ready to announce the promotional products industry’s Rising Stars of 2023.

 

This year, more than 170 nominees vied for PPAI Rising Stars honors – a record for the annual contest, which began in 2010 and has recognized nearly 200 past recipients. A number of past winners have gone on to C-level roles, PPAI Board of Directors positions and even internet celebrity status.

 

These 12 emerging leaders were chosen based on their accomplishments, demonstrated leadership and volunteerism in the marketplace and their communities.


Meet The 2023 PPAI Rising Stars

The Best Ways To Successfully Begin Prospecting Calls

Mike Brooks  PPAI PromoPro Daily Founder of Mr. Inside Sales Consulting and Training Firm


Research shows it can take eight attempts before reaching a prospect.

 

Just a few years ago, it took about four attempts. People are busy and aren’t willing to give their time to just anyone. That’s why it’s more important than ever to distinguish yourself from all the other sales reps out there.


Mike Brooks, the founder of Mr. Inside Sales, says you only have a few precious seconds to capture a prospect’s attention and make them want to continue the conversation, so it’s always best to make the most of your opportunity to establish a connection. Read More

2024 PPAI Expo

January 15 -18, 2024 - Las Vegas, NV

Badge Registration & Housing Are Now Open


Set your business up for a year of success by attending the 2024 PPAI Expo. Exhibits will be open January 16-18, 2024 with The PPAI Expo Conference on January 15, 2024.


Get the updated information you need regarding the Expo Experience as well as links to register to attend or exhibit at https://expo.ppai.org. PPAI Member Distributors may register to attend at no charge if you register before 12/7/23. PPAMidwest Distributor Members that are not members of PPAI may register to attend at a reduced fee by using our regional discount code which is: TKPpam24 (this code is case sensitive).

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