From Maine to Chesapeake and NYC to Harrisburg we had you covered! The Chesapeake Promotional Products Association (CPPA), New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA), Philadelphia Area Promotional Products Association (PAPPA), and Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) are proud to announce the success of their first annual Power of District “1” Shows collaboration which was held January 24-27 with over 500 distributor attendees.
CPPA, NEPPA, PAPPA, and SAAGNY, all members of District 1’s regional association community, have worked together to foster communication and cooperation between their associations and their community of members. Each day of the week a different regional hosted a thought-provoking educational component which featured Cliff Quicksell, MAS+. Cliff was able to share his expertise and enthusiasm for the Promotional Product industry with over 200 attendees throughout the week. One distributor remarked, "As always, Cliff brings an amazing level of energy and insight to his topic. Very enjoyable and thought provoking!"
NEPPA began the week hosting its first ever Winter Expo in Rocky Hill, CT. Loren Cayer, CAS, NEPPA President and Show Chair, was very pleased with the turnout, stating, “This first ever show was extremely well supported and a tremendous success. The energy was spectacular, and it was clear people were happy to be back together again rekindling those Distributor/Supplier partnerships and friendships.”
Adding to the show experience, NEPPA Cares held a Winter Warm-up Food Drive and was thrilled to make a generous donation along with several boxes of food and helpful items to the Connecticut Food Bank.
Cayer further noted, “Being part of the Power of District “1” Shows week was a terrific experience. 2022 stands to be a tremendous year for Regionals and we’re excited to continue our partnership. Uniting to ensure our future is secure will be a priority and in the best interest of current and future members.”
Dan Edge, SAAGNY Director, remarked “These regional shows, whether ours or others, are truly the best way to get in front of people right now (speaking from a supplier’s point of view). And I have to imagine from a distributors view, it’s a great way to see and touch products, which is so valuable. With fewer people in offices and doing in person meetings, these smaller shows are a safe and inviting environment to meet.”
SAAGNY President, Rachel Levin, further noted, “Since the beginning term of my position as the President of SAAGNY, it has always been a mission to work closely, collaborate, and connect with our fellow regionals. We all share the same goals which are focused on our members. The first annual Power of District “1” Shows is just the beginning where we combine resources, values, and communities that will allow us to connect and share best practices amongst the Northeast geographical region of our industry.”
PAPPA was very pleased to take part in the Power of District “1” Show week. Celebrating our 50th Anniversary this year, PAPPA past presidents and members attended a pre-show Cocktail Reception on January 25. According to PAPPA President Staci Whittington, “The show was busy from the “get go” on January 26 with a line of distributors checking in when the doors opened and staying for the whole show.” There were 141 distributors in attendance and several prizes were given away in recognition of the 50th Anniversary. Staci also noted, “PAPPA shifted to a three-hour show model from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in 2021 and this has kept the shows busy from beginning to end.”
In the spirit of giving back, PAPPA members also provided a van-full of product and clothing donations to the Mitzvah Circle Foundation to help those in need in the Philadelphia area.
“I was delighted to be part of this great collaboration on two fronts, one as President of CPPA, and second, the traveling speaker at each of the four shows. The excitement of ALL the attendees, suppliers and marketing professionals was so encouraging to see. People are so ready to back to business and it showed by the high-attendance rates and positive engagement. I am so proud of ALL the Executive Directors and fellow presidents who had the foresight to put this great event together. Job Well-Done”, noted Cliff Quicksell, MAS+.
Stay tuned for the dates for the 2023 Power of District “1” Shows Tour!