PPAI Expo 2014 Marks Five-Year High in Attendee and Exhibitor Numbers

The PPAI Expo, the 53rd-largest trade show in the U.S., held Jan. 13 to 17 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, generated growth in both attendee and exhibitor participation in 2014. At a million square feet of exhibition and education space, PPAI Expo is the largest single gathering of suppliers, decorators, technology providers and distributors in the industry dedicated to showcasing new, "green" and made-in-the-USA products, decorating technology, motivational strategies, professional development and leadership and global access to the promotional products marketplace.

The Expo attracted a five-year high of nearly 11,500 attendees from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 34 countries, representing the fourth consecutive year of growth. Professional development and education session attendance also experienced significant increases. Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh’s general session had one of the largest crowds ever measured, with an overflow attendance of more than double the previous year.

“The PPAI Expo is widely recognized as the premier event in the promotional products industry,” said PPAI president and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE. “More than just the industry’s largest, longest-running and most successful trade show, it is the annual convention where tens of thousands of industry professionals come for professional development, volunteer leadership, networking, product sourcing, market growing and relationship building. The 2014 Expo met the mark and delivered an exceptional experience. Attendees and exhibitors displayed an enthusiasm and optimism that I believe will propel our industry forward in 2014.”

“The PPAI Expo 2014 was the best in the last five years,” added Darel Cook, PPAI’s director of exhibitions. “With overall attendance up, standing-room only sessions, the most highly attended PPAI and SAGE Power Of Two party and the strong energy and buzz generated by the attendees, it was a great way to kick off the year.”

This year, significant growth was generated through an increase in promotional products suppliers, decorators and distributors, as well as the co-location of the Recognition Professionals International conference with PPAI’s brand. pavilion, a showcase of innovative products from well-known brands and newcomers alike. With the additional growth, exhibit and education space totaled more than 1.1 million square feet, more than 1,400 exhibiting companies in more than 3,250 booths.