Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), Irving, Texas, recently presented its public affairs and government relations year in review for 2012.
“The focus for 2012 was on education and engaging members through L.E.A.D., the Product Safety Summit and development of healthcare reform resources,” says Paul Bellantone, president and CEO of PPAI. “Despite the lack of significant progress in Washington, D.C., PPAI took the opportunity to focus on developing the tools and resources PPAI members need to navigate the legislative and regulatory landscape. PPAI and its members developed deeper relationships with members of Congress, developed best practices to guide product regulatory requirements and created a tool to help members to precisely determine their responsibilities under healthcare reform.”
PPAI began 2013 with The PPAI Expo, which offered various product responsibility and government relations education and development opportunities. During the show, attendees participated in the first-ever product responsibility track, which featured nine sessions dedicated to discussion of a variety of federal regulations, “green” initiatives and product safety education.
The association also held its Promotional Products Work! Week Feb. 25-March 1. At the first-of-its-kind event, industry professionals shared ideas with legislators, politicians and government officials via special events, emails, blog posts and letters. The event served as a cornerstone for recognizing the importance of working with promotional products professionals, while creating awareness for promotional products as a powerful and effective advertising medium, according to the association.
Upcoming events include:
PPAI Legislative Educuation and Action Day (L.E.A.D.)
April 10-11
PPAI leadership and industry professionals will visit Washington, D.C., for the fourth annual PPAI Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.). Advocates will meet with senators, congressional representatives and their legislative staffs to discuss pending legislation and issues relevant to the promotional products industry.
Product Safety Summit
August 14-15
PPAI will host the third annual Product Safety Summit in Chicago in conjunction with the PPAI North American Leadership Conference (NALC). Led by an elite group of recognized industry leaders and product responsibility experts, the PPAI Product Safety Summit is the premier education and awareness event for the promotional products industry.
For more information, visit ppai.org. — L.M.
