Featuring: Jessica Del Rio, Director of Trade Shows & Events, and Halayne Noah, Trade Show Coordinator at SAGE Hosted by Nicole Cook

Ever wonder what it actually takes to prepare for a trade show as massive as The PPAI Expo? In this episode, we take you behind the scenes with the SAGE team responsible for bringing it all to life.

Jessica and Halayne share: ✔ When Expo planning really starts ✔ How shipping, booth builds, electrical, union rules, and deadlines all come together ✔ The most common surprises new exhibitors never expect ✔ Tips to avoid costly mistakes ✔ What makes a trade show booth stand out today ✔ Their most rewarding moments from the show floor ✔ Why documentation, checklists, and backup plans are everything

Whether you’re an exhibitor preparing for your first show or a seasoned pro looking to tighten up your strategy, this episode gives you a practical and highly entertaining look at the process.

👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes of Promo Perspectives! 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode, Nicole sits down with Ellen Tucker of PPAI for an inside look at the promotional products industry’s biggest event of the year: The PPAI Expo.

Whether you're a first-time attendee or an industry veteran, this conversation is packed with insights on how to navigate the show, make the most of your time, and understand why Expo remains the heartbeat of the promo industry.

Ellen shares: ✔ What makes The PPAI Expo unique ✔ Why planning ahead is the key to surviving (and loving) the show ✔ How attendees can maximize connections, education, and product discovery ✔ Behind-the-scenes details on how a massive event like Expo is designed and executed ✔ Sneak peeks at new activations—including the Expo Exchange and returning fan-favorites like The Pitch

Nicole also reflects on her first Expo experience, offering advice for newcomers (hint: wear comfortable shoes and make a walk list!).

If you’re attending The PPAI Expo—or simply want to understand why it’s such a defining event for the promo world—this episode is for you.

🎟 Haven’t registered yet? Get all the details at ppai.org.

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, Senior Manager of Professional Development at PPAI, to explore the future of continuing education in the promotional products industry.

Jessica shares her passion for learning and innovation—discussing how PPAI is modernizing education through modular learning, certifications, micro-credentials, and interactive workshops that meet today’s diverse learning styles. She also dives into PPAI Advance, the organization’s revamped professional development program, and offers insights on how continuing education empowers professionals, strengthens companies, and elevates the entire promo industry.

🎓 Topics Covered:

The role of ongoing education in advancing the promo industry

How learning styles are evolving in 2025 and beyond

PPAI Advance and its “choose your own journey” certification model

Collaboration between PPAI and other associations

The future of professional development and education outreach

💡 Whether you’re new to promo or a seasoned pro, this episode offers practical insights into how education is shaping the next generation of industry leaders.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with industry experts and innovators shaping the future of promo!

#PromotionalProducts #PPAI #ProfessionalDevelopment #PromoPerspectives #ContinuingEducation #MarketingEducation #IndustryPodcast