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

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Alok from PPAI to unpack the latest research and insights shaping the promotional products industry heading into 2026.

They discuss key economic trends, growth opportunities, and the challenges suppliers and distributors can expect in the coming year — from inflation and tariffs to AI-driven efficiency and the rising demand for sustainable products.

You’ll also learn which product categories are leading the way, how technology is transforming buyer expectations, and what upcoming policy changes could impact the promo space.

Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, or industry enthusiast, this episode will help you navigate what’s next for promo with clarity and confidence.

🎧 Topics Covered:

2026 economic outlook and industry growth

Top product categories and buyer trends

Sustainability and ESG’s growing influence

AI, personalization, and automation in promo

Tariffs, compliance, and workforce legislation updates

📈 Stay informed and get ahead of the curve with this insightful discussion!

🍫 In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook chats with David Miller of NC Custom about one of the sweetest segments in the promotional products industry, food promos!

David shares how his family business evolved from a small chocolate manufacturer into one of the top suppliers in the industry, creating everything from custom-shaped mints to gourmet chocolates and branded gift sets. Discover why food remains one of the most powerful (and underused) promotional tools, how distributors can tap into the opportunity, and how personalization and packaging can make food gifts truly unforgettable.

You’ll also hear fun stories, like the time they made a pastrami-flavored mint, and how one simple conversation led to a $500,000 order.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your brand more memorable, or just love hearing about creative marketing ideas that taste as good as they look, this episode’s for you.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about NC Custom at nccustom.com and explore more promo insights at SAGEworld.com/podcast.

🌍 In this episode of Promo Perspectives, Nicole Cook sits down with David and Scott from PromoCares to talk about their inspiring Water4Good initiative. Learn how the promotional products industry is coming together to fund clean water towers around the world, impacting communities, schools, and supply chain regions where access to safe water is limited.

From the origins of PromoCares to the ripple effects of clean water on health, education, and opportunity, this conversation highlights the power of social purpose in business. You’ll hear stories from on-the-ground deployments in places like Vietnam and Mexico, the role of suppliers and distributors in driving change, and how anyone in the industry (or beyond) can get involved.

💧 Discover how small actions, whether through products, campaigns, or direct support, can add up to life-changing impact.

👉 Learn more and get involved at PromoCares.org.

In this episode, we sit down with William Rubsamen, who runs marketing for a small business called Whirlix Design. William uses AI every day in his workflow, so we dive into:

✨ Our favorite AI tools

🚧 Common hurdles when getting started

⚖️ How to set responsible, ethical guidelines for using AI in your own business

Whether you’re curious about AI or already experimenting, this conversation is packed with practical tips and real-world insights you can apply right away.

🤖 What’s your gut feeling about AI? Is it the breakthrough that will take humanity to new heights? A powerful tool that works best with humans in control? A benevolent force (with great dental plans)? Or are you convinced Skynet is inevitable?

Welcome to Promo Perspectives, a live podcast presented by SAGE. Each episode delivers tips, tricks, and insights designed to help promotional products suppliers and distributors grow their businesses, while tackling the big conversations shaping our industry.