How Suppliers Win with PPAI Insights from Josh Ellis

What does it really take for a supplier to stand out in the promotional products industry?In this powerful episode of The Supplier Promo Playbook, hosts Adrienne Barker, Lisa Fosdick, and Kimberly Ballerene sit down with Josh Ellis, Senior Director of Media, Research, and Public Affairs at Promotional Products Association International, to unpack what suppliers of every size need to know about branding, research, networking, education, advocacy, and building real momentum in today’s evolving branded merchandise world.Josh shares eye-opening statistics, behind-the-scenes insight into PPAI’s research, the real value of industry awards, why suppliers often focus on the wrong things at Expo, and how smaller brands can punch far above their weight.If you are a supplier curious, scaling, or trying to build your brand inside promo, this episode is packed with practical gold.In this episode:✔ Why PPAI has nearly 15,000 members ✔ What smaller suppliers often get wrong at Expo ✔ Why branding consistency matters more than booth location ✔ How awards can create instant credibility ✔ What younger buyers really want from branded merchandise ✔ Why “promotional products” may be becoming “branded merchandise” ✔ How suppliers can use PPAI research to make smarter decisions ✔ The power of advocacy through LEAD in Washington DC5 Key Takeaways1. Stop obsessing over booth location. Josh made it clear… your presentation, conversations, and follow-up matter more than aisle placement.2. PPAI is much bigger than Expo Education, networking, leadership events, advocacy, research, and awards all create opportunities.3. Smaller suppliers can absolutely win Josh shared that newer companies are making major industry lists by focusing on innovation and visibility.4. Personalization increases product retention Products with names, initials, and meaningful customization stay longer in buyers’ hands.5. Branded merchandise is evolving The industry is moving beyond “promo products” toward a broader branding conversation.Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: Connect With the Hosts Follow Lisa Fosdick, Adrienne Barker, and Kim Ballerene on LinkedIn for more supplier success strategies and behind-the-scenes insights.Reach out:Kimberly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlymillerballerene/Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-fosdick/Adrienne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennebarkermas/