Every January, thousands of distributors, suppliers, and industry leaders converge in Las Vegas for the PPAI Expo. In an industry that has rapidly digitized—online catalogs, virtual mockups, instant quoting—it’s fair to ask why an in-person trade show still matters.
The short answer: because promotional products are still a tactile, relationship-driven business. And the PPAI Expo remains the most efficient place in the year to experience that reality at scale.
For New Distributors: Context, Confidence, and Speed
For newer distributors, PPAI Expo functions as an industry crash course. In just a few days, attendees can:
-
See the full range of what’s possible in modern promo—from basic giveaways to premium retail-quality goods
-
Learn how top suppliers price, produce, and customize products
-
Build face-to-face relationships that would otherwise take months of emails and samples
Walking the floor accelerates learning. You don’t just hear what differentiates one supplier from another—you see it, feel it, and ask questions in real time.
For Established Distributors: Signal Over Noise
Veteran distributors aren’t attending to “discover promo.” They’re there to:
-
Spot emerging product trends before clients ask for them
-
Recalibrate supplier relationships and meet new leadership teams
-
Identify products that justify higher margins and repeat orders
In a crowded digital landscape, the show helps separate long-term partners from transactional vendors. It’s where quality, service, and execution become obvious.
Why In-Person Still Wins
Promo products live or die on feel, finish, weight, and usability—details that don’t translate well through screens. PPAI Expo allows distributors to evaluate products the same way their clients ultimately will. That makes recommendations stronger, pitches more confident, and outcomes more successful.
What the Brand Section Is — and Why It Matters
Within PPAI Expo, the Brand Section (often referred to as the Brand Pavilion) highlights suppliers who operate closer to consumer and retail brands. These companies focus on:
-
Elevated design and materials
-
Brand-forward customization
-
Products intended to be kept, reused, and associated with quality
For distributors, this area is especially valuable when sourcing for premium gifting programs, corporate events, incentives, hospitality, and brand activations where “cheap” is not an option.
Why Visit Riviera Towel & Gift Co.
At Riviera Towel & Gift Co., we exhibit in the Brand Section because that’s where our products belong. We specialize in premium Turkish towels, blankets, robes, and bags that are:
-
Retail-quality and sustainably made
-
Designed for real use, not drawers
-
Customized in ways that elevate—not overwhelm—your client’s brand
If you’re attending PPAI Expo, stop by our booth to see what high-ROI, high-quality promo actually looks and feels like—and to have a straightforward conversation about how better product leads to better results.
Sometimes, the most valuable thing a trade show offers is a reminder: good promo still starts with good product.
