Leading not for profit trade bodies Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) and Bpma got together in Dallas, Texas in November to discuss and share initiatives that would benefit both organisations.  Gordon Glenister, Director General took time out to meet with key members of the U.S.-based PPAI management team. Commenting, Glenister stated – it has been a great experience and interesting to see how many similarities we share.  Promotional Products Week was a great success in the UK as it was in America.  However there is far more scope to make this considerably bigger.  Industry research is an essential part of driving the promotional message through to the end user and opportunities for global programmes are being considered.  The bpma launched its own Professional Development Programme, earlier this year on the back of the success generated by the PPAI Certification Programme.  Whilst the UK organisation is substantially smaller than its older US cousin, great strides have been made over the last few years to raise the profile of the promotional product. Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI president and Chief Executive Officer, stated – we have really enjoyed having Gordon over to see how a similar NFP Association works and what we can do to work more closely. There are many more similarities than differences between our organizations, particularly the focus on advocating for the promotional products industry and our professional practitioners.

Published on: November 29th, 2013