October Special — 50% off Spotlights and exhibitor listsSee prices
    Trade showB2B

    PPAI Expo Promotional Products Association International

    PPAI Expo 2027 is the promotional products industry's flagship trade show, taking place January 12–14, 2027 (with PPAI Advance pre-show conference on January 11) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas

    Promotional Products

    Dates

    12–14 Jan 2027

    City / country

    Las Vegas, United States

    Venue

    Mandalay Bay Convention Center

    Time

    9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for PPAI Expo Promotional Products Association International

    Get my picks

    Exhibiting at?

    Enter your business email to get a free first Exclusive Spotlight worth 250$.

    Explore Spotlights
    Official Website Register / Buy Tickets

    Are you the organiser of this event?

    Event overview

    Overview

    The PPAI Expo® 2027 is the premier event for the branded merchandise industry, serving as the annual gathering point for the entire promotional products supply chain.

    Organized by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) — the industry's leading non-profit association — the Expo has been the cornerstone of the industry since 1903 Taking place January 12–14, 2027 (with PPAI Advance® pre-show education on January 11) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the event brings together thousands of suppliers, distributors, decorators, technology providers, and brand merchants under one roof

    TL;DR

    1. 1Industry's largest and longest-running promotional products trade show, established in 1903
    2. 21,000+ exhibiting companies showcasing 250,000+ products across 1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space
    3. 365,000+ professional buyers and distributors from 80+ countries attend to source new products and
    4. 430+ hours of professional development through PPAI Advance® pre-show conference
    5. 5Strong emphasis on sustainability, eco-friendly products, and digital transformation

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Distributors and promotional products consultants sourcing new products and suppliers for their clients
    Brand managers and marketing professionals seeking promotional merchandise and corporate gift solutions
    Corporate buyers and procurement specialists managing employee recognition, incentive, and branded merchandise programs
    Advertising agencies and marketing firms exploring promotional products for client campaigns
    Retailers and wholesalers of branded merchandise, gifts, and consumer products
    Event planners and experiential marketing professionals sourcing giveaways and event merchandise
    Industry association representatives and trade media professionals

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Promotional product suppliers and manufacturers of branded merchandise, apparel, drinkware, and accessories
    Decorators and print service providers offering screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer, and laser engraving
    Technology providers offering digital printing solutions, promotional product software, and e-commerce platforms
    Fulfillment and logistics companies serving the promotional products supply chain
    Sustainable and eco-friendly product manufacturers showcasing green and recycled materials
    Corporate gift and incentive product specialists
    Packaging and display solution providers for promotional products

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Promotional Gifts & Souvenirs: crafts, stationery, toys, holiday decorations, custom trophies/medals, fashion accessories
    Custom Consumer Goods: apparel, bags, home textiles, kitchenware, insulated drinkware, umbrellas, reusable bags, home decor
    Electronics & Gadgets: power banks, Bluetooth speakers, cables, chargers, smart bands, mini appliances, electronic gifts
    Advertising & Printing Services: screen printing, heat transfer, embroidery, laser engraving, UV printing, custom packaging, label design, advertising material production
    Branding & Marketing Solutions: corporate gift customization, employee benefits, client reward programs, event planning, brand promotion, industry media
    Sustainable & Innovative Products: eco-friendly materials, biodegradable gifts, recycled materials, smart custom products, green packaging solutions
    Apparel & Accessories
    Jewelry & Fashion Accessories
    Watches & Clocks
    Personal Care & Beauty Products
    Home Textiles & Decorative Items
    Novelty Items & Seasonal Products
    Leisure, Outdoor & Pet Supplies
    Kitchenware & Household Items
    Ceramics, Porcelain & Tableware
    Sports & Fitness Products
    Digital Marketing & Production Software
    Equipment, Machinery & Components
    Shipping, Fulfillment & Order Management
    Consulting & Insurance Services

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Halls & areas

    5
    Bayside Exhibit HallsShoreline Exhibit HallIslander BallroomLagoonOceanside Ballroom

    Mandalay Bay Convention Center

    3950 South Las Vegas Boulevard, 89119 Las Vegas, United States

    Entrances & gates

    Convention Center Main Entrance

    All halls

    Primary entrance to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, accessible from the parking garage and the Strip. Continue past Border Grill and the Wedding Chapel to reach the entrance

    Facilities

    Parking

    :1-4 15;4-24 18; 24 24 18. 3

    $18.00/day

    Accessibility

    ADA

    Luggage storage
    On-site shuttle

    Food options

    Orla, StripSteak, Seabreeze Cafe, Slice of Vegas, Hazel Coffee & Cocktails

    On-site dining

    Parking: Use Mandalay Bay’s current self-parking or valet guidance; rates and availability can change during major conventions.

    Gate: The main entrance to the convention center is located off the Las Vegas Strip. From the parking garage, enter the doorways from the garage area and proceed along the cobblestone walkway. Follow signs for the Convention Center from the parking garage

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    |9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Exhibit Halls)
    PPAI AdvanceJanuary 11, 2027
    • PPAI Member Distributor (Primary)

      Waived registration fees based on membership tier

    • PPAI Member Distributor (Additional)

      Per additional registrant from the same company

      $50.00
    • Qualified Non-Member Distributor (Early Bird)

      Valid through December 3, 2026

      $250.00
    • Qualified Non-Member Distributor (Standard)

      Valid December 4, 2026 – January 14, 2027

      $350.00
    Register

    Ticket info

    Badge collection

    Badges can be picked up at the registration desk in the convention center lobby. Photo ID is required

    Ticket notes

    Registration fees vary by attendee type. PPAI Member Distributors: waived fees (based on membership tier); additional registrants: $50/person. Qualified Non-Member Distributors: $250/person through December 3, 2026; $350/person from December 4, 2026 – January 14, 2027. Regional association members may be eligible for a 50% discount

    Build-up & tear-down

    Setup starts9 Jan 2026
    Setup ends11 Jan 2026
    Teardown starts14 Jan 2026
    Teardown ends15 Jan 2026

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)

    Organiser

    PPAI Main Contact

    Organiser

    Keith Vincent

    Media Contact

    What's on

    Programme

    Topic tracks

    Sales StrategiesSustainability & ComplianceDigital Marketing & TechnologyProduct Safety & QualityBusiness Growth & LeadershipProduct Trends & Innovation

    Co-located events

    Glen Holt & Fran Ford Memorial Golf Tournament

    Separate ticket

    PPPC Exclusive Member Event

    Separate ticket

    The PPAI Expo Party

    Separate ticket

    PPAI Expo Opening Reception

    Separate ticket

    International Reception

    Separate ticket

    Sponsors

    SAGE

    Various (customizable Sponsorship Packages Available)

    Orbus

    OTTO International

    Showdown Displays

    Smartex Apparel

    Tranter Graphics

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2027 · 65,000 visitors · 1,605 exhibitors

    Organisers expect over 1,600 exhibiting companies and 65,000 professional attendees. The show floor spans 50,000 sqm (approx. 1 million sq ft)

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    16,000

    Exhibitors

    1,000

    Floor area (sqm)

    92,903

    Exhibitor countries

    30

    Visitor countries

    80

    Growth over time

    Edition recap

    The PPAI Expo 2026, held January 12–15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, marked the unveiling of the association's new five-year strategic plan. The 2026 show spanned approximately one million square feet and featured nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies across more than 2,500 booths, including 70 first-time exhibitors. Organizers expected more than 10,000 distributors to attend, with total attendance projected to exceed 16,000 professionals, representing more than 3,500 companies from North America and international markets. Registrants came from 30 different countries.

    Monday's professional development conference served as the official kickoff, drawing large crowds throughout the day. Sessions focusing on technology, digital transformation and artificial intelligence were among the most heavily attended. The conference also marked the return of The Pitch, a live product competition featuring seven contestants.

    The trade floor opened Tuesday morning. Attendees had access to hundreds of thousands of products, with more than 400 new products featured. Experiential and live customization activations were prominent throughout the exhibit hall, with many suppliers offering on-site decoration including heat-press apparel stations, patch applications, and mix-and-match product components. AI-powered personalization was also popular, with several booths using attendee photos to generate custom artwork that was lasered onto items such as poker chips, luggage tags and drinkware. Tech-focused products included AI translation earbuds, digital wellness tools designed to limit phone distractions, and updated versions of traditional charging and power solutions.

    New this edition

    • 1

      The Pitch Competition

      The live product competition returned to The PPAI Expo 2026, featuring seven contestants presenting their products to a panel of judges

      Source
    • 2

      AI-Powered Personalization

      Several booths used attendee photos to generate custom artwork that was lasered onto items such as poker chips, luggage tags and drinkware

      Source
    • 3

      Experiential & Live Customization

      Many suppliers offered on-site decoration, including heat-press apparel stations, patch applications, and mix-and-match product components

      Source

    Testimonials

    For our association, The PPAI Expo 2026 represented the unveiling of a new five-year strategic plan, which includes, among other key pillars, a call to strengthen our community. Every year, this event brings together the world of branded merchandise like no other, but our efforts leading into 2026 were focused on ensuring that every attendee truly felt that this was the place for them, with programming designed for all industry roles, backgrounds and perspectives. For everyone in our community across the globe, The PPAI Expo is a homecoming

    Drew Holmgreen · President and CEO · PPAI · 2026

    I came into my first week with PPAI having a general scale of The PPAI Expo experience yet knowing fully the importance of it to our community. What I discovered was validation of my expectations around the energy, vibe, and mood of our attendees, volunteers, and staff – joy. This community has been incredibly welcoming and shared so many of their moments of joy with me

    Drew Holmgreen · CEO · PPAI · 2025

    Over the past few years, PPAI has put a focus on elevating. The PPAI Expo. We've focused on bringing the right audience together and driving engagement. So, it is rewarding to have heard from so many in our community that the energy at The PPAI Expo 2025 was unprecedented and electric. This has everyone looking forward to a strong 2025, which reaffirms that. The PPAI Expo is the place to kickstart your business year

    Ellen Tucker · Vice President, Revenue & Expositions · PPAI · 2025

    As I contemplate the success of The PPAI Expo 2024, what lingers most profoundly is the caliber of connections forged – the authenticity of conversations and the emergence of promising partnerships. It transcends mere statistics; it embodies the promise of substantial business expansion arising from these newly established relationships

    Dale Denham · President and CEO · PPAI · 2024

    Next edition outlook

    2027-01-12 – 2027-01-14
    estimated

    The PPAI Expo 2027 (January 12–14, 2027, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, with PPAI Advance pre-show education on January 11) is expected to build on the momentum of the 2026 edition. The 2027 edition is projected to feature over 1,600 exhibiting companies and 65,000 professional attendees across 50,000 square metres of exhibit space, representing significant growth from previous years. The expo will focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, providing education, certification opportunities, and intensive networking for suppliers, marketers, and agency professionals. As the promotional products industry continues its transformation toward sustainability, digital personalisation, and strategic brand engagement, the PPAI Expo 2027 is positioned to reinforce its role as the global barometer for the promotional products industry. The event will feature a new 'Digital Procurement Zone' and showcase innovations in NFC-enabled smart gifts, biodegradable materials, and AR-powered interactive products

    New Digital Procurement Zone to facilitate online-offline integration Increased international participation, particularly from Asian suppliers Stronger emphasis on smart products (NFC, AR, IoT-enabled merchandise) Expanded focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products, building on the 2026 Zero Waste achievement Greater integration of digital personalisation and on-demand customisation capabilities Enhanced educational programming through PPAI Advance, including sustainability and AI-focused sessions

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The PPAI Expo 2026, held January 12–15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, marked the unveiling of the association's new five-year strategic plan, which includes a call to strengthen the community. The show spanned approximately one million square feet and featured nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies across more than 2,500 booths, including 70 first-time exhibitors. Organisers expected more than 10,000 distributors to attend, with total attendance projected to exceed 16,000 professionals from over 3,500 companies and 30 countries. Attendees had access to hundreds of thousands of products, with more than 400 new products featured. The event reinforced ongoing industry trends, including increased demand for experiential merchandise, live personalisation and outsourcing of production. For the second consecutive year, The PPAI Expo achieved Zero Waste status, diverting 90% of potential waste from landfills. The expo featured 30+ education sessions, keynotes from Abigail Posner and Leo Chan, The Pitch live product competition, and the official PPAI Expo Party at Allegiant Stadium with over 1,000 attendees

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    The PPAI Expo 2026 attracted more than 16,000 industry professionals, including over 10,000 qualified distributors from more than 3,500 companies. Registrants came from 30 different countries. The audience comprised a high concentration of decision-makers, with 81% of attendees coming specifically to discover new suppliers. The education day drew large crowds, with sessions on technology, digital transformation, and AI among the most heavily attended. Keynote sessions and early-morning workshops filled rooms despite early start times, demonstrating strong attendee engagement. The quality of conversations was noted as authentic and partnership-focused, with PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen describing the expo as a 'homecoming' for the global promotional products community

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors reported strong returns from the 2026 edition. The show's scale — nearly 1,000 exhibitors across 2,500+ booths with 16,000+ attendees — created a high-density B2B environment. With 81% of attendees coming to discover new suppliers, exhibitors had direct access to qualified buyers. Several exhibitors highlighted the quality of engagement and lead generation. DCX PH noted the value of meeting people they had 'only ever emailed' and watching attendees actually engage with their space. LookOurWay reported a 50%+ increase in trade show engagement through experiential booth design. The return of The Pitch competition and the official PPAI Expo Party at Allegiant Stadium with over 1,000 attendees provided additional networking and brand exposure opportunities. The exhibitor community included 70 first-time exhibitors, indicating strong confidence in the show's ROI potential

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Why it matters

    The PPAI Expo 2027 is the promotional products industry's flagship trade show and the largest and longest-running event of its kind, established in 1903 With over 1,600 exhibiting companies and 65,000 professional trade visitors expected, the expo serves as the definitive annual gathering for the entire promotional products supply chain — from suppliers and distributors to decorators, technology providers, and brand merchants. The event spans 50,000 square meters of exhibit space and offers access to hundreds of thousands of products, making it the most comprehensive sourcing event in the industry. For buyers and exhibitors, the expo provides unmatched access to qualified decision-makers — more than 10,000 qualified distributors attend each year. The expo's significance extends beyond product sourcing; it serves as a strategic intelligence hub where industry professionals can identify emerging trends in sustainability, digital personalization, smart products, and global sourcing shifts. As the promotional products market continues to grow — projected to reach $101 billion globally in 2026 — the PPAI Expo remains the essential platform for companies seeking to enter or expand in the North American market and connect with the industry's most influential players

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Promotional Products as a Strategic Marketing Channel

    Branded merchandise is evolving from a promotional giveaway into a strategic marketing channel as brands seek more meaningful ways to connect with consumers, employees and stakeholders in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. According to new PPAI trend data, 47% of marketers consider branded merchandise a core marketing channel, 25% say it plays an important role in specific campaigns, and 82% of recipients report feeling more positive about a brand after receiving promotional products. Marketing leaders are recognizing that physical brand experiences create a different kind of connection, delivering utility, visibility and emotional connection in ways many other channels cannot

    02

    Digital Personalization and Smart Products

    The promotional products industry is witnessing a structural transformation where digital marketing and traditional gifts are deeply integrating. AR/VR technology, smart IoT devices combined with promotional items are creating unprecedented interactive experiences. Products integrating NFC chips, customized products made from biodegradable materials, and AR-powered interactive promotional items are becoming key innovation directions. Technology is enabling customization at the speed of tech, with digital tools and early applications of 3D printing illustrating how personalisation and fast turnaround times are shaping expectations in the sector

    03

    Sustainability and Carbon Efficiency

    Sustainability is no longer a 'nice addition' but increasingly a deciding factor in procurement. A joint PPAI-ASI study found that promotional products generate up to eight times less carbon impact per memorized impression than digital advertising, including social media and online display ads. The PPAI Expo 2026 was officially a waste-free event and signature conferences throughout the year are carbon neutral events. Over 55% of end-users say sustainability and ethical sourcing is important or extremely important when purchasing branded merchandise. Ethical sourcing, responsible materials, and reduced waste are now baseline expectations

    04

    Shift from Quantity to Quality and Experiential Engagement

    The industry has shifted from quantity to quality, moving past the era of generic mass distribution in favour of sophisticated, bespoke kitting and targeted fulfillment. Promotional products are evolving from simple brand identifiers into interactive experience mediums. Businesses are increasingly investing in higher-quality branded merchandise that delivers measurable value, longer-lasting visibility, and stronger customer connections. The four primary end buyer trends for 2026 are smart value, strategic joy, experience enabled, and daily balance, reflecting a focus on utility and emotional connection

    05

    Gen Z Driving Innovation and Global Sourcing Shifts

    With Gen Z becoming the primary consumer group, promotional products are transforming from simple brand identifiers into interactive experience mediums. The PPAI Expo 2027 exhibitor count is growing, with Asian suppliers accounting for over 25% for the first time, reflecting a deep restructuring of global sourcing chains. The global promotional products market was valued at $90.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $101 billion in 2026, with North America accounting for over 40% of the market

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    Promotional Products Industry Evolves as Businesses Prioritize ROI, Sustainability, and Brand Engagement in 2026

    Read

    PPAI Expo 2027 to Showcase Smart Gifts and Digital Procurement Innovations

    Read

    Leading Brands Making Branded Merchandise the Centerpiece of Marketing Strategy, According to New PPAI Data

    Read

    Joint PPAI-ASI Study Finds Promo Among The Lowest Carbon Impact Advertising Channels

    Read

    2026 Promotional Trends: Brand Systems, Sustainability, and Utility

    Read

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    LAS

    Harry Reid International Airport

    Primary international gateway for Las Vegas; confirm transfer time shortly before travel.

    See live route

    to venue

    Varies with traffic

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Public-transport corridor

    Prioritise a direct taxi, ride-hail, or resort-corridor transit connection to Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

    Mid-range
    Venue district

    Best balance of commute time, business facilities, and dining access.

    Premium
    City centre or venue district

    Suitable for hosted buyers, executive meetings, and client entertaining.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi, ride-hail, or resort-corridor transit

    Estimated costCheck current local fare
    Best forUse the nearest station serving Mandalay Bay Convention Center

    Usually the most reliable option during exhibition hours.

    Taxi or ride-hail

    Estimated costMetered or app-based fare
    Best forAirport, hotel, or city centre to Mandalay Bay Convention Center

    Allow additional time during morning and evening peaks.

    Walking

    Estimated costFree
    Best forNearby hotels to the venue

    Practical only where the route and weather are suitable.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Short-stay business visitor entryRequirements depend on nationality and passport type.—Varies by nationality

    Citizens of the following 43 countries can travel to the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), provided they obtain an approved ESTA prior to travel: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom

    ATA Carnet is accepted for temporary import of commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for exhibitions and fairs. It allows duty-free and tax-free temporary import for up to one year. A single carnet can be used for multiple entries and exits during its validity period. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accepts ATA Carnets as the entry document, eliminating the need for additional forms or bonds. The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) is the U.S. guaranteeing association, with Roanoke Trade and boomerang carnets as authorized service providers. Replacement carnets may be available to extend the 12-month validity, subject to foreign customs approval

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Las Vegas in January is typically cool and dry, commonly around 2–14°C (35–57°F). Rain is uncommon, but mornings and evenings can be cold. Pack comfortable business footwear and a light layer for air-conditioned halls.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Mandalay Bay Convention Center is accessible from Harry Reid International Airport by taxi, ride-hail, or resort-corridor transit, taxi, or pre-booked transfer. Check live schedules and allow extra time during peak periods.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Las Vegas — The Global Capital of Trade Shows and Entertainment

    Las Vegas is the undisputed trade show capital of the United States, hosting over 20,000 conventions and trade shows annually. The city's world-class convention infrastructure, including the Mandalay Bay Convention Center with its 2.1 million square feet of exhibit space, makes it an ideal venue for an event of the PPAI Expo's scale. The city's 24-hour economy, abundant hotel rooms (over 150,000), and extensive dining and entertainment options provide attendees with unparalleled convenience and networking opportunities beyond the show floor

    The PPAI Expo's Legacy and Industry Significance

    Founded in 1903, The PPAI Expo is the longest-running trade show in the promotional products industry. The event has grown from a small gathering of promotional product professionals into the industry's largest and most influential annual gathering, reflecting the evolution of the promotional products sector itself — from simple giveaways to strategic marketing channels. The expo's location in Las Vegas, a city synonymous with business and entertainment, reinforces its status as the industry's premier event for sourcing, networking, and professional development

    Networking and Business Culture

    The PPAI Expo is renowned for its high-energy networking environment. The show floor itself serves as a massive networking hub where distributors, suppliers, and decorators connect face-to-face. Beyond the exhibit halls, the expo features numerous networking events, including the official PPAI Expo Party, the Opening Reception, the International Reception, and the Glen Holt & Fran Ford Memorial Golf Tournament. These events provide informal settings for building relationships and closing deals. The expo also hosts dedicated pavilions (New Product, Green Products, Made In The USA, 1st Time Exhibitor) that facilitate targeted networking around specific interests

    Dress Code and Conduct

    Business casual attire is appropriate for the exhibition floor and most networking events. Comfortable walking shoes are essential given the scale of the show floor (one million square feet). The expo is a trade-only event; end-buyers and members of the general public are not permitted. Professional conduct is expected at all times, and photography or videotaping of any display other than an exhibitor's own is prohibited without written permission

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

    Book early and arrive the day before the first important meeting.

    Visa

    Entry rules depend on nationality. Verify passport validity and business-visitor requirements with the official immigration authority.

    Processing: Varies

    Carry event registration and accommodation details if requested at the border.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Venue district · City centre with direct public transport

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Use taxi, ride-hail, or resort-corridor transit, taxi, or a pre-booked transfer from Harry Reid International Airport.

    Hotel → venue: Choose a hotel with a direct connection to Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

    Ride-hail: Use licensed local taxi or ride-hail services where available.

    Public transit: taxi, ride-hail, or resort-corridor transit is generally the most predictable option.

    Parking: Check the venue’s official parking page and book in advance where required.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: January

    Temperature: cool and dry, commonly around 2–14°C (35–57°F)

    Seasonality: Rain is uncommon, but mornings and evenings can be cold.

    Packing: Bring comfortable shoes, business layers, and weather protection appropriate to the forecast.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: 2027-01-13

    the first full exhibition day is the strongest day for a first visit because the full exhibition and conference programme is active, giving attendees the best balance of promotional-product sourcing, supplier meetings, and networking.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    08:30

    Arrive, collect badge, and review the day’s priorities

    Mandalay Bay Convention Center
    09:00

    Attend the opening keynote or first specialist session

    Conference area
    10:30

    Visit priority suppliers and scheduled meetings

    Exhibition floor
    12:30

    Networking lunch and follow-up conversations

    Venue catering area
    14:00

    Explore product demonstrations and emerging-technology zones

    Exhibition floor
    16:00

    Attend a market-focused panel and capture final leads

    Conference area
    18:00

    Join an official reception or arrange a client dinner

    Venue or city centre

    Side trips

    3

    Luxor Hotel & Casino

    Casino / Attraction

    Free tram from Mandalay Bay (5 min)

    Visit the giant pyramid, Sphinx, and explore the interior attractions

    Excalibur Hotel & Casino

    Casino / Entertainment

    Free tram from Mandalay Bay (7–8 min)

    Medieval-themed casino with the Tournament of Kings dinner show

    Bellagio Fountains & Conservatory

    Attraction / Garden

    15–20 min by car / rideshare

    World-famous fountain show and free seasonal botanical gardens inside Bellagio

    Networking spots

    4

    PPAI

    PPAI

    Skyfall

    Delano

    International Reception

    On-site

    Expanded international reception welcoming attendees from across the world, held at the Skyfall Lounge atop the W Hotel

    PPPC Exclusive Member Event

    On-site

    Exclusive networking event for members of the Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC) held during the PPAI Expo

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Shell scheme

    USD 333–338 / m²

    Raw space

    USD 330 / m²

    Standard booth

    9 m²

    Booth rates for The PPAI Expo 2027 are based on a 10 ft x 10 ft (approx. 9.3 sqm) booth. Prices vary by membership status, payment plan, and booking date. Additional surcharges apply for credit card payments (2.75%) and special booth configurations (corner, island, peninsula, etc.). The official rates listed below are per standard booth, not per sqm, and are derived from the official PPAI booth rate schedule. Raw space rates are estimates from third-party sources and should be verified with the organiser

    source

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Booth 9 m² × $335.50/m²$3,019.50
    • Hotel × 3 nights$375.00
    • Per diem × 3$195.00
    • Visa$185.00
    • Flight — Round-trip from major European hub$800.00
    Estimated total$4,574.50

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    (9)

    exhibitor · standard

    USD 3045–4545 / per booth

    officialAs of 2026-09-07

    (18)

    exhibitor · standard

    USD 250–350 / per sqm

    estimateAs of 2026-09-07

    B-1/B-2 /

    both · standard

    USD 185 / per applicant

    officialAs of 2026-09-07

    ESTA

    both · standard

    USD 21 / per applicant

    officialAs of 2026-09-07

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    This quiz helps you decide whether to visit, exhibit, or skip the PPAI Expo 2027. Answer each question based on your role, goals, and resources

    QUESTION 1 OF 8

    What is your primary role in the promotional products industry?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You are exploring the promotional products industry, need to evaluate hundreds of thousands of products, or want to attend educational sessions on sustainability, digital personalization, and AI. Best for those who can attend at least 2 days (January 12–13) to maximise networking and learning

    Best for

    Distributors, brand managers, marketing professionals, and corporate buyers seeking to discover new products, evaluate suppliers, and learn industry trends without the commitment of exhibiting

    Min. budget

    $500.00

    Timeline

    T-60: Register online (free for PPAI members, $250-$350 for non-members); T-45: Book flights and hotels; T-30: Apply for visa or ESTA if required; T-14: Review exhibitor list and plan meetings; T-7: Confirm logistics and pack comfortable shoes

    Risks

    Limited one-on-one time with exhibitors during peak hours

    Travel and accommodation costs may still be significant (hotels from $80/night)

    May miss partnership opportunities without a dedicated booth presence

    exhibit

    You have a clear sales or partnership goal, a product that aligns with the show's focus (apparel, drinkware, tech-enabled, sustainable, etc.), and a budget that supports a professional booth. Ideal for companies targeting the North American market and looking to connect with the largest gathering of promotional products decision-makers

    Best for

    Suppliers, manufacturers, decorators, technology providers, and service companies seeking direct access to 65,000+ industry professionals, including 10,000+ qualified distributors and corporate buyers

    Min. budget

    $3,500.00

    Timeline

    T-90: Set goals and budget; T-60: Secure booth space (member rates from $3,045); T-45: Design stand and order materials; T-30: Arrange shipping and logistics (ATA Carnet recommended for international); T-14: Finalise staff training and lead capture strategy; T-7: Confirm all shipments and on-site setup schedule

    Risks

    Higher upfront investment (booth $3,045–$4,545, travel, shipping)

    Competition from 1,600+ exhibitors

    Logistical challenges with international shipping and customs

    skip

    Your budget is under $500, you are still evaluating market fit, or you have no direct relevance to the promotional products industry. If you are unsure, consider visiting the event to assess its value before committing to a booth in a future edition

    Best for

    Businesses with very limited budgets, those not yet ready for international participation, or companies whose offerings do not align with the promotional products industry

    Timeline

    N/A — consider planning for the 2028 edition or attending as a visitor first

    Risks

    Missing out on direct access to 65,000+ industry professionals

    Delaying market entry or partnership building in the promotional products sector

    Competitors may gain first-mover advantage in emerging categories (sustainability, digital personalisation)

    Book with

    Partners

    Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)

    Organiser

    The leading non-profit association for the promotional products industry, organising. The PPAI Expo since 1903

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Official event organiser

    Mandalay Bay Convention Center

    Venue

    Official venue for The PPAI Expo 2027, offering over 2.1 million square feet of exhibit space on the Las Vegas Strip

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Venue operator

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Promotional Product
    An item branded with a company logo, slogan, or motto. Also known as swag or promotional merchandise. Common examples include drinkware, apparel, writing instruments, and tech gadgets
    2
    Distributor
    A firm that identifies the needs of the end-client, sources promotional products from suppliers, and manages the decoration and delivery process
    3
    Supplier
    A company that manufactures or holds stock of blank promotional products and decorates them (or coordinates decoration) for distributors
    4
    Decorator
    A business that applies logos, artwork, or branding to promotional products using techniques such as screen printing, heat transfer, embroidery, or laser engraving
    5
    Branded Merchandise
    Promotional products imprinted with a company's logo, slogan, or contact information, distributed to build brand awareness and customer loyalty
    6
    PPAI Advance
    The pre-show professional development conference held the day before the PPAI Expo opens, offering 30+ hours of industry-focused education, certification, and networking

    Digital business cards for the show floor

    Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

    Create a free card