S2:E4: The Business Advantage | Sponsored By MOQ1


How do top pros spot the next big thing before it hits everyone’s inbox? They find it at The PPAI Expo.
In this episode, Josh and Stacy show how discovery at the Expo isn’t just exciting – it’s a competitive edge. From tactile product testing to first-look innovations and breakout suppliers, you’ll hear how being first to know translates into speed to market, smarter pitches, and real revenue.
Hear from Natalie O’Leary (BAMKO), Mark Hanratty (Swanky), and veteran distributor Wayne Greenberg (Swag Krewe), plus a tour of the show-floor hotspots where discovery happens fast.
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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

First to know = first to win. Why seeing, touching and testing products in January gives you a head start your competition can’t match.
A discovery playbook. Floor hotspots that compress the learning curve – brand. Pavilion (retail crossovers), Product Pavilion (curated “what’s new”), Green Product Pavilion (sustainable standouts) and First-Time Exhibitors (your hidden gems).
Veteran moves from the field. Natalie O’Leary’s non-negotiables (hit first-timers early; save the New Product Pavilion for mid-show), plus how to turn finds into client-facing content all year.
Small suppliers, big upside. Mark Hanratty shows how boutique makers win with quality, personalization, and memorable booth activations – exactly the kind of “I’ve never seen that” moment clients remember.
Make it intentional. Wayne Greenberg’s system – start with core partners, follow the crowds and leave room for surprises – so you go home with trends, not just line lists.
Timing matters. Why the January cadence is the industry’s launch button – and skipping it risks missing the trend wave for the year.

If you want your proposals to feel fresh in February (and still relevant in October), this episode maps exactly where – and how – to find what’s next, first.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.

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