LDW And EDLF Bring Together PPAI And Regional Association Leadership

This week marks the opening of the 2012 RAC Leadership Development Workshop (LDW). Running through Friday in Grapevine, Texas, RAC LDW focuses on developing future regional leaders and building relationships between the promotional products industry’s regional nonprofit associations.

“We’ve developed LDW as a sort of laboratory for its attendees,” says Laura McKinney, CAE, PPAI’s senior manager for regional relations. “It includes of all of the components of association management, such as tradeshows, professional education, social media and member recognition.”

The LDW curriculum is designed to cater to every level of participant, with relevant and informative general sessions, breakout discussions and idea-sharing. The agenda includes sessions geared for first-time attendees and for those more experienced in regional association work.

Held on June 20 in conjunction with LDW is the Executive Directors Leadership Forum (EDLF), an all-day training and sharing program for executive directors of the 27 regional promotional products industry associations. EDLF is an opportunity for the executive directors of the industry’s regional associations to learn new tips, tactics and best practices to better manage their organizations. It’s also an opportunity to educate themselves about the programs and benefits they can bring to their members.

Also in Grapevine this week, the PPAI Volunteer Conference hosts a meeting of the PPAI Board of Directors to review PPAI’s strategic plan, conduct the business of the Association and look forward into 2012 and 2013, and a full day of training for standing committee chairs and action group leaders.

“This week attracts the movers and shakers of the regional community,” says McKinney. “These are 150 talented, creative, passionate individuals. They are taking time away from their careers and their families to take part in an event unique in the promotional products industry, and to develop and expand their association management skills.”

While registration has closed for this year, industry professionals can follow along through Facebook and Twitter. Visit the RAC Facebook page or keep an eye out for Twitter hashtags #RACLDW2012 and #BRF15 for the latest news.