On September 22, the Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals (GAPPP) held its Christmas Island Fall Showcase at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

“The GAPPP Board was cautiously optimistic about having an in-person event, working diligently to follow all safety protocols, and create an atmosphere that was very different from the norm,” says Lake Tankersley, GAPPP president. “The combination of palm trees, holiday garland and floral shirts seemed to lift spirits, and though everyone wore a mask throughout the show, all were happy to see other industry professionals in person at an industry event.”

While GAPP reports that crowds were down from years past, the show experienced steady foot traffic throughout the day. The event drew 43 exhibitors at 66 display tables and 76 distributor attendees.

For the in-person show, GAPPP provided individually-packaged face coverings, individual sanitizer and badges printed on labels instead of lanyards and badge holders. It also took temperatures of all exhibitors and attendees, and gave them a cloth sticker showing they “passed,” featuring a “Welcome to the Island” graphic.

Aisles on the show floor were extra-wide and booths were separated, with four hand-sanitizing stations across the trade show. Stanchions were provided by the Galleria so foot traffic could be directed to the one-way entrance and exit.