The Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) held its annual Promotions That ROAR! end-buyer show at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, on September 27. The show attracted nearly 300 distributor attendees and more than 800 of their clients to the stadium to visit 112 booths featuring 80 exhibitor companies and 130 exhibitor staff.  

The show opened with MiPPA presenting the Great Lakes Supplier Rep of the Year Award to Matt McCluggage of The Magnet Group and the President’s Award to John Bates of Polyconcept in appreciation of his service to the association. Michael Rose, author of ROE Powers ROI: The Ultimate Way to Think and Communicate for Ridiculous Results and president of Dallas, Texas-based digital marketing agency Mojo Media Labs, followed with a keynote presentation to more than 300 audience members on new ideas for creating great connections with promotional products.

The trade-show doors opened at 11 am, and attendees were treated to visits by ROARY, the Detroit Lions mascot, and the Detroit Lions cheerleaders, sponsored by Edwards Garment Company. Free tours of the newly renovated stadium included the opportunity to visit locker rooms and run on the playing field. Show attendees also took advantage of a free “green screen” souvenir photograph that placed them right outside the entrance to the stadium with Lions’ attire.

“This show just keeps getting better and better. Our members love it and look forward to it all year long,” says MiPPA President Paul Zafarana, CAS.

Supplier PromoToss donated MiPPA-imprinted corn hole, toss-to-win, plinko and connect four games, creating a special Tailgate Games Area. Several distributors rented corporate suites on the third level overlooking the field to host their clients and provide an enhanced hospitality experience.

Incoming MiPPA President Jane Mitchell, MAS, adds, “Several suppliers told me that this is the best show they attend and they’re requesting more space for next year.”  

The fifth annual Promotions That ROAR! at Ford Field is scheduled for September 26, 2018.