Association History

In 1904 representatives of 12 promotional products manufacturers (manufacturers of advertising goods) agreed to form an industry trade association. The charter members addressed issues such as pricing, new ideas, business losses and managing salesmen, and adopted bylaws and operating procedures for the trade association. Benjamin S. Whitehead, owner of a promotional products manufacturing company in Newark, N.J., became the first president. The organization's first name was the Advertising Manufacturers Association. By 1906 the Association had 56 members and one honorary member, Henry S. Bunting, who published the Association's official publication. Mr. Bunting's publication, along with his book about promotional products and their impact on business growth, contributed greatly to the recognition of the industry. In 1912 the Advertising Federation of America designated ad specialties as a legitimate advertising medium.

Tradeshows became part of the Association’s conventions in 1914, with 32 exhibitors at the first show. Promotional Products Association International now hosts the oldest and largest tradeshow representing the $18 billion promotional products industry – The PPAI Expo. There are now more than 1600 exhibiting companies – representing virtually every major supplier in the industry – on hand at this annual event.

In 1928 the Association celebrated its 25^th anniversary with more than 132 members. Now an influential trade association, the Association had accomplished many things in its first 25 years, including uniformity in terms and trade practices, and establishing advertising specialties as an advertising medium.

The industry was hit hard during the depression, but in the late 1940s business was again booming, with industry sales figures of $124 million recorded in 1947. In 1961 the Association began offering Executive Development seminars. In response to their popularity, the Association has continued to offer educational seminars to assist members with new ways to make their businesses more profitable and effective.

In 1966 membership was 1,211, and the number of exhibitors that year was more than 300. Today, membership is more than 7,500 with industry sales of $18.1 billion.

PPAI offers education, tradeshows, business products and services, mentoring, technology and legislative support to its more than 7500 global members.

Have you ever wondered how the pocket protector got its start? It was a promotional product designed to sell slip-on vinyl covers that protected loose-leaf binders.

Contact information for PPAI.