# Drew Holmgreen PPAI #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast episode Year +2 with Ruud Janssen

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/event-design-collective-podcasts-6462302/drew-holmgreen-ppai-designtochange-podcast-episode-year-2-with-ruud-janssen.md
Podcast: [Event Design Collective PODcasts](https://stenobird.com/podcast/event-design-collective-podcasts-6462302)
Published: 2025-11-07T17:29:18+00:00
Episode link: https://soundcloud.com/eventdesigncollective/drew-holmgreen-ppai-designtochange-podcast-episode-year-2-with-ruud-janssen
Audio file: https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/2208620432-eventdesigncollective-drew-holmgreen-ppai-designtochange-podcast-episode-year-2-with-ruud-janssen.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3028

## Resource

In the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast hosted by Ruud Janssen, Drew Holmgreen, CEO of PPAI, shared his journey from Chief Experience Officer at MPI to leading the 120-year-old association representing the branded merchandise industry. Drew reflected on his transition, emphasizing the importance of impactful conversations in driving change and fostering creativity within the industry. Drew recounted his first days at PPAI, including the PPAI Expo at Mandalay Bay, a flagship event with 16,000 attendees and net promoter scores of 60 for suppliers and 63 for distributors. The Expo serves as a vital connection point for the association's 15,000 member companies, showcasing innovative branded merchandise and fostering collaboration among suppliers, distributors, and business service providers. Drawing on his MPI experience, Drew shared lessons from hosting the WEC event during COVID-19, which successfully blended in-person and virtual elements. He highlighted the importance of balancing financial sustainability with delivering exceptional experiences, a principle he applies at PPAI. The discussion explored branded merchandise's role as a marketing channel, with Drew advocating for its inclusion in campaigns to create lasting emotional connections. He cited examples like Stella Artois' innovative merchandise and Promenade's sustainability efforts, emphasizing the industry's creativity. Branded merch, he noted, offers high ROI and longevity, with items like T-shirts having an average lifespan of seven years. Drew addressed challenges facing the industry, including tariffs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions, which impact costs and sourcing. He highlighted PPAI's advocacy efforts and the launch of a new learning management system to support members. The association is also explori…

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## Transcript

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