Feeling a little overwhelmed as you prepare for The PPAI Expo in January? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! From navigating the bustling show floor to maximizing your time and connections, our go-to survival tips are packed with insider tricks to help you get the most out of the show. Get ready to hit the ground running!

Before You Go: Get Your Game Plan Ready

Let’s start with the essentials:

Plan Ahead: Download the SAGE Mobile app! This little gem has your show schedule, exhibitor list, and floor plan all in one place. Plus, you can add notes, photos, and video or audio recordings on products and suppliers that interest you for easy reference after the show. Be sure to create a walk list to map out your must-see booths for maximum efficiency. (Learn more here!)

Customer Wish List: Before you go, reach out to your customers to see what types of projects they have coming up so you can plan accordingly. This lets you search the show floor with purpose and come back with tons of inspiration for their next campaign!

Bring a Survival Kit: Well, it doesn’t have to be a kit, but you’re definitely going to want to bring most (if not all) of these items. First, don’t forget your reusable water bottle to refill at the free water stations throughout the show. And, trust us when we say having a few small snacks stashed in your room can be a lifesaver between events when you need a little something to tide you over until dinner. Speaking of events, bring those business cards! Suppliers will scan your badge on the show floor, but you’ll want to have your business cards handy for everything else.

Then, there’s the toiletry and travel essentials. You might not need a bandage or a travel sewing kit, but if you do, you’ll be glad you brought them. The air is crazy dry, so lotion and lip balm are a must. Also, you’ll definitely want to start taking that Airborne or Emergen-C or whatever immune support supplement you prefer because Vegas is not immune to cold/flu season.

Finally, the most important item on your packing list — a portable phone charger. You may think your battery will last if you charge it overnight, but there’s nothing worse than being stranded with a dead phone when you need to be somewhere.

During the Show: Stay in the Zone

Vegas can be a lot, so here’s how to stay focused without getting overwhelmed:

Be Open to Discovery: Sure, you’ve got your list, but take time to explore outside your usual vendors too. That unexpected booth might just have your next bestseller.

Network Like a Pro: Talk to everyone — at the booths, at the social events, even while waiting in line at Starbucks. This is the best event to build connections.

Pace Yourself: The Expo isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon! Take breaks, fuel up, and don’t try to see it all on day one. Check out the schedule in SAGE Mobile or click here to plan out your week.

Learn as Much as You Can! There are two ways and four days to learn with SAGE. It all starts on Education Day, Monday, January 13, with two tracks to pick from. Each session is packed with insights—from strategies to make your website shine to an overview of our newest feature updates. Check out the agenda here.

Then, throughout the week, you can also dive into live education right on the show floor at SAGE Experience, where you can take part in interactive demonstrations and get answers to all your pressing questions. Click here to see the full schedule!

Post-Expo: Make It Count

Once you’re back home, it’s time to turn all those ideas and connections into action:

Follow Up: You came, you saw, you excelled – but the journey isn’t over! Following up after the show is the key to making the most of your experience. After days of exploring products for your clients and building meaningful connections, it’s time to put that effort to work. Use SAGE Mobile to download and organize your notes, then reach out to the suppliers you’re interested in collaborating with. Be sure to reconnect with your clients as well—share the innovative products and ideas you discovered. A simple email or phone call can make all the difference in strengthening those relationships and turning your inspiration into results.

Bonus Tips

Starbucks Hack: Order ahead through the mobile app to skip the line (otherwise, you’re in for a very, very long wait).

Explore Vegas: While you’re in Vegas for all things Expo, that doesn’t mean you can’t spend a little time exploring the city! Don’t miss the Neon Museum and Meow Wolf or some top-tier eats on the strip after show hours. Check out some of our staff picks here!

With this checklist in hand, you’re officially ready to conquer The PPAI Expo! Did we leave anything out? Let us know if the comments below. We can’t wait to see you there!