The in-person event returned to the Gaylord Resort in National Harbor, Maryland from 3-5 February, with a record number of new exhibitors and $1.3 million hot spot orders.
Following its virtual platform in 2021, the 27th Annual Paper First Affiliates Conference & Trade Show returned this month. The show followed its familiar format, kicking off with a day for the Member General Session heading into the two-day trade show, known for its ‘speed-dating’ 11-minute appointment scheduling.
PFA also continued its innovative incentives to keep everyone on schedule with Wheel of Fortune spins and giveaways, order bucks and early sign-up SPIFFS to members.
This year, all members participated in a Collective Member Forum, instead of break-out sessions. This enabled an opportunity for all participants to discuss and share ideas and critical information together. Expanding on a successful breakout session from 2020, PFA member, Nathalie Peterman (Party Mart, Ontario, Canada) moderated a top 100 selling items forum where members shared their experiences, merchandising techniques, and what’s working to maximise the bottom line.
The day ended with the popular hot spot – a one hour session featuring selected vendors to present and promote special deals that can only be ordered by members at the event. This year’s show produced a record $1.3 million in orders written in one hour. 21 first-time exhibitors then joined the two-day trade show.
Participants were also treated to an exclusive PFA VIP evening, hosted by Amscan, at piano bar, Bobby McKeys.
