CN – They came in high numbers, the representatives of the 25 members of the international distributor alliance, Ippag (International Partnership for Premium and Gifts). The group of distributor companies – only one company is granted membership per country – meets up regularly three times a year: in January during the PSI in Dusseldorf, in April in the Far East and in the summer in alternating countries. This year’s meeting in Asia was held on April 26th – the eve before the 25th edition of the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair opened – in the direct vicinity of the venue location, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, in the seminar rooms of the Novotel in Hong Kong. The agenda for the whole-day meeting included a comprehensive conference programme, as well as dealing with the usual formalities, among others checking the progress of the decisions taken at the previous meeting, the further strategic and operating alignment of the group and the optimisation of the existing organisational and communication structures. Particular emphasis is laid on the system of the so-called PPP suppliers, especially favoured supplier partners of the Ippag members. The summer meeting planned for August 2010 in Antwerp was outlined, the Dutch Ippag member, Jos, will be the host. Extremely exciting and interesting: the presentation of successful articles and campaigns from the past months, which were briefly presented to the auditorium by each respective member. A highlight here: the presentation of the Australian member Zinc, which was according to their own statement “their best promotion ever“. Indeed: the Australians demonstrated their promotion campaign “live”: “Pop up the Pub“ – the erection of a customised beer stall at lightning speed. In the evening the joint meal offered a further opportunity for intensive exchange. During the dinner the “Sheep Award“ was presented, which is traditionally donated by the member from New Zealand, Promotional Source.

Michael Scherer

www.ippag.com