Top 40 distributor iPROMOTEu (asi/232119) recently held its annual A Woman’s View networking event, hosting more than 300 women from across the promotional products industry. The reception, held during PPAI EXPO, was a festive evening of connection, recognition and education.

Kelly McDonald presents a keynote address at iPROMOTEu’s annual “A Woman’s View” networking event.

Among the highlights was a keynote address from bestselling author Kelly McDonald, an expert on leadership, marketing and customer experience. McDonald’s speech, “How To Work With and Lead People Not Like You,” was drawn from her latest book, It’s Time To Talk About Race at Work: Every Leaders’ Guide To Making Progress on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

“The audience was amazing – fun, engaged and so happy to be there,” said McDonald. “Kudos to iPROMOTEu for hosting such a spectacular women’s networking reception each year.”

The event also recognized two women for their extraordinary accomplishments in 2023. The Affiliate Visionary Award was presented to Michelle Robello, owner of Red Zone Promos in Kailua, HI. When fires ravaged Hawaii last August, Robello and her husband, Cliff, organized a donation effort to help impacted families. They raised $58,000 from iPROMOTEu affiliates and clients of Cliff’s financial advisory firm. Additionally, Red Zone Promos and CMR Financial Advisors matched $15,000, using those funds to support individuals providing meals and services to local families.

The Supplier Visionary Award was presented to Lori Bolton, director of business development with Totally Bamboo (asi/91565). Bolton is an industry veteran, past president of the Specialty Advertising Association of California (SAAC) and a co-host of The Rundown podcast. She also mentors kids at the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation and is an ambassador to help raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club.

Also during the reception, a raffle was held for a pair of diamond hoop earrings from event sponsor Antwerp Diamonds (asi/36335). Sharon Scofield, director of customer care operations for Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480) won the earrings.

Additionally, the 2024 Women’s Advisory Council was announced at the event. The council will coordinate ongoing educational and networking opportunities, including a webinar series. This year’s council is made up of: Lori Bauer, CEO of iPROMOTEu; Emily Codner, director of affiliate services, iPROMOTEu; Dawn Millier, virtual assistant and sales support program manager, iPROMOTEu; Michele Cochran of Six Twenty Six (asi/466916); Michelle Kaufman, Blue Monkey Promo; Christy Muckey, Lucas Promotional Products (asi/466825); Kathleen Nassi, Promos & Beyond; Margie Nelson, ID Marketing; Roxanne Rogers, ORION Promotional Group; Brenda Treuhaft, B*true Promotions (asi/466798); and Karly Ziniuk, Swagz Promo (asi/466287).

“The diverse group of women who joined us for the annual A Woman’s View networking reception represent the outstanding imagination, camaraderie and passion that are driving our industry forward,” Bauer said. “A Woman’s View is proud to support and empower such an outstanding group of women and recognize their hard work.”

A Woman’s View 2024 education series will begin Wednesday, Feb. 28, with a follow-up “Ask Me Anything” webinar with McDonald that’s open to all women in the promotional products industry. Click here to register and submit questions to McDonald.

With 2022 North American promotional products revenue of $209 million, iPROMOTEu ranked 15^th on Counselor’s most recent list of the top distributors in the industry.