EU – In cooperation with the American industry association, the PPAI (Promotional Products Association International), the European umbrella organisation, the EAC (European Associations Cooperation), will be hosting the second International Leadership Summit (ILS) from June 8-10, 2026. The three-day networking event will take place in La Hulpe, Belgium, near Brussels, as was the case last year.
The conference format specifically addresses entrepreneurs, executives and young professionals, who are tackling the complex dynamics of international markets. As such, the Summit will particularly address topics such as AI integration, employee management, increasing sustainability requirements and the growing complexity of global supply chains. In addition to high-quality lectures, the event will primarily focus on a peer-to-peer exchange and the development of joint solutions. The objective is to strengthen cross-border collaborations, further develop industry standards and actively shape the future of the international promotional products industry.
Ben Saunders
In Ben Saunders and Susi O’Neill, the organisers have once again secured two renowned keynote speakers. Saunders, CEO and founder of Arctic Research Development, is an extreme adventurer and world record-holder with over two decades of experience in high-risk polar expeditions. In his keynote address, “Leading in Extreme Environments,” he will apply his insights from the Arctic and Antarctic to business decision-making processes. O’Neill, technology strategist and founder of EVA trust in tech Technology and Communications Consultancy, will explore the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and digital innovations. Her approach combines technological development with ethical responsibility and demonstrates how companies can successfully do the balancing act between innovation and practical application.
Susi O‘Neill
The programme will be enhanced by new global market research data submitted by the PPAI, providing executives with a solid foundation for data-driven decisions. The CO2 study conducted by the EAC in collaboration with the PPAI and the ASI will also be presented in detail by the conducting institute, 51toCarbonZero. Panel discussions with leading experts from the promotional products and merchandising industry, such as Will Good, CEO of Prominate Global, will round off the programme.
Furthermore, the now fully-constituted European Association of Promotional Products (EAC) will use the summit as a platform for its first Annual General Meeting.
Details and further information about the EAC Summit can be found here. The event will be staged at the Dolce Hotels & Resorts by Wyndham in La Hulpe. The participation fee is 600 Euros for association members and 1,100 Euros for non-members.
Interested parties can register for the summit and book a hotel room on-site via this link.
photos: EAC
