PPPC’s Hall of Fame Award is our industry’s legacy award that recognizes those individuals who have made a lasting and positive impact on our association and industry. It’s a way to honour those who have accomplished extraordinary things, and to inspire our next generation of promotional product professionals.
For any questions, contact awards@pppc.ca
Promotional Product Professionals of Canada Announces Laura Hansen
As This Year’s Hall of Fame Inductee
Laura Hansen’s career stands as a testament to the power of leading with integrity, investing in people, and leaving the industry stronger than you found it.
Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC) is proud to announce Laura Hansen, former owner of the Image Group Inc. and industry veteran, as the 2026 PPPC Hall of Fame Inductee. This is the association’s highest honour recognizing individuals whose exceptional leadership, dedication and lasting contributions have shaped Canada’s branded merchandise industry.
“I am so humbled to receive this recognition! The promo industry has been my home for many years and I have learned so much from the suppliers, distributors, and especially my team. I am extremely grateful for all your contributions to Image Group’s success. It is truly an honour to be this year’s Hall of Fame inductee and I can’t wait to celebrate with you all!” said Laura Hansen, 2026 PPPC Hall of Fame Inductee.
According to the Hall of Fame Judging Committee comprised of industry veterans including David Lewenberg (Genumark), Merrick Falkenstein (SRG), Carol de Ville, MAS, (The Branding Company), Mark Wingrove, MAS, (Hit Promotional Products) and Steve Levschuk (Talbot Marketing), Hansen’s influence has been measured not only by the success of her business, but by the respect she has earned from peers across the country.
“The Hall of Fame is reserved for individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on our industry,” said David Lewenberg, Chair of the PPPC Hall of Fame Judging Committee, PPPC Hall of Fame Inductee and Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Genumark. “Laura exemplifies everything the PPPC Hall of Fame stands for – leadership, integrity, service, and a lasting commitment to advancing our industry.”
For more than 35 years, Hansen has been a respected leader, mentor, and champion of the branded merchandise profession. Since acquiring Image Group in 1992, she built one of Canada’s most respected distributorships, creating a people-first culture that has become a benchmark across the industry. Under her leadership, the Image Group earned repeated recognition as a leading distributor in Western Canada while developing a reputation for outstanding client service, employee loyalty, and business excellence.
Hansen’s leadership style has earned widespread admiration throughout the industry. Her nomination highlighted the workplace culture she created – one built on trust, loyalty, and respect where employees were empowered to succeed and many built lifelong careers. Colleagues have described her as someone who was always willing to listen, offer guidance and put people first, while also supporting numerous charitable causes in her community.
Most recently, Hansen successfully transitioned ownership of the Image Group to the company’s next generation of leaders, ensuring the continued growth and success of the organization she spent more than three decades building.
“Laura has always been someone I confidently refer members to when they need guidance because she never hesitates to share her experience, mentor others, and support a fellow professional,” said Jonathan N. Strass, President & CEO, PPPC. “As a long-term PPPC member and former National Board Director, she has been one of the association’s strongest champions, generously supporting our events and bringing clients into our community year after year. Her leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our industry has made an incredible impact and lasting legacy.”
As the 40th inductee into the PPPC Hall of Fame, this award recognizes and celebrates individuals like Laura whose careers have demonstrated exceptional achievement, leadership, and a sustained commitment to advancing both the association and the branded merchandise profession in Canada.
“On behalf of the PPPC Board, congratulations to Laura on being named our newest Hall of Fame inductee. We look forward to celebrating Laura and all of this year’s award recipients with our members on September 16 during the live PPPC Awards Ceremony happening during NATCON 2026 in Toronto. It marks the biggest social night of the year for our members where we celebrate industry excellence,” said Jennifer Tarnopolski, CAS, PPPC Chair, PPPC Hall of Fame Judging Committee Member, and Co-Owner, Outstanding Branding Inc.
Hansen will be formally inducted into the PPPC Hall of Fame during the 2026 PPPC Awards Ceremony & After-Party, taking place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites located at 5875 Airport Road in Mississauga, Ontario. This is free member event but attendees must pre-register as an add-on to their NATCON 2026 registration. Already registered? Contact info@pppc.ca to have it added to your existing registration.