Trade Show University

We've all attended offsite events that fell flat — low turnout, awkward vibes, and missed opportunities. So how do you make sure your offsite event actually works?In this episode of Trade University, Jim welcomes food and wine expert Michael Green to break down how to create unforgettable offsite experiences that drive real connections and reinforce your brand. From crafting immersive experiences like Italy in a Glass to simple yet impactful tips like offering Uber vouchers and themed follow-up emails, this conversation is packed with practical advice.

Are you unknowingly sabotaging the results from your trade shows? If you're doing one of these four killer mistakes, you are ruining your shows, and nobody may ever know you're doing anything wrong. That's why you've got to hear this.*** Type DISCOUNT in the comments for a Coupon Code for our exclusive Goal Setting for Trade Shows Course! https://trade-show-university.trainercentralsite.com/Courses*** Schedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowuThese are four huge mistakes. These are killers. Here's the thing, you can have the best show ever. And you could still tank your results. Why? Because these four mistakes happen before the show and after the show. (1) The first mistake is not spending enough time to set the right goals. (2) Mistake number two is not qualifying leads. That's doing a giveaway or scanning badges,  and that's all you're doing.(3) The third killer mistake is not having a solid follow up process put in place Before the show starts.(4) The fourth mistake is to judge the trade show By the end results, by what happens after the show,  after all the follow-up.

Here's 5 super effective Trade Show Tips that NOBODY is talking about! Some may even ruffle some feathers! Why isn't anyone telling you these tips? Because they make you get Uncomfortable!!Let's get to the tips, but first...** Be sure to register for the weekly Trade Show University newsletter and get a FREE GIFT - go to https://tradeshowu.biz to sign up!** DOUBLE your results! Get our Goal Setting for Trade Shows course! https://trade-show-university.trainercentralsite.com/Courses#1 -- Get the attention of people who are not looking at youWe don't want to bug people, especially if they're looking away right?You need to change that mindset! Why are you as an exhibitor at the show? To get business!Why do you think the attendees are at the show? They are there to do business or find products and services! How many times do you think people will walk past your booth? Assume one time only.What if I told you at this show, your biggest customer ever will be there – you just haven't met them yet. But it's up to you to find them.Just say “Excuse me” to get their attention, and then ask them a quick qualifying question. That could be your next client or even your biggest client ever! And if you let them walk by, you may miss them – or even worse, your competitor may get them!#2 -- Don't bring ALL your stuff or literatureKeep your booth simple and clean. You don't need samples of all your products or literature.The more options and things you give people to look at they'll get confused.Studies have shown that too many choices cause confusion and lead to a higher percent of people not making a choice.Plus your staff will be more focused as well. They will be able to find what they need and answer questions more quickly.#3 -- Take a selfie with attendeesUse these in your follow up emails to quickly re-connect with the attendee and stand apart from all the other exhibitors they saw!Want more exposure during and after the show? Take a selfie with someone you just had a great conversation with that is qualified. And put it on social media.Tag them and encourage them to share it as well! Can get some great posts, new followers, and get a lot of shares!#4 -- Learn how to END a ConversationYes – you heard me! Learn how to END a conversation.We've all been in those conversations that are going nowhere, or are great but drag on way too long.You need a quick and polite way to end the conversation so you can start talking with someone else! For every person you engage with, there can be multiple people that walk by your booth never to be seen again.So come up with a quick statement that wraps up the conversation.“I don't want to take away any more of your time from seeing other vendors."“Did you get the info you needed?” Then set a follow up if necessary.“I love where this is going. Or This seems to be a great fit, don't you agree? Let's continue the conversation at dinner. Or Next week.”Then teach it to your team! Time is money especially at a trade show!#5 -- Speed is your secret weaponWant more leads or demos or sales? Go faster!It's like the old sales adage – it's all a numbers game. You'll get more results if you do more.And the best way you can do more is to go faster.You just finished up a conversation with an attendee. Engage the very next person you see! Put the power of speed to work! Engage as many people as you can as

Planning for Trade Shows is stressful enough, let alone when you are overwhelmed by stress at home. Because that stress follows you to work. So in this different episode of Trade Show University, join host Jim Cermak as he interviews financial coach, Joel Bromley, who received the blessing of Dave Ramsey to launch his Financial Reset package!Are you feeling overwhelmed by financial stress? In this episode, we dive into the journey of Joel and Caitlin Bromley, founders of Bromley Financial Coaching. They turned their own financial struggles into a mission to help others achieve financial independence and peace of mind.***************************Get your FINANCIAL RESET package here: https://www.bromleyfinancialcoaching.com/2025-financial-reset-bundle?linkId=lp_087032&sourceId=jim-cermak&tenantId=bromleyfc***************************Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu***************************Joel shares how their personal experiences with debt, property management, and full-time jobs led them to seek a better way to handle money. They began by leading a small finance group at their church, which eventually evolved into a full-fledged coaching service. Inspired by principles from Ramsey Solutions, they crafted their own program tailored to help people understand and manage their finances without the pressure of sales pitches for investments or insurance.Throughout the discussion, Joel highlights common financial pitfalls, like the trap of comparison, unintentional spending, and the fear of facing financial realities. He emphasizes the power of knowledge, intentionality, and the impact of small, consistent changes—like re-evaluating insurance plans or meal planning—to free up cash and reduce anxiety.The Bromleys also introduce their comprehensive 2025 Financial Reset package. It's packed with over 40 pages of resources, including financial audits, goal-setting tools, budgeting strategies, and essential questions for financial advisors. This toolkit is designed to help you build a solid financial foundation, prepare for tax season, and plan for the future, whether you're in Canada or beyond.If you're ready to flip the script on your finances and start living the life you truly want, this episode is a must-watch. Learn practical tips, gain valuable insights, and get inspired to take control of your financial future with confidence and clarity.Connect with Joel Bromley:Website: https://www.bromleyfinancialcoaching.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelbromley/Get your FINANCIAL RESET package here: https://www.bromleyfinancialcoaching.com/2025-financial-reset-bundle?linkId=lp_087032&sourceId=jim-cermak&tenantId=bromleyfc

Should your Corporate Event or Tradeshow have a Theme? Corporate Event Marketer & Trade Show professional, Kimberly Kee of Kee Consulting, joins Jim Cermak of Trade Show University to discuss the right way to incorporate theming at your next trade show, conference, expo and event!Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!!** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowuThe goal of event marketing is to package a message using elements like costumes, sets, and scripts to create meaningful connections between companies and their buyers.The Importance of Themes:• Themes create a unifying experience for events like sales kickoffs or user conferences.• Themes help in planning event details, ensuring a cohesive experience that reinforces the overall message.• Themes should align with the company's or industry's current situation; they don't always need to be extravagant. ◦ A somber theme can be appropriate during difficult times. ◦ A more exciting theme can highlight company advancements.• Theming strengthens brand identity and connects with the event audience.Creating a Theme• The theming process can be quick, but it may require brainstorming and mind mapping to develop the right theme.• Consider the event's objectives and key messages when developing a theme.• A strong theme should be marketed in advance to build anticipation and excitement.• Incorporate the theme into all aspects of the event, including branding, visual elements, and themed activities.• For instance, a "level up" theme can use video game elements like leaderboards and avatars to engage attendees.Examples of Impactful Themes• "Level Up": Uses video game references to create a positive and exciting atmosphere.• "Better Together": Focuses on unity and teamwork, especially useful during times of uncertainty or change.Avoiding Themes That Fall Flat• Themes that are too abstract or lack a clear connection to the audience can fall flat.• Ensure the theme lends itself to specific activities and is easy to understand.• The theme should evoke emotion and create anticipation.Top Tips for Event Themes• Base themes on key objectives and messages.• Make the theme memorable and catchy to create a unifying environment.• Integrate the theme into every detail of the event, from keynote speakers to breakout sessions.• The goal is to create an immersive experience where the theme is evident even when attendees aren't actively thinking about it.The Importance of Food• Food can significantly impact an event.• Align food with the theme such as having a gourmet nacho station and corn dog vendor at an arcade-themed event.Kimberly's Top Takeaway• A well-executed theme is one of the most important elements of a hosted event, as it unifies the experience and makes the event memorable.Connect with Kimberly Kee:• Email: Kimberly@Keyconsulting.com • https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyakee/Connect with Jim Cermak:• Email: jim@tradeshowu.biz• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcermak/#theme #tradeshows #branding #strategy #events #corporateevents

Strategies for How to take trade show lead generation to the next level from a professional Magician! Scott Tokar, owner of Corporate FX joins Jim Cermak of Trade Show University to discuss strategies to maximize ROI at your next trade show, conference, expo and event!** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowuScott Tokar says simply drawing a crowd isn't enough; exhibitors must implement strategies to activate the audience, efficiently collect data, qualify leads, and ensure effective post-show follow-up. He advocates for moving away from linear processing and utilizing parallel processing strategies to maximize the number of quality leads.Scott and Jim discuss:- Beyond Crowd Gathering: Activating Your AudienceTokar emphasizes that attracting a crowd is only the first step. The real challenge is "what do you do with a crowd once you've got them in the exhibit?" You activate them by:- Moving the crowd to a theater-style presentation.- Engaging them in a passport-style promotion with stamps.- Using gamification, like a QR code and a prize wheel.- Understanding the limitations of traditional badge and lead scanners- Implementing Parallel Processing - collecting lead information from a large group simultaneously. --- This process allows “30 seconds to scan a hundred people.”- Quantification vs. Qualification - both are important for different reasons- Qualifying Questions – The Key to Identifying Hot Leads. We give powerful examples of these!- Automated Follow-up via Drip Marketing:- Linear vs Parallel Processing- Sales Staff Involvement and ObservationScott's Top Takeaways:-- Embrace Parallel Processing: Move beyond linear lead generation methods -- Implement Gamification: Use QR codes and games to engage audiences and facilitate quick data collection-- Leverage Data: Combine data from various sources for richer insights-- Automate Follow-Up: Use drip marketing campaigns to stay in touch with leadsConnect with Scott Tokar: - https://corporatefx.com/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotttokar/Get your free Trade Show Traffic Scorecard: https://tradeshowuniversity.captivate.fm/

There are 13 Secrets to win at trade shows you and your business need to know! These are things most businesses don't do, and they can multiply the results, leads and sales at every event. More than ever before, you need to go all in on trade shows and events to grow your business and promote your products and services. Now, I'm not saying to  drop all your other marketing,  but you need to commit to trade shows, to expos, to conferences, to in-person face-to-face events. And You have got to commit to doing them and then doing them right.** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowuHere are the 13 Secrets - mind-blowing things most businesses do not do at trade shows, expos and events. I guarantee 99% of businesses need to add at least 1 of these areas to their strategy.1) Effectively fill your lead/sales pipeline2) Share your story3) Get into deep meaningful conversations4) Get immediate feedback on product/service5) Get assets for social media posts6) Do competitive research and Spy on your competition7) Find prospective vendors, partners and suppliers8) Learn industry trends and insider info9) Learn new skills / CEUs10) Network like crazy to unlock new opportunities11) Become a speaker and Position your company as an expert and thought leader12) Talk to same buyers as big guys13) Get press and media coverage for Free!** Want to know HOW to Pick the Right Trade Show? Check this out! https://youtu.be/9zMd_sJzvZA

Innovative New Product entrepreneur and small business owner, Lauren McLaughlin of ChangeUp Kids (https://www.changeupkids.com), shares her story of how she found huge success at her very first BIG Trade Show! Her product for Parents of Kids was perfect for the Event she chose. ** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowuLauren is a mom of three adventurous boys, and we are constantly on the go. I always desired a place for them to get changed with privacy without having them go into public bathrooms after a sandy day at the beach.Change Up Kids is a portable changing station that gives kids and families Dignity, Privacy and Convenience. Lauren attended the MomCon expo (https://www.momcon.co/) for a couple of years as an attendee and saw this event as the perfect place to launch her new product. Thousands of moms attend each year.She realized being at the right show wasn't enough, so reached out to Jim Cermak of Trade Show University. Jim coached her as she prepared for MomCon and the 5,000 moms that were going to be there. She ultimately made changes to her signage, displays, offers, and engagement questions.You will love her energy and her story as she shares what worked well and what needs to be improved for the next show!Connect with Lauren:ChangeUp Kids: https://www.changeupkids.com/Email: lauren@changeupkids.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/change_up_kids/Training Videos & Tips - Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversityEmail Jim: jim@tradeshowu.biz

Today you are going to learn from an Award Winning event and marketing manager about Goal Setting, Sourcing, Networking and more. So excited to have Laura Woods, Event and Marketing Manager for Jamis Software join Jim Cermak, host and founder of Trade Show University for this impactful interview. ** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowuLaura and Jim discuss:Goal Clarity for Event Success: Like trade show exhibitors, event planners must define clear goals for each event to ensure smooth execution and meaningful outcomes. "If you don't have a clear goal, the event is not going to run smoothly."Leveraging the Power of Networking: Facilitating connections between attendees is crucial for a successful event. Woods highlights the importance of dedicated networking time, icebreaker activities, and creating an environment that encourages interaction. "That's the lifeline of events is the connections in the networking."Sourcing for Success: Woods emphasizes the need for strategic venue selection, considering factors like attendee location, accessibility, cultural relevance, and adequate space. "You need to make sure you have enough space and hotel rooms."Continuous Feedback and Improvement: Pre- and post-event surveys provide invaluable feedback for improving future events. Woods encourages event planners to be receptive to criticism and to view feedback as an opportunity for growth. "Never take anything to heart of what you get back from these surveys."Theming and Engagement: Creating a memorable event with a strong theme enhances the attendee experience. Woods shares examples of incorporating popular culture references and aligning the theme with the event's purpose.Connect with Laura:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurab90/Email: lwoods@jamis.comEmail Jim: jim@tradeshowu.bizMentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity

You're an exhibitor working a trade show or conference when all of a sudden, the traffic stops. What happened to the Attendees? Where is everyone? What do you do? I'm going to give you 8 TIPS you need to make the most of the slow times! 8 of them to be exact!** Please SUBSCRIBE to the Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity **So when the show gets slow, what i see is people pulling out their phones and start scrolling. Please stop that! When attendees start coming around again, they won't want to stop at your booth.So here's what you do - create a strategy!So that means before you go to the show, you have to do your research and figure out what you are going to do when the show is slow. And for those of you at larger shows in the end aisles and the back corners, that means when the show opens! You may not see anyone for a while! So before I go into the 8 things I recommend being prepared to do when the show is slow, you have to find and research the show floor layout. This is NEEDED for the first 3 Tips:#1 - Look for booths that can be potential customers#2 - Look for competitors - spy on them#3 - Look for potential vendors or suppliers - reach out to purchasing and see what their needs are.#4 - What breakout sessions should you attend?Anything else you do before the show? Drop that in the comments. And please subscribe if you're getting value!#5 - Have someone walk the floor and take pics of other booths for ideas - design, activations, more#6 - Review with your team goals, scripts, and roles#7 - Make time to network!#8 - Give people breaks!** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu#strategy #tradeshows #events Mentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity

How to attract More Attendees to your Trade Shows, Conferences and Events, Sell More Tickets, and Keep More Money! Get the Tips on using the right Marketing and Ticket Platform.** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/servicesJoin Jim Cermak of Trade Show University and Ashley Stanford, a Digital Marketing Consultant and Freelancing Expert. With 20 years of experience in the digital marketing space, she specializes in building strategic marketing plans, mapping strategy execution, and collaborating to optimize tactics that drive increased performance for clients in the Events & Entertainment space. Her app Ice Cream Social is backed by Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech, which invested in the company in early 2022.We Discuss:Effective Event MarketingWhat should organizers consider when choosing a ticketing platform?What are the most effective ways to boost ticket sales for trade shows? How to make sure the right audience attends?Trends in the trade show industry that planners and exhibitors should keep an eye on?Ashley's Top Takeaway:The importance of choosing a flexible ticketing system that aligns with their trade show's needs, combined with effective marketing and networking strategies, to drive attendance and maximize the value of their event. The message should be that strategic decisions in both technology and personal interactions are key to a successful trade show experience.Connect with Ashley Stanford:ashley@ashleyncline.comTicketSocket.com AshleyNStanford.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashstanford/Mentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

Should you buy or rent the exhibit for your next Trade Show, Conference or Event? What's the ROI? This is a top question for big and Small Business across the US and Europe.** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/servicesWe're going to break it down with great tips and advice from Chris Dunn, VP of Sales & Business Development with BlueHive Exhibits who has been in the industry for 30 years.We discuss:-- When does it make sense to buy compared to rent? -- When is the breakeven ROI for buying versus renting? -- What type of Exhibit program is a good candidate for renting?-- Case Studies and more!Chris's Top Tips:-- When selecting an exhibit partner, like an exhibit house or an agency, make sure that you choose someone that you trust not only for where you're at currently but also where you want to go and how you want to grow-- Be open to exploring options on both the purchase and rental side to get the best combination that works for your Exhibit program-- Create and understand a complete exhibit calendar that includes both sizes, show dates, locations and goals. Work with your partner to handle overlapping situations or an outlier space as a for instance.Special Offer from Chris and BlueHive:BlueHive is happy to offer a 30 minute no charge tradeshow program auditContact Chris Dunn:-- Email: Cdunn@bluehive.com-- Website: www.bluehive.com-- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjdunn1/Weekly Tips, Training and More! Register for our Newsletter at www.tradeshowu.bizMentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversityCreate Amazing Memorable Events with Michael Green Food & Wine Experiences! MICHAEL GREEN CREATES AND HOSTS WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCES THAT BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND DRIVE SALES. FROM CONFERENCES TO OFFISTES, MICHAEL'S HIGH ENERGY PRESENTATIONS ARE INFORMATIVE, HIGHLY ENTERTAINING AND RESONATE FOR YEARS TO COME. Find out why CMO firm Chief Outsiders said… Michael does much more than develop events – he creates memorable experiences for his clients and their guests. His expertise spanned all elements from planning to execution. What made the events truly special and memorable were Michael's knowledge, experience, contacts, and flair. He not only made us look good, he ensured we remained relevant in the eyes of our guests throughout the evening. LOOKING FOR A WAY TO STAND OUT AT YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE OR INCREASE YOUR CONFERENCE ROI? GO TO WWW.MICHAELGREEN.COM TO LEARN MORE. Mention you heard this ad on the Trade Show University podcast!

AI continues to evolve, and there are more tools available than ever. So let's learn what we can do to improve our events by hearing from one of the top experts in the industry! Proud to have join me Anca Trifan of Tree-Fan Events to discuss everything AI and events!We also discuss: How is AI changing the game when it comes to corporate events?How can AI-driven insights and analytics be used?What is Anca hearing or seeing about meetings becoming more inclusive?What new trends are appearing?And more!Learn more and connect with Anca Trifan! https://ai.treefanevents.com/** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/services

Don't let a small or cut budget stop you from Rocking your next Trade Show, Expo or Event! Join Trade Show University host, Jim Cermak, and his guest, Rich Rodrigues, a Trade Show Troubadour and Account Executive with EDE - full-service trade show and event management company.** Watch the Video of this interview! https://youtu.be/-s--TsZ_PGQWe discuss: - What to do when your budget is cut - Creative ideas to make the most of your events - Maximizing the opportunities with bigger event crowds and attendees - What are Micro events and how they can help grow your brand - The importance of #community - And much more!Connect with Rich Rodrigues - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-rodrigues/** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Let's Talk! Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/services** Join the Trade Show University weekly update newsletter: https://tradeshowu.bizMentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

Ready to multiply the opportunities you get from your next trade show? Then you've got to learn how to effectively network with others! Your best leads an opportunities will come from people you personally know, so let's get to know more of them! Here's my Top 10 Networking Tips for when you are at a Trade Show, and specifically when you are an exhibitor!1 - Have a go-to question you use every time. 2 - Prep your quick pitch. 3 - Take advantage of networking opportunities. 4 - Bring business cards with you! 5 - At the show, network with the people at all the booths around you! 6 - When you are outside the show, look for other people wearing badges from your show! 7 - Stay at the host hotel, or at least hang out there! 8 - Don't be afraid of small talk. 9 - Be a good listener and ask good follow up questions! 10 - Be sure to Follow up with each person you meet! ******************Check out the Trade Show University YouTube Channel for exclusive video trainings and tips! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversityMentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

So if you've been wondering about AI, you've been wondering about the metaverse and what it all means for our events and our trade shows, listen to this episode.Danny Stefanic is CEO and Founder of the Hyperspace Metaverse Platform. He is renowned for creating the world's first metaverse and is considered a pioneer in the Metaverse for Business field, having been involved in the creation of ground-breaking 3D businesses for over 30 years.We Discuss:The transformative power of VR/AR in revolutionizing tradeshowsAI-powered avatarsWhat is an "inverted online tradeshow"?Why should every tradeshow go hybrid in 2024 and beyond?How can tradeshow professionals leverage AI?Do you need an army of programmers to make this work?How fast can I add a virtual component to my tradeshow?Special Offer!Everyone that signs up for a live demo through this link (https://hyperspace.mv/tradeshow) will get a FREE tradeshow space to experiment with so they can see what's possible for themselves.Connect with Danny Stefanic & Experience Hyperspace:Email: danny@hyperspace.mvWebsite: https://hyperspace.mvLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/exitreality/Schedule Guided Platform Tour: https://hyperspace.mv/tradeshowInteract With Our AI-Powered Virtual Tradeshow Booth: https://app.learnbrite.com/dashboard/spaces/visit/spc720f7195a97ba0ada482d5

We're about to turn the trade show world upside down. I am honored to have on a phenomenal guest today who is an author, speaker, and the founder of Total Life Freedom, where he helps people time and money freedom in their life. And today has started Membership Freedom where he's helping businesses develop memberships in all sorts of different niches.Welcome Vincent Pugliese to Trade Show University!The concept which Vincent is proposing is called The Unconference which focuses not on keynote speakers, workshops, breakout sessions, or a show floor full of exhibitors, but an event laser-focused on making key strategic connections happen among attendees! These are connections that happen naturally or serendipitously at trade shows and events, but only in the "in-between" times and out in the hallways.Now The Unconference is designed to make more of those connections happen and happen more powerfully! It's happening in Sarasota FL, Feb 3-5, 2025.To learn more about The UnConference - visit https://totallifefreedom.kartra.com/page/unconferenceapplication For more info on Membership Freedom, visit https://mymembershipfreedom.com/To connect with Vincent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-pugliese/To get a FREE copy of the Wealth of Connection audiobook: https://totallifefreedom.kartra.com/page/wealthofconnectionaudiobook** Want help creating a WINNING strategy for your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/services** Join the Trade Show University weekly update newsletter: https://tradeshowu.biz

If you are a franchise, a franchisor or a franchisee, you're in the right place today. Especially if you've been looking to figure out how to get better at marketing and trade shows.Jim Cermak, trade show consultant and founder of Trade Show University is pleased to interview Susie Liberatore, who is the owner of Visions2Images, a marketing agency with a focus on Franchises.Jim and Susie discuss:Why Franchises should be using trade showsHow franchises can promote a tradeshowWhy we should consider Franchisees like a local small businessHow to best be prepared and be creative Why Tradeshows are a great investment for brand awarenessAnd so much moreConnect with Susie Liberatore:Visions2Images - https://visions2images.com Franchise Clarity - https://franchise-clarity.comSusie's Personal site - https://susieliberatore.comWant help creating your strategy? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/servicesJoin the Trade Show University weekly update newsletter: https://tradeshowu.bizMentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

You're thinking about exhibiting at your very first trade show and want to make sure you crush it! But what do you do? For me, having worked and planned 100s of shows, you want to know what I would do? There are 6 things you need to do to ensure you will look like a PRO and not a Rookie, and get fantastic results at your very first trade show! Before you even get started, you need to make sure you picked the right show! Check out THIS VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ILcbnClb2Xc?si=utrEz2vq5FizNzN9And if you know you picked the right show, here's the 6 things you need to do to get ready for that show so you come back with more leads, sales and profits than if you just go in blind.1 - Research the show, and especially the audience!2 - Figure out your budget. What will the show cost, and all the expenses around it. Don't be caught off guard!3 - Set goals to have success! You want to make money, and if you do it right you can fill your lead pipeline for a long time! But that starts with knowing what you need to accomplish!4 - Focus your message to the audience so you attract them to your booth5 - Figure the Questions you want to ask to everyone6 - Practice! Practice! Practice!Now that you know the 6 things you need to do to rock your very first show, click on this video to level up your game even more! https://youtu.be/Nn52LsBmBeE?si=96M7cjOhpWwUMMoWWant help creating your strategy? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/servicesMentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity

If you're a small business, you may have plans to work an upcoming show by yourself or maybe you've done it in the past. Happens with bigger businesses too! And let me tell you, having worked many expos and shows solo, it can be frustrating. Here's 9 Tips to help you Survive and Thrive at your next Expo, Event or Trade Show!Being by yourself does not allow you to be efficient, maximize your ROI, or put you in the position to get the best results possible.The biggest issue is that you can only have indepth discussions with one person at a time.Let me give you one big piece of advice – Don't work by yourself! If at all possible, convince a co-worker, trusted colleague, family member or friend help you out for a few hours or few days. It will definitely be worth it!( 1 ) Set up your booth as early as possible to allow for the unknown. ( 2 ) Get to shows early to walk the show floor and meet people. ( 3 ) Make friends with people in the booths around you. ( 4 ) Simplify and Minimize ( 5 ) Use other methods to help capture information and make you more efficient( 6 ) Practice! ( 7 ) Get out front of your table/booth ( 8 ) Try group presenting( 9 ) Pack snacks, water, mints to help you avoid having to leave your boothAND...The next video you NEED to watch so you don't Unknowingly kill your results...https://youtu.be/ftHlxygrPFwPLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversityIMPROVE YOUR NEXT TRADE SHOW!Get a Professional Booth Review or the **RIGHT Training** for your staff: https://tradeshowu.biz/servicesGet the Trade Show University email newsletter for weekly tips, tools, and expert advice to maximize the ROI for your next trade show or event – all for FREE -- Visit https://tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page!Mentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

Travel Tips and Advice for getting to your next Trade Show or Event from Michael Lynn, Retired Air Force member who transported Presidents, Dignitaries and World Leaders, and is the author of the book Travel Etiquette.Michael joins host Jim Cermak, trade show coach and founder of Trade Show University in this enlightening interview!We discuss:Preparation / Before you go.How to get through TSA faster / better.Boarding tipsSome of the Do's and Dont's of air travelThe "Elephant" in the PlaneAnd much more!Connect with Michael Lynn:Email - mdlspeaks@outlook.comLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/mikelynnspeaksIMPROVE YOUR NEXT TRADE SHOW!Get a Professional Booth Review or the **RIGHT Training** for your staff: https://tradeshowu.biz/servicesGet the Trade Show University email newsletter for weekly tips, tools, and expert advice to maximize the ROI for your next trade show or event – all for FREE!-- Visit https://tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page!Mentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

Small Businesses have to STOP Wasting Money on Trade Show and Event Sponsorships! In fact, businesses of ALL sizes need to do this!I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers here, but stick with me. I'm NOT telling you to Stop sponsoring, but to do them right! I'm going to give you the 3 ways to fix your sponsorships so you get the maximum return! Look I'm not against sponsorships - they help fund the events and can be a tremendous investment. Problem is Most companies that invest in sponsorships at trade shows, conferences and events don't know how to get an ROI. First things first - you have to know your reason for sponsoring in the first place! Maybe it's to support the show or the association in some way, and this is how you choose to do it. Fantastic!Maybe the show is offering some added freebies or bonuses to sponsors, and you feel it's worth it. Okay great!But maybe you're investing in a sponsorship to get your company name, logo and brand in front of a bunch of attendees and exhibitors. You are who I am talking to today.Think about this - sponsoring something like a lanyard or a tote bag everyone gets definitely gets your logo out there in a big way! And some people even keep these things!But ask yourself - have you ever bought from a company, or even changed your perception of a company, because their logo was on a lanyard or backpack? If you want to support the show or association putting on the show, then go ahead and sponsor the lanyard, the backpack, the disposable water bottles, or the other products.Then there's sponsoring events inside the events - lunches, breakout sessions, after-hours networking events. For most of these events I attend, even while in the middle of them I can't tell you who the sponsor is.Okay - so what do you do? What is a good sponsorship? HERE'S YOUR 3 TIPS!1 - Look for a sponsorship that will bring attendees to your booth. Bingo Card, Scavenger Hunt. But do it right! 2 - If you sponsor an event - lunch, networking event - make sure you maximize your branding AND get everyone's attention by either speaking from stage, or having a team of people going around and spreading your brand.3 - If you sponsor a product - have a message on the product to bring that product to your booth for a free gift.Want to MAX the ROI on your Sponsorships?? Let's jump on a FREE Discovery Call! -- Go to tradeshowu.biz/services and click on the blue "Book My Discovery Call" button!Mentioned in this episode:Powerful Data Analytics with BearIQ from Bear AnalyticsI want to take a second to cover one of the hottest topics in the events industry right now: Data Analytics If you are a show organizer, you're probably trying to gain a leg up on how to return to revenue. One company leading the charge for growing events is Bear Analytics. With their cutting-edge platform, Bear IQ, easily aggregates, cleans, and measures, event performance – showing you exactly where to focus your marketing, sales, and education team's energy. The best part is – it's powered by the data you're already collecting. It means you can use their predictive tools to grow audience, increase exhibitor and sponsor sales, and easily measure engagement across your education and certification programs. If you even a little curious, reach out to them at WWW.BearAnalytics.com and tell them Jim sent you! Mention code “TSU” to let them know Trade Show University to unlock a free post-event report

Hey Exhibitors - I gotta Rant because you're missing out. You're not doing enough. You're not putting in the work.Not that you're not working hard - I get that. You are.But you're not doing the right things.Ready to turn things around and Max Out your Leads and Opportunities? Go to Tradeshowu.biz/servicesSubscribe to https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversityMentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity

Are you Creating Community at your trade shows and events? Building communities for your business is one of the hottest trends for good reason - it works! In this episode we discuss how and why you should incorporate this powerful tool into your strategy!** Watch the video of this interview - https://youtu.be/be07vkLCfMsJoining host Jim Cermak for the second time is Evan Babins, Event Manager for Intuit.Evan has close to 10 years' experience in corporate event production. Throughout his career, he has managed event logistics and production for world class clients like: Nissan Canada, Equitable Bank, Kia Canada, Novartis, and TD Bank, and now Quickbooks. Evan has worked in live, virtual and hybrid event spaces, becoming a top tier event industry trendsetter. Evan has been named one of BizBash's Top 250 Event Professionals, Eventex's Top 50 Most Influential Event Technology Professionals, Bizzabo's Top 55 Event Experience Leaders and Special Event Magazine's Top 20 Young Event Pro's to Watch lists. We discuss:What does creating community at events look like?What are the benefits?Can exhibitors build communities?How the benefits last far after the event has endedAnd more!Listen to Evan's first interview on Trade Show University:Innovative Best Practices for Exhibitors: https://tradeshowu.biz/episodes/ep-138-innovative-best-practices-for-exhibitors-with-evan-babins/Connect with Evan Babins:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanbabins/Instagram: @evanbabinsTwitter/X: @evanbabinsSUBSCRIBE! Trade Show Tips, tricks and strategies at https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity*** Listen to 100's of episodes of the Trade Show University podcast at your favorite Podcast Platform!Mentioned in this episode:Add Greater Value to Exhibitors & Sponsors with EVA Event Tech Hub Visit www.evareg.com/TSU to get started on adding greater value to your Exhibitors and Sponsors at your next Trade Show or Event!Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

You should be Podcasting from your Trade Shows and Events! We discuss podcasting Options you need to check out to get More Leads, build your Brand, and increase Attendee Engagement!Trade Show University founder and host, Jim Cermak, interviews Carey Green. Carey founded Podcast Fast Track - a full-service podcast production agency in 2018 and in 2023 launched "Mobile Podcast Studio" a full-service on-location recording solution for events, conferences, trade shows, and more. He is also host of his own daily podcast which averages over 10,000 listeners per day.We Discuss:* Podcasting and the Mobile Podcast Studio option for events and trade shows.* Why should every event organizer or trade show operator consider podcasting as part of their strategy? * What kind of events or event-topics are best-fit for using a mobile podcast studio at their event? * What are the different use cases for an on-site podcast recording studio at an event? * What about sound issues at live events? Isn't the noise level inherent in public spaces difficult to overcome? * How can trade show organizers afford a mobile podcast solution? Carey's Top Takeaways:* Leverage the portability and accessibility of audio to enhance your attendee experience.* Find creative ways to get your event attendees talking about your event (both during and after).Connect with Carey Green:Email: carey@podcastfasttrack.com https://TheMobilePodcastStudio.comhttps://PodcastFastTrack.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/careyngreen/SUBSCRIBE! Trade Show Tips, tricks and strategies at https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity*** Listen to 100's of episodes of the Trade Show University podcast at your favorite Podcast Platform!Mentioned in this episode:John Lee Dumas book giveaway - join newsletter listJohn Lee Dumas book giveaway - join newsletter list The Common Path to Uncommon Success

There is ONE CHANGE, one SHIFT you can make, which will make all the difference in your trade show results in 2024. This is a message specifically for small businesses. I'm talking about any business that has a small booth at a big show, or even you're doing a tabletop booth somewhere. One thing I know about you is that trade shows are just one part of everything that you're doing.You don't have a person dedicated to trade show management and planning and all, doing all that stuff, and that's all that they do. You're wearing a bunch of different hats or have a lot of other things on your plate. If that sounds like you, I'm in your corner. I know what it's like. So here's what you need to do. You need to change your mindset about trade shows.What does that mean? Well, listen, trade shows are the most powerful marketing tool you have available to you, and it can pay off in a big way. If you have the right mindset, if you're planning like it is the most powerful marketing tool, if you plan like I'm going to have the most Awesome opportunities at this show. If you plan, like you're going to be able to land the biggest customers and fill my pipeline for the year. But if you don't plan for that, you will get mediocre results.You're in control. And it starts with your mindset.The right mindset is that trade shows are worth investing the time and the effort to do them right first. You need to make a commitment that you will take these shows seriously. You will get out of them what you put in. You have to be efficient. You have to plan like this show is going to make your year. This show can fill up your sales lead funnel. Like you never thought that is the way you've got to approach it because that is the truth that can happen for you if you plan it correctly, but only planning with that mindset is not enough.You've got to execute with the same mindset and now that you've got to instill that mindset to your entire team, who's going to be there or helping you plan the event. Take this seriously. Once you get to the show, it is not a nuisance. It's not just a vacation. It's not just a time away from the office.You got to WORK THE SHOW. That's why you're there. I have worked with people who did not give it their all. Okay. We were not focused, not engaged. The results suffered, but if you're locked in on your goals, you have that strategy and make sure everybody's on the same page and then you work it.You work that strategy, you engage with the attendees and you make things happen. The results will be double or more than if you don't. DOUBLE or more. So you take a little bit extra time and you do it right. It's all about your mindset.Now, if you're a one person company or you're in charge of planning and everything all by yourself, consider bringing a professional into help.You want to see what that looks like. I am more than happy to jump on a free 15 minute phone call with you. I have to do is go over to https://tradeshowu.biz/services Click on that big blue "BOOK MY DISCOVERY CALL" button, and we will jump on for 15 minutes and discuss the possibilities and see what it looks like for you.I am looking forward to helping you make 2024 your best year ever and trade shows can power your year, bringing in more leads, more sales and more profits than you ever thought possible!Check out all our videos with tips, tricks and strategies at https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity*** Listen to 100's of episodes of the Trade Show University podcast at your favorite Podcast Platform!Mentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!Check out...

If you are launching a new product at a Trade Show, this is a must listen interview! Jim Cermak, host and founder of Trade Show University, interviews successful inventor Steve Waddell.Steve is an experienced entrepreneur with a rich background in product development and innovation. Over the years, Steve has turned bright ideas into successful products which have earned millions of dollars in investments. He took the lessons learned and created the new book, 'Valuepreneurs.' This book provides a blueprint for others to navigate the challenging yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship.Steve and Jim discuss:-- The key concepts and methodologies from my new book, 'Valuepreneurs,' which delves into the Value-Driven Product Development (VDPD) process-- Enhancing the success rate of new products across diverse industries-- The critical stages from ideation to market launch-- How to launch new products at trade shows and exhibitions, where product innovation and effective development strategies are crucial.-- And much more!Learn more about Valuepreneurs:-- Webiste: www.valuepreneurs.com-- Online Community: https://www.skool.com/valuepreneurs-2715-- The 2024 Valuepreneur's Idea to Product Summit: https://2024.ideatoproductsummit.com/Connect with Steve Waddell:-- steve@valuepreneurs.com-- Book website: https://valuepreneurs.com*** FREE 15-Minute Profit Potential Call with Jim Cermak - Trade Show Coach! https://tradeshowu.biz/services*** More Free Training and Tips - https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity*** Listen to 100's of episodes of the Trade Show University podcast at your favorite Podcast Platform!Mentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

Exhibitors at Trade Shows and Events need resources and tools to ensure their success. Trade Show University's Jim Cermak brings you one of the industry's leading suppliers of Free resources and tools, plus encouragement to give exhibitors the Power they need to succeed! Introducing Jessica Sibila, Executive Director of The Exhibitor Advocate!Jessica Sibila is a seasoned leader in the exhibitions and events industry, committed to excellence as an exhibitor advocate, change agent, speaker, consultant, and connector. She is on a mission to raise awareness of exhibitor challenges and broaden the scope of current event management best practices.Jessica and Jim Discuss:-- What is the Exhibitor Advocate?-- How do you help exhibitors?-- What are the issues that are top of mind for exhibitors today?-- How can someone get involved with The Exhibitor Advocate?-- And so much more!Jessica's Top Tips!-- Don't be afraid to speak up and ask for what you need.-- Every show should have an Exhibitor Advisory Council.-- Show organizers and suppliers should be aware of exhibitor pain points and work together to solve these challenges.-- If you don't know where to go for help, The Exhibitor Advocate is here for you.Get resources, advice and tools to help you navigate challenges at https://exhibitoradvocacy.comConnect with Jessica Sibila:-- info@exhibitoradvocacy.com-- www.exhibitoradvocacy.com-- https://www.linkedin.com/company/87379224/Free 15-minute Profit Potential Call with Jim! Schedule yours at tradeshowu.biz/servicesFind even more Free Resources at https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversityMentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity

Should you Exhibit or Attend a new show? This is a question I have gotten so many times from clients over the years, and it's a great question!Maybe there's a big show coming up that has you intrigued, but you've never been to it. Or it's in an industry you're interested in but don't know enough about. Or maybe you've never done a trade show before and think you're ready to commit.I'm going to go through 6 areas to consider and research and then I'll discuss when it makes sense to attend and when it makes sense to exhibit.Then at the end I'm going to give you some words of wisdom (or maybe warning) if you do decide to simply attend** DON'T MISS - How to Pick the RIGHT Trade Show! https://youtu.be/ILcbnClb2Xc?si=oh5gok6olXuW-0G4** FREE 15-Minute Profit Potential Call with Jim! https://tradeshowu.biz/servicesMentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity

Do you experience overwhelm and stress when planning for trade shows? Or maybe you are planning for your very first trade show and you can't believe the amount of work it is?You are not alone and I created this episode just for you! Today I am going to share with you 8 tips to help Exhibitors take the overwhelm out of your trade show and event planning! 1. Utilize the show contact. Have your show contact walk you through all you need to know so you don't get stuck piling through volumes of pages that are not relevant to you.2. Dedicate a block of time to get it done. These shows are complex and have a million details. If you try to just do a little here and there, you will constantly be spending time trying to figure out what's been done. 3. Simplify. Don't overdo it. If you have a lot on your plate and feeling overwhelmed, make things simple for yourself. 4. Double check your deadlines and prioritize. Understand all the important dates you need to get things done, and get them on your calendar. Clarity and planning will give you some peace. 5. Create a checklist of everything you need for events, then pull it up for your next show. 6. Don't recreate the wheel! Unless you have had some major changes, reuse your banners, backdrops, display pieces, and even marketing materials. 7. Delegate! Figure out all that needs to get done and then divvy up responsibilities. 8. Contact the show producer and schedule a call with them to go over everything you are submitting. Give yourself peace of mind. NOW...you can breathe!Which of these did you find helpful that you're going to try? What other ideas do you have to reduce stress and overwhelm? Drop them in the comments!Please LIKE and SHARE this video, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel!*** MAX Your Leads at the Next Trade Show! ***-- Check out our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity-- Get weekly tips and new info! Sign up for newsletter https://tradeshowu.biz-- Find the trade show topic you need: https://tradeshowu.biz/episodesMentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

How do you get a 150% increase in qualified leads in one show like one of my clients did? I'm not talking about leads like just getting a bunch of business cards in a bowl because you're giving away an iPad. I'm talking 100% qualified, want to meet with you leads!It's from a little known thing called Tip Stacking. In this episode I'm going to show you what Tip Stacking is and how to stack the RIGHT trade show tips which will help you dramatically increase the amount of leads you are getting and absolutely crush your goals!You mayhave heard of Habit Stacking, from the best selling book Atomic Habits by James Clear, where he says if you change a little bit of many habits, it accumulates into big changes.So Tip stacking is similar. It's about taking several tips and incorporating them into your next show. The key is doing the right ones. The ones that help you reach your show goals – and for most of you, I'm guessing your main goal is all about getting more qualified leads. Now you can find hundreds, maybe even thousands of trade show tips out there. Heck, on my podcast between me and my guests we've probably shared 1000.The tips you want to focus on are Tips that do 3 things – Drive Attendees to your booth, Help you Engage & Qualify those attendees, and Follow up.We're going to be focusing on just the first two areas – Driving Traffic, and Engage & Qualify.Story – Home improvement company. For years, they would give away a big prize of a home improvement package which had a value of about $5,000. Tons of people would sign up because hey – who doesn't want to win that! Then the company spent tons of time following up with people who have no interest to buy and end up with a handful of qualified leads.Here's what we did to get them a 150% increase in qualified leads. Added lights – engaging the senses. Drew people in!Typically one person worked the show because they would have one sales person per market. So we wanted to double their odds by adding a second person. Added a brand ambassador!Instead of just asking people if they wanted to enter the giveaway, we came up with specific qualifying questions that would pull them in.We added the qualifying question to the entry form!*** Podcast episodes all about Brand Ambassadors!*** Trade Show University Episode 153 - Interview with Polaris Brand Promotions: https://tradeshowu.biz/episodes/ep-153-using-brand-ambassadors-to-max-your-leads-roi-al-schuster-stephanie-crawford/*** Trade Show University Episode 147 - Interview with Expo Stars: https://tradeshowu.biz/episodes/ep-147-selecting-training-the-right-staff-for-your-booth-with-lee-ali/So we stacked those 4 tips on top of each other and it led to that 150% increase in qualified leads which led to a HUGE sales increase! And didn't spend a ton of money!So just have to make sure they are the right tips you're stacking! For example, adding a cool squishy toy giveaway may make people happy, but odds are they aren't going to become customers because of it.First thing you need to focus on is driving traffic to your booth. I know that some techniques and tips work better than others, so I created the Trade Show Booth Traffic Scorecard which has 25 different tips and techniques listed. 9 things you can do BEFORE the show16 DURING the showBut not only that each one has a point value based on how effective it is. This is based on experience and data!You don't have to do all 25! You just have to focus on the right ones which will make a difference, and the Scorecard will...

I'm going to give you 7 things which you should NEVER do at your booth - yet people commit these mistakes at every single trade show or expo! If you can avoid these, or change your habits, you will have more traffic and get more leads than ever!NEVER do these 7 things:DON'T Use your phone - makes you unapproachable and seem disinterested in being there to serve the attendeesDON'T Eat - such a bad look! Not only messy, but can make it look like you don't want to be bothered.DON'T Sit - again, this makes you appear that you don't want to be bothered or are unapproachable. Try removing the chairs from your booth so you have no option but to stand!DON'T Be behind a table - never have a barrier between you and attendees. Have an open booth layout to invite people in!DON'T Stay in booth the whole time - get out and explore all the show has to offer!DON'T Be unprepared - please be prepared so you are best positioned to bring value to the attendees and your company!DON'T Launch into a lengthy pitch before asking questions to the attendee! This is the biggest offense and time-waster. Ask questions and qualify the attendee first before talking about your company, services and products.Get ready with Professional Coaching help to maximize your Leads, Sales and ROI! Visit tradeshowu.biz/services to get started with a FREE 15-minute discovery call!Mentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

You got stuck with a bad booth location. Don't tell me you got stuck with a bad booth location. We've all been there for anyone who's exhibited at trade shows, expos, conferences, or events over the years. You probably have been stuck with a quote unquote bad booth location. At some point, you know what I'm talking about.We're talking about being stuck in the back corner on one of those aisles, that it's all the way off to the sides, or maybe in a secondary hall because they oversold the show. So what do you do? Do you just give up and take what attendance possibly happens to walk your way? Those attendees that maybe they're lost too. So they finally walk past your booth or do you take control? We're here to show you how to take control. First you got to do everything you can to avoid getting one of those. So when you're going to pick the show and pick your booth, get with , the show organizer and ask them, where does the traffic flow where the best. Locations that are still available. Get with them and they will help you to find the best location available. Now let's get into the tips. I've got three things that you're going to do before the show and six things that you're going to do during the show to increase traffic. So here's the first three things that you could do before the show,

Did you know that using a Professional Photographer can help you grow your Leads and your Brand at you next Trade Show? Proud to have on the Trade Show University podcast LeShayne Maddex, a professional photographer who specializes in events, trade shows and taking headshots! LeShayne has been a full-time photographer for over 10 years, and loves bringing value to her clients and making them look the best. We Discuss:How hiring a photographer can be a value add to your trade show - for everyone involved (organizers, vendors, attendees)What would a photographer do at a trade show? What type of photos should you expect to get from a trade show photographer? How can professional photos impact display and marketing pieces?How can headshots be used to drive booth traffic?LeShayne's Top Tips:They say a picture is worth 1000 words - having photos from a successful event can help you promote your event in years to come - make sure the tools you have to market are professional, including the photos! Hire someone who has been to trade shows. Be clear on what you are looking for with a photographer, the expectations. LeShayne's Top Takeaways: Hiring a professional photographer gives everyone involved in a trade show a "souvenir" - for the planners to use in marketing going forward, for the vendors to show off their presence at your trade show AND their booth, and for attendees to show where they have been to increase education/product knowledge for their own clients. ** SPECIAL OFFER! **Save 10% Discount on Trade show photography services - just mention Trade Show University Connect with LeShayne Maddex:info@LeShayne.comwww.TBHeadshots.comIG: tampabayheadshotsFB: TBHeadshots Check out our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversityGet weekly tips and new info! Sign up for newsletter https://tradeshowu.bizFind the trade show topic you need: https://tradeshowu.biz/episodesFree 15-minute Discovery Call! Let's talk about your challenges! https://tradeshowu.biz/servicesMentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

Learn Lessons from Nick Saban, championship coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide Football team, on halftime adjustments he makes to dominate the 2nd half of games. Trade Show University founder and host, Jim Cermak, helps exhibitors and show planners understand how to take those lessons and use them for Victories at upcoming tradeshows and events!Watch this video on the Trade Show University YouTube Channel - and Subscribe!https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversityNick Saban is known by some as the most successful second half coach in football history, because he knows how to make adjustments.So that's, we're going to learn today is what does he do at halftime that you can learn about your trade shows and adjustments you can make and learn from him. So you could have an amazing show, not just the beginning of the show, but the end of the show as well.Nick was recently interviewed and someone asked him, what is your key to success coming out from halftime? Especially there's times you're, you're dominated in the first half and how do you come back and end up winning time and time again.1) You've got to have Good information. That means you've got to have good data. You've got to be paying attention. What is happening when you're engaging with attendees? Are they reacting positively to the questions you are asking them? Which part of your booth are they being gravitated to? or are they not being drawn to your booth at all?At some point you've got to Call timeout, get your team together. If it's a multi day show, it's at the end of that first day to make sure everyone is on board and you can find out what's going, what's working, what isn't, and how do you make those halftime adjustments?2) You need to give assignments. Everyone should have something that they're responsible for, for keeping track of, have one person whose assignment is where are people drawn to, where are they naturally walking up to in your booth? Who are they naturally walking up to? What kind of questions are working and which ones are not working? What things are people resonating with and which ones are they not? Are they loving your giveaways? You've got to give assignments to each person in your booth and have them responsible for paying attention So you can get good data good information.3) You need to adjust what's not working and double down on what is just what's not working and double down on what is.If something's not working, you got to mix it up, you got to have different people out front trying different things, adjusting your people, the literature, what is going on in your booth. Adjust the questions that you're asking people so that you can have better results. And if something's working, do more of it. 4) Change things up day two. Well, he, he didn't say change things up day two. That's me saying it. What he said was have a game plan ready to start the second half, even before the game. So he said, every coach has those. First, so many plays that they run at the beginning of a, of a game.And you should have a set number of plays ready to run at the beginning of the second half. Now you may make adjustments and say, Oh, based on what we saw in the first half, we're not going to run this play these plays in the second half, but you got to have that in your back pocket so that you're not spending a whole lot of time trying to figure out what's next.You could already have that game plan. And so by me saying change things up Day two. If you're in a multi day show, at the beginning of the second day, you completely change things up. Maybe you have different pull up banners, different display pieces or literature out. Maybe you have a completely...

One thing Event Planners and Professionals (#eventprofs) would love to get more of is Trade Show Hacks! So today we are bringing the Hacks!Sharing his Trade Show Hacks to Improve ROI is Don Jalbert, the owner of Exhibit Associates. He was an outsider who took a tour of Exhibit Associates and within hours decided to buy the company with his wife. Just jumped in with both feet! These are the Hacks he has figured out over the past 9 years.Tradeshow Hacks to Improve ROI1. Tell people you are going2. Exhibit with a plan and share the plan3. Follow up and Speed wins4. Stand out in a good wayDon's top tips & takeaways:Follow Up after a tradeshow. Otherwise don't go.The tradeshow booth is not the primary thing to worry about. Your people are your greatest asset and greatest liability.FREE Resources from Exhibit Associates:Visit – https://www.exhibitassociates.com/insiderContact Don Jalbert:don@exhibitassociates.com913-980-4166Mentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

To have a successful Trade Show, we need leadership for our team and our exhibit! Excited to bring a class on Leadership Principles to you today! Grab your notebook - you will be inspired!My guest on Trade Show University is Kevin Davis, an executive coach, trainer and international speaker. Kevin's philosophy is simple: “Life is a journey of aligning your dreams, charting your course and navigating your way to a purpose-filled life.” For more than 30 years, Kevin has been inspiring, motivating, and equipping others to live out their dreams. He has devoted himself to developing and strengthening the personal and professional growth of others through speaking engagements, one-on-one leadership building, and most importantly by serving others.We Discuss:Leadership PrinciplesKevin's powerful Align, Chart, Navigate frameworkWhat does it mean to Bloom where you are planted?How leadership principles are key to trade show successAnd much more!Kevin's Top Takeaways:Realize Your Potential, The more you believe in yourself the bigger you can dream... Chart out your course to achieve your dream Navigate yourself there using the plan you charted and the Dream you want. Special Free Offer!Get your free Purpose Filled Life Radar Assessment Summary: https://www.mkevindavis.com/assessmentContact Kevin Davis:Website: mkevindavis.comEmail: mkevindavis@gmail.com Watch this Episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/muwB6DjBIMYMentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

PRO TIP – Send your New employees to your next Trade ShowThis secret will help your brand new employees and team members get up to speed quicker than ever! Shorten the learning curve! You'll hear this only on Trade Show University!*** WATCH this episode on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFivUR63ITg&t=173sIn this episode, I give you 4 reasons why you need to send your brand new employees to visit and even work at your next trade show, and 5 tips to get your new people as effective and efficient as possible at the event! Let's go!The 4 Reasons Why... Allows them to learn all about your industry and get up to speed quickly. If they are brand new to the industry there's nothing better! Seeing all the types of companies that are involved, learning about trends, and seeing how your company is positioned. If they're familiar with the industry, gets them to see things from a new vantage point!Allows them to do amazing market research by talking one on one with customers, prospects and vendors. Nothing like a new person to ask great questions!Breaks up the routines for that new person. We've all been there – like drinking out of a firehose trying to get our bearings in a new job. Getting out of the office or the usual workplace can be such a great thing for a new person.Accelerate the bonding and brings them into your team quickly. Nothing like spending a couple of days together to allow them to get to know you and you get to know them.5 TIPS to get New Team Members as effective and efficient as possible at the event:Give them specific tasks to do, set meetings for them with customers or vendors especially those they'll be interacting with in the position.When they're in the booth, have them observe conversations with your team to learn.Get them outside the booth to walk the show and gather info. And go have them do some research on the competition!Have them attend workshops and breakout sessions on your behalf to take notes. Duplicate your time!Make sure you take the time to watch them as well – how are they talking with prospects? How are they blending with your team? How are they socially? Mentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

Are you designing your events with Behavior Change in mind? Are you wondering what that even means? You have GOT to understand how important this is, and you are definitely in the right place to start learning!My guest this week is Kristin Malek, and this is her second time on Trade Show University! Kristin is an expert in designing experiences that change behavior and mindset. After 10 years in higher education, she realized that engagement without behavior change is useless at best, and dangerous at worst. The only way to enact real change and inspire action is to first design a transformational experience that would inspire change from within. Kristin has won double digit international, regional, and state awards to include international Educator of the Year and Excellence in Teaching and Training. We discuss:What exactly is Behavior Change DesignHow it is different from Project ManagementWhy designing for engagement is so importantKristin's latest project - Experience UniversityAnd so much more!Kristin's Top Tips:Engagement isn't activitiesEngagement without behavior change is essentially uselessIf you don't design for behavior change it's like planting a tomato seed without giving it a cage - it will grow but without structure of directionKristin's Big Takeaway:Change management is just project management; designing for behavior change is completely different.Connect with Kristin Malek:www.kristinmalek.com www.experienceuniversity.org - Check this out!!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinmm/Her Extraordinary Events Podcast: https://extraordinaryevents.buzzsprout.com***Check out Kristin's first visit on Trade Show University! Career Growth & Education Options in Events - LISTEN HEREFor more info on Trade Show University coaching and consulting services - CLICK HERESchedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call to see how we can generate MORE LEADS at your next show! CLICK HERE to ScheduleMentioned in this episode:Add Greater Value to Exhibitors & Sponsors with EVA Event Tech Hub Visit www.evareg.com/TSU to get started on adding greater value to your Exhibitors and Sponsors at your next Trade Show or Event!

Should you be afraid of A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)? Will AI cost you your job? Will AI destroy the events industry? OR...can AI and AI tools be used to make our trade shows and events better than ever? My guest, Kalon Welch, will help educate us on the future of AI in the events industry! Kalon is the Co-Owner and EVP for FastSensor where they utilize AI tools to help customers like Best Buy and Walmart better understand customer buying habits. Kalon regularly speaks as an industry expert on location based AI driven analytics and future retail based technology.We discuss:What is Unsupervised AI?What Privacy concerns should we have?How easy is it to deploy AI tools for events?What are AI Driven Event Analytics?Kalon's Top Tips:Measure to optimize. Learn how to demonstrate ROI. A/B test and iterate. Protect your budgets, your jobs and the face to face industry vs. Digital Marketing. Learn to apply and create value and leverage ROI.Kalon's Big Takeaway:You can Harness AI for Event Measurement, safely and affordably!*** SPECIAL OFFER ***We will offer your users 50% off of our Annual Hardware Subscription if they mention your podcast. Connect with Kalon to take advantage of this offer!Connect with Kalon Welch:Email: kalonw@fastsensor.uswww.fastsensor.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fastsensor/For more info on Trade Show University coaching and consulting services - CLICK HERESchedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call to see how we can generate MORE LEADS at your next show! CLICK HERE to ScheduleMentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

What are attendees saying about your Trade Show Booth? Probably NOTHING!! Sorry, but it's true. Let's change that!Branden Cobb, a seasoned marketing professional has been instrumental in driving market share, fostering customer loyalty, and enhancing profits for companies of all sizes. Through MarketingExec.us, he provides ongoing strategic advice to clients, catering to their specific needs and operating on a retainer basis. In today's discussion, he will share insights on creating captivating trade show booths, offering diverse approaches to engage and enthrall attendees.Listen in as we discuss:How to capture attention at the showSecuring leadsThe importance of differentiationAnd much more! Connect with Branden Cobb:branden@marketingexec.uswww.marketingexec.usLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandencobb1/For more info on Trade Show University coaching and consulting services - CLICK HERESchedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call! CLICK HERE to ScheduleMentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services Powerful Data Analytics with BearIQ from Bear AnalyticsI want to take a second to cover one of the hottest topics in the events industry right now: Data Analytics If you are a show organizer, you're probably trying to gain a leg up on how to return to revenue. One company leading the charge for growing events is Bear Analytics. With their cutting-edge platform, Bear IQ, easily aggregates, cleans, and measures, event performance – showing you exactly where to focus your marketing, sales, and education team's energy. The best part is – it's powered by the data you're already collecting. It means you can use their predictive tools to grow audience, increase exhibitor and sponsor sales, and easily measure engagement across your education and certification programs. If you even a little curious, reach out to them at WWW.BearAnalytics.com and tell them Jim sent you! Mention code “TSU” to let them know Trade Show University to unlock a free post-event report

Win the Show BEFORE You Go - Fill Your Calendar!This is a Trade Show University Pro Tip episode – a short one, but one of the most powerful you'll hear!Win the show before you go...So what does that mean? It means filling up your calendar with your top qualified prospects before you even get to the show.Think about it. What's the main thing you are doing when exhibiting at the show? Trying to connect with more qualified leads. Right? Of course there are other great reasons for being at the show like branding, networking, checking out the competition, finding new vendors, suppliers and partners, and so much more.But at the end of the day, it's about building your business. It's about ROI.So here's what you do...Figure out your calendar for the next show. And when I say calendar, I'm not just talking about the hours the show floor is open. But from the time you wake up to the time your head hits the pillow.If you're at the right show, then your target audience will be there. You need to take advantage of this amazing opportunity!So first block out any times you will not be available. Times you are setting up your booth, any networking or other important events you need to be at, if you are attending or giving a talk. Block all those out on your calendar.Next – look at the show floor hours. Now break those hours into 15 minute segments and make those available for meetings. Then fill up those blocks with qualified prospects. Have your presentation dialed in from start to finish in 10 minutes or less. Then get them out of your booth and get ready for the next meeting with a couple minute buffer.Unless you are the only person working your booth, this works like dynamite. Not only do you have qualified prospects continuously in your booth, but you also have activity in your booth! So instead of you and your team waiting around trying to find the next prospect, you can be talking to a non-stop flow of prospects.Now you should have blocked out any events pertaining to the show. The next thing you do is look at all the open time you have remaining and make those available. Breakfast meetings, lunch meetings, dinner meetings, late-night grab a drink meetings, go for an early morning run meetings. Leave nothing off the table.Will you be exhausted at the end of each day? Absolutely! Will it be worth it? 100% YES!So how do you find people to fill up your calendar? Here's a few ideas I'll rapid fire to you… Your personal contactsThe show website or app – they will at very least have listed exhibitors and speakers. I'm sure you can find a few in that list you may want to meet with. And some apps will even have those registered available to connect with. Go through EVERY name.LinkedIn or whatever social channels your target audience usesReach out to vendors in the industry and see if they can refer you to anyoneExhaust your opportunities!Last thing I'll recommend is to set up a specific calendar just for the show. I love using Calendly because it's a free tool and you can list the specific time blocks you are available. Send a link to those people and they can go in and schedule their own appointments. Doesn't get any easier than that!Calendly is just one option. There are others.Think of how your next show can go if you were intentional and aggressive about completely filling up your calendar with the right people!Now go do it!Want some help putting together a plan, we can jump on a

In this episode, we have an Exhibitor Coaching Session featuring Jim from Trade Show University offering coaching with an exhibitor for an upcoming trade show. Today Jim talks with Merijn van Buuren from Event Mender.Jim and Merijn discuss Event Mender's upcoming show, including:GoalsDisplayEngagementThe booth flow/attendee journeyFollow upWorking a show by yourselfAnd much more!Connect with Merijn!Email: merijn@eventmender.comWebsite: www.eventmender.com Your opportunity to listen in on a one-to-one coaching session!Would you like to be considered for an Exhibitor Coaching Session that will be featured on an upcoming podcast episode? CLICK HERE to go to our Contact page and send in your info!For more info on our coaching and consulting services - CLICK HERESchedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call! CLICK HERE to ScheduleEpisode discussed: 9 Tips for Working a Trade Show by YourselfMentioned in this episode:Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show UniversityReady to exhibit at your next Show? Don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don't even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services

Goal Setting is one of the Top things you can do for success at your next trade show or event -- IF you do it right!! Excited for this week's guest to give us a fresh perspective with her own method.Goal strategist Debra Eckerling is on a mission to change goal culture in and out of the workplace. A speaker, corporate consultant, and workshop leader, she is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and founder of the D*E*B METHOD® for goal-setting simplified. Debra has spoken on stages for TEDx, Innovation Women, SCORE LA, and more, and is host of #GoalChatLive, The DEB Show, and Taste Buds with Deb.We Discuss:What is Event Outcome Optimization?What is The DEB Method? Why is The DEB Method effective for Goal Setting?How does it apply to Event Outcome Optimization? Deb's Top Tips:To get the most value out of any conference, start by creating a mission and motto for your business, as well as for attending the eventCreate a plan for meeting people and choosing sessions, so you turn the time, money, and energy you spend into quality leads and valuable information that will grow your businessSchedule time to prep, as well as for following up and following throughDeb's Top Takeaways: To get what you want you need to know what that is. Setting goals for conferences, and aligning them with your business goals, will set you up for success. Get Deb's Book - Your Goal Guide on Amazon Connect with Debra Eckerling:info@thedebmethod.comhttps://thedebmethod.comhttps://eventoutcomeoptimization.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@TheDEBMethodhttps://LinkedIn.com/in/Coastbunnyhttps://Facebook.com/TheDEBMethodhttps://Twitter.com/TheDEBMethod https://Instagram.com/TheDEBMethod

How do you find and decide on the best tech tools and platforms for your upcoming trade show or event? Listen in!While helping physical event professionals embrace virtual events during the pandemic, Merijn van Buuren realized that evaluating different platforms was taking way too much time and that there must be a better way to do this to help even more event professionals. Merijn developed Event Mender, a tool to take out all the guesswork for event organizers. We discuss:Why do organizers need (to keep adding) new tools?What does the current process look like, and why is this a problem?What can event professionals do differently?How does Event Mender fits in this picture?Merijn's Top Tips:Don't start looking for something you think you need without a purpuse Before you get into demo's, set your boundaries and objectives (like your budget, number of events, features you need, etc)If the information you need to make a decision is not there on a website, don't schedule a demo of 1 hour to find out - just ask in an email to save yourself a lot of time (or find a place that already has this information)Ask for previous experiences/use-cases of similar demandsMerijn's Big Takeaways:1. Don't start researching without a goal and clear overview of your demands2. Make an informed decision that matches your event goals, don't decide on a tool just because your friend or competition is using itSpecial Offer!Listeners can go to eventmender.com and click on the link* to create a free profile on Event Mender and by doing so they'll be eligible for a 5% cashback on any new platform they find to be the best match for them. They'll also have the possibility to schedule a free hour consulting call with me to define their exact needs before starting their search.Connect with Merijn:hello@eventmender.comhttps://eventmender.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/merijnvanbuurenMentioned in this episode:Add Greater Value to Exhibitors & Sponsors with EVA Event Tech Hub Visit www.evareg.com/TSU to get started on adding greater value to your Exhibitors and Sponsors at your next Trade Show or Event!

Trade Show PRO Tip #10 - Don't Pre-Judge AttendeesOne of the top things I see exhibitors doing which holds them back from reaching their potential, but really goes unnoticed, is they pre-judge the attendees walking past their booth. What I'm talking about is looking at someone approaching your booth and looking at them and deciding whether or not to engage with them based on their age, what they're wearing, if they're a man or a woman, or even what company they are from.Understand that you don't know this person and you don't know their role in the company until you ask them. Getting people into your booth is all about Engagement!Let me tell you a story. Was working a show several years ago with a company selling big-ticket equipment to fire departments. Had a couple of people in my booth who were territory sales reps. An attendee starts approaching with a Baltimore Fire Dept tshirt, glances toward our booth as he walks past. I turned to the person next to me who was the rep for Baltimore and said, why didn't you talk to that guy? He said, he's probably a firefighter. He's not who I want to talk to. I said, do you think he might know Another way we pre-judge – the person isn't looking in my direction. Maybe they are looking the other way, or at their phone, or talking with someone they're walking with.Here's the deal – this person could be your next big customer and may only walk past your booth one time. If you knew that was the case, would you just let them pass? I hope not!Feel free to grab their attention! Say excuse me so they're looking at you! Then ask them questions to qualify them. This isn't hard, and don't think you're being too salesy. The attendees are there to do business as much as you are!And if you're an introvert waiting until someone comes up to you – we need to break you of that bad habit my friend! I am an introvert at heart and battled with this for a long time. You just have to put it behind you and reach out to attendees walking by. The worst thing that happens is they'll say no. No big deal! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 134 - Tips for Introverts (LINK)-------------Get your Trade Show Booth Traffic Scorecard and drive MORE attendees to your booth than ever before! And free for a limited time! tradeshowu.biz/scorecardBe sure you are Subscribed so you don't miss an Episode! Apple Google Spotify

In this episode, we are following up on our Exhibitor Coaching Session with Reginald Ferguson of The Groom's Man! If you missed that episode, you can Check out Episode #220 Here.Jim and Reginald discuss how The Groom's Man performed at a large wedding show, including:Did they hit their Goals?What did they incorporate from the Coaching Session? Did it work?What went well?What would they change?Would they do this show again?And much more!Connect with Reginald!Email: reg@nyfashiongeek.com Website: www.nyfashiongeek.com Instagram: New York Fashion GeekWould you like to be considered for an Exhibitor Coaching Session that will be featured on an upcoming podcast episode? CLICK HERE to go to our Contact page and send in your info!For more info on our coaching and consulting services - CLICK HERESchedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call! CLICK HERE to Schedule

In this episode, we have an Exhibitor Coaching Session featuring Jim from Trade Show University offering coaching with an exhibitor for an upcoming trade show. Today Jim talks with Reginald Ferguson of The Groom's Man, the wedding offshoot of the men's fashion consultancy NY Fashion Geek.Jim and Reginald discuss The Groom's Man and their first time to a large wedding show, including:GoalsDisplayEngagementThe booth flow/attendee journeyFollow upAnd much more!Connect with Reginald!Email: reg@nyfashiongeek.com Website: www.nyfashiongeek.com Instagram: New York Fashion GeekYour opportunity to listen in on a one-to-one coaching session!Would you like to be considered for an Exhibitor Coaching Session that will be featured on an upcoming podcast episode? CLICK HERE to go to our Contact page and send in your info!For more info on our coaching and consulting services - CLICK HERESchedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call! CLICK HERE to Schedule

There's no better way to figure out your customer than to study them! Voice of Customer research (VOC) is a tremendous and powerful tool, and the specialty of our guest.Dave Loomis is the President of Loomis Marketing, LLC, a consulting firm focused on providing and coaching voice-of-customer interviewing for B2B companies. Dave helps some of the world's largest and well-known B2B brands, including GE, STERIS, Saint-Gobain, Oshkosh and Xerox. He is a co-host of the B2B Marketing & Sales Podcast, and the author of Marketing is Everything We Do.We discuss:The importance of REAL voice of customer inputThe right ways to do voice of customer researchSuccess storiesWhat is "customer outsight" and what's motivating you to write about it?Dave's Top Tips:Know who your targets are, understand what motivates them, figure out how to reach them most effectively and engage with them consistently. Add value, be professional, but have fun!There is no substitute for personal relationships.Connect with Dave Loomis:dave@loomismarketing.com 440-725-1400www.loomismarketing.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidloomis/ Mentioned in this episode:John Lee Dumas book giveaway - join newsletter listJohn Lee Dumas book giveaway - join newsletter list The Common Path to Uncommon Success

Introducing Liz Wilcox (aka - the Fresh Princess of Email) an email marketing strategist with a passion for helping trade show exhibitors make the most of their post-show follow-up. Liz's vast experience in educational leadership comes in handy when designing custom email strategies tailored to her clients' needs, focusing on increasing engagement and sales. Creative and always willing to learn from her mistakes, Liz shows exhibitors how to transform their existing email marketing campaigns into money-making machines that will keep their audience eager for more.We discuss:Liz's exlusive Email Staircase frameworkWhat do you mean friends in the inbox? What goes in a newsletter and how do we get people to care enough to read it?How do we turn people into customers? Do subject lines matter? Liz Wilcox's amazing Freebie!Mega Email Swipe FileGet it here: https://lizwilcox.ck.page/4072e76815Get everything you need to build a list of buyers. Seriously. One entirely-written-for-you welcome sequence. 3 newsletters templates so you can feel comfortable knowing how to follow up each week. And 52 subject line so you never have to write an email from scratch again.Connect with Liz Wilcox:https://lizwilcox.com/https://www.facebook.com/groups/emailmarketingwithlizhttps://www.instagram.com/thelizwilcox/Mentioned in this episode:Trade Show University Episode GuideMany have asked, "Is there an easier way to find the episodes and topics I need?" Now there is!!! Happy to launch our Episode Guide! It's like your curriculum for Event Success and ROI! Every episode easily searchable and sorted into 19 Categories like Marketing, Staffing, Technology, Tips & Tools, and if you're new, check out Trade show basics! Visit tradeshowu.biz/episodes 19 Categories include: -- Trade Show Basics -- Advocacy -- Branding -- Displays -- Expert Interviews -- Fitness & Nutrition -- Goals -- Marketing -- Mindset & Motivation -- Networking & Engagement -- Promo Items -- Social Media & Web -- Speaking & Presenting -- Sponsoring -- Staffing -- Strategy -- Tips & Tools -- Training -- Virtual & Hybrid Events -- Various (topics that are more unique)

Across the board, businesses agree that they want to get more testimonials. They're powerful. As businesses, we love them. And customers turn to them more than ever! Even better than a testimonial is a VIDEO testimonial. With video, you get more credibility, more emotion, and more believability. Period. Let's give you an easy way to get video testimonials at trade shows from two different groups! And this can give you months of powerful social media posts and website material that will last for years.One method takes almost zero planning, and the other takes a little pre-work. And all you need is a cell phone! No expensive cameras, lighting or microphones. Whatever you carry in your pocket is all you need.First - Attendees:When they say anything positive about your business, your products or services, ask them if they would be willing to say that again and you can take a video. Then pull out your phone and have them say it again. You can tee them up, “I'm here at the ABC show with Bob from XYZ. Bob, would you please share again what you just told me about our new product?”Or they can just give their thoughts without any intro from you. “Hi I'm bob from XYZ. I was just checking out the new product from TSU and it's fantastic. I have bought similar products for years, and I will definitely be ordering these next time!”So be in the moment! Always be listening for those positive comments, and then be ready to grab your phone and ask for that testimonial!And you also want to train your staff to recognize these opportunities as well! We all have cell phones, so anyone can quickly pull theirs out and capture a powerful testimonial!Second – Customers:Reach out to your customers who you know will be coming to the show Ask them if they are coming to the show, if they would be willing to stop by your booth and give a quick testimonial about why they like doing business with youIf they're not coming to the show, this is a great opportunity to ask them for a video testimonial anyway! Ask them if they would be willing to record a quick video testimonial and send it over to you.You will be amazed at how many will be more than happy to do this for you! You just need to ask!For both groups - Try to get them to keep it from 30-60 seconds and no more! People don't like listening to or watching testimonials that go on too long. But they'll be more likely to watch if it's under a minute, and even more if it's around 30 seconds!!I have had clients capture dozens of quality testimonials over the course of one show!! This can create social media content that will last months, and permanent assets for you to put on your website and send out via emails. Powerful stuff! And doesn't take any budget or big staffing needs. Just a plan and good execution!Let's work together and get you WILDLY better results and ROI! Click here to watch a quick video and get detailsMentioned in this episode:Powerful Data Analytics with BearIQ from Bear AnalyticsI want to take a second to cover one of the hottest topics in the events industry right now: Data Analytics If you are a show organizer, you're probably trying to gain a leg up on how to return to revenue. One company leading the charge for growing events is Bear Analytics. With their cutting-edge platform, Bear IQ, easily aggregates, cleans, and measures, event performance – showing you exactly where to focus your marketing, sales, and education team's...