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Event Tech flourished throughout the pandemic as we all went virtual. How about now with Live In-Person events back to being the norm?  My guest BJ Mazmanian is Sr. Director of Client Services and Live Events at Bluewater. With a 20-year career in the live events space, BJ focuses on mobile and large-scale events, bringing a unique perspective on how to think through activation plans, extend client budgets, and push clients out of their comfort zones.  We discuss: How has technology impacted the way brands approach in-person events, particularly trade shows? What types of technology are brands using to create a more personalized sales process at trade shows? What are some of the biggest challenges that brands face when trying to make their trade show booths more exciting for attendees? How do you address those challenges? How can brands ensure that their booth stands out in a sea of other booths at a trade show? BJ's Takeaways: 1) By scanning and interacting with different elements in the booth, a communication plan can be created based on all of the elements that were selected or interacted with that get sent automatically. 2) Extending dollars that are being spent – meaning looking at mobile tours / digital interactives that are being made to be used after the singular event. Create a canvas that can be updated / changed based on the show vs starting over every time 3)Think larger than just one event or one event budget. How can you build a strategy and plan that will help you get more bang for your buck? Connect with BJ: Email: bmazmanian@bluewatertech.com Website: https://bluewatertech.com/ Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj-mazmanian/

Meet Joe Colangelo, a seasoned professional in the events industry who excels at helping others make sense of their event data to optimize their ROI. As CEO for Bear Analytics and the driving force behind their platform, Bear IQ, Joe has spent the last ten years honing his skills in data analysis and event strategy. His expertise on AI, audience growth, and sponsorships has made him a sought-after resource for event planners. In this episode, we discuss: Implement data analytics strategies to streamline lead generation and create unforgettable customer experiences. Appreciate the transformative power of experiential marketing and engaging on-site events. Tap into the on-site innovation surge to stand out with unique experiential deliverables. Gain insights into maximizing ROI by investing in innovative revenue channels like on-site sponsorships. Explore the critical role of data-driven decision-making in devising compelling and personalized pitches. Connect with Joe: Email: joe@bearanalytics.com Web: bearanalytics.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephcolangelo/ Work with Jim & Trade Show University!! Sign up for a Free 15-minute Discovery Call Check out our Services Page Mentioned in this episode: Powerful Data Analytics with BearIQ from Bear Analytics I 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

Time to get people to stop at your booth instead of just walking past. One of the main reasons attendees just walk past booths of companies they don’t know is because they don’t know why they should stop. Confusion is not a good marketing tactic! When designing the graphics for your booth, think of it like a billboard, not a brochure. But not just any billboard – an effective and memorable billboard! When you pass a billboard you have a split second to capture the message. To be effective, it must be clear, concise and memorable.  You either got it or you didn’t. Effective graphics that tell a story or show what you do Minimal words that tell why or Benefit Statement Clear Call to Action Ever saw a billboard that has... Too many words? Confusing pictures? One you didn’t know the company or product? One that didn’t have a location, phone number or website? At least not large enough to read at 60 mph? What happens?  You don’t remember it! What I see all too often at trade shows are booth graphics that are more like a brochure.  3 or 4 panels that have a million words on it and would take you 5 minutes to read it all. Plus they use confusing industry jargon and acronyms Too many exhibitors think I have to tell them everything or else they won’t know what we do! Instead, the attendees just walk past like they’re driving on the freeway, not knowing what you do or being too overwhelmed by your graphics and wording. Some tips when designing your Booth or Exhibit: Clear, concise, and minimal graphics Minimal words that quickly tell what you do or your overt benefit No jargon or acronyms – assume attendees are brand new to the industry and don’t know what the terms or acronyms mean. Now think of the speed you go through a trade show.  You don’t have time to stop at every booth, nor do you want to.  You see your booth, but never heard of the company.  Would you stop at your booth?  If not, why not?  Pick it apart and tweak it! If you would stop at it, have others inside and outside your company go through the same exercise.  Sometimes we’re too close to it to see the changes that need to be made. Get 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 tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page! Subscribe at Apple  Google  Spotify

Pro Tips on Booth lead generation from someone who has done 10,000 live sales performances! Jonathan Pritchard founded ROI Trade Shows to help clients get more out of their exhibits. He combines his decades of entertainment experience with his powerful business marketing skills to create dynamic presentations that help attract, educate, and qualify leads. While not on the road you can find him at home in the mountains of North Carolina. We Discuss: Lead generation strategies like giveaways & swag Using in-booth presenters Which strategies work best Creating custom experiences And much more! Jonathan Offers: Free consult on what angles might work best for your next show. Especially powerful for the software & service industries (because it's hard to demo those at scale). Connect with Jonathan Pritchard: Email: hello@jonathanpritchard.me https://www.ROITradeShows.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanpritchard/ Get the RIGHT Training for your staff: tradeshowu.biz/services Get 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 tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page! Subscribe at Apple  Google  Spotify 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!

You are Training your staff all Wrong!! In this episode, I will discuss how to Train your trade show booth staff the RIGHT way which will lead to better results and can DOUBLE your Leads! Most companies train on the Basics... Show location and times What the display will contain What they will be giving away Any promos they will be doing What everyone will be wearing And maybe more... Nothing wrong with this, but it's typically where they stop training! Now the staff has information and knowledge, and they are left on their own to figure out what to do with all this info! You have to go deeper than this! I suggest training on 3 things that will make all the DIFFERENCE: EQF - Engage, Qualify, Flow ENGAGE - Train your staff HOW to engage with attendees in a meaningful way QUALIFY - Right after they engage, you have to QUALIFY the attendee to see if you even want to talk with them. If they don't qualify, let them go!! FLOW - After you have engaged and qualified, immediately get them into your booth flow or attendee journey. It's what you should have orchestrated ahead of the show! What do you want them to experience? What do you want them to leave with? And what info do YOU want and need? For more info on creating a FLOW, listen to this episode - https://tradeshowu.biz/episodes/193-creating-your-booth-flow-and-attendee-journey-in-2023/ Train on EQF effectively, and you can Double Your Leads at the next show!!! Want some help? I offer a Free 15-minute Discovery Call to see how Training with the EQF Framework can help your business! CLICK HERE - https://tradeshowu.biz/services/

Professional Auctioneer, Travel Consultant and Charity Consultant Michael Green of Michael Green Auctions joins Trade Show University today to discuss why having a charitable component to your business is Good Business! In this episode - Part 1 of a 2-part series on Charity in your Business - Michael and I discuss implementing a charitable part of your business, and he gives a 7-step framework on selecting the right charity or non-profit organization to align with. Make sure the Charity's values align with yours Do your Due Diligence and Research the non-profit options Evaluate the Charity's impact Review their Financials Consider their other Partnerships Determine overall compatibility between the non-profit and your organization Have your Team be part of the selection process Resources and other Organizations mentioned in the podcast: Charity Navigator Feed the Children Ep 207 with Joel Bromley - Finding Your WHY Leads to Success Connect with Michael: Michael Green Auctions Michael Green Wine & Food Entertainment Email - michael@michaelgreen.com Mentioned in this episode: Free Video Training - How to pick the Right Trade Show Free Video Training - How to Pick the Right Trade Show! Or, if you have already selected a show...How to know if it is the Right Trade Show for your business. You have too much on the line to select the Wrong show!! I give you the 7 Questions you NEED to ask to be confident you have selected the right show! To get immediate access, go to tradeshowu.biz and sign up for the email newsletter right on the home page! That's it! Tradeshowu.biz

Do you think about Production when creating your exhibits and shows? My guest today talks about how powerful Production can be! Marc Collins, co-founder and Executive Producer of Odyssey Creative, began his theatre and film career around age six. Ever since then, he’s been bringing content to stages and screens for live audiences across the country and around the world. As a corporate and association show director, he believes in the use of theatre production practices such as detailed participant and technical rehearsal, performance coaching, and crafting the show strategically around the audience experience. We discuss: Why is a show flow important? Why is a script important? Why is REHEARSAL important? What are some ways that the quality of a general session's production can impact the attendee experience? And so much more!! Marc's Top Tips: Get a producer involved in planning your general session Get a producer involved early - we recommend a minimum of 6 months out, but we can do more from 8-10 months out Your AV company may not be the best source for your producer as they have an obligation to sell what's on the AV company's shelves. An independent producer will be your ally and your advocate, and will hold your AV company accountable in a way that an employee of that company will not Connect with Marc Collins: Email: mcollins@odysseycreative.com 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! Free Video Training - How to pick the Right Trade Show Free Video Training - How to Pick the Right Trade Show! Or, if you have already selected a show...How to know if it is the Right Trade Show for your business. You have too much on the line to select the Wrong show!! I give you the 7 Questions you NEED to ask to be confident you have selected the right show! To get immediate access, go to tradeshowu.biz and sign up for the email newsletter right on the home page! That's it! Tradeshowu.biz

Rama Beerfas, CTSM, MAS - is the Strategic Memorability Specialist at Lev Promotions where she specializes in branded products for trade show and event marketing. Her goal is to recommend products that are relevant to clients’ branding, goals and target market while melding with the client's overall marketing message and tactics. She calls this creating strategic memorability™. We Discuss: Why you shouldn't choose products just because they're hot/new/cool/trending. What is strategic memorability(TM)? Top tips and tricks for using promo items Rama's Top Tips & Takeaways: Share your realistic budget and quantity needs when asking for product suggestions. If you're choosing your branded products from a catalog or website, without thought to your target market, DON'T! Find a promotional product consultant that will ask questions above quantity and budget and make suggestions based on your specific needs. Branded products are an effective marketing tool that should be part of your holistic marketing messaging and strategies. If they don't integrate into your branding and messaging, they don't make sense and they don't have the marketing impact you want. Special Offers from Rama! We offer a complimentary 15 minute phone or Zoom consultation to discuss basic information on the considerations for your branded product needs. We'll be in Booth 1109 at ExhibitorLive in Louisville in April. Go to our website levpromotions.com and click on the ExhibitorLive 2023 menu link for a special show offer and a registration link that includes a complimentary exhibit floor pass. Connect with Rama: rama@levpromotions.com www.levpromotions.com 858-205-1398 https://www.linkedin.com/company/lev-promotions https://www.facebook.com/LevPromotions

Find your WHY and Find Success!! Businesses that have more locked in and enthusiastic workers at trade shows will draw in and engage with more attendees. You get more enthusiasm when you find your purpose...Your WHY! Joel Bromley, husband, father of 4 and financial coach, is on mission to build relationships stronger than the third pig built houses. Joel and his wife can’t wait to be front row as you discover your “why” for life and and become a unicorn in your industry. We Discuss: What is a Why? How do you Discover your Why? Importance of training on the "why" can be a complete game changer for a lot of companies. The people working the exhibit are representing the company and how they do that makes all the difference. Joel's Top Tips & Takeaways: As Simon Sinek’s book says “start with Why”. It truly filters into and leads to everything else. Doing this will completely refocus you. Once you've discovered (and written down) your why. Measure it against everything you do, think and say. Doing this will help you gain at type of control you've never felt before. If you have an unclear or poorly discovered purpose as an organization and your exhibition staff aren’t properly trained with the organization’s why and equipped with their own deep why, you are leaving money on the table or outright wasting it and your time altogether. An organization who knows their true why or purpose, is able to effectively communicate this purpose to employees and the world, and has employees who know their why or helps their employees find their why; will be a unicorn in their space and in this world. FREE "Why Discovery Guide" from Joel Bromley Download Your Why Discovery Guide HERE Connect with Joel Bromley Website: https://www.bromleyfinancialcoaching.com/ 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! Free Video Training - How to pick the Right Trade Show Free Video Training - How to Pick the Right Trade Show! Or, if you have already selected a show...How to know if it is the Right Trade Show for your business. You have too much on the line to select the Wrong show!! I give you the 7 Questions you NEED to ask to be confident you have selected the right show! To get immediate access, go to tradeshowu.biz and sign up for the email newsletter right on the home page! That's it! Tradeshowu.biz

When Marlys Arnold, a passionate trade show organizer for over two decades, started her podcast all the way back in 2006, she reconciled her journalistic and marketing backgrounds to navigate an ever-evolving industry and build a better trade show image for her audience. You will learn: 1. How the word 'podcast' was coined in 2004 and how podcasting has changed since then. 2. How the trade show industry has evolved since 2002, including technological advances and marketing tactics. 3. The importance of exhibitors having a clear strategy and focus when preparing for and running a trade show. Marlys Arnold is a leading advocate for trade show exhibitors, having written two books on the subject and founded the Exhibit Marketers Cafe and Exhibit Marketers Academy. She also hosts her own podcast, Trade Show Insights, which has been running since 2006. Her latest book, Build a Better Trade Show Image, can be purchased at Bookshop.org as well as other major book retailers. Connect with Marlys: https://www.exhibitmarketerscafe.com https://www.tradeshowinsights.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marlysarnold

What is a trade show coach? Why hire one? And what can they do for your business? First of all - They make you Money, Save you Time, Improve Your Attendee and Customer Engagement, and Take the Headaches out of Planning! Sound Great?? Contact me for a free call to see how I can help YOU! Email jim@tradeshowu.biz or CLICK HERE. What is a trade show coach, or think of them as an exhibitor coach: An expert in exhibiting Focused on your business and goals Fresh, outsider’s perspective For first timers as well as veterans Can also work with show organizers or promoters to get them to better understand the exhibitors – those they serve – to get a higher renewal rate and higher sponsor rate Why Hire a Trade Show Coach? Best athletes, business owners and CEOs have coaches -- Someone who’s been there done that, and can bring the best out of you and your team Increase your chance for Success You don’t know what you don’t know What will a Trade Show Coach do for your business? Get you focused on what matters – Results/ROI, Right Goals and Metrics Get rid of clutter Speed up your presentation – cut the fluff!  If it's 5 min = you can do 12/hr    If it's 3 min = you can do 20/hr!!! Get MORE Qualified Leads - Help you craft questions to Qualify attendees Train on Engagement Give you Confidence Craft your follow up strategy Roadmap for Success Set up your Booth Flow/Attendee Journey Ready to Get Started?? Or Need more Info?? Contact Jim Cermak - CLICK HERE Or email jim@tradeshowu.biz 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!

Vinnu Deshetty serves as CEO of EVA Event Tech Hub and brings over 25 years of meeting and conference planning experience in the association and nonprofit industries. With a unique understanding of both the tech and meeting planning worlds, Vinnu focuses on making tech accessible and productive for meeting planners. She leads development teams to bring a sense of humanity to AI development making EVA’s technology a reality that is easily implemented and activated. You can find Vinnu as an event tech advocate speaking at industry events at Meeting Planners International (MPI), Professional Convention Managers Associations (PCMA), and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). We Discuss: What event data should exhibitors expect Vinnu’s Top Tips: Planners  Don't worry about your overall numbers  Show numbers that matter to your exhibitors.  Planners & Exhibitors  Think beyond the trade show  Whether it's in-person or pre-post event, there are some ways to easily engage with prospects Vinnu’s Key Takeaways: Look at data that's relevant to your category  Think about the pre-post activities. Get in touch with Vinnu Deshetty on their website. Get 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 tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page! Subscribe at Apple  Google  Spotify Mentioned in this episode: Free Video Training - How to pick the Right Trade Show Free Video Training - How to Pick the Right Trade Show! Or, if you have already selected a show...How to know if it is the Right Trade Show for your business. You have too much on the line to select the Wrong show!! I give you the 7 Questions you NEED to ask to be confident you have selected the right show! To get immediate access, go to tradeshowu.biz and sign up for the email newsletter right on the home page! That's it! Tradeshowu.biz 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!

In this episode, we are breaking down how businesses spend their trade show dollars based on an article from Exhibitor Magazine. From here you can learn if maybe you're spending too much or too little in an area. Plus I'll share the shocking and critical thing that is missing from these numbers! 32% - Booth Space, - for the opportunity to get in front of your target customer. McDonalds – Real Estate. Best spots are not cheap! 11% - Show Services, - carpet, internet, electricity, vacuuming and more. that means on average 43% is just being there! 9% - Shipping, 14% - Exhibit Design & Construction, - Not talking about graphics, just the exhibit itself. Obviously larger booths can cost a lot more, but still it’s the percentage. 6% - Graphic Design & Production, - work with someone that understands trade shows! More like billboards than a magazine. 13% - Travel & Lodging, 5% - Marketing & Promotions, - a lot more online marketing options today, and important to let people know you’re going to be there so you’re not lost. 3% - Virtual Exhibits & Events, - this can definitely grow over time 7% - Other. – writing, content creation, brand ambassadors, more. Look at how you are spending your trade show dollars. If you don't have it broken down like this, do it and compare! Here’s one thing that I don’t see anywhere in this article or breakdown. And in my opinion can literally make all the money we have talked about a fantastic investment, or money thrown away, wasted, burned. And that’s training and coaching. You have to train your staff the right way for maximum ROI. You can get everything else right – best looking booth, great location at the right show, great marketing and everything else. But if your team isn’t trained on how to engage with attendees and bring them into your Booth Flow, or Attendee Journey, you are missing out on huge opportunities. I guarantee that. You are throwing away good money! And if you don’t have a solid plan for that attendee journey that everyone is on board with, same thing. Money just thrown away. Here’s another thing I know – company leaders are trusting their people are doing these things. Sometimes it’s a new marketing person who is coordinating everything. And they may do a solid job making sure the booth looks fantastic and all the I’s are dotted. But they may not know about training properly or the booth flow, or setting the right metrics and goals. These are the basics and need the proper investment! You don’t know what you don’t know. I love bringing an expert outside look to companies to not only see the light bulbs go on, but at the end to help them exceed their goals and crush Roi! Get 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 tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page! Subscribe at Apple  Google  Spotify Mentioned in this episode: Trade Show University Episode Guide Many 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

There are more women in the trade show industry that we know. For this episode, we have not just one, but two guests! What a perfect way to start Women’s Month! Join Map Your Show's Regional Vice President, Abby Ingraham, and Marketing Associate, Madison Frye, as they give an in-depth view of women in the trade show industry at varying points in their careers. We Discuss: Advice for women thinking about a career in this industry Create a work-to-life balance Mentorship Events for women in the industry to help build and empower them Abby and Madison’s Top Tips: The industry is a welcoming and engaging place for your career to prosper, no matter the stage of your career. Abby and Madison’s Key Takeaways: Make work-life balance a priority in your life. You can't pour from an empty cup. The industry is a welcoming and engaging place for your career to prosper, no matter the stage of your career. Get in touch with Abby Ingraham and Madison Frye on: Abby's LinkedIn profile Madison's LinkedIn profile Map Your Show LinkedIn page  mapyourshow.com/contact Get 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 tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page! Subscribe at Apple  Google  Spotify

When you host an event and something happens that wasn’t expected, how would you handle the situation?    Our guest for this episode is Tessa Drayton. She is the Director of Communications at TND Communications and past Chair of the ISRM Trinidad Chapter. She is an experienced Communications Specialist who is also trained and certified in Corporate Risk and Crisis Management. Ms. Drayton’s goal is to help customers solve their why and be better communicators. We Discuss: What Promoters are missing in handling a crisis  What types of crisis can occur at events Tessa’s Top Tips: Crisis Communication is not just for natural disasters.  Digital Media is an effective communication tool that can be leveraged effectively to minimize mortality & further damage to a company's reputation. Tessa’s Key Takeaways: Have a Crisis Communication Plan because your Brand is the most valuable asset of your organization. Get in touch with Tessa Drayton at  Website: http://tndcomms.com/ Email: tndcommunications38@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tndcommunications/ Get 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 tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page! Subscribe at Apple  Google  Spotify Mentioned in this episode: Own the Microphone podcast intro Own the Microphone podcast intro with Bridgett McGowen

If you are not convinced, then please reach out to me! 1.    Connect with & qualify more of your target audience quickly If you’re at the right show!  Only be at shows where your target audience is. Video training 2.    Talk to the same Buyers and Decision Makers as the Big Guys a.     If you’re a small player in an industry that has some giants, the people who are there to see the giants are walking right past your booth! b.    And if some major retailers are going to be there walking the show, you may have your best opportunity to get their attention!  3.    Get into deep meaningful conversations Conversations that lead to appointments and sales!  With target audience and others as well. 4.    Effectively share your story – in multiple ways!  Through sights, sounds, takeaways, and giveaways, QR code 5.    Do up-close competitive research – if you’re there, your competitors probably are too.  Get over to their booth, take pics, grab literature, and look over what they are displaying.  And hey – introduce yourself!  Become a friendly competitor!  Never know where opportunities come from. 6.    Find prospective new vendors and suppliers – Most businesses miss this opportunity. While you’re there, why not see who else is there that can meet your business needs. 7.    Have conversations with Industry Leaders – associations, leading companies, researchers, and more 8.    Learn about Industry Trends – there is typically a breakout session talking about trends.  And if you don’t see one, find an industry leader to talk to about what is happening!  Don’t miss this!  Can help you craft your next product, service, or offer. 9.    Learn new skills to Improve Your Company – there are typically breakout sessions, seminars, and workshops.  And if you’re in an industry that needs CEU credits, may be able to find those as well. 10. Build deeper relationships through social opportunities – networking sessions, dinners, drinks, breakfasts, and more.  Go for a run! 11. Position your company as Experts and Thought Leaders – you know those breakout sessions?  Why not you or your company lead one of those? Get on Stage!! Check with show organizers as soon as you identify the show to see what opportunities are available! a. Do this early!  As many shows close the window on this several months in advance. 12. Get Press and Media Coverage – last but certainly not least, there are industry journalists at every trade show – even at small ones.  And if you can get their attention by inviting them to your booth ahead of time, or scheduling a time to meet, you can get some amazing press! a.     I have a fantastic episode that is a Master Class on how to do find the media at trade shows and get PR you can’t get any other way.  My friend Josh Weiss was featured back on episode 61 of TSU.   Ok – now I hope you are convinced, and if I have your head shaking YES YES YES! Then don’t miss out and leave money on the table.  I help companies maximize their opportunities and ROI at shows by giving a fresh expert perspective.  Because you don’t know what you don’t...

Have you been to a Haunted House? What was your experience like? In this episode, we will talk about Haunted Houses and the memories it leaves us. On the show, we have Roger Miller - a special FX makeup artist and improv coach. He is a right-brained person in a left-brained world. Roger has the unique background combination of being in the not-very exciting medical Insurance industry, and also a special effects makeup artist! Roger has been involved in many shows in both of his worlds – insurance and special effects makeup. He draws on inspiration from both to give great tips and value for you and how to do things differently in your booth for greater customer engagement and results. We discuss: Deeper experiences  The Haunt Industry Method of stage: go and engage Roger’s Top Tips: Identify who the right people are and then integrate goals Know who your customers are Create that initial experience down the trade show floor We need to create that vision and what better way to create a vision than by assaulting as many senses as possible Roger’s Key Takeaways: Experiences are memorable Creating experiences for a community or a group because it becomes even more memorable Get in touch with Roger Miller Creative community: Tues@7 Facebook Get 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 tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page! Subscribe at Apple  Google  Spotify

What worries you this 2023? Are there trends you need to watch out for? In this episode, we focus on customers and also discuss the flows, ins, and outs of the industry. Kai Hattendorf graces the podcast today. Kai is the CEO of UFI - the global association for the exhibition industry. With UFI being active all around the world, he spends a lot of time connecting with the industry and our stakeholders around the globe. He's a sought-after speaker across the events industry and regularly here in the US - and was recently named "Business Events Strategist of the Year" by PCMA. We Discuss: UFI's 5 Trends to Watch for 2023 Deep-dive on the customer focus Kai’s Top Tips: Don't get too distracted by all the discussion about inflation and/or recession - this will pass Focus on providing the best experience and outcome for exhibitors and buyers right now Kai’s Key Takeaways: If times are tough, focus on your customer. They will reward you big time! Go check out UFI - a great source of information, and the go-to association for expo people in the US who want to connect internationally. Get in touch with Kai Hattendorf and UFI in LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ufi-association/ Get 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 tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page! Subscribe at Apple  Google  Spotify

I attended IAEE's Expo! Expo! 2022 conference held in Louisville, KY and was able to get some of the EventProfs there to share some Tips and Predictions for exhibiting in 2023! Featured in this episode: Jennifer Millett of ARMA International John D'Adamo of VenuIQ Ross Sudentas of ExpoFP Andrew Asaro of SessionBoard Vinnu Deshetty of eva Event Tech Platform Jeanne Brei of National Trade Show Alliance Mentioned in this episode: Trade Show University Episode Guide Many 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)

Do you go to events, exhibits, or trade shows, but completely forget what it was all about? In this podcast episode, we talk about the story in an event flow. We talk about the plot, because there is always a plot line! Today’s guest is Alan Bruun. Alan is currently Director, Creative Services for Production Resource Group's Corporate Events Division. He is an IAAPA Brass Ring and Thea award winner. He has over 20 years of experience creating shows and events for Disney Parks Live Entertainment and Disney Event Group throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Alan has also served as Artistic/Producing Director for 5 theatre and opera companies. We Discuss: How to see the evolution of the event/exhibit experience How to maximize impact and retention Why is story important in the success of events Alan’s Top Tips: Keep it simple Create an immersive environment Interact, engage, and disrupt Alan’s Key Takeaways: Have a clear picture of your attendees Understand how to reach them Look beyond standard processes to create an innovative experience Get in touch with Alan Bruun at alan.bruun@prg.com Get 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 tradeshowu.biz and drop your email on the home page! Subscribe at Apple  Google  Spotify Mentioned in this episode: Free Video Training - How to pick the Right Trade Show Free Video Training - How to Pick the Right Trade Show! Or, if you have already selected a show...How to know if it is the Right Trade Show for your business. You have too much on the line to select the Wrong show!! I give you the 7 Questions you NEED to ask to be confident you have selected the right show! To get immediate access, go to tradeshowu.biz and sign up for the email newsletter right on the home page! That's it! Tradeshowu.biz