Advertise on podcast: Trade Show Insights

It's time for event organizers to shift away from the mindset of sheer attendance numbers. Just because you're measuring something (like foot traffic), doesn't mean it really matters. Warwick Davies isn't afraid to challenge many long-held assumptions in the events industry, and we dive deep into several of those in this episode, including: Why trade shows need to shift from selling space to selling accessWhat exhibitors should be asking about events they're consideringHow to find your most profitable audienceWhat the biggest growth problem is (hint: it's not marketing!)

Trade shows aren’t simply events … they’re like final exams where exhibitors are put to the test on what works and what doesn’t. And nobody should be thrown into that situation without being fully prepared. That’s why exhibitor education is critical.

Ever wonder why some exhibits draw crowds while others get ignored? It’s not luck. It’s science. Specifically, it’s behavioral economics. I invited one of my favorite authors, Melina Palmer, to break down the brainy secrets behind attendee actions and how every element at your show can affect their behavior. You’ll learn how to: Design experiences that sync with attendees’ brainsOffer moments of surprise & delightLean into stories and emotion (Spoiler alert: You are not the hero!)Master the art of follow-upEnd on a high note

You're standing in your booth. The show floor is buzzing all around you. And tons of attendees are walking by … but it’s like you’re invisible. You've spent serious cash to be on that show floor, between the booth fee, shipping, hotel, the staff time … and of course all those show services. But somewhere near the end of day one, that sinking feeling sets in & you wonder … “What are we really getting out of this?” While exhibitors may not admit it out loud, deep down they realize the problem probably isn't the show. It’s not bad booth location or even the economy. It’s something deeper.

Are you intrigued and excited by the rapidly-evolving world of AI? Or does it leave you feeling cautious and overwhelmed? If you're like most event professionals, it's probably a combination of both. So I invited Sam Eitzen, CEO and co-founder of Snapbar, to discuss the latest trends shaping event tech and why authentic attendee experiences are more important than ever. Listen as we share ways to future-proof your trade shows and elevate human engagement with: Exciting ways AI is changing live events and trade showsLess obvious and advanced AI strategies for engaging attendeesTips to ensure events feel authentic and foster genuine human connectionOne big trend event professionals should be paying attention to right now

Back in the “old days” (the early 2000s), trade shows were typically seen as a necessary line item in the marketing budget. Decisions were based on things like: “We always go to this show … all of our competitors will be there.” Success was measured in booth traffic and the number of business cards collected or badges scanned. But that just won’t cut it anymore!

Even though the trade show and events industry supports millions of American jobs and generates billions in economic impact, many lawmakers still have no idea what a significant role we play in the economy. Until now.  The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance serves as the unified advocacy voice for the global events industry in major policy conversations on Capitol Hill and nationwide. In this episode with ECA President and CEO Tommy Goodwin, you’ll learn: ECA's efforts to connect policymakers with the real impact of trade showsThe four "T" policy priorities (taxes, talent, tariffs, and travel)Examples from the front lines in Washington, D.C.Ways you can get involved, including Legislative Action Day

Ever thought about what trade show marketers could learn from reality TV? How is pitching abstract concepts to studio execs like promoting intangible services on the show floor? I invited an Emmy-Award winning media advisor and visibility strategist to answer those questions and more. Drawing from decades of experience developing iconic TV franchises, Vinnie Potestivo shares valuable lessons for exhibit marketers. Whether you need to sell an idea, inspire your team, or amplify your own visibility, Vinnie offers practical strategies and unique perspectives from the world of reality TV, like how to: Build relationships for long-term successShowcase intangible ideas with creativitySpeak in your audience’s languageBe a trendspotter vs a trendsetterCreate context, not just content Prepare for a wealth of backstage wisdom to help you turn an expense-generating department into a revenue-generating collaboration!

Trade Show Insights is turning 20 and you're invited to join the celebration! Our live event featured: 00:00 - Intro & History of Trade Show Insights 04:35 - 1st Episode & Mission of TSI 07:55 - Getting in a Groove & 1st Guest 10:01 - Life Has Changed … but Topics Haven’t 11:55 - Questions from the Panel 17:51 - Topics Over the Years 23:11 - Top 10 Episodes 34:06 - Ideas for Topics & Questions About Books 36:19 - TSI Around the World 37:55 - Favorite Episodes 42:56 - Thanks & Season 20 Action Guide

“Create an immersive experience.” You’ve heard that a lot when it comes to trade shows and events. It’s something I talk about in my exhibitor workshops, books, and podcast. But here’s the thing: Creating an immersive experience is not about LED screens, VR headsets, or other assorted flashy tech gadgets. In fact, all that glitz & spectacle may actually be driving attendees away instead of drawing them in. What if immersion was about something much simpler … and far more powerful? Let’s flip the script on this and uncover the key to creating genuine connection.

Ever had a conversation in the booth that feels more like a monologue than a dialogue? Have you ever been “that person”? There’s an art to creating a balanced, brief conversation in the booth. And ... spoiler alert! ... it doesn’t happen by “winging it.” Communication strategist Rebecca Pierce Murray returns to Trade Show Insights with tips for polishing up conversation skills before your next show. You’ll learn how to: Make a conscious effort to practice Voice EquityStop being afraid of the pauseInterrupt with intention and finesseUse key phrases to deal with chronic interruptersGracefully wrap up conversations with attendees

My husband and I just took our first vacation in 15 years! We covered a bit shy of 2000 miles in 8 days, checking off a bunch items on our wish list. We got to experience cranberry harvest in Wisconsin and spent time exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior. And of course as a trade show & event professional, I couldn’t help but notice a few lessons along the way.

It’s time to say goodbye to “gold, silver, bronze” and hello to smarter, more impactful sponsorships!  In this episode, Wendy Porter joined me for a dive deep into the broken state of sponsorships – and how you can be part of the reinvention. What’s Inside This Episode? Why Traditional Sponsorships No Longer Work: Learn why logos on lanyards or banners in the lobby aren’t moving the needle, plus what sponsors and organizers should focus on instead.Custom Collaborations Over Cookie-Cutter Packages: Discover how bespoke, experiential activations can create value for sponsors, organizers, and attendees.Align Sponsorships with Your Goals: Understand why you need to choose opportunities that truly match your objectives – whether that’s lead generation, awareness, or thought leadership.Creative Solutions & Real Examples: From white-glove airport pickups to curated VIP dinners, you’ll be inspired with inventive sponsorship activations that build relationships (not just impressions).Make Sponsorships Work Year-Round: Find out how sponsors can remain engaged and visible beyond the main event, with ideas like an educational series, small group dinners, and more. Plus ... Wendy and I are introducing our new partnership offering a full range of support – from auditing your current sponsorship program with Your Sponsorship Map to hands-on white-glove activations with SponsorLink.

This episode is for two kinds of people: those who run trade shows, and the marketers who exhibit at them. No matter which one you are, we've got a shared playbook you can implement at your upcoming shows. There are three paradigm shifts that can help both exhibitors and show organizers achieve better quality leads, fewer headaches, and clearer proof of value. Let’s start with the number-one gripe I hear: “We didn’t get enough leads.” Exhibitors say it … organizers dread hearing it. Here are a few smart plays to overcome it.

If you’ve ever tried to find key information on a trade show or event website, you know how frustrating it can be.  Recently, I posed the question on LinkedIn: “What can trade show organizers do to make the event website more helpful & user-friendly?”  That sparked a lively discussion of common website problems and practical solutions. So I want to share what exhibitors and attendees are saying, and offer a few tips to help event organizers improve their websites to better serve everyone.