Shows
Event Marketer's ToolboxEMT #24 with Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito - Looking Back to Move Forward: Recapping 23 Powerful EMT EpisodesIn this special recap episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito review the learnings from the first 23 episodes of the podcast. With the benefit of having welcomed a variety of industry experts, they've uncovered key themes that have resonated throughout the show. This conversation touches on the biggest takeaways from past episodes, plus a deeper dive into common challenges faced by event professionals today, offering practical advice and solutions.🔹 Setting Defined Goals for Event SuccessOne of the recurring themes in pa...
2025-06-131h 05Event Marketer's ToolboxEMT #22 - Work Smarter, Exhibit Better: How to Maximize Trade Show Impact with Marlys ArnoldHow do you make your booth not just seen, but remembered?In this episode, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with trade show veteran Marlys Arnold to explore how strategy, design, and staff training converge to create powerful trade show experiences. With more than two decades in the field, Marlys brings unmatched insights from both the exhibitor and show organizer sides.“Hope is not a strategy” – Define your purposeToo many exhibitors operate without a goal. Marlys recounts a $250K exhibit team that “just wanted to show...
2025-05-3046 min
Engaging PersonalitiesEP 58: Maximize Event Success Without Breaking the BankGetting leads is easy. Getting the right leads and actually doing something with them is where most exhibitors fall short. A show shouldn’t just be about collecting names; it should be about creating the kind of experience that makes people want to talk, learn more, and take the next step with you.Watch: https://youtu.be/BJbw_3015i4 With our featured guest Marlys Arnold an educator, consultant, and author of Build a Better Trade Show Image and Exhibit Design That Works.You can also listen to our podcast through Apple Podcast, Spotify, Am...
2025-05-2235 min
Trade Show InsightsThe State of Event Marketing: Facing Exhibitor Challenges - TSI20.1It's tough out there. Exhibitors are expected to do even more with less.
They recognize the value of face-to-face events, although may struggle to prove that value within their organization.
Recently, non-profit trade association The Exhibitor Advocate partnered with EVOLIO Marketing to conduct a survey of exhibit and event marketers to get their perspectives on key challenges and understand how these may be impacting their overall event programs.
For this episode, we invited Jessica Sibila back to Trade Show Insights to share details about the study, including:
Factors driving exhibitor...
2025-01-3026 minTrade Show InsightsExperience Matters: How to Create Memorable Moments - TSI19.12As attendees navigate a trade show floor they're bombarded with sights, sounds, and activities vying for their attention. So in this whirlwind of stimuli, how can your exhibit rise above the chaos and leave a lasting impression?
Experience design expert Mat Duerden teaches both college students and corporate marketers how to craft memorable, meaningful, and transformative experiences. (He literally co-wrote the book on Designing Experiences!)
In this episode, he shares strategies to transform your trade show exhibit into an experience that resonates long after the event has ended by:
Recognizing the intersection between storytelling...
2024-12-1924 minTrade Show InsightsWinning Strategies for Booth Staff Success - TSI19.11Lately I've been having a lot of conversations around booth staffing.
Exhibit managers tell me they're frustrated about how their team behaves in the booth – or whether they even show up at the appropriate time.
Attendees are annoyed that staffers pounce on them or shove materials at them as they pass by the booth.
Now these aren't new challenges by any means. Bad booth staff may be an ongoing problem for many exhibit team leaders (even you) – but it's not unsolvable.
Over the years, I've worked with many exhibit teams to impr...
2024-11-2611 minTrade Show InsightsAh-ha Moments from My First IMEX Experience - TSI19.10For years I’ve been hearing all the buzz about IMEX, but never had the opportunity to experience it first-hand until this year.
IMEX is often referred to as the mega-conference & trade show for the events & incentives industries. And it definitely can be overwhelming for a newcomer. I spent the first couple of days feeling breathless … trying not to miss any must-see sessions I had bookmarked or in-booth activities that sounded creative and fun.
I was there primarily to capture and record ideas for YOU – to be the eyes and ears for all my podcast listen...
2024-10-3010 minTrade Show InsightsBridging the Gap: Aligning Sales & Marketing Objectives - TSI19.9Many exhibitors face a disconnect – the marketing team works hard to design an engaging and interactive exhibit that attracts crowds, but the sales team feels it’s not delivering the right type of leads.
How can you bridge that divide?
Teresa Lopez has a lot of experience getting both of these teams working together. In this episode, she shares some of her favorite strategies for how to:
Get sales to see you (the marketing or exhibit manager) as part of their teamFind the overlap to create the right in-booth talking pointsDesign booth activations and expe...
2024-09-2626 minTrade Show InsightsBeyond Transactions: Building Strong Vendor Relationships - TSI19.8You may not spend a lot of time thinking about vendor selection when it comes to your exhibit or event, but that could cost you.
Having vendor partners you can trust will make your job so much easier. But on the flip side … working with a bad one could spell complete disaster!
Evan Babins knows how to find and build relationships with trusted vendors, and in this episode he shares his expert tips on:
What to look for in a potential vendor (and what to avoid)How to leverage existing vendor relationshipsWhy you should co...
2024-08-2727 minTrade Show InsightsReframe Your Trade Show Sales Conversations - TSI19.7Ever been the unhappy victim of a slimy sales pitch? (Haven’t we all!)
Want to make sure you never come across that way?
Then you’ll want to take careful notes as you listen to my conversation with sales expert Aleasha Bahr, who believes there’s a much better strategy for those in-booth sales conversations. (Hint: It’s NOT all about selling!)
She’ll guide you step by step how to:
Seamlessly weave your pitch into the conversationPut everything in context for each personHandle objections in a totally new wayCreate a more natur...
2024-07-2626 minTrade Show Insights5 Ways to Make Meaningful Connections - TSI19.6When you’re at a trade show, it’s easy to get focused on simply gathering leads or generating sales – short-term results.
But beyond that, are you building meaningful connections that can lead to future business or open doors to other exciting opportunities?
I know I’ve made some of my best client and friend connections at a trade show. Perhaps that’s how you and I first met!
In order to meaningfully connect with someone – whether that’s a customer, neighbor, coworker, or anyone else – you need to focus on a few basic things. To...
2024-06-2607 minTrade Show InsightsMarket Like a Rock Star: What Exhibitors Can Learn from Taylor Swift - TSI19.5Earlier this year, I attended a workshop on how to market like Taylor Swift, and let me tell you … there are a wealth of insights you can learn by studying this multi-award-winning, stadium-packing music legend.
And it really doesn’t matter whether you know a single one of her songs (I’m only familiar with a few myself). We’re going to break down the strategies she uses to create raving fans who can’t wait for her next album debut – and how you can put each of these to use in your trade show marketing.
2024-05-3009 minTrade Show InsightsCrafting Experiences That Captivate - TSI19.4Designing an impressive exhibit display just isn’t enough anymore.
Attention spans are shorter, and attendees want experiences that not only educate about your products, but also involve and entertain them.
At the same time, sponsoring the opening reception or other official event at the show is likely outside the budget for many companies. So what’s a creative exhibitor to do?
Wendy Porter has decades of experience producing memorable events, and she joins us to share insider tips on:
Why it’s more important than ever to create experiences off the show f...
2024-04-3031 minTrade Show InsightsCreating Events That Care for People & Planet - TSI19.3Lifestyles have changed since the "Great Pause," and stamina is a big part of that. While event attendees used to be willing to be booked solid from sunup to sundown (and far beyond), that just doesn't fly anymore.
Savvy trade show organizers and exhibitors are learning to integrate wellness into all aspects of the event – from the overall schedule to meals to in-booth activities and more.
In this episode, wellness consultant David Stevens goes beyond the buzzword of wellness and shares strategic ways to integrate well-being into events by:
Becoming mindful of the attendee ex...
2024-03-2836 minTrade Show InsightsTrade Show Blind Spots: What Are You Overlooking? - TSI19.2Certain topics are getting lots of buzz these days: staffing challenges, budgets, sustainability, AI. But too often that’s all they are – buzzwords.
So for this episode of Trade Show Insights, I invited one of my trade show BFFs to join me for a conversation that goes beyond the surface of these topics to what should be on everyone’s radar.
You see for several years, Rich Vallaster and I have scheduled frequent touch-base calls to analyze what’s happening in the trade show industry, what’s working, and what needs to change. Now you have the o...
2024-02-2234 minTrade Show InsightsReimagining Trade Show Sponsorships - TSI19.1When you hear the word "sponsorship," what do you think of first? The welcome reception ... or tote bags ... or a gazillion banners hanging all around the convention center?
Sure, that's what most shows do. But you don't want to be like most shows, right?
Time to makeover the sponsorship menu with options that stand out and benefit everyone involved – attendees and exhibitors, as well as the show's bottom line.
In this episode, brand activation and sponsorship strategist MK Granados from Gen City Labs explains how to:
Tap into unique opportunities hiding in pl...
2024-01-2930 min
Event Marketing: RedefinedEp 70 | Booth Staffing Strategies to Get More Leads, Follow up Better, and Increase ROI With Marlys ArnoldIn the post-COVID business landscape, the demand for exhibitor education is more pressing than ever. However, despite its relevance, it often takes a back seat. As turnover in trade show positions increases, professionals are being thrown into the fire without adequate training.That’s why we’re starting the year on a strong note! In our first episode of 2024, we've enlisted the expertise of Marlys Arnold, a seasoned trade show consultant and author of two books: "Build a Better Trade Show Image" and "Exhibit Design That Works: Create a Trade Show Display That Gets Noticed & Gain...
2024-01-0344 minTrade Show InsightsLet Your Goals Be Your Guide - TSI18.11What's your goal for your next trade show?
No matter how you answer that ... learn how to use your goal as a North Star to guide all your trade show decisions: what your exhibit should look like (what it should or shouldn’t include), how to promote it, what to give away, and even how to craft your follow-up strategy.
2023-11-2905 minTrade Show InsightsDiscover Tools to Navigate Exhibiting Challenges - TSI18.10Ever faced an exhibiting challenge – like unreasonable costs – and didn’t know where to turn?
That’s where The Exhibitor Advocate comes in!
In this episode, Jessica Sibila shares what The Exhibitor Advocate is and how to access the resources provided to help exhibitors:
Address rising costs and potential solutionsWork with show management to set up an Exhibitor Advisory CouncilKnow where to watch for unexpected or hidden feesCalculate return on their exhibiting investment (ROI) with established metrics
2023-10-2628 minTrade Show InsightsCreating Intentional Transitions in Exhibit Marketing - TSI18.9Several years ago I discovered (and now follow) one of the most forward-thinking, award-winning architects focused on using smart building design to create experiential environments that inspire and delight.
Her name is Maria Lorena Lehman, founder of Sensing Architecture, and while I don’t have her as a guest on the podcast today (maybe someday!) … I did want to share some inspiration from one of her latest newsletters with you.
The topic is the principle of transition. Of course she’s talking about intentionally designing how a person moves from space to space or room to roo...
2023-09-2605 minTrade Show InsightsTrade Show Shipping Demystified: Expert Advice - TSI18.8Shipping – it’s often just one more item on the trade show to-do list, and not the focus of attention … until something goes sideways.
But lately with all the talk about a potential strike at UPS and then the meltdown of Yellow Freight, the topic of shipping has become top-of-mind for a lot of companies.
So I reached out to a few of my go-to industry experts for a few Shipping 101 (and beyond) tips to help you navigate the logistics and hopefully avoid a lot of the headaches.
Thanks to Chuck Michel from ELITeX...
2023-08-3023 minTrade Show InsightsReal-World Crisis Management Lessons from RISKWORLD 2023 - TSI18.7It's a situation no event organizer wants to face. But the team at RISKWORLD 2023 was forced to deal with the reality of an active shooter in the city, which put their crisis management plans to the test.
In this episode, Gary LaBranche, CEO of RIMS, the risk management society®, shares the story of what happened at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Learn behind-the-scenes details of:
How the situation rapidly unfolded and the team respondedWhich communication methods worked and the challenges they facedHow event organizers need to think beyond the convention center itself (especially for a...
2023-07-1936 minTrade Show InsightsEffective Lead Management from Gathering to Onboarding - TSI18.6Too many exhibitors think of lead gathering as simply a race to scan the most badges. Instead it should be the beginning of a system that guides a visitor in your booth along the path to becoming a valued client. In this episode, Janae Peel from Captello shares tips and best practices for:
Staying focused on the conversation in your boothTransitioning leads into your follow-up systemPersonalizing follow-up to increase responseBuilding a relationship with your new leads
2023-06-2827 minTrade Show InsightsThe Power of Community: Extend the Value of Your Show - TSI18.5Why stop with a one-week experience? (Too many trade shows do.)
Instead, think of your trade show as the centerpiece of an ongoing community for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees. Membership development consultant Joy Duling shares strategies, tips and tools to:
Create Discovery Magnets for your showOnboard attendees with personalized communications (it might be easier than you think!)Craft audience journeys for first-timers and loyal fans of your eventStudy how universities nurture community
2023-05-3023 minTrade Show Insights5 Ways Exhibitors Sabotage Their Success - TSI18.4Recently, I was invited to be one of the first contributors to the new Exhibitor News Network. This podcast episode is the audio version of that article. Here’s where you can read that blog post. (Thanks to the team at TSNN/ENN for permission to repurpose as an audio version.)
2023-04-1805 min
Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events206 - Adapting Trade Shows for the Future - with Marlys ArnoldWhen 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.
2023-04-0325 minTrade Show InsightsCreating Sensory-Friendly Events - TSI18.3Anyone who’s ever walked a trade show knows how easy it is to hit stimulus overload. And that becomes even more of a challenge for neurodiverse or introverted attendees.
So how can we make our conferences and trade shows more sensory-friendly? Professional Event Host and former BBC broadcaster Clare Forestier shares tips on how to:
Create breathing space for attendees to rechargeConsider sensory needs like you do accessibility issuesProvide a better AX (Attendee-first eXperience)Include sponsors in the conversation
2023-03-2424 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastImprove Your Trade Show Image with Marlys ArnoldThe word "image" can mean different things to people. When thinking about improving your trade show image, this can be viewed from the organizer level, the exhibitor level, and the attendee level. Marlys helps us understand the importance of focusing on how to improve our image from each of these perspectives. Who are the best people to work your booth, for example? "Sometimes some of the best people to be in the booth are the customer service representatives, because they're the ones who field all the questions." We can all make...
2023-03-0936 minTrade Show InsightsAI Pros & Cons: What It Means for Events - TSI18.2Everybody’s talking about ChatGPT and other hot AI tools these days. But how do you sort through the hype and learn how to incorporate them into your event planning tool kit? Tech expert Michelle Bruno provides insights on:
What options are currently trendingWays to use them for trade shows and eventsHow to verify the information is accurateDangers and landmines to watch out for
2023-02-1630 minTrade Show InsightsTrade Show Strategy in Action: Canon Medical - TSI18.1Trade shows are not a stand-alone marketing tool. Instead they should be integrated into all your other marketing efforts as part of a comprehensive strategy.
The team at Canon Medical Systems is a great example of that, so I featured their story in the updated edition of Build a Better Trade Show Image. Listen in as Debbi Kemp shares behind-the-scenes details (beyond what’s in the book) on how they:
Designed an exhibit to engage and draw attendees deeper into the boothIncorporated virtual elements to reduce expensesTook the show on the road to reach th...
2023-01-1025 minTrade Show InsightsReflections & Intentions - TSI17.12It’s that time when everyone begins to reflect back on the year winding down, while also eagerly awaiting the new one that’s just ahead.
So in that vein, I wanted to share some perspective on what you can expect from me in 2023.
2022-12-2006 minTrade Show InsightsCrafting Memorable Moments at Expos & Events - TSI17.11We all want our trade shows and events to be memorable.
Instead they often wind up mostly forgotten by the audience. But Phil Mershon doesn't believe it has to be that way. Listen in as he shares strategies for how to:
Lean into your audience's interests to create "magical moments" Pay attention to the audience journey (especially for first-timers) Create a culture for serendipity Craft ways to avoid overwhelm
2022-11-1729 minTrade Show InsightsExhibit Strategies for the Sharing Economy - TSI17.10Our economy – and climate – is changing and trade shows need to adapt along with it.
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Rhiannon Andersen joins us to discuss the Sharing Economy:
What is it and how does it fit in with exhibit marketing?What are the benefits for exhibitors and the environment?How can you get buy-in from executives at your company?How can virtual experiences be better integrated into events?
2022-10-2825 minTrade Show InsightsImprov Skills for Booth Staff - TSI17.9Working a trade show booth requires you to think on your feet and adapt with each visitor who enters your booth. You’ve got to be prepared for almost anything – kind of like taking a turn on an improv stage.
So in this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, edutainer Rebecca P. Murray provides expert tips for how to:
Develop a hook that will engage attendeesUse three key transition phrasesGet beyond “stage fright” in the boothPlus … a sprinkle of advice from Mary Poppins and Mr. Rogers
2022-09-2923 minTrade Show InsightsDiscover a New Exhibitor Advocacy Resource - TSI17.8There has never been a more important time for exhibitors to have a voice in the trade show industry.
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Jessica Sibila introduces us to a brand new group that's been formed to help address exhibitor challenges and ensure the success of our industry. You'll discover:
What The Exhibitor Advocate is and how it came to beWho it's created for and what it providesWho had the vision and passion to create itHow you can get involved
2022-08-1222 minTrade Show InsightsPutting Event Tech Trends in Perspective - TSI17.7These days, it’s a full-time job to keep up with what’s happening in event tech. Ideas and tools are changing fast and it’s hard to know which ones you should be incorporating into your trade shows and events. So in this episode, we’re getting some straight-up perspective from Josh Hotsenpiller on what you should be paying attention to, including:
How you’re serving those who aren’t showing up for your in-person eventsHow AI (artificial intelligence) can help bring people togetherWhat role digital tools play alongside physical eventsWhat to consider for the metaverse and other emergi
2022-07-2523 minTrade Show InsightsSmart Strategies for Video Marketing - TSI17.6The results are in ... video is the champion of online content, and you better get in the game.
But how do you create videos that get watched, shared, and remembered?
Get advice from an expert!
Now I don't profess to be an expert when it comes to video. So I invited my friend, Lou Bortone, to be our guest on Virtual Lunch. Lou is a former executive at E! Entertainment Television as well as an online video guru. In this rebroadcast he shares helpful tips you can put to...
2022-07-0121 minTrade Show InsightsWelcome to the New Era of Trade Shows - TSI17.5No doubt we all wish we had a crystal ball to see what the future of trade shows might look like.
Or do we really need one?
If there’s one thing that’s become painfully obvious after the past two years, it’s how unlikely our industry is willing to readily accept change.
It doesn’t have to be this way! Instead, here’s what the New Era of trade shows could look like ...
2022-05-2607 minTrade Show InsightsCreate a Buzz at Your Booth - TSI17.4Do you take your exhibit too seriously? Are you forgetting to have fun in your booth?
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, bestselling author Dr. Bob Nelson (1501 Ways to Reward Employees, Work Made Fun Gets Done!) shares creative ideas and strategies for:
Boosting your booth attractionMotivating and rewarding your staffTapping a hidden resource to connect with attendees on their level
2022-04-2825 minTrade Show InsightsSmart Ways to Exhibit Green - TSI17.3The trade show industry isn't necessarily known for being environmentally responsible – but a few trailblazers are working hard to change that.
Al Mercuro is one of them, and in this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch he shares some often overlooked ways to be more sustainable at trade shows and events. You'll discover how to:
Creatively repurpose everything from graphics to print materialsTake advantage of EDPA's new sustainability partnershipTap into solutions you may never have consideredStart the conversation within your organization (or with everyone involved in your event)
2022-03-2927 minTrade Show InsightsWhy Do You Love Trade Shows? - TSI17.2In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, we’ve got a crowdsourced episode celebrating Build a Better Trade Show Image Week. We’re featuring why YOU love trade shows!
Our guest panelists include:
Kenji HaroutunianDon JalbertVictoria PetersenAl MercuroSilvana CheyneyMarco BarozziRich Vallaster
2022-02-2423 minTrade Show InsightsMake Your Marketing Message POP! - TSI17.1How intriguing is your marketing? Does it make people eager to know more?
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, communications expert Sam Horn shares tips to transform your marketing message from forgettable to memorable. Discover how to:
Create repeatable, retweetable titles or taglinesDesign a visual messageFind a meaningful metaphorCapture attention with her "Did You Know?" opening
2022-01-2729 minTrade Show InsightsProven Secrets for Persuasive Marketing - TSI16.17Have you ever stopped to think about how you're influenced by marketing – and how your marketing influences others?
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Nancy Harhut shares ideas that tap the science of human behavior to improve your marketing results. You'll discover how to:
Give buyers choices so the decision is theirsUse pricing strategies that impact audience perceptionCreate a bundle that's more appealingName products or offers that appeal to audience interestsCreate a sense of fairness
2021-11-2923 minTrade Show InsightsCreate a Virtual Event Your Audience Will Love - TSI16.16In spite of what some may think, virtual events are not a fad that's run their course. While they may not continue to look like they have over the past two years (or be as ubiquitous), they are a tool that's worth learning how to master.
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, HeySummit CEO Rob Gelb shares tips to design virtual events that inspire more interest and impact, including how to:
Incorporate creative event formats and toolsUnderstand the definition of events (it may not be what you think)Get speakers more involved before the eventCreate more...
2021-11-0526 minTrade Show InsightsNo Attendee Left Behind - TSI16.15As we move back to in-person events, we're dealing with two audiences – so be careful not to ignore one of them!
2021-10-2904 minTrade Show InsightsStrategies to Increase Your Productivity - TSI16.14Ever feel like your to-do list is managing you, instead of the other way around?
Especially in the world of trade shows and events, it can seem like there’s no end to things that are demanding our attention. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Sandra Martini shares tips for maximizing productivity, including how to:
Reframe the idea of a to-do listGamify all the elements of a projectTime-chunk daily activitiesReverse-engineer the process to complete major projectsBuild in time to fight firesPlus some of her favorite productivity tools
2021-10-2128 minTrade Show InsightsLessons from an Online Networking Experiment - TSI16.13Networking isn't always productive, no matter whether it's in-person or online.
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Amanda Kaiser shares lessons from a three-month experiment to discover ideas that make networking more fun and engaging. Go behind the scenes to learn:
How the Virtual Networking Incubator was bornWhat kinds of technology and exercises work for groups of various sizesWhy it helps to have structured networking activities How to encourage participation even before the event starts
2021-10-0823 minTrade Show InsightsThe Big Gear Show's Big Success - TSI16.12Launching a brand-new trade show in the middle of a pandemic is not a task for average show organizers. But then The Big Gear Show never set out to be average. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, go behind the scenes to discover how the team:
Created an “experiential wonderland” in a non-traditional venueDesigned a more affordable trade show option for both exhibitors and attendeesMade a lasting impression in their industryGained valuable lessons for next year and beyond
2021-09-2427 minTrade Show InsightsStrategic Social Media Marketing for Events - TSI16.11Social media has been around a long time, but are we tapping into its full potential when it comes to our events?
Monica Vila provides valuable insights, not only from her expertise in social media marketing, but also many years spent working in trade shows and events. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, you’ll discover how to enhance your social media marketing by:
Tapping influencer marketing within your audienceLearning from what consumer brands are doingBuilding community in the right platforms for your audienceIntroducing your audience from one platform to another
2021-07-3025 minTrade Show InsightsTo Boldly Go - TSI16.10I admit it – I’m a big Star Trek fan.
No, not to the point where I dress up as a Klingon and stroll the aisles of Comic-Con – although I did thoroughly enjoy roaming around with them back when the Star Trek Experience was a Vegas attraction. But I digress …
One of the things I love most about Star Trek is the way it shows us the potential of how much life can change for the better in the next 200 or so years. I mean, traveling at warp speed, scanning devices that heal wounds …
So it go...
2021-07-2305 minTrade Show InsightsMeet the New Alliance Uniting Our Industry - TSI16.9As the trade show industry begins to breathe life again, there's a new place to turn for resources and support to get back in the groove again. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Laura Palker tells us about the National Trade Show Alliance:
Why the NTSA was formedWho the NTSA is forWhat resources are availableHow you can get involved
2021-06-2924 minTrade Show InsightsUnleash the Power of LinkedIn - TSI16.8Are you taking advantage of all that LinkedIn offers to show off your expertise?
Probably not, but after you hear all the tips Viveka von Rosen shares in this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, you’ll know what steps to take to get there. Discover how to:
Improve your SSI score (and what that is)Take advantage of a variety of new tools LinkedIn offers (if you have access yet)Craft your profile to stand out and draw people to youConnect with people in a strategic, non-salesy way
2021-05-2526 minTrade Show InsightsRebuilding Work Friendships Post-Lockdown - TSI16.7We all know someone (or 20!) who made a career transition during the past year. They may have changed companies, or left our industry entirely. And for those you used to work with every day, that connection has been altered as well.
How do we transition back to those relationships, or do we?
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café, communications expert Bill Rawlins provides tips on how to:
Recognize the Three Expectations of FriendshipDeal with the loss of work friendsRestore relationships that have been on pause
2021-04-3027 minTrade Show InsightsRestarting Trade Shows in Europe - TSI16.6We’ve heard a lot about shows reopening here in the U.S., but what’s happening in Europe?
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café, Marco Barozzi joins us from Bologna, Italy to provide insights on:
Signs of recovery with upcoming trade showsThe importance of Digital Green CertificatesHow venues all over Europe have stepped upWhat government aid has been available
2021-04-0825 minTrade Show InsightsImproving the Brand Experience - TSI16.5Your brand is so much more than a logo and tagline. It's a story that's just waiting to be brought to life through your exhibits and events.
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café, Ian McGonnigal shares these insights on creating your brand experience:
What brand experience is and how to measure itHow event organizers and exhibitors can build more a memorable brandWhy you need to incorporate storytelling elements into exhibits and eventsHow to find the right events to tell your story
2021-03-1225 minTrade Show InsightsReopening the Trade Show Industry - TSI16.4The trade show industry is beginning to show signs of life again! But it won't be as easy as flipping a switch to bring things back all at once.
Jim Wurm joins us in this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café to share insights on:
How the new Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance is advocating for the industryHow vendors and venues may ramp up the workforce as neededWhat might (or might not) be required to attend trade shows and eventsWhat financial relief might be on the horizon
2021-02-2636 minTrade Show InsightsDeveloping Digital Charisma - TSI16.3Last year, when everyone was scrambling to do meetings online, you might have been able to get away with a bad video now and then.
Those days are over.
Now, if you want to appear as the professional you truly are, it’s time to step up your game. So in this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café, Ramon Ray shares tips on:
Maintaining effective eye contactCreating a ‘stage’ that’s appropriate for youGetting the basic tech tools you need to look and sound good
2021-02-1822 minTrade Show InsightsDisruption & the Future of Virtual Events - TSI16.2Trade shows and events won't go back to the way they were pre-2020 – which means we all must adapt and evolve for the next generation.
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café, Allen Yesilevich shares tips for dealing with disruption in the trade show industry and improving your digital playbook, including how to:
Thrive during disruptionDeliver value and make money with virtual eventsCreate a community for future eventsBuild alliances in the industry
2021-02-0223 minTrade Show InsightsRelax: Your Heart is Stronger Than You Think - TSI16.1We kicked off this year's Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café with a special, inspirational guest: Melva LaJoy Jones from LaJoy Plans. Listen in as she shares how to use the lessons from our past to build our future.
2021-01-1928 minTrade Show InsightsUsing Technology to Create Connections - TSI15.21One of the biggest challenges event planners faced in 2020 was how to create connections among attendees in a virtual platform. But it's not necessarily a new – or online only – problem.
Nancy Drapeau from the Center from Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) shares data from their report on trade show matchmaking in our Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Cafe.
2020-12-1726 minTrade Show InsightsDesigning Accessible Events – Online & Off - TSI15.20Are you ignoring – or worse yet, alienating – a large percentage of the population in your trade shows, whether online or in person?
Chances are you have been, even if you didn't mean to.
So I invited accessibility advocate Samantha Evans to join us for Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Cafe to share what your events need to include to be more accessible to all. You'll learn:
What to look for and ask about when checking out virtual event platformsThings to consider when adding captions and interpretersHow to overcome some of the challenges presented by w...
2020-11-1924 minTrade Show InsightsUnleash Your Creativity - TSI15.19On this week's Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Cafe, Alan Arnold joins Marlys for a conversation about how to tap your creativity when faced with a challenge. You'll learn how to:
Stimulate your creative juicesRecharge like powerful people doKeep an idea journalHave insightful conversations
2020-11-1319 min
TradeshowGuy Monday Morning CoffeeTradeshowGuy Monday Morning Coffee, November 2, 2020: Podcast SixpackThis week's TradeshowGuy Monday Morning Coffee is a bit of a retrospective. I picked a half dozen shows from the last several months and pulled some pertinent snippets to re-cap:
April 27: Ken Newman – Magnet Productions/ and Robert Middleton – Action Plan Marketing
May 18: Jay Gilbert – Label Logic
June 1: Jonathan Tavss - Kaleidoko
June 22: Brad Kleiner – Grounded by Cedar Root
July 6: Marlys Arnold - ImageSpecialist
Sept 21: Kevin Carty – Classic Exhibits
TradeshowGuy's main online hub: https://tradeshowguy.net
Check out TradeshowGuy Blog at https://tradeshowguyblog.com
https://tradeshowguyexhibits.com
http://tradeshowexhibitbuyerskit.com
https://tradeshowsuccessbook.com - get your free copy of my book!
New book...
2020-11-0226 minTrade Show InsightsExhibit Design in a Post-COVID World - TSI15.18On this week's Virtual Lunch replay, Mel White from Classic Exhibits offers insights on how to adapt your exhibits as shows reopen. You'll discover ideas for:
Accommodating traffic flow restrictionsImplementing tech toolsAdapting your booth layout for each showIncorporating lessons learned from virtual shows
2020-10-3030 minTrade Show InsightsCreative Sponsorships for Virtual Events - TSI15.17Just because events are going virtual doesn't mean there aren't still great ways for sponsors to get their message out. On this week's Virtual Lunch replay, guest Nicole Burkart from Conference Care Package shares ideas for sponsors to:
Host virtual happy hoursEncourage sponsor and audience interactionGamify participationReinforce the importance of giving back
2020-10-1128 minTrade Show InsightsDiscover Your Career Superpower - TSI15.16For months, I’ve wished there was something I could do for all my trade show friends who were suddenly thrust into searching for a new career.
Then I met career expert Leslie Evans Thorne in an online group, and knew I had to have her as a guest on our weekly Virtual Lunch!
So listen in as she shares insights on how to:
Recognize the difference between your skills and talentsConvey the benefits your unique talents bring to any job “Rona-proof” your career
2020-10-0232 min
The Joy of Membership PodcastHelpful with Trade Shows: Marlys ArnoldWhen I think of industries that were perhaps hardest hit by the COVID-19 global pandemic, the event and trade show industry is pretty high on my list. This week’s guest, Marlys Arnold, saw the impact coming and knew it was going to be big. In addition to her role as an exhibit marketing strategist, Marlys has served as the organizer of several expos and events herself. She has led exhibitor workshops in a variety of industries, ranging from local consumer expos to some of the largest trade shows in the U.S. She hosts the Trade Show Insights bl...
2020-10-0119 minTrade Show InsightsMapping the Road to Recovery - TSI15.15While the effects of this year on the exhibit industry may be hard to put into words, the team at UFI has been working to quantify the response from exhibitors and attendees, as well as offer perspective for moving forward.
Our guest for this week’s Virtual Lunch, Kai Hattendorf, shares findings from the Global Recovery Project and the JMIC Global Manifesto.
2020-09-2528 minTrade Show InsightsHow to Create Memorable Experiences Now - TSI15.14It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of The Experience Economy by Joe Pine and Jim Gilmore. So you can imagine how delighted I was when Jim agreed to be a guest on our weekly Virtual Lunch!
So listen in as he shares insights on how to:
Prepare for the next phase of the Experience EconomyDesign a multisensory environment in virtual eventsInspire more engaging conversationsCreate an experience even when selling services or other intangibles ... plus one simple (low-tech) thing that will help you stand out
2020-09-2136 minTrade Show InsightsEvent Planning Lessons from the 2020 Un-Conventions - TSI15.13This year has proved to be a challenge for event planners on every level, including those in charge of the Presidential Conventions.
Now I don’t know about you, but actually I found this year’s version was more intriguing than previous ones. Perhaps it was because I’m studying all kinds of virtual events anyway, but I think it was more because they were forced to innovate and re-imagine the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality that can be so ingrained in any organization.
So regardless of your personal politics, I invite you to set t...
2020-09-1107 minTrade Show InsightsMarketing Strategies When We Can't Be Face-to-Face - TSI15.12Of course we all want to get back to meeting face to face – but until that happens, we can’t stop marketing.
So in the rebroadcast of this week’s Virtual Lunch interview with Ruth Stevens you’ll discover how to make the most of this time to:
Get to know the person behind your corporate clientCreate your own virtual events and build communityConvert social media followers into leads in your database
2020-09-0320 minTrade Show InsightsFuture-Proof Your Brand - TSI15.11If you're trying to figure out how to market to your audience appropriately during these confusing times, you're not alone.
Today's guest, Juntae DeLane provides perspective in this rebroadcast of our weekly Virtual Lunch. You'll discover how to:
Tap into brand storytellingStand out from the competition (without being negative)Leverage existing assets
2020-08-2823 minTrade Show InsightsLeading from the Inside Out - TSI15.10This is the time when leaders will emerge.
Our industry is being put to the test – we're all being put to the test. But as our guest, Heather Hansen O'Neill says, what happens next depends on how we choose to show up in the world.
So listen in to this rebroadcast of this week's Virtual Lunch interview to hear Heather's insights on how to:
Collaborate to move forwardBecome a beacon of light for clients and prospectsBuild bridges to your desired goals
2020-08-2123 minTrade Show InsightsTogether Again Expo Recap - TSI15.9This special edition podcast episode is a bit different – I decided to republish this week's Virtual Lunch interview with Kevin Carty from Classic Exhibits. You'll hear his firsthand account of the Together Again Expo in Orlando, which was the trade show industry's example of how events can operate safely. In the interview, you'll hear several resources mentioned. You'll find those links in the show notes at: https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=6185
2020-08-1436 minTrade Show InsightsTake Care of Yourself – Our Industry Needs You! - TSI15.8I recently heard someone say that 2020 feels like being stuck in a simulation that’s running every possible scenario simultaneously. No wonder we’re all exhausted!
That’s why on one of our weekly Virtual Lunches, we focused on ways to take care of yourself throughout all this madness. So in case you missed it, here are some ideas for you, broken down into three basic categories.
2020-07-2811 minTradeshowGuy Monday Morning CoffeeTradeshowGuy Monday Morning Coffee, July 6, 2020: Marlys ArnoldA quick tour of my backyard as I test a new Kimafun wireless microphone, and an interview with Marlys Arnold of Exhibit Marketer's Cafe, where we discuss, among other things, how exhibits will likely have to change to accommodate the new world.
https://www.exhibitmarketerscafe.com/
TradeshowGuy's main online hub: https://tradeshowguy.net
Check out TradeshowGuy Blog at https://tradeshowguyblog.com
https://tradeshowguyexhibits.com
http://tradeshowexhibitbuyerskit.com
https://tradeshowsuccessbook.com - get your free copy of my book!
New book: https://tradeshowsuperheroes.com
Tim's Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CHQ99XO
2020-07-0623 minTrade Show InsightsAdapting Exhibits for the (Near) Future - TSI15.7While it may still be unclear exactly when face-to-face trade shows will be back up and running again, there's one thing we know for sure: they certainly won't look like what we're used to.
2020-06-2208 minTrade Show InsightsWhat Trade Shows Should Do Now - Part 3: Blend Virtual & In-Person Events - TSI15.6This is the last of a 3-part series on Trade Show Insights to help you do the right things now to be prepared for the future of trade shows. In Part 1, we talked about preparing for a comeback, and in Part 2, we focused on how to keep the lines of communication open.
Today, we're addressing how to blend virtual and in-person events.
2020-05-0707 minTrade Show InsightsWhat Trade Shows Should Do Now - Part 2: Keep on Communicating - TSI15.5This is the second of a 3-part series on Trade Show Insights to help you do the right things now to be prepared for the future of trade shows. In Part 1, we talked about preparing for a comeback, and in Part 3, we’ll discuss how to incorporate virtual elements.
Today, we're focusing on how to keep the lines of communication open.
2020-05-0107 minTrade Show InsightsWhat Trade Shows Should Do Now - Part 1: Prepare for a Comeback - TSI15.4This is the first of a 3-part series on Trade Show Insights to help you do the right things now to be prepared for the future of trade shows. In Part 2, we’ll look at how to keep the lines of communication open, and in Part 3, we’ll discuss how to incorporate virtual elements.
Today, our focus is on how to prepare for a trade show comeback.
2020-04-2308 minTrade Show InsightsWorking from Home? Tips from My 20+ Years' Experience - TSI15.3As one of my friends put it, our world has gone "from zero to crazy" nearly overnight, and part of that may involve you working from home for the first time. That may feel very foreign and challenging to you, and that's understandable.
Since I've spent most of my adult life working on my own at home, I want to share some of the lessons I've learned (and am still learning).
I've also got a number of tools to share (many of which are free), so be sure to check the show notes at TradeShowInsights...
2020-03-2011 minTrade Show InsightsTaking a Closer Look at Sponsorship - TSI15.2Whether you’re an exhibitor looking for effective sponsorship options or a show organizer wondering how to get more exhibitors to take advantage of your sponsorship offerings, you’ll want to hear what our guest expert has to share!
In this episode, Nancy Drapeau discusses findings from the latest CEIR report series, the B2B Exhibition Sponsorship Playbook.
2020-02-2531 minTrade Show Insights2020 Perspective (as Predicted in 2010) - TSI15.1Back in January 2010, I wrote a letter to my TradeShowTips e-zine subscribers from the perspective of 10 years in the future. Now that we’ve arrived at that milestone, it only seems appropriate to pull that letter back out and see how far we’ve come (or not).
So for this “back to the future” post ...
2020-01-2110 minTrade Show InsightsTwas the Night Before the Trade Show - TSI14.14I’ve got a little something special for this episode of the podcast … because you just never know who might appear at a trade show! So listen close …
2019-12-1705 min
Trade Show InsightsBeyond Business Cards: Trade Show Lead Management Essentials - TSI14.13If you ask most any new exhibitor how successful their experience was, you’re likely to hear an exuberant answer about how many business cards they collected. The problem is – that probably hasn’t accomplished very much. That’s because getting the most out of your trade show leads requires so much more than going home with a stack of business cards – which likely won’t even be followed up! In a 2015 Sales Lead Survey conducted by EXHIBITOR Magazine, nearly all exhibitors said they collect leads on the show floor but only 70 percent have any formal plan or process for
2019-11-2506 min
Trade Show InsightsNavigating the World of I&D (Installation & Dismantle) - TSI14.12This is Part 2 of our interview with Candy Adams, who is the industry expert on the topics of drayage, I&D, and labor. In Part 1, she covered the ins and outs of trade show material handling (also known as drayage). In this episode we shift gears to the topic of installation and dismantle (I&D) where you’ll discover: What the difference is between A, B and C-level labor staff When to hire the official contractor (GSC) vs. an EAC How to avoid overtime rates (using some strategic planning) Candy Adams, better known throughout the exhibit industry as “The Boot...
2019-11-0719 min
Trade Show InsightsDecoding the Mystery of Drayage - TSI14.11This episode was inspired by what I meant to be a simple conversation-starter post on LinkedIn: “If you could wave a magic wand and make your biggest trade show challenge disappear, what would it be?” The nearly-unanimous answer: Drayage (also known as material handling). So I called on my friend, Candy Adams, who is my go-to resource on the topics of drayage, I&D, and labor. She graciously agreed to share her insights with you. And so in this episode you’ll discover: Where the concept of drayage came from and why it’s often so expensive How material handling...
2019-10-3128 min
Trade Show Insights4 Hot Tips to Get More Done Every Day - TSI14.10Ever feel like no matter how hard you work, nothing ever seems to get done? With the endless amount of tasks it takes to accomplish a trade show, this is a problem that plagues both exhibitors and show organizers. So whenever you find you’re not as productive as you’d like (or need) to be, you probably need to focus on the following four areas: 1 – Set Priorities How do you start working on your daily list of things to do? Do you just pick an item off the list at random and jump in? If so, one reason you’re
2019-09-2505 min
Trade Show InsightsThe Power of Story in Exhibit Marketing - TSI14.9From the time we’re children, stories influence us – be it fairy tales, comic books, or literature classics, we all have memories of powerful stories. Even as adults, we seek out stories to educate and entertain us in the form of TV, books, or movies. Stories create a connection, helping us all to relate to common threads of life. The characters and plot lines become familiar and real to us. They can make us laugh or move us to tears. When we hear a powerful story, it can actually trigger a physical response. Our brain releases cortisol as the acti...
2019-08-2806 min
Trade Show InsightsGoing Retro - TSI14.8You know that saying, “Everything old is new again”? We see how true it is in the realm of fashion and design, where colors and styles cycle back around every few years. And yes, that’s a great tip for exhibitors to be aware of when designing an exhibit. But there’s more to it than that. You can craft an emotional response by guiding your audience down memory lane (even if they don’t realize that’s what’s happening). I’ve been “going retro” a lot lately – I needed to update my laptop, but before I could do that, it required u
2019-07-3005 min
Trade Show InsightsExhibitor Retention Begins with Appreciation - TSI14.7According to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), exhibitor retention across all trade shows is 62%. While that’s not horrible, it does leave a lot of room for improvement. So that’s why for my first time hosting ExpoChat, the weekly industry Twitter conversation, I chose to focus on how shows can satisfy exhibitor expectations and demonstrate how much they are appreciated and valued. You can view a transcript of the complete chat, but I wanted to dive deeper into this topic that I feel is too often taken for granted. Show organizers offer all kinds of excuses why...
2019-06-2806 min
Trade Show InsightsIncorporating Wellness Into Expos & Events - TSI14.6Inspiration for this episode came from a recent ExpoChat, the weekly Twitter chat sponsored by TSNN. (You’ll find a transcript of that chat here.) The discussion revolved around how trade shows and events can help attendees continue their wellness routines (or discover new ones) while at events. Lots of great ideas surfaced, and so I invited two ExpoChatters with expertise in the wellness world to expand on that conversation and share their insights. Listen to my interview with Hadley McClellan and Nicole Burkart to discover: Benefits for both attendees and show organizers when wellness elements are included Aspects of...
2019-05-3033 min
Trade Show InsightsHow to Create Connections at Trade Shows - TSI14.5One of the primary reasons that people continue to attend trade shows in the digital age is because as humans, we crave the feeling of community and connection. We enjoy sharing experiences and solutions with other like-minded individuals. Whether you’re an exhibitor or show organizer, if you can faciliate a way for attendees to connect and share ideas, your value and expertise will increase in their eyes. So here are a variety of ideas for you, many of which are not expensive or complicated to implement. Some will work best when created and hosted by the show organizers (th...
2019-04-3006 min
Trade Show InsightsWhat to Ask Before Buying Your Next Giveaway Items - TSI14.4If you’ve been in the trade show world for very long, you’ve likely seen examples of giveaways gone horribly wrong. On today’s podcast with guest expert Rama Beerfas, we share stories of low-tech items that went straight to the nearest trash can (or to the hotel maid) and high-tech items that created big safety hazards. You’ll discover how to avoid disasters like these with questions you never knew to ask (hint: it’s not “what’s hot or trendy?”) plus things to look for when considering a promotional item, such as: Why a newly in-demand, eco-conscious it...
2019-04-1733 min
Trade Show Insights6 Keys to Becoming More Attractive (Your Booth, That Is) - TSI14.3Exhibitors often believe it’s the trade show organizer’s job to generate traffic, but that’s not true. The show organizer’s focus is on bringing attendees to the event, but it’s up to you to draw them into your own booth space. One great way to do that is by designing an engaging booth attraction. Today’s attendees are on sensory overload, with colorful banners and LED walls at every turn. But all this visual stimulation becomes a blur and the exhibits all begin to look the same. In order to stand out, you must take a different...
2019-03-2807 min
Trade Show InsightsHow Distinct Are You on the Trade Show Floor? - TSI14.2There’s no doubt we live in a noisy world with thousands of messages constantly flying at us from all directions, both online and off. That assault of information definitely holds true for a trade show floor as well – perhaps even more so because of the concentration of messages in a limited space and timeframe. So what hope does any exhibitor have of standing out in this ocean of messages? The key is to find a way to be distinct. I recently listened to a podcast interview with Scott McKain, author of Create Distinction, and his newest book, Iconic: How
2019-02-2806 min
The YourLIVINGBrand.live showBen Baker on Branding - TSI11.12 - October 2016What Every Exhibitor (and Show Manager) Needs to Know About Branding
Posted in Expert Interviews, Podcast Episode, Tips for Show Managers, Tools for Exhibitors By Marlys Arnold On October 6, 2016
Contrary to popular belief, your brand is not your logo. It goes far beyond that, and if you’re not careful you might be misrepresenting it in your exhibits. So we’ve invited Ben Baker back on the podcast to talk about how your brand needs to tell your unique story, whether you’re an exhibitor or the organizer of the show itself. He covers tips on how to:
Get clear on you...
2018-01-0332 min
The YourLIVINGBrand.live showMarlys Arnold The Image Specialist Nov 1 2017on the YourLIVINGBrand.live showOn the November 1 2017 episode of the YourLIVINGBrand.live show we talk to Marlys Arnold about all things trade show.
The show is all about what makes you different and valuable to your audience.
Want to know more about us, please visit www.yourbrandmarketing.com.
2017-11-2536 min
Trade Show InsightsCharacters You Meet in the Trade Show Zone - TSI11.13You’re entering another dimension … where normal, reasonable behavior can vanish in an instant. The following examples are not an illusion or figment of someone’s imagination. These exhibitors really do exist. In fact, you’ve quite likely seen them … in the Trade Show Zone. To listen to this episode, just click on the play button below! © 2016 Marlys K. Arnold (from the October 2016 TradeShowTips Online. To receive tips like this in your inbox every month, please take a moment to fill out this request.) Want to reprint this article in your blog or ezine? You may do so as long
2016-10-3105 min
NetworkingCEO: Marlys Arnold ~ Experiential Exhibits = LeadsAs an exhibit marketing strategist, Marlys Arnold combines image expertise and real-world marketing experience with a passion for trade shows. Not only has she been an exhibitor, but also the organizer of several expos and events. This unique perspective allows her to share insights with both beginning and experienced exhibitors, teaching how to create experiential exhibits that produce significantly higher numbers of qualified leads without busting the budget.
Over the past 15 years, she's led workshops for numerous associations and provided exhibitor training for events ranging from local consumer expos to some of the largest trade shows in the U.S...
2013-06-2800 min