188 - 9 Common Trade Show Mistakes that Crush Profits

188 - 9 Common Trade Show Mistakes that Crush Profits

Author: Jim Cermak November 28, 2022 Duration: 13:48

There are Common Mistakes that cost companies $$$$ in profits and ROI that I see at nearly every Trade Show. Here are my top 9 mistakes (plus a bonus one):

  1. Not Setting Goals - saying you want to get as many leads as you can is NOT a goal. You have to have goals or you will never find out if your show was a success or not!
  2. Not Training your staff How to Work a Show - many companies train their people on their products, services, what promo item they're giving away and other things. But the difference maker is training them HOW to work a show by engaging with attendees!
  3. Waiting until you get to the show to Fill your Calendar - By the time you get to the show, everyone is bombarded with dinner and meeting opportunities. Don't wait to book that meeting with your top prospects! Do it ahead of time!
  4. Skipping Networking Events - These are HUGE opportunities to make amazing contacts. Don't skip them!
  5. Not Getting out of your Booth and Walking the Show - You are missing out on so much by just staying in your booth.
  6. Not having a Plan to generate traffic if you have a Bad Booth location or when the show is Slow - The show WILL be slow at times, so have a plan to maximize this time!
  7. Having CHEAP giveaways - Invest in quality items. If your giveaway is garbage quality, it will end in the garbage...along with your logo.
  8. Using too much Copy on Banners and Displays - Attendees will NOT read these items. Keep it simple and say only what is your differentiator.
  9. Not having a set Follow-Up Plan - Do this BEFORE the show because when you get back, you spend so much time just catching up with day-to-day work.
  10. Not Allowing enough Time for Tear Down - things not put back correctly or properly will cause you money to purchase new pieces for the next show.

Let me know what mistakes you have made in the past that you have learned from! CONTACT ME

Join our Email Newsletter for updates and exclusive access to Tips, Tools and Trainings!


Subscribe at your favorite Podcast Platform!


Mentioned in this episode:

Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!

Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity


Jim Cermak hosts Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events, a deep and practical resource for anyone whose business depends on connecting with an audience, whether on a convention floor or through a screen. This isn't about vague inspiration; it's a working toolkit built from conversations with seasoned experts and Jim's own extensive experience. Each episode functions like a focused seminar, delivering actionable tips and training that exhibitors, marketers, and show planners can apply immediately to see a real difference in their engagement and return on investment. With a library spanning over 220 episodes, the podcast covers the full spectrum of modern event planning-from crafting a compelling virtual booth experience to mastering the logistics and psychology of a live trade show. You'll hear candid discussions on common pitfalls, innovative strategies that are working right now, and breakdowns of what truly moves the needle for businesses. Beyond the audio, the community around this podcast extends into consulting and collaborative training, emphasizing real-world application. For professionals tired of wasting time and budget on events that don't deliver, this series offers a clear path forward, turning every appearance into a measurable success.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events
Podcast Episodes
PRO TIP - Send your New Employees to your next Trade Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:10
PRO TIP – Send your New employees to your next Trade ShowThis secret will help your brand new employees and team members get up to speed quicker than ever! Shorten the learning curve! You'll hear this only on Trade Show…
229 - Behavior Change Design for Events - with Kristin Malek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:28
Are you designing your events with Behavior Change in mind? Are you wondering what that even means? You have GOT to understand how important this is, and you are definitely in the right place to start learning!My guest t…
228 - How AI will Improve Trade Shows & Events - with Kalon Welch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:45
Should you be afraid of A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)? Will AI cost you your job? Will AI destroy the events industry? OR...can AI and AI tools be used to make our trade shows and events better than ever? My guest, Kalo…
227 - Creating Engaging Trade Show Booths - with Branden Cobb [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:59
What are attendees saying about your Trade Show Booth? Probably NOTHING!! Sorry, but it's true. Let's change that!Branden Cobb, a seasoned marketing professional has been instrumental in driving market share, fostering c…
226 - PRO TIP - Win the Show Before You Go! Fill Your Calendar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:44
Win the Show BEFORE You Go - Fill Your Calendar!This is a Trade Show University Pro Tip episode – a short one, but one of the most powerful you’ll hear!Win the show before you go...So what does that mean? It means fillin…
224 - Powerful Goal Setting using The DEB Method - with Deb Eckerling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
Goal Setting is one of the Top things you can do for success at your next trade show or event -- IF you do it right!! Excited for this week's guest to give us a fresh perspective with her own method.Goal strategist Debra…
223 - Finding & Deciding on Event Tech - with Merijn van Buuren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:55
How do you find and decide on the best tech tools and platforms for your upcoming trade show or event? Listen in!While helping physical event professionals embrace virtual events during the pandemic, Merijn van Buuren re…
222 - PRO TIP 10 - Don't Pre-judge Attendees - all about Engagement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:26
Trade Show PRO Tip #10 - Don't Pre-Judge AttendeesOne of the top things I see exhibitors doing which holds them back from reaching their potential, but really goes unnoticed, is they pre-judge the attendees walking past…
221 - Coaching Follow Up!  Results after the Show with The Groom's Man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:22
In this episode, we are following up on our Exhibitor Coaching Session with Reginald Ferguson of The Groom's Man! If you missed that episode, you can Check out Episode #220 Here.Jim and Reginald discuss how The Groom's M…