198 - Focus on the Customer & UFI Trends to Watch - with Kai Hattendorf

198 - Focus on the Customer & UFI Trends to Watch - with Kai Hattendorf

Author: Jim Cermak February 6, 2023 Duration: 36:58

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:


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!


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
239 - When to Exhibit vs Attend a Trade Show - DON'T Make a Mistake!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:24
Should you Exhibit or Attend a new show? This is a question I have gotten so many times from clients over the years, and it’s a great question!Maybe there’s a big show coming up that has you intrigued, but you’ve never b…
238 - 8 Tips to reduce Overwhelm & Stress when Exhibit Planning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:11
Do you experience overwhelm and stress when planning for trade shows? Or maybe you are planning for your very first trade show and you can’t believe the amount of work it is?You are not alone and I created this episode j…
237 - Dramatically Increase Leads with Tip Stacking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:48
How do you get a 150% increase in qualified leads in one show like one of my clients did? I’m not talking about leads like just getting a bunch of business cards in a bowl because you’re giving away an iPad. I’m talking…
236 - NEVER do these 7 things at Your Trade Show Booth! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:48
I'm going to give you 7 things which you should NEVER do at your booth - yet people commit these mistakes at every single trade show or expo! If you can avoid these, or change your habits, you will have more traffic and…
235 - 9 Tips for getting Traffic to a Bad Booth Location [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:01
You got stuck with a bad booth location. Don't tell me you got stuck with a bad booth location. We've all been there for anyone who's exhibited at trade shows, expos, conferences, or events over the years. You probably h…