200 - 12 Reasons Why Trade Shows are the BEST Marketing Tool

200 - 12 Reasons Why Trade Shows are the BEST Marketing Tool

Author: Jim Cermak February 20, 2023 Duration: 16:57

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...


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
220 - Exhibitor Coaching Session - The Groom's Man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:00
In this episode, we have an Exhibitor Coaching Session featuring Jim from Trade Show University offering coaching with an exhibitor for an upcoming trade show. Today Jim talks with Reginald Ferguson of The Groom's Man, t…
219 - Use Voice of Customer to increase ROI - with Dave Loomis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:50
There's no better way to figure out your customer than to study them! Voice of Customer research (VOC) is a tremendous and powerful tool, and the specialty of our guest.Dave Loomis is the President of Loomis Marketing, L…
217 - How to get Dozens of Video Testimonials at One Show! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:15
Across the board, businesses agree that they want to get more testimonials. They’re powerful. As businesses, we love them. And customers turn to them more than ever! Even better than a testimonial is a VIDEO testimonial.…
216 - Solving the Pain Points on the Show Floor - with Josh Rifkin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:54
If you have exhibited at least once at a trade show, you have experienced some pains and challenges. My guest is a professional exhibit designer and builder to help you solve those challenges!My guest Josh Rifkin is the…
215 - How Technology is shaping In-Person Events - with BJ Mazmanian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:39
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…
214 - Making Sense & ROI of Your Event Data - with Joe Colangelo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:31
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,…
213 - PRO TIP - Design your Booth like a Billboard, not a Brochure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:07
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…
211 - Training Done RIGHT can Double Your Leads [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:03
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 Basic…