216 - Solving the Pain Points on the Show Floor - with Josh Rifkin

216 - Solving the Pain Points on the Show Floor - with Josh Rifkin

Author: Jim Cermak June 12, 2023 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 CEO of Flatworks Displays - a USA manufacturer that sells a custom modular trade show booth system that assembles with no tools. With 30 years of experience in the manufacturing and trade show industries, Josh knows what goes into preparing for trade shows. 

We discuss:

  • Shows are back but you need to be selective - It's a costly endeavor
  • Maximize your valuable space to create a more inviting environment for buyer to enter and engage.
  • Ditch the backdrops and skirted tables
  • Think about your trade show staff: get them in and out fast. The sooner they set up... the happier and fresher they will be during the show.

Connect with Josh Rifkin:


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
258 - 8 Tips to Hit Your Goals when the Trade Show is SLOW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:36
You're an exhibitor working a trade show or conference when all of a sudden, the traffic stops. What happened to the Attendees? Where is everyone? What do you do? I'm going to give you 8 TIPS you need to make the most of…
Sell MORE Event Tickets & Keep More MONEY - with Ashley Stanford [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:28
How to attract More Attendees to your Trade Shows, Conferences and Events, Sell More Tickets, and Keep More Money! Get the Tips on using the right Marketing and Ticket Platform.** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PRO…
256 - Should you BUY or RENT your Trade Show Exhibit?  With Chris Dunn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:13
Should you buy or rent the exhibit for your next Trade Show, Conference or Event? What's the ROI? This is a top question for big and Small Business across the US and Europe.** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS…
255 - AI is Changing the Game for Events - with Anca Trifan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:28
AI continues to evolve, and there are more tools available than ever. So let's learn what we can do to improve our events by hearing from one of the top experts in the industry! Proud to have join me Anca Trifan of Tree-…
253 - Top 10 Tips for NETWORKING at Trade Shows & Business Events [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:39
Ready to multiply the opportunities you get from your next trade show? Then you've got to learn how to effectively network with others! Your best leads an opportunities will come from people you personally know, so let's…
252 - AI & VR can Revolutionize Trade Shows - with Danny Stefanic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:54
So if you've been wondering about AI, you've been wondering about the metaverse and what it all means for our events and our trade shows, listen to this episode.Danny Stefanic is CEO and Founder of the Hyperspace Metaver…