229 - Behavior Change Design for Events - with Kristin Malek

229 - Behavior Change Design for Events - with Kristin Malek

Author: Jim Cermak September 11, 2023 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 this week is Kristin Malek, and this is her second time on Trade Show University! Kristin is an expert in designing experiences that change behavior and mindset. After 10 years in higher education, she realized that engagement without behavior change is useless at best, and dangerous at worst. The only way to enact real change and inspire action is to first design a transformational experience that would inspire change from within. Kristin has won double digit international, regional, and state awards to include international Educator of the Year and Excellence in Teaching and Training.

We discuss:

  • What exactly is Behavior Change Design
  • How it is different from Project Management
  • Why designing for engagement is so important
  • Kristin's latest project - Experience University
  • And so much more!

Kristin's Top Tips:

  • Engagement isn't activities
  • Engagement without behavior change is essentially useless
  • If you don't design for behavior change it's like planting a tomato seed without giving it a cage - it will grow but without structure of direction

Kristin's Big Takeaway:

  • Change management is just project management; designing for behavior change is completely different.

Connect with Kristin Malek:


***Check out Kristin's first visit on Trade Show University!

  • Career Growth & Education Options in Events - LISTEN HERE

For more info on Trade Show University coaching and consulting services - CLICK HERE

Schedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call to see how we can generate MORE LEADS at your next show! CLICK HERE to Schedule

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

Add Greater Value to Exhibitors & Sponsors with EVA Event Tech Hub

Visit www.evareg.com/TSU to get started on adding greater value to your Exhibitors and Sponsors at your next Trade Show or Event!


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
208 - How to Create Strategic Memorability - with Rama Beerfas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:10
Rama Beerfas, CTSM, MAS - is the Strategic Memorability Specialist at Lev Promotions where she specializes in branded products for trade show and event marketing. Her goal is to recommend products that are relevant to cl…
207 - Finding Your WHY Leads to Success - with Joel Bromley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:02
Find your WHY and Find Success!! Businesses that have more locked in and enthusiastic workers at trade shows will draw in and engage with more attendees. You get more enthusiasm when you find your purpose...Your WHY!Joel…
206 - Adapting Trade Shows for the Future - with Marlys Arnold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
When 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 an…
205 - What is a Trade Show Coach & Why You Need One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:50
What is a trade show coach? Why hire one? And what can they do for your business?First of all - They make you Money, Save you Time, Improve Your Attendee and Customer Engagement, and Take the Headaches out of Planning!So…
203 - Trade Show Budget Breakdown & Critical Missing Items [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:51
In this episode, we are breaking down how businesses spend their trade show dollars based on an article from Exhibitor Magazine. From here you can learn if maybe you're spending too much or too little in an area. Plus I'…
200 - 12 Reasons Why Trade Shows are the BEST Marketing Tool [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:57
If you are not convinced, then please reach out to me!1. Connect with & qualify more of your target audience quicklyIf you’re at the right show! Only be at shows where your target audience is.Video training2. Talk to the…