236 - NEVER do these 7 things at Your Trade Show Booth!

236 - NEVER do these 7 things at Your Trade Show Booth!

Author: Jim Cermak October 30, 2023 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 get more leads than ever!

NEVER do these 7 things:

  1. DON'T Use your phone - makes you unapproachable and seem disinterested in being there to serve the attendees
  2. DON'T Eat  - such a bad look! Not only messy, but can make it look like you don't want to be bothered.
  3. DON'T Sit - again, this makes you appear that you don't want to be bothered or are unapproachable. Try removing the chairs from your booth so you have no option but to stand!
  4. DON'T Be behind a table - never have a barrier between you and attendees. Have an open booth layout to invite people in!
  5. DON'T Stay in booth the whole time - get out and explore all the show has to offer!
  6. DON'T Be unprepared - please be prepared so you are best positioned to bring value to the attendees and your company!
  7. DON'T Launch into a lengthy pitch before asking questions to the attendee! This is the biggest offense and time-waster. Ask questions and qualify the attendee first before talking about your company, services and products.

Get ready with Professional Coaching help to maximize your Leads, Sales and ROI!


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

Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show University

Ready to exhibit at your next Show? Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results! I can help you get locked in for Success with an Expert Review! • Having a professional set of outside "eyes" is important because You Don't Know what You Don't Know! • 30+ year Trade Show expert will review: o Design o Messaging o Goals & Metrics o Engagement Questions o Attendee journey • Identify the Gaps and Opportunities you don’t even know exist! • And get you capturing more Qualified Leads than ever before • Visit Tradeshowu.biz/services


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
266 - 4 Killer mistakes You are Making and How to Fix Them [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:51
Are you unknowingly sabotaging the results from your trade shows? If you're doing one of these four killer mistakes, you are ruining your shows, and nobody may ever know you're doing anything wrong. That's why you've got…
265 - 5 Trade Show Tips NOBODY will Tell You - these are FIRE!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:12
Here's 5 super effective Trade Show Tips that NOBODY is talking about! Some may even ruffle some feathers! Why isn't anyone telling you these tips? Because they make you get Uncomfortable!!Let's get to the tips, but firs…
261 - 13 Trade Show Secrets you Need to Know in 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:28
There are 13 Secrets to win at trade shows you and your business need to know! These are things most businesses don't do, and they can multiply the results, leads and sales at every event. More than ever before, you need…