237 - Dramatically Increase Leads with Tip Stacking

237 - Dramatically Increase Leads with Tip Stacking

Author: Jim Cermak November 6, 2023 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 100% qualified, want to meet with you leads!

It’s from a little known thing called Tip Stacking. 

In this episode I’m going to show you what Tip Stacking is and how to stack the RIGHT trade show tips which will help you dramatically increase the amount of leads you are getting and absolutely crush your goals!

You mayhave heard of Habit Stacking, from the best selling book Atomic Habits by James Clear, where he says if you change a little bit of many habits, it accumulates into big changes.

So Tip stacking is similar.  It’s about taking several tips and incorporating them into your next show. 

The key is doing the right ones.  The ones that help you reach your show goals – and for most of you, I’m guessing your main goal is all about getting more qualified leads. 

Now you can find hundreds, maybe even thousands of trade show tips out there.  Heck, on my podcast between me and my guests we’ve probably shared 1000.

The tips you want to focus on are Tips that do 3 things – Drive Attendees to your booth, Help you Engage & Qualify those attendees, and Follow up.

We’re going to be focusing on just the first two areas – Driving Traffic, and Engage & Qualify.

Story – Home improvement company.  For years, they would give away a big prize of a home improvement package which had a value of about $5,000.  Tons of people would sign up because hey – who doesn’t want to win that!  Then the company spent tons of time following up with people who have no interest to buy and end up with a handful of qualified leads.

Here’s what we did to get them a 150% increase in qualified leads.

  1. Added lights – engaging the senses.  Drew people in!
  2. Typically one person worked the show because they would have one sales person per market.  So we wanted to double their odds by adding a second person.  Added a brand ambassador!
  3. Instead of just asking people if they wanted to enter the giveaway, we came up with specific qualifying questions that would pull them in.
  4. We added the qualifying question to the entry form!

*** Podcast episodes all about Brand Ambassadors!

*** Trade Show University Episode 153 - Interview with Polaris Brand Promotions: https://tradeshowu.biz/episodes/ep-153-using-brand-ambassadors-to-max-your-leads-roi-al-schuster-stephanie-crawford/

*** Trade Show University Episode 147 - Interview with Expo Stars: https://tradeshowu.biz/episodes/ep-147-selecting-training-the-right-staff-for-your-booth-with-lee-ali/

So we stacked those 4 tips on top of each other and it led to that 150% increase in qualified leads which led to a HUGE sales increase!  And didn’t spend a ton of money!

So just have to make sure they are the right tips you’re stacking!  For example, adding a cool squishy toy giveaway may make people happy, but odds are they aren’t going to become customers because of it.

First thing you need to focus on is driving traffic to your booth.  I know that some techniques and tips work better than others, so I created the Trade Show Booth Traffic Scorecard which has 25 different tips and techniques listed.

  • 9 things you can do BEFORE the show
  • 16 DURING the show

But not only that each one has a point value based on how effective it is.  This is based on experience and data!

You don’t have to do all 25!  You just have to focus on the right ones which will make a difference, and the Scorecard will...


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…