238 - 8 Tips to reduce Overwhelm & Stress when Exhibit Planning

238 - 8 Tips to reduce Overwhelm & Stress when Exhibit Planning

Author: Jim Cermak November 20, 2023 Duration: 8:11

Do you experience overwhelm and stress when planning for trade shows? Or maybe you are planning for your very first trade show and you can’t believe the amount of work it is?

You are not alone and I created this episode just for you! Today I am going to share with you 8 tips to help Exhibitors take the overwhelm out of your trade show and event planning!

1. Utilize the show contact. Have your show contact walk you through all you need to know so you don’t get stuck piling through volumes of pages that are not relevant to you.

2. Dedicate a block of time to get it done. These shows are complex and have a million details. If you try to just do a little here and there, you will constantly be spending time trying to figure out what’s been done.

3. Simplify. Don’t overdo it. If you have a lot on your plate and feeling overwhelmed, make things simple for yourself.

4. Double check your deadlines and prioritize. Understand all the important dates you need to get things done, and get them on your calendar. Clarity and planning will give you some peace.

5. Create a checklist of everything you need for events, then pull it up for your next show.

6. Don’t recreate the wheel! Unless you have had some major changes, reuse your banners, backdrops, display pieces, and even marketing materials.

7. Delegate! Figure out all that needs to get done and then divvy up responsibilities.

8. Contact the show producer and schedule a call with them to go over everything you are submitting. Give yourself peace of mind.

NOW...you can breathe!


Which of these did you find helpful that you’re going to try? What other ideas do you have to reduce stress and overwhelm? Drop them in the comments!


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Mentioned in this episode:

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
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