261 - 13 Trade Show Secrets you Need to Know in 2025

261 - 13 Trade Show Secrets you Need to Know in 2025

Author: Jim Cermak January 9, 2025 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 to go all in on trade shows and events to grow your business and promote your products and services. Now, I'm not saying to  drop all your other marketing,  but you need to commit to trade shows, to expos, to conferences, to in-person face-to-face events. And You have got to commit to doing them and then doing them right.


** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show?

Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu


Here are the 13 Secrets - mind-blowing things most businesses do not do at trade shows, expos and events. I guarantee 99% of businesses need to add at least 1 of these areas to their strategy.


1) Effectively fill your lead/sales pipeline

2) Share your story

3) Get into deep meaningful conversations

4) Get immediate feedback on product/service

5) Get assets for social media posts

6) Do competitive research and Spy on your competition

7) Find prospective vendors, partners and suppliers

8) Learn industry trends and insider info

9) Learn new skills / CEUs

10) Network like crazy to unlock new opportunities

11) Become a speaker and Position your company as an expert and thought leader

12) Talk to same buyers as big guys

13) Get press and media coverage for Free!


** Want to know HOW to Pick the Right Trade Show? Check this out! https://youtu.be/9zMd_sJzvZA


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
249 - How to ROCK your Very First Trade Show! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:23
You're thinking about exhibiting at your very first trade show and want to make sure you crush it! But what do you do? For me, having worked and planned 100s of shows, you want to know what I would do? There are 6 things…
246 - 3 Tips for Small Businesses to FIX Trade Show Sponsorships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:17
Small Businesses have to STOP Wasting Money on Trade Show and Event Sponsorships! In fact, businesses of ALL sizes need to do this!I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers here, but stick with me. I'm NOT telling you to…
244 - Creating Community at Events - with Evan Babins of Intuit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:42
Are you Creating Community at your trade shows and events? Building communities for your business is one of the hottest trends for good reason - it works! In this episode we discuss how and why you should incorporate thi…
242 - Do this ONE THING in 2024 to DOUBLE your Leads [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:12
There is ONE CHANGE, one SHIFT you can make, which will make all the difference in your trade show results in 2024. This is a message specifically for small businesses. I'm talking about any business that has a small boo…