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
239 - When to Exhibit vs Attend a Trade Show - DON'T Make a Mistake!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:24
Should you Exhibit or Attend a new show? This is a question I have gotten so many times from clients over the years, and it’s a great question!Maybe there’s a big show coming up that has you intrigued, but you’ve never b…
238 - 8 Tips to reduce Overwhelm & Stress when Exhibit Planning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 j…
237 - Dramatically Increase Leads with Tip Stacking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
236 - NEVER do these 7 things at Your Trade Show Booth! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
235 - 9 Tips for getting Traffic to a Bad Booth Location [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:01
You got stuck with a bad booth location. Don't tell me you got stuck with a bad booth location. We've all been there for anyone who's exhibited at trade shows, expos, conferences, or events over the years. You probably h…
PRO TIP - Send your New Employees to your next Trade Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:10
PRO TIP – Send your New employees to your next Trade ShowThis secret will help your brand new employees and team members get up to speed quicker than ever! Shorten the learning curve! You'll hear this only on Trade Show…