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
229 - Behavior Change Design for Events - with Kristin Malek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:28
Are you designing your events with Behavior Change in mind? Are you wondering what that even means? You have GOT to understand how important this is, and you are definitely in the right place to start learning!My guest t…
228 - How AI will Improve Trade Shows & Events - with Kalon Welch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:45
Should you be afraid of A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)? Will AI cost you your job? Will AI destroy the events industry? OR...can AI and AI tools be used to make our trade shows and events better than ever? My guest, Kalo…
227 - Creating Engaging Trade Show Booths - with Branden Cobb [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:59
What are attendees saying about your Trade Show Booth? Probably NOTHING!! Sorry, but it's true. Let's change that!Branden Cobb, a seasoned marketing professional has been instrumental in driving market share, fostering c…
226 - PRO TIP - Win the Show Before You Go! Fill Your Calendar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:44
Win the Show BEFORE You Go - Fill Your Calendar!This is a Trade Show University Pro Tip episode – a short one, but one of the most powerful you’ll hear!Win the show before you go...So what does that mean? It means fillin…
224 - Powerful Goal Setting using The DEB Method - with Deb Eckerling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
Goal Setting is one of the Top things you can do for success at your next trade show or event -- IF you do it right!! Excited for this week's guest to give us a fresh perspective with her own method.Goal strategist Debra…
223 - Finding & Deciding on Event Tech - with Merijn van Buuren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:55
How do you find and decide on the best tech tools and platforms for your upcoming trade show or event? Listen in!While helping physical event professionals embrace virtual events during the pandemic, Merijn van Buuren re…
222 - PRO TIP 10 - Don't Pre-judge Attendees - all about Engagement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:26
Trade Show PRO Tip #10 - Don't Pre-Judge AttendeesOne of the top things I see exhibitors doing which holds them back from reaching their potential, but really goes unnoticed, is they pre-judge the attendees walking past…
221 - Coaching Follow Up!  Results after the Show with The Groom's Man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:22
In this episode, we are following up on our Exhibitor Coaching Session with Reginald Ferguson of The Groom's Man! If you missed that episode, you can Check out Episode #220 Here.Jim and Reginald discuss how The Groom's M…
220 - Exhibitor Coaching Session - The Groom's Man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:00
In this episode, we have an Exhibitor Coaching Session featuring Jim from Trade Show University offering coaching with an exhibitor for an upcoming trade show. Today Jim talks with Reginald Ferguson of The Groom's Man, t…