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
219 - Use Voice of Customer to increase ROI - with Dave Loomis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:50
There's no better way to figure out your customer than to study them! Voice of Customer research (VOC) is a tremendous and powerful tool, and the specialty of our guest.Dave Loomis is the President of Loomis Marketing, L…
217 - How to get Dozens of Video Testimonials at One Show! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:15
Across the board, businesses agree that they want to get more testimonials. They’re powerful. As businesses, we love them. And customers turn to them more than ever! Even better than a testimonial is a VIDEO testimonial.…
216 - Solving the Pain Points on the Show Floor - with Josh Rifkin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:54
If you have exhibited at least once at a trade show, you have experienced some pains and challenges. My guest is a professional exhibit designer and builder to help you solve those challenges!My guest Josh Rifkin is the…
215 - How Technology is shaping In-Person Events - with BJ Mazmanian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:39
Event Tech flourished throughout the pandemic as we all went virtual. How about now with Live In-Person events back to being the norm? My guest BJ Mazmanian is Sr. Director of Client Services and Live Events at Bluewater…
214 - Making Sense & ROI of Your Event Data - with Joe Colangelo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:31
Meet Joe Colangelo, a seasoned professional in the events industry who excels at helping others make sense of their event data to optimize their ROI. As CEO for Bear Analytics and the driving force behind their platform,…
213 - PRO TIP - Design your Booth like a Billboard, not a Brochure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:07
Time to get people to stop at your booth instead of just walking past. One of the main reasons attendees just walk past booths of companies they don’t know is because they don’t know why they should stop.Confusion is not…
211 - Training Done RIGHT can Double Your Leads [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:03
You are Training your staff all Wrong!! In this episode, I will discuss how to Train your trade show booth staff the RIGHT way which will lead to better results and can DOUBLE your Leads!Most companies train on the Basic…
210 - Charity is Good Business - with Michael Green [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:49
Professional Auctioneer, Travel Consultant and Charity Consultant Michael Green of Michael Green Auctions joins Trade Show University today to discuss why having a charitable component to your business is Good Business!…