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
208 - How to Create Strategic Memorability - with Rama Beerfas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:10
Rama Beerfas, CTSM, MAS - is the Strategic Memorability Specialist at Lev Promotions where she specializes in branded products for trade show and event marketing. Her goal is to recommend products that are relevant to cl…
207 - Finding Your WHY Leads to Success - with Joel Bromley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:02
Find your WHY and Find Success!! Businesses that have more locked in and enthusiastic workers at trade shows will draw in and engage with more attendees. You get more enthusiasm when you find your purpose...Your WHY!Joel…
206 - Adapting Trade Shows for the Future - with Marlys Arnold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
When Marlys Arnold, a passionate trade show organizer for over two decades, started her podcast all the way back in 2006, she reconciled her journalistic and marketing backgrounds to navigate an ever-evolving industry an…
205 - What is a Trade Show Coach & Why You Need One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:50
What is a trade show coach? Why hire one? And what can they do for your business?First of all - They make you Money, Save you Time, Improve Your Attendee and Customer Engagement, and Take the Headaches out of Planning!So…
203 - Trade Show Budget Breakdown & Critical Missing Items [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:51
In this episode, we are breaking down how businesses spend their trade show dollars based on an article from Exhibitor Magazine. From here you can learn if maybe you're spending too much or too little in an area. Plus I'…
200 - 12 Reasons Why Trade Shows are the BEST Marketing Tool [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:57
If you are not convinced, then please reach out to me!1. Connect with & qualify more of your target audience quicklyIf you’re at the right show! Only be at shows where your target audience is.Video training2. Talk to the…