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
197 - Tips & Predictions from the Pros at IAEE's Expo! Expo! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:19
I attended IAEE's Expo! Expo! 2022 conference held in Louisville, KY and was able to get some of the EventProfs there to share some Tips and Predictions for exhibiting in 2023!Featured in this episode:Jennifer Millett of…
195 - Creating a Full Video Strategy, Content Creation & Repurposing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:23
Most companies are not using Video to its full potential! Today we'll be talking about the importance of creating a full video strategy, along with the amazing content and repurposing opportunities that exist.Joining the…
194 - Demand Gen vs. Lead Gen - with Vanessa Zangardi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:36
What is the difference between Demand Generation (regarding generating leads using marketing) and Lead Generation? Why does it matter and what should you focus on?Helping us answer these questions is Vanessa Zangardi of…
193 - Creating Your Booth Flow and Attendee Journey in 2023 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:57
One of the most impactful and strategic moves you can do for your trade shows in 2023 is to Create your Booth Flow! If you’re not familiar with the term Booth Flow, it’s just what it sounds like – how to get show attende…
192 - Tips to Connect with those who DON'T Show Up! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:52
Food and Wine Entertainment Consultant and Keynote Speaker Michael Green joins Jim Cermak for another episode of Perfect Pairings - Events, Food & Wine! Episode #11 - Tips to connect with those who DON'T Show Up!People r…
191 - PRO Tip 7 - Effectively Using Your Cell Phone at Your Booth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:43
Trade Show PRO Tip #7 explores how to Effectively use your Cell Phone, Android or iPhone right at your trade show booth! Normally I tell people to put their phones away - and that's still good advice! But today I'm givin…
190 - How to Secure Sponsors Successfully - with Roberta Vigilance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:30
Roberta Vigilance teaches event planners how to secure sponsors for events, and is the author of How To Secure Sponsors Successfully. Roberta needed money to hold an event, taught herself how to secure sponsors and since…