263 - The Best Event THEMES and How to Create them - with Kimberly Kee

263 - The Best Event THEMES and How to Create them - with Kimberly Kee

Author: Jim Cermak February 17, 2025 Duration: 20:42

Should your Corporate Event or Tradeshow have a Theme? Corporate Event Marketer & Trade Show professional, Kimberly Kee of Kee Consulting, joins Jim Cermak of Trade Show University to discuss the right way to incorporate theming at your next trade show, conference, expo and event!

Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!!

** 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


The goal of event marketing is to package a message using elements like costumes, sets, and scripts to create meaningful connections between companies and their buyers.


The Importance of Themes:

• Themes create a unifying experience for events like sales kickoffs or user conferences.

• Themes help in planning event details, ensuring a cohesive experience that reinforces the overall message.

• Themes should align with the company's or industry's current situation; they don't always need to be extravagant.

◦ A somber theme can be appropriate during difficult times.

◦ A more exciting theme can highlight company advancements.

• Theming strengthens brand identity and connects with the event audience.


Creating a Theme

• The theming process can be quick, but it may require brainstorming and mind mapping to develop the right theme.

• Consider the event's objectives and key messages when developing a theme.

• A strong theme should be marketed in advance to build anticipation and excitement.

• Incorporate the theme into all aspects of the event, including branding, visual elements, and themed activities.

• For instance, a "level up" theme can use video game elements like leaderboards and avatars to engage attendees.


Examples of Impactful Themes

• "Level Up": Uses video game references to create a positive and exciting atmosphere.

• "Better Together": Focuses on unity and teamwork, especially useful during times of uncertainty or change.


Avoiding Themes That Fall Flat

• Themes that are too abstract or lack a clear connection to the audience can fall flat.

• Ensure the theme lends itself to specific activities and is easy to understand.

• The theme should evoke emotion and create anticipation.


Top Tips for Event Themes

• Base themes on key objectives and messages.

• Make the theme memorable and catchy to create a unifying environment.

• Integrate the theme into every detail of the event, from keynote speakers to breakout sessions.

• The goal is to create an immersive experience where the theme is evident even when attendees aren't actively thinking about it.


The Importance of Food

• Food can significantly impact an event.

• Align food with the theme such as having a gourmet nacho station and corn dog vendor at an arcade-themed event.


Kimberly's Top Takeaway

• A well-executed theme is one of the most important elements of a hosted event, as it unifies the experience and makes the event memorable.


Connect with Kimberly Kee:

• Email: Kimberly@Keyconsulting.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyakee/


Connect with Jim Cermak:

• Email: jim@tradeshowu.biz

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcermak/

#theme #tradeshows #branding #strategy #events #corporateevents


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…