265 - 5 Trade Show Tips NOBODY will Tell You - these are FIRE!!

265 - 5 Trade Show Tips NOBODY will Tell You - these are FIRE!!

Author: Jim Cermak May 21, 2025 Duration: 8:12

Here's 5 super effective Trade Show Tips that NOBODY is talking about! Some may even ruffle some feathers! Why isn't anyone telling you these tips? Because they make you get Uncomfortable!!

Let's get to the tips, but first...


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#1 -- Get the attention of people who are not looking at you

  • We don’t want to bug people, especially if they’re looking away right?
  • You need to change that mindset!
  • Why are you as an exhibitor at the show? To get business!
  • Why do you think the attendees are at the show? They are there to do business or find products and services!
  • How many times do you think people will walk past your booth? Assume one time only.
  • What if I told you at this show, your biggest customer ever will be there – you just haven’t met them yet. But it’s up to you to find them.
  • Just say “Excuse me” to get their attention, and then ask them a quick qualifying question. That could be your next client or even your biggest client ever! And if you let them walk by, you may miss them – or even worse, your competitor may get them!


#2 -- Don’t bring ALL your stuff or literature

  • Keep your booth simple and clean.
  • You don’t need samples of all your products or literature.
  • The more options and things you give people to look at they’ll get confused.
  • Studies have shown that too many choices cause confusion and lead to a higher percent of people not making a choice.
  • Plus your staff will be more focused as well. They will be able to find what they need and answer questions more quickly.


#3 -- Take a selfie with attendees

  • Use these in your follow up emails to quickly re-connect with the attendee and stand apart from all the other exhibitors they saw!
  • Want more exposure during and after the show? Take a selfie with someone you just had a great conversation with that is qualified. And put it on social media.
  • Tag them and encourage them to share it as well!
  • Can get some great posts, new followers, and get a lot of shares!


#4 -- Learn how to END a Conversation

  • Yes – you heard me! Learn how to END a conversation.
  • We’ve all been in those conversations that are going nowhere, or are great but drag on way too long.
  • You need a quick and polite way to end the conversation so you can start talking with someone else! For every person you engage with, there can be multiple people that walk by your booth never to be seen again.
  • So come up with a quick statement that wraps up the conversation.
  • “I don’t want to take away any more of your time from seeing other vendors."
  • “Did you get the info you needed?” Then set a follow up if necessary.
  • “I love where this is going. Or This seems to be a great fit, don’t you agree? Let’s continue the conversation at dinner. Or Next week.”
  • Then teach it to your team! Time is money especially at a trade show!


#5 -- Speed is your secret weapon

  • Want more leads or demos or sales? Go faster!
  • It’s like the old sales adage – it’s all a numbers game. You’ll get more results if you do more.
  • And the best way you can do more is to go faster.
  • You just finished up a conversation with an attendee. Engage the very next person you see!
  • Put the power of speed to work! Engage as many people as you can as

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
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