271 - How to Captivate Any Audience at a Trade Show or Conference - Bridgett McGowen

271 - How to Captivate Any Audience at a Trade Show or Conference - Bridgett McGowen

Author: Jim Cermak July 8, 2026 Duration: 24:37

What separates an average presentation from one that leaves audiences inspired—and lining up to talk with you afterward?

In this episode of Trade Show University, host Jim Cermak sits down with presentation expert Bridgett McGowen, known as The Presentation Fixer, to share practical strategies for becoming a more engaging, confident, and memorable speaker.

Whether you're presenting at a conference, leading a breakout session, delivering a keynote, or speaking with prospects at your trade show booth, your ability to communicate clearly and connect with your audience can make all the difference.

In this episode you'll discover:

  • Why speaking at trade shows is one of the most underused marketing opportunities
  • The biggest mistakes speakers make—and how to avoid them
  • How to start your presentation so audiences immediately lean in
  • Why audience-focused presentations outperform speaker-focused presentations
  • Practical techniques for overcoming nervousness and building confidence
  • How storytelling creates stronger audience engagement and lasting impact
  • Tips for eliminating distracting speaking habits
  • Why people remember experiences—not presentations

Bridgett also shares her powerful 15/5 Take & Give Model, practical preparation techniques, and simple ways to create presentations that educate, engage, and inspire action.

If you want to become a more confident speaker, generate more opportunities from the stage, and make a bigger impact at your next trade show or conference, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use immediately.

🎁 Bonus: Bridgett is offering a FREE download: "10 Ways to Captivate Any Audience in 10 Minutes or Less."

📚 Jim is also giving away three copies of Bridgett's book, Real Talk: What Other Experts Won't Tell You About How to Deliver Presentations That Sizzle. Listen to the episode to learn how to enter.

Connect with Bridgett McGowen

🌐 https://connectwithb.com

Connect with Jim Cermak

  • jim@tradeshowu.biz
  • Book a Call: https://scheduler.zoom.us/jim-cermak
  • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcermak/

Get Your company Trade Show Ready!! https://tradeshow-ready.com


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: 50

Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events
Podcast Episodes
242 - Do this ONE THING in 2024 to DOUBLE your Leads [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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239 - When to Exhibit vs Attend a Trade Show - DON'T Make a Mistake!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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238 - 8 Tips to reduce Overwhelm & Stress when Exhibit Planning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Do you experience overwhelm and stress when planning for trade shows? Or maybe you are planning for your very first trade show and you can’t believe the amount of work it is?You are not alone and I created this episode j…
237 - Dramatically Increase Leads with Tip Stacking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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How do you get a 150% increase in qualified leads in one show like one of my clients did? I’m not talking about leads like just getting a bunch of business cards in a bowl because you’re giving away an iPad. I’m talking…
236 - NEVER do these 7 things at Your Trade Show Booth! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:48
I'm going to give you 7 things which you should NEVER do at your booth - yet people commit these mistakes at every single trade show or expo! If you can avoid these, or change your habits, you will have more traffic and…
235 - 9 Tips for getting Traffic to a Bad Booth Location [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:01
You got stuck with a bad booth location. Don't tell me you got stuck with a bad booth location. We've all been there for anyone who's exhibited at trade shows, expos, conferences, or events over the years. You probably h…