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
PRO TIP - Send your New Employees to your next Trade Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:10
PRO TIP – Send your New employees to your next Trade ShowThis secret will help your brand new employees and team members get up to speed quicker than ever! Shorten the learning curve! You'll hear this only on Trade Show…
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…