UK vs US Trade Shows: What Exhibitors NEED to Know Before Going Overseas!

UK vs US Trade Shows: What Exhibitors NEED to Know Before Going Overseas!

Author: Jim Cermak July 7, 2025 Duration: 24:23

Are all trade shows created equal? Absolutely not — especially when crossing the Atlantic! In this episode, host Jim Cermak welcomes Andy Hickinbotham from Tecna UK to dive deep into the key differences between trade shows in the UK and the US. From logistics and booth design to attendee engagement and lead generation, Andy provides a masterclass for first-time international exhibitors looking to maximize ROI — and have fun doing it!

Whether you're planning your first UK event or looking to fine-tune your global strategy, this conversation will give you valuable tools, tips, and tactics to succeed.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✅ The biggest misconceptions US exhibitors have about UK trade shows

✅ How exhibiting in the UK can be simpler and more efficient

✅ Design and psychology: why UK stands often focus on experience, not just spectacle

✅ Lead capture & engagement tools that are common (and effective!) in the UK

✅ Key differences in drayage, shipping, and setup

✅ Why hospitality, touchpoints, and gamification matter more than ever

✅ How to prepare your team: training, strategy, and pre-show alignment

✅ Using heat mapping and analytics to improve booth performance

✅ The rising importance of sustainability and carbon tracking in UK events

✅ Tips for working with local brand ambassadors to connect with UK audiences

Contact Andy Hickinbotham:

📧 Email: andy@teamtecna.com

🔗 Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-hickinbotham-07893744/

🌐 Visit Tecna’s Website: www.teamtecna.com


Connect with Jim Cermak:

📧 Email: jim@tradeshowu.biz

🔗 Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcermak/

🌐 Visit Trade Show University's Website: www.tradeshowu.biz

🌐 Grab our exclusive GOAL SETTING for Trade Shows Course - Small Businesses just $59! https://trade-show-university.trainercentralsite.com/Courses

🔗 Schedule a Free Brainstorming Discovery Call: www.calendly.com/tradeshowu


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
258 - 8 Tips to Hit Your Goals when the Trade Show is SLOW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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You're an exhibitor working a trade show or conference when all of a sudden, the traffic stops. What happened to the Attendees? Where is everyone? What do you do? I'm going to give you 8 TIPS you need to make the most of…
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256 - Should you BUY or RENT your Trade Show Exhibit?  With Chris Dunn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:13
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255 - AI is Changing the Game for Events - with Anca Trifan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:28
AI continues to evolve, and there are more tools available than ever. So let's learn what we can do to improve our events by hearing from one of the top experts in the industry! Proud to have join me Anca Trifan of Tree-…
253 - Top 10 Tips for NETWORKING at Trade Shows & Business Events [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:39
Ready to multiply the opportunities you get from your next trade show? Then you've got to learn how to effectively network with others! Your best leads an opportunities will come from people you personally know, so let's…
252 - AI & VR can Revolutionize Trade Shows - with Danny Stefanic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:54
So if you've been wondering about AI, you've been wondering about the metaverse and what it all means for our events and our trade shows, listen to this episode.Danny Stefanic is CEO and Founder of the Hyperspace Metaver…