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
208 - How to Create Strategic Memorability - with Rama Beerfas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:10
Rama Beerfas, CTSM, MAS - is the Strategic Memorability Specialist at Lev Promotions where she specializes in branded products for trade show and event marketing. Her goal is to recommend products that are relevant to cl…
207 - Finding Your WHY Leads to Success - with Joel Bromley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:02
Find your WHY and Find Success!! Businesses that have more locked in and enthusiastic workers at trade shows will draw in and engage with more attendees. You get more enthusiasm when you find your purpose...Your WHY!Joel…
206 - Adapting Trade Shows for the Future - with Marlys Arnold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
When Marlys Arnold, a passionate trade show organizer for over two decades, started her podcast all the way back in 2006, she reconciled her journalistic and marketing backgrounds to navigate an ever-evolving industry an…
205 - What is a Trade Show Coach & Why You Need One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:50
What is a trade show coach? Why hire one? And what can they do for your business?First of all - They make you Money, Save you Time, Improve Your Attendee and Customer Engagement, and Take the Headaches out of Planning!So…
203 - Trade Show Budget Breakdown & Critical Missing Items [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:51
In this episode, we are breaking down how businesses spend their trade show dollars based on an article from Exhibitor Magazine. From here you can learn if maybe you're spending too much or too little in an area. Plus I'…
200 - 12 Reasons Why Trade Shows are the BEST Marketing Tool [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:57
If you are not convinced, then please reach out to me!1. Connect with & qualify more of your target audience quicklyIf you’re at the right show! Only be at shows where your target audience is.Video training2. Talk to the…