Guests: Melissa Beyer and Karen Knapstein of Shield Wall Media

Host: Randy Chaffee

Producer / Director / Co-Host: Wes Wyatt

Episode Summary:

Missy and Karen share details about the upcoming Post-Frame Builder Show (June 10-11, York, Pennsylvania), including the York Convention Center/Arena at the fairgrounds, which offers ample RV parking and proximity to Amish country. They reveal Shield Wall Media's unique philosophy: all door revenue goes to charity, families attend free of charge, exhibitors get unlimited guest passes, and one admission covers everything—seminars, continental breakfast, Wednesday banquet with food/drinks/entertainment, and full show floor access. Missy outlines the barn dominium panel format that Randy will moderate, emphasizing anonymous question submission for attendees who are nervous about "silly questions," which often help 30+ others with identical concerns. Karen explains Shield Wall's position between builders and manufacturers as "glass transmitting information clearly" through seven magazines (Frame Building News, Rural Builder, Plain Builder) connecting decision-makers ("people signing the front of checks") with suppliers debuting products face-to-face.

Key Takeaways:

• Zero tolerance for aisle selling with company-wide bans: vendors caught selling without booths face permanent Shield Wall event bans protecting exhibitor investments—even 10x10 booths accommodate 15 sales reps legitimately.
• "You don't know what you don't know" moments happen constantly: a contractor discovered a never-before-seen roof vent that changed his entire year's operations—trade shows reveal innovations you didn't know existed.
• Two full days of networking beyond booths: continental breakfasts, dual-track seminars (8-10 am), Wednesday banquet (4:30 pm buffet), educational panels with expert Q&A—showing up just for booth time misses relationship-building gold.
• Anonymous questions reveal shared concerns: the barn dominium panel accepts pre-submitted questions because "silly question" askers discover that 30+ attendees need identical answers—no question is truly unique.
• "How can I be involved?" is underasked: Midwestern humility prevents people from offering expertise for seminars or magazine articles—Shield Wall wants story ideas, project photos, and subject-matter experts who underestimate their value.
• Post-Frame Builder Show - June 10-11, 2026, York, Pennsylvania York Convention Center (York Fairgrounds) Host Hotels: Wyndham, La Quinta (mention show for special rates) Fly into: Harrisburg, Baltimore, or Philadelphia Shield Wall Media - https://shieldwallmedia.com Magazines: Frame Building News, Rural Builder, Plain Builder (+ 4-5 others) Max (Shield Wall mascot) - kids' rest area and children's books https://www.buildingwins.live/

Resources and Links:

Shield Wall Media:

https://shieldwallmedia.com

Melissa Beyer

Karen Knapstein

Randy Chaffee:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/randychaffee/

https://www.facebook.com/therandychaffee

https://www.sourceonemarketingllc.com

https://www.buildingwins.live

Wes Wyatt:

https://www.weswyatt.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/weswyatt/

https://www.facebook.com/wesawyatt/