Welcome back to The BDO Show—where conference wisdom meets cold, hard truths, and nobody needs free mints anymore!

This week, we're doing a special "takeover episode" as Emily Detor and Ray Drew go behind the scenes to expose the secrets of mastering conferences and trade shows. Get ready for some "Patreon-level" honesty as they reveal what really works (and what's a total scam) in the world of BDO networking.

If you're a BDO, lender, or just someone trying to stand out in a crowded room, you won't want to miss this no-holds-barred discussion on:

• Conference Mastermind Secrets Unveiled: Ray Drew is spilling his "secrets to success" for maximizing ROI at industry events, from strategic planning to making sure you're at the right show.

• The "Small Business Expo" Trap: Why most BDOs should avoid these broad expos like the plague (unless you love tiny startup deals).

• Ditch the Fliers & Giveaways! A controversial take on why those branded pens and paper handouts are a waste of time and money, and how to actually make a memorable impression.

• The Power of the Personalized Campaign: Learn how to craft email subject lines that get opened and leverage video to "stand out" from the competition before you even arrive.

• Booth Brilliance: Less is More! Discover why minimal design, strategic lighting, and ditching the table can turn your booth into an energy hub that invites conversation (not just card drops).

• Quality over Quantity: Why strengthening existing connections and being authentically yourself is key to lasting growth.

• Cutting the Big Checks: How reallocating sponsorship money to intimate dinners creates more meaningful and memorable connections.

Plus, hear about Emily's "Navy Seals" training for podcast intros and a surprise visit from a familiar face!

👉 Got a crazy conference story or a secret marketing weapon? Tell us how you really feel in the comments or email us at [email protected].

 

The BDO Retreat is back for its fifth and final year, and this time, we’re taking you to Key Largo, Florida, on January 16th and 17th.

Join us for a weekend of BDO workshops, exclusive networking, and, as always, a few surprises.

🎙This episode is sponsored by:

Rapid Business Plans 

Rapid Business Plans is the go-to provider of business plans and feasibility studies for government guaranteed small business lenders. For more information, or to set up a Get Acquainted call go to https://rapidbusinessplans.com/art-of-sba 

Peak Business Valuation 

Peak Business Valuation has put together a free resource just for BDO show listeners, listing out the rule-of-thumb formulas for common industries financed by SBA lenders. Get yours today at peakbusinessvaluation.com/get-your-free-valuation-resource/