Innovative New Product entrepreneur and small business owner, Lauren McLaughlin of ChangeUp Kids (https://www.changeupkids.com), shares her story of how she found huge success at her very first BIG Trade Show! Her product for Parents of Kids was perfect for the Event she chose.

** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show?

Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu

Lauren is a mom of three adventurous boys, and we are constantly on the go. I always desired a place for them to get changed with privacy without having them go into public bathrooms after a sandy day at the beach.

Change Up Kids is a portable changing station that gives kids and families Dignity, Privacy and Convenience.

Lauren attended the MomCon expo (https://www.momcon.co/) for a couple of years as an attendee and saw this event as the perfect place to launch her new product. Thousands of moms attend each year.

She realized being at the right show wasn't enough, so reached out to Jim Cermak of Trade Show University. Jim coached her as she prepared for MomCon and the 5,000 moms that were going to be there. She ultimately made changes to her signage, displays, offers, and engagement questions.

You will love her energy and her story as she shares what worked well and what needs to be improved for the next show!

Connect with Lauren:

• ChangeUp Kids: https://www.changeupkids.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/change_up_kids/

Training Videos & Tips - Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity

Email Jim: [email protected]

Today you are going to learn from an Award Winning event and marketing manager about Goal Setting, Sourcing, Networking and more. So excited to have Laura Woods, Event and Marketing Manager for Jamis Software join Jim Cermak, host and founder of Trade Show University for this impactful interview.

** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show?

Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu

Laura and Jim discuss:

Goal Clarity for Event Success: Like trade show exhibitors, event planners must define clear goals for each event to ensure smooth execution and meaningful outcomes. "If you don't have a clear goal, the event is not going to run smoothly."

Leveraging the Power of Networking: Facilitating connections between attendees is crucial for a successful event. Woods highlights the importance of dedicated networking time, icebreaker activities, and creating an environment that encourages interaction. "That's the lifeline of events is the connections in the networking."

Sourcing for Success: Woods emphasizes the need for strategic venue selection, considering factors like attendee location, accessibility, cultural relevance, and adequate space. "You need to make sure you have enough space and hotel rooms."

Continuous Feedback and Improvement: Pre- and post-event surveys provide invaluable feedback for improving future events. Woods encourages event planners to be receptive to criticism and to view feedback as an opportunity for growth. "Never take anything to heart of what you get back from these surveys."

Theming and Engagement: Creating a memorable event with a strong theme enhances the attendee experience. Woods shares examples of incorporating popular culture references and aligning the theme with the event's purpose.

Connect with Laura:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurab90/

Email: [email protected]

Email Jim: [email protected]

Mentioned in this episode:

Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!

Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast.

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 the slow times! 8 of them to be exact!

** Please SUBSCRIBE to the Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity **

So when the show gets slow, what i see is people pulling out their phones and start scrolling. Please stop that! When attendees start coming around again, they won't want to stop at your booth.

So here's what you do - create a strategy!

So that means before you go to the show, you have to do your research and figure out what you are going to do when the show is slow. And for those of you at larger shows in the end aisles and the back corners, that means when the show opens! You may not see anyone for a while!

So before I go into the 8 things I recommend being prepared to do when the show is slow, you have to find and research the show floor layout. This is NEEDED for the first 3 Tips:

#1 - Look for booths that can be potential customers

#2 - Look for competitors - spy on them

#3 - Look for potential vendors or suppliers - reach out to purchasing and see what their needs are.

#4 - What breakout sessions should you attend?

Anything else you do before the show? Drop that in the comments. And please subscribe if you're getting value!

#5 - Have someone walk the floor and take pics of other booths for ideas - design, activations, more

#6 - Review with your team goals, scripts, and roles

#7 - Make time to network!

#8 - Give people breaks!

** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show?

Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu

#strategy #tradeshows #events

Mentioned in this episode:

Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!

Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast.

How to attract More Attendees to your Trade Shows, Conferences and Events, Sell More Tickets, and Keep More Money! Get the Tips on using the right Marketing and Ticket Platform.

** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show?

Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/services

Join Jim Cermak of Trade Show University and Ashley Stanford, a Digital Marketing Consultant and Freelancing Expert. With 20 years of experience in the digital marketing space, she specializes in building strategic marketing plans, mapping strategy execution, and collaborating to optimize tactics that drive increased performance for clients in the Events & Entertainment space. Her app Ice Cream Social is backed by Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech, which invested in the company in early 2022.

We Discuss:

• Effective Event Marketing
• What should organizers consider when choosing a ticketing platform?
• What are the most effective ways to boost ticket sales for trade shows?
• How to make sure the right audience attends?
• Trends in the trade show industry that planners and exhibitors should keep an eye on?

Ashley's Top Takeaway:

The importance of choosing a flexible ticketing system that aligns with their trade show's needs, combined with effective marketing and networking strategies, to drive attendance and maximize the value of their event. The message should be that strategic decisions in both technology and personal interactions are key to a successful trade show experience.

Connect with Ashley Stanford:

• [email protected]
• TicketSocket.com
• AshleyNStanford.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashstanford/

Mentioned in this episode:

Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show University

Ready to exhibit at your next Show? Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results!

Should you buy or rent the exhibit for your next Trade Show, Conference or Event? What's the ROI? This is a top question for big and Small Business across the US and Europe.

** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show?

Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/services

We're going to break it down with great tips and advice from Chris Dunn, VP of Sales & Business Development with BlueHive Exhibits who has been in the industry for 30 years.

We discuss:

-- When does it make sense to buy compared to rent?

-- When is the breakeven ROI for buying versus renting?

-- What type of Exhibit program is a good candidate for renting?

-- Case Studies and more!

Chris's Top Tips:

-- When selecting an exhibit partner, like an exhibit house or an agency, make sure that you choose someone that you trust not only for where you’re at currently but also where you want to go and how you want to grow

-- Be open to exploring options on both the purchase and rental side to get the best combination that works for your Exhibit program

-- Create and understand a complete exhibit calendar that includes both sizes, show dates, locations and goals. Work with your partner to handle overlapping situations or an outlier space as a for instance.

Special Offer from Chris and BlueHive:

BlueHive is happy to offer a 30 minute no charge tradeshow program audit

Contact Chris Dunn:

-- Email: [email protected]

-- Website: www.bluehive.com

-- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjdunn1/

Weekly Tips, Training and More! Register for our Newsletter at www.tradeshowu.biz

Mentioned in this episode:

Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!

Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast.

Create Amazing Memorable Events with Michael Green Food & Wine Experiences!

MICHAEL GREEN CREATES AND HOSTS WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCES THAT BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND DRIVE SALES.

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-Fan Events to discuss everything AI and events!

We also discuss:

• How is AI changing the game when it comes to corporate events?
• How can AI-driven insights and analytics be used?
• What is Anca hearing or seeing about meetings becoming more inclusive?
• What new trends are appearing?
• And more!

Learn more and connect with Anca Trifan! https://ai.treefanevents.com/

** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show?

Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/services

Don't let a small or cut budget stop you from Rocking your next Trade Show, Expo or Event!

Join Trade Show University host, Jim Cermak, and his guest, Rich Rodrigues, a Trade Show Troubadour and Account Executive with EDE - full-service trade show and event management company.

** Watch the Video of this interview! https://youtu.be/-s--TsZ_PGQ

We discuss:

- What to do when your budget is cut

- Creative ideas to make the most of your events

- Maximizing the opportunities with bigger event crowds and attendees

- What are Micro events and how they can help grow your brand

- The importance of #community

- And much more!

Connect with Rich Rodrigues - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-rodrigues/

** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show? Let's Talk!

Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/services

** Join the Trade Show University weekly update newsletter: https://tradeshowu.biz

Mentioned in this episode:

Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show University

Ready to exhibit at your next Show? Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results!

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 get to know more of them!

Here's my Top 10 Networking Tips for when you are at a Trade Show, and specifically when you are an exhibitor!

1 - Have a go-to question you use every time.

2 - Prep your quick pitch.

3 - Take advantage of networking opportunities.

4 - Bring business cards with you!

5 - At the show, network with the people at all the booths around you!

6 - When you are outside the show, look for other people wearing badges from your show!

7 - Stay at the host hotel, or at least hang out there!

8 - Don't be afraid of small talk.

9 - Be a good listener and ask good follow up questions!

10 - Be sure to Follow up with each person you meet!

******************

Check out the Trade Show University YouTube Channel for exclusive video trainings and tips!  https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity

Mentioned in this episode:

Exhibitor Expert Review - exclusively from Trade Show University

Ready to exhibit at your next Show? Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you get to the show to learn lessons on what you can do better and tweaks you can make for next time. You can do that BEFORE this next show and accelerate your results!

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 Metaverse Platform. He is renowned for creating the world’s first metaverse and is considered a pioneer in the Metaverse for Business field, having been involved in the creation of ground-breaking 3D businesses for over 30 years.

We Discuss:

• The transformative power of VR/AR in revolutionizing tradeshows
• AI-powered avatars
• What is an "inverted online tradeshow"?
• Why should every tradeshow go hybrid in 2024 and beyond?
• How can tradeshow professionals leverage AI?
• Do you need an army of programmers to make this work?
• How fast can I add a virtual component to my tradeshow?

Special Offer!

• Everyone that signs up for a live demo through this link (https://hyperspace.mv/tradeshow) will get a FREE tradeshow space to experiment with so they can see what's possible for themselves.

Connect with Danny Stefanic & Experience Hyperspace:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://hyperspace.mv
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/exitreality/
• Schedule Guided Platform Tour: https://hyperspace.mv/tradeshow
• Interact With Our AI-Powered Virtual Tradeshow Booth: https://app.learnbrite.com/dashboard/spaces/visit/spc720f7195a97ba0ada482d5

We're about to turn the trade show world upside down. I am honored to have on a phenomenal guest today who is an author, speaker, and the founder of Total Life Freedom, where he helps people time and money freedom in their life. And today has started Membership Freedom where he's helping businesses develop memberships in all sorts of different niches.

Welcome Vincent Pugliese to Trade Show University!

The concept which Vincent is proposing is called The Unconference which focuses not on keynote speakers, workshops, breakout sessions, or a show floor full of exhibitors, but an event laser-focused on making key strategic connections happen among attendees!

These are connections that happen naturally or serendipitously at trade shows and events, but only in the "in-between" times and out in the hallways.

Now The Unconference is designed to make more of those connections happen and happen more powerfully! It's happening in Sarasota FL, Feb 3-5, 2025.

To learn more about The UnConference - visit https://totallifefreedom.kartra.com/page/unconferenceapplication

For more info on Membership Freedom, visit https://mymembershipfreedom.com/

To connect with Vincent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-pugliese/

To get a FREE copy of the Wealth of Connection audiobook: https://totallifefreedom.kartra.com/page/wealthofconnectionaudiobook

** Want help creating a WINNING strategy for your next Trade Show? Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://tradeshowu.biz/services

** Join the Trade Show University weekly update newsletter: https://tradeshowu.biz