We've all attended offsite events that fell flat — low turnout, awkward vibes, and missed opportunities. So how do you make sure your offsite event actually works? In this episode of Trade University, Jim welcomes food and wine expert Michael Green to break down how to create unforgettable offsite experiences that drive real connections and reinforce your brand. From crafting immersive experiences like Italy in a Glass to simple yet impactful tips like offering Uber vouchers and themed follow-up...
Jun 23, 2025•11 min•Ep. 267
Are you unknowingly sabotaging the results from your trade shows? If you're doing one of these four killer mistakes, you are ruining your shows, and nobody may ever know you're doing anything wrong. That's why you've got to hear this. *** Type DISCOUNT in the comments for a Coupon Code for our exclusive Goal Setting for Trade Shows Course! https://trade-show-university.trainercentralsite.com/Courses *** Schedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu These are four...
May 27, 2025•8 min•Ep. 266
Here's 5 super effective Trade Show Tips that NOBODY is talking about! Some may even ruffle some feathers! Why isn't anyone telling you these tips? Because they make you get Uncomfortable!! Let's get to the tips, but first... ** Be sure to register for the weekly Trade Show University newsletter and get a FREE GIFT - go to https://tradeshowu.biz to sign up! ** DOUBLE your results! Get our Goal Setting for Trade Shows course! https://trade-show-university.trainercentralsite.com/Courses #1 -- Get ...
May 21, 2025•8 min•Ep. 265
Planning for Trade Shows is stressful enough, let alone when you are overwhelmed by stress at home. Because that stress follows you to work. So in this different episode of Trade Show University, join host Jim Cermak as he interviews financial coach, Joel Bromley, who received the blessing of Dave Ramsey to launch his Financial Reset package! Are you feeling overwhelmed by financial stress? In this episode, we dive into the journey of Joel and Caitlin Bromley, founders of Bromley Financial Coach...
Mar 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 264
Should your Corporate Event or Tradeshow have a Theme? Corporate Event Marketer & Trade Show professional, Kimberly Kee of Kee Consulting, joins Jim Cermak of Trade Show University to discuss the right way to incorporate theming at your next trade show, conference, expo and event! Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!! ** 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 The goal of event marketing is to packa...
Feb 17, 2025•21 min•Ep. 263
Strategies for How to take trade show lead generation to the next level from a professional Magician! Scott Tokar, owner of Corporate FX joins Jim Cermak of Trade Show University to discuss strategies to maximize ROI at your next trade show, conference, expo and event! ** 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 Scott Tokar says simply drawing a crowd isn't enough; exhibitors must implement str...
Jan 27, 2025•29 min•Ep. 262
There are 13 Secrets to win at trade shows you and your business need to know! These are things most businesses don't do, and they can multiply the results, leads and sales at every event. More than ever before, you need to go all in on trade shows and events to grow your business and promote your products and services. Now, I'm not saying to drop all your other marketing, but you need to commit to trade shows, to expos, to conferences, to in-person face-to-face events. And You have got to commi...
Jan 09, 2025•12 min•Ep. 261
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 ...
Dec 18, 2024•19 min•Ep. 260
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: ...
Nov 25, 2024•7 min•Ep. 259
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, ...
Nov 18, 2024•7 min•Ep. 258
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...
Nov 04, 2024•21 min•Ep. 257
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. W...
Oct 14, 2024•31 min•Ep. 256
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? ...
Sep 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 255
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 a...
Sep 03, 2024•20 min•Ep. 254
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 ca...
Aug 06, 2024•8 min•Ep. 253
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 revolut...
Jun 24, 2024•24 min•Ep. 252
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...
May 20, 2024•24 min•Ep. 251
If you are a franchise, a franchisor or a franchisee, you're in the right place today. Especially if you've been looking to figure out how to get better at marketing and trade shows. Jim Cermak, trade show consultant and founder of Trade Show University is pleased to interview Susie Liberatore, who is the owner of Visions2Images, a marketing agency with a focus on Franchises. Jim and Susie discuss: Why Franchises should be using trade shows How franchises can promote a tradeshow Why we should co...
Apr 15, 2024•23 min•Ep. 250
You're thinking about exhibiting at your very first trade show and want to make sure you crush it! But what do you do? For me, having worked and planned 100s of shows, you want to know what I would do? There are 6 things you need to do to ensure you will look like a PRO and not a Rookie, and get fantastic results at your very first trade show! Before you even get started, you need to make sure you picked the right show! Check out THIS VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ILcbnClb2Xc?si=utrEz2vq5FizNzN9 And i...
Apr 08, 2024•6 min•Ep. 249
If you’re a small business, you may have plans to work an upcoming show by yourself or maybe you've done it in the past. Happens with bigger businesses too! And let me tell you, having worked many expos and shows solo, it can be frustrating. Here's 9 Tips to help you Survive and Thrive at your next Expo, Event or Trade Show! Being by yourself does not allow you to be efficient, maximize your ROI, or put you in the position to get the best results possible. The biggest issue is that you can only ...
Mar 25, 2024•7 min•Ep. 248
Travel Tips and Advice for getting to your next Trade Show or Event from Michael Lynn, Retired Air Force member who transported Presidents, Dignitaries and World Leaders, and is the author of the book Travel Etiquette. Michael joins host Jim Cermak, trade show coach and founder of Trade Show University in this enlightening interview! We discuss: Preparation / Before you go. How to get through TSA faster / better. Boarding tips Some of the Do's and Dont's of air travel The "Elephant" in the Plane...
Mar 18, 2024•31 min•Ep. 247
Small Businesses have to STOP Wasting Money on Trade Show and Event Sponsorships! In fact, businesses of ALL sizes need to do this! I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers here, but stick with me. I'm NOT telling you to Stop sponsoring, but to do them right! I'm going to give you the 3 ways to fix your sponsorships so you get the maximum return! Look I'm not against sponsorships - they help fund the events and can be a tremendous investment. Problem is Most companies that invest in sponsorships...
Feb 26, 2024•7 min•Ep. 246
Hey Exhibitors - I gotta Rant because you're missing out. You're not doing enough. You're not putting in the work. Not that you're not working hard - I get that. You are. But you're not doing the right things. Ready to turn things around and Max Out your Leads and Opportunities? Go to Tradeshowu.biz/services Subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel! Check out the new Trade Show University YouTu...
Feb 12, 2024•5 min•Ep. 245
Are you Creating Community at your trade shows and events? Building communities for your business is one of the hottest trends for good reason - it works! In this episode we discuss how and why you should incorporate this powerful tool into your strategy! ** Watch the video of this interview - https://youtu.be/be07vkLCfMs Joining host Jim Cermak for the second time is Evan Babins, Event Manager for Intuit. Evan has close to 10 years’ experience in corporate event production. Throughout his caree...
Jan 29, 2024•22 min•Ep. 244
You should be Podcasting from your Trade Shows and Events! We discuss podcasting Options you need to check out to get More Leads, build your Brand, and increase Attendee Engagement! Trade Show University founder and host, Jim Cermak, interviews Carey Green. Carey founded Podcast Fast Track - a full-service podcast production agency in 2018 and in 2023 launched "Mobile Podcast Studio" a full-service on-location recording solution for events, conferences, trade shows, and more. He is also host of ...
Jan 15, 2024•20 min•Ep. 243
There is ONE CHANGE, one SHIFT you can make, which will make all the difference in your trade show results in 2024. This is a message specifically for small businesses. I'm talking about any business that has a small booth at a big show, or even you're doing a tabletop booth somewhere. One thing I know about you is that trade shows are just one part of everything that you're doing. You don't have a person dedicated to trade show management and planning and all, doing all that stuff, and that's a...
Jan 08, 2024•6 min•Ep. 242
If you are launching a new product at a Trade Show, this is a must listen interview! Jim Cermak, host and founder of Trade Show University, interviews successful inventor Steve Waddell. Steve is an experienced entrepreneur with a rich background in product development and innovation. Over the years, Steve has turned bright ideas into successful products which have earned millions of dollars in investments. He took the lessons learned and created the new book, 'Valuepreneurs.' This book provides ...
Jan 01, 2024•27 min•Ep. 241
Exhibitors at Trade Shows and Events need resources and tools to ensure their success. Trade Show University's Jim Cermak brings you one of the industry's leading suppliers of Free resources and tools, plus encouragement to give exhibitors the Power they need to succeed! Introducing Jessica Sibila, Executive Director of The Exhibitor Advocate! Jessica Sibila is a seasoned leader in the exhibitions and events industry, committed to excellence as an exhibitor advocate, change agent, speaker, consu...
Dec 11, 2023•21 min•Ep. 240
Should you Exhibit or Attend a new show? This is a question I have gotten so many times from clients over the years, and it’s a great question! Maybe there’s a big show coming up that has you intrigued, but you’ve never been to it. Or it’s in an industry you’re interested in but don’t know enough about. Or maybe you’ve never done a trade show before and think you’re ready to commit. I’m going to go through 6 areas to consider and research and then I’ll discuss when it makes sense to attend and w...
Dec 04, 2023•7 min•Ep. 239
Do you experience overwhelm and stress when planning for trade shows? Or maybe you are planning for your very first trade show and you can’t believe the amount of work it is? You are not alone and I created this episode just for you! Today I am going to share with you 8 tips to help Exhibitors take the overwhelm out of your trade show and event planning! 1. Utilize the show contact. Have your show contact walk you through all you need to know so you don’t get stuck piling through volumes of page...
Nov 20, 2023•8 min•Ep. 238
