Back in the “old days” (the early 2000s), trade shows were typically seen as a necessary line item in the marketing budget.

Decisions were based on things like: “We always go to this show … all of our competitors will be there.”

Success was measured in booth traffic and the number of business cards collected or badges scanned.

But that just won’t cut it anymore!

Even though the trade show and events industry supports millions of American jobs and generates billions in economic impact, many lawmakers still have no idea what a significant role we play in the economy.

Until now.

The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance serves as the unified advocacy voice for the global events industry in major policy conversations on Capitol Hill and nationwide.

In this episode with ECA President and CEO Tommy Goodwin, you’ll learn:

• ECA's efforts to connect policymakers with the real impact of trade shows
• The four "T" policy priorities (taxes, talent, tariffs, and travel)
• Examples from the front lines in Washington, D.C.
• Ways you can get involved, including Legislative Action Day

Ever thought about what trade show marketers could learn from reality TV?

How is pitching abstract concepts to studio execs like promoting intangible services on the show floor?

I invited an Emmy-Award winning media advisor and visibility strategist to answer those questions and more.

Drawing from decades of experience developing iconic TV franchises, Vinnie Potestivo shares valuable lessons for exhibit marketers.

Whether you need to sell an idea, inspire your team, or amplify your own visibility, Vinnie offers practical strategies and unique perspectives from the world of reality TV, like how to:

• Build relationships for long-term success
• Showcase intangible ideas with creativity
• Speak in your audience’s language
• Be a trendspotter vs a trendsetter
• Create context, not just content

Prepare for a wealth of backstage wisdom to help you turn an expense-generating department into a revenue-generating collaboration!

Trade Show Insights is turning 20 and you're invited to join the celebration!

Our live event featured:

00:00 - Intro & History of Trade Show Insights

04:35 - 1st Episode & Mission of TSI

07:55 - Getting in a Groove & 1st Guest

10:01 - Life Has Changed … but Topics Haven’t

11:55 - Questions from the Panel

17:51 - Topics Over the Years

23:11 - Top 10 Episodes

34:06 - Ideas for Topics & Questions About Books

36:19 - TSI Around the World

37:55 - Favorite Episodes

42:56 - Thanks & Season 20 Action Guide

“Create an immersive experience.”

You’ve heard that a lot when it comes to trade shows and events. It’s something I talk about in my exhibitor workshops, books, and podcast.

But here’s the thing: Creating an immersive experience is not about LED screens, VR headsets, or other assorted flashy tech gadgets. In fact, all that glitz & spectacle may actually be driving attendees away instead of drawing them in.

What if immersion was about something much simpler … and far more powerful?

Let’s flip the script on this and uncover the key to creating genuine connection.

Ever had a conversation in the booth that feels more like a monologue than a dialogue?

Have you ever been “that person”?

There’s an art to creating a balanced, brief conversation in the booth. And ... spoiler alert! ... it doesn’t happen by “winging it.”

Communication strategist Rebecca Pierce Murray returns to Trade Show Insights with tips for polishing up conversation skills before your next show. You’ll learn how to:

• Make a conscious effort to practice Voice Equity
• Stop being afraid of the pause
• Interrupt with intention and finesse
• Use key phrases to deal with chronic interrupters
• Gracefully wrap up conversations with attendees

My husband and I just took our first vacation in 15 years! We covered a bit shy of 2000 miles in 8 days, checking off a bunch items on our wish list.

We got to experience cranberry harvest in Wisconsin and spent time exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior. And of course as a trade show & event professional, I couldn’t help but notice a few lessons along the way.

It’s time to say goodbye to “gold, silver, bronze” and hello to smarter, more impactful sponsorships!

In this episode, Wendy Porter joined me for a dive deep into the broken state of sponsorships – and how you can be part of the reinvention.

What’s Inside This Episode?

• Why Traditional Sponsorships No Longer Work: Learn why logos on lanyards or banners in the lobby aren’t moving the needle, plus what sponsors and organizers should focus on instead.
• Custom Collaborations Over Cookie-Cutter Packages: Discover how bespoke, experiential activations can create value for sponsors, organizers, and attendees.
• Align Sponsorships with Your Goals: Understand why you need to choose opportunities that truly match your objectives – whether that’s lead generation, awareness, or thought leadership.
• Creative Solutions & Real Examples: From white-glove airport pickups to curated VIP dinners, you’ll be inspired with inventive sponsorship activations that build relationships (not just impressions).
• Make Sponsorships Work Year-Round: Find out how sponsors can remain engaged and visible beyond the main event, with ideas like an educational series, small group dinners, and more.

Plus ... Wendy and I are introducing our new partnership offering a full range of support – from auditing your current sponsorship program with Your Sponsorship Map to hands-on white-glove activations with SponsorLink.