https://www.tradeshowinsights.com Tools to improve your exhibit results Tue, 26 May 2026 16:54:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 noc Marlys K. Arnoldexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketingHosted by Marlys Arnold, trade show marketing consultant & author of Build a Better Trade Show Image.News, tips & tools to expand your knowledge of exhibitingMarlys K. Arnold https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2026/05/using-ai-to-amplify-not-replace-the-human-connection/ Tue, 26 May 2026 16:54:30 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7813 Marlys K. ArnoldnoAre you intrigued and excited by the rapidly-evolving world of AI? Or does it leave you feeling cautious and overwhelmed? If you’re like most event professionals, it’s probably a combination of both. So I invited Sam Eitzen, CEO and co-founder of Snapbar, to discuss the latest trends shaping event tech and why authentic attendee experiences are more important than ever. Listen as we share ways to future-proof your trade shows and elevate human engagement with: Exciting ways AI is changing live events and trade shows Less obvious and advanced AI strategies for engaging attendees Tips to ensure events feel authenticMarlys K. ArnoldAre you intrigued and excited by the rapidly-evolving world of AI? Or does it leave you feeling cautious and overwhelmed? If you’re like most event professionals, it’s probably a combination of both. So I invited Sam Eitzen, CEO and co-founder of Snapbar, to discuss the latest trends shaping event tech and why authentic attendee experiences are more important than ever. Listen as we share ways to future-proof your trade shows and elevate human engagement with: Exciting ways AI is changing live events and trade shows Less obvious and advanced AI strategies for engaging attendees Tips to ensure events feel authenticexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2026/04/why-the-old-trade-show-playbook-no-longer-works/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:59:59 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7804 Marlys K. ArnoldnoBack 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! Today’s exhibitors must be more selective where they spend their trade show dollars. They’re committing to fewer shows with a stronger focus on ROI and ROO (return on objectives). And exhibits are more likely toMarlys K. ArnoldBack 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! Today’s exhibitors must be more selective where they spend their trade show dollars. They’re committing to fewer shows with a stronger focus on ROI and ROO (return on objectives). And exhibits are more likely toexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2026/03/advocacy-in-action-championing-exhibitions-on-capitol-hill/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:54:43 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7793 Marlys K. ArnoldnoEven 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 linesMarlys K. ArnoldEven 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 linesexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2026/02/backstage-wisdom-exhibit-marketing-lessons-from-reality-tv/ Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:16:51 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7770 Marlys K. ArnoldnoEver 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 ideasMarlys K. ArnoldEver 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 ideasexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2026/01/trade-show-insights-20th-anniversary-celebration/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 21:38:01 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7746 Marlys K. ArnoldnoTrade Show Insights is turning 20 & you’re invited to the party! We hosted a celebration featuring: Behind-the-scenes stories of the podcast’s origins & evolution over two decades Live conversations with a few past guests Countdown of the Top 10 most popular & influential episodes Interactive trivia, Q&A … plus more surprises! You can watch a replay of the livestream on LinkedIn, YouTube or Facebook. Or you can listen right here. Thanks for 20 years of listening and support! NOTE: Two things I forgot to mention on the live broadcast … Back when I started, there were only about 3,000Marlys K. ArnoldTrade Show Insights is turning 20 & you’re invited to the party! We hosted a celebration featuring: Behind-the-scenes stories of the podcast’s origins & evolution over two decades Live conversations with a few past guests Countdown of the Top 10 most popular & influential episodes Interactive trivia, Q&A … plus more surprises! You can watch a replay of the livestream on LinkedIn, YouTube or Facebook. Or you can listen right here. Thanks for 20 years of listening and support! NOTE: Two things I forgot to mention on the live broadcast … Back when I started, there were only about 3,000exhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/12/top-10-posts-episodes-of-2025/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 02:51:50 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7737 Marlys K. Arnold https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/12/stop-dazzling-start-connecting/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 03:35:10 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7731 Marlys K. Arnoldno“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. The Illusion of Immersion You seeMarlys K. Arnold“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. The Illusion of Immersion You seeexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/11/master-the-art-of-in-booth-conversations/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 01:47:28 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7718 Marlys K. ArnoldnoEver 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 upMarlys K. ArnoldEver 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 upexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/11/turn-exhibitor-complaints-into-your-competitive-advantage/ Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:14:41 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7723 Marlys K. Arnold https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/10/from-cranberry-fields-to-trade-show-floors-lessons-from-a-road-trip/ Thu, 30 Oct 2025 02:41:57 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7706 Marlys K. ArnoldnoMy husband Alan & 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. I highly recommend both of these areas, which are truly undiscovered gems! (You can feel free to reach out to me for recommended things to see & do – I’m happy to share.) We were also fortunate to have brunch and a sightseeing tour with Wendy Porter in Minneapolis!Marlys K. ArnoldMy husband Alan & 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. I highly recommend both of these areas, which are truly undiscovered gems! (You can feel free to reach out to me for recommended things to see & do – I’m happy to share.) We were also fortunate to have brunch and a sightseeing tour with Wendy Porter in Minneapolis!exhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/09/partnerships-over-placements-sponsorships-that-drive-results/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 22:59:35 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7693 Marlys K. ArnoldnoIt’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: UnderstandMarlys K. ArnoldIt’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: Understandexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/08/success-strategies-for-organizers-exhibitors-a-shared-playbook/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:16:26 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7683 Marlys K. ArnoldnoThis episode is for two kinds of people: those who run trade shows, and the marketers who exhibit at them. No matter which one you are, read on to discover a shared playbook you can implement at your upcoming shows. There are three paradigm shifts that can help both exhibitors and show organizers achieve better quality leads, fewer headaches, and clearer proof of value. Let’s start with the number-one gripe I hear: “We didn’t get enough leads.” Exhibitors say it … organizers dread hearing it. Here are a few smart plays to overcome it. Fix the traffic problem: Sell outcomes,Marlys K. ArnoldThis episode is for two kinds of people: those who run trade shows, and the marketers who exhibit at them. No matter which one you are, read on to discover a shared playbook you can implement at your upcoming shows. There are three paradigm shifts that can help both exhibitors and show organizers achieve better quality leads, fewer headaches, and clearer proof of value. Let’s start with the number-one gripe I hear: “We didn’t get enough leads.” Exhibitors say it … organizers dread hearing it. Here are a few smart plays to overcome it. Fix the traffic problem: Sell outcomes,exhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/07/trade-show-website-fixes-what-exhibitors-attendees-really-want/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:00:10 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7670 Marlys K. ArnoldnoIf you’ve ever tried to find key information on a trade show or event website, you know how frustrating it can be.  Recently, I posed the question on LinkedIn: “What can trade show organizers do to make the event website more helpful & user-friendly?”  That sparked a lively discussion of common website problems and practical solutions. So I want to share what exhibitors and attendees are saying, and offer a few tips to help event organizers improve their websites to better serve everyone. Common Website Frustrations The biggest issue? Event websites often bury critical details or even fail to provideMarlys K. ArnoldIf you’ve ever tried to find key information on a trade show or event website, you know how frustrating it can be.  Recently, I posed the question on LinkedIn: “What can trade show organizers do to make the event website more helpful & user-friendly?”  That sparked a lively discussion of common website problems and practical solutions. So I want to share what exhibitors and attendees are saying, and offer a few tips to help event organizers improve their websites to better serve everyone. Common Website Frustrations The biggest issue? Event websites often bury critical details or even fail to provideexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/06/the-challenge-of-using-salespeople-as-booth-staff-2/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 23:42:48 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7657 Marlys K. ArnoldnoThis episode was originally published as a blog post here on Trade Show Insights. It’s since become a classic, because the problem never really goes away. So now we’ve turned it into a podcast episode you can listen to and share. Exhibit managers often come to me with a similar story: their sales team comes to the show, hangs out in the booth, and becomes more of a handicap than an asset. They want to know how they can turn that situation around. Unfortunately, this is a common problem because the very things that make a sales person great atMarlys K. ArnoldThis episode was originally published as a blog post here on Trade Show Insights. It’s since become a classic, because the problem never really goes away. So now we’ve turned it into a podcast episode you can listen to and share. Exhibit managers often come to me with a similar story: their sales team comes to the show, hangs out in the booth, and becomes more of a handicap than an asset. They want to know how they can turn that situation around. Unfortunately, this is a common problem because the very things that make a sales person great atexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/05/fresh-perspectives-on-trade-show-roi-impact/ Thu, 29 May 2025 03:36:01 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7648 Marlys K. ArnoldnoEverybody says trade shows are all about the ROI … Yet most exhibit marketers aren’t doing enough to measure or prove it to their accounting department. So I invited my friend Rich Vallaster to join me for a candid conversation that puts ROI in context for both exhibitors and show organizers. Listen in as we break down what needs to change in both metrics and mindset: Why it’s so important to measure ROI (before someone else does it for you!) What show organizers can do to help exhibitors get better results How shows can add value for exhibitors What someMarlys K. ArnoldEverybody says trade shows are all about the ROI … Yet most exhibit marketers aren’t doing enough to measure or prove it to their accounting department. So I invited my friend Rich Vallaster to join me for a candid conversation that puts ROI in context for both exhibitors and show organizers. Listen in as we break down what needs to change in both metrics and mindset: Why it’s so important to measure ROI (before someone else does it for you!) What show organizers can do to help exhibitors get better results How shows can add value for exhibitors What someexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/04/beyond-the-bar-rethinking-after-hours-events/ Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:31:30 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7621 Marlys K. ArnoldnoChances are you’ve been overlooking a key demographic in the audience at your events – people who choose not to drink alcohol for a variety of reasons, including those in recovery. Did you realize that could be a quarter of your audience or more? So in the same way gluten-free or vegan are now standard options at events, it’s time to reconsider the non-alcoholic beverage alternatives too. Networking doesn’t have to happen around the bar. In this episode, Sober Life Rocks founder Laura Nelson shares strategies and practical examples on how to: Change the after-hours experience to create better connectionsMarlys K. ArnoldChances are you’ve been overlooking a key demographic in the audience at your events – people who choose not to drink alcohol for a variety of reasons, including those in recovery. Did you realize that could be a quarter of your audience or more? So in the same way gluten-free or vegan are now standard options at events, it’s time to reconsider the non-alcoholic beverage alternatives too. Networking doesn’t have to happen around the bar. In this episode, Sober Life Rocks founder Laura Nelson shares strategies and practical examples on how to: Change the after-hours experience to create better connectionsexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/03/ways-to-cut-exhibit-costs-without-sacrificing-results/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:19:27 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7613 Marlys K. ArnoldnoThese days, it seems everyone’s talking about budgets and the rising cost of exhibiting. And yes … I realize that some elements are out of your control. But there are areas where you might be able to save money and still make a great impact on the show floor. Recently I posed this question to my LinkedIn cohorts and they shared so many great tips that I just had to compile them for you in this episode! Related links: You can find the original LinkedIn post here Marco Barozzi’s article with more tips Thanks to the following professionals who sharedMarlys K. ArnoldThese days, it seems everyone’s talking about budgets and the rising cost of exhibiting. And yes … I realize that some elements are out of your control. But there are areas where you might be able to save money and still make a great impact on the show floor. Recently I posed this question to my LinkedIn cohorts and they shared so many great tips that I just had to compile them for you in this episode! Related links: You can find the original LinkedIn post here Marco Barozzi’s article with more tips Thanks to the following professionals who sharedexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/02/from-paper-trails-to-pixels-reimagining-lead-capture/ Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:39:42 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7597 Marlys K. ArnoldnoWhy is lead capture an afterthought for so many exhibitors? Instead it’s the whole point of exhibiting in the first place – or at least should be! There’s both an art and a science to effectively gathering and managing leads. But the good news is that today’s technology can make the entire process much less painful … once exhibitors embrace both the strategy and the system. Michelle Harman joins us in this episode to offer expert perspective on: How the lead capture process has evolved in recent years Where it still needs improvement Which key mindset exhibitors need to shiftMarlys K. ArnoldWhy is lead capture an afterthought for so many exhibitors? Instead it’s the whole point of exhibiting in the first place – or at least should be! There’s both an art and a science to effectively gathering and managing leads. But the good news is that today’s technology can make the entire process much less painful … once exhibitors embrace both the strategy and the system. Michelle Harman joins us in this episode to offer expert perspective on: How the lead capture process has evolved in recent years Where it still needs improvement Which key mindset exhibitors need to shiftexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/01/the-state-of-event-marketing-facing-exhibitor-challenges/ Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:03:12 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7589 Marlys K. ArnoldnoIt’s tough out there. Exhibitors are expected to do even more with less. They recognize the value of face-to-face events, although may struggle to prove that value within their organization. Recently, non-profit trade association The Exhibitor Advocate partnered with EVOLIO Marketing to conduct a survey of exhibit and event marketers to get their perspectives on key challenges and understand how these may be impacting their overall event programs. For this episode, we invited Jessica Sibila back to Trade Show Insights to share details about the study, including: Factors driving exhibitor challenges today Choices exhibitors are making to address them PerceptionsMarlys K. ArnoldIt’s tough out there. Exhibitors are expected to do even more with less. They recognize the value of face-to-face events, although may struggle to prove that value within their organization. Recently, non-profit trade association The Exhibitor Advocate partnered with EVOLIO Marketing to conduct a survey of exhibit and event marketers to get their perspectives on key challenges and understand how these may be impacting their overall event programs. For this episode, we invited Jessica Sibila back to Trade Show Insights to share details about the study, including: Factors driving exhibitor challenges today Choices exhibitors are making to address them Perceptionsexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2025/01/trends-to-watch-in-2025/ Fri, 24 Jan 2025 20:22:41 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7585 Marlys K. Arnold https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2024/12/top-10-posts-episodes-of-2024/ Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:42:45 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7569 Marlys K. Arnold https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2024/12/experience-matters-how-to-create-memorable-moments/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 18:32:29 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7559 Marlys K. ArnoldnoAs attendees navigate a trade show floor they’re bombarded with sights, sounds, and activities vying for their attention. So in this whirlwind of stimuli, how can your exhibit rise above the chaos and leave a lasting impression? Experience design expert Mat Duerden teaches both college students and corporate marketers how to craft memorable, meaningful, and transformative experiences. (He literally co-wrote the book on Designing Experiences!) In this episode, he shares strategies to transform your trade show exhibit into an experience that resonates long after the event has ended by: Recognizing the intersection between storytelling and experience design Captivating and engagingMarlys K. ArnoldAs attendees navigate a trade show floor they’re bombarded with sights, sounds, and activities vying for their attention. So in this whirlwind of stimuli, how can your exhibit rise above the chaos and leave a lasting impression? Experience design expert Mat Duerden teaches both college students and corporate marketers how to craft memorable, meaningful, and transformative experiences. (He literally co-wrote the book on Designing Experiences!) In this episode, he shares strategies to transform your trade show exhibit into an experience that resonates long after the event has ended by: Recognizing the intersection between storytelling and experience design Captivating and engagingexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2024/12/best-indie-book-award/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 22:06:32 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7555 Marlys K. Arnold https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2024/11/winning-strategies-for-booth-staff-success/ Tue, 26 Nov 2024 04:53:44 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7547 Marlys K. ArnoldnoLately I’ve been having a lot of conversations around booth staffing. Exhibit managers tell me they’re frustrated about how their team behaves in the booth – or whether they even show up at the appropriate time. Attendees are annoyed that staffers pounce on them or shove materials at them as they pass by the booth. Now these aren’t new challenges by any means. Bad booth staff may be an ongoing problem for many exhibit team leaders (even you) – but it’s not unsolvable. Over the years, I’ve worked with many exhibit teams to improve their booth staff behavior. I’ve alsoMarlys K. ArnoldLately I’ve been having a lot of conversations around booth staffing. Exhibit managers tell me they’re frustrated about how their team behaves in the booth – or whether they even show up at the appropriate time. Attendees are annoyed that staffers pounce on them or shove materials at them as they pass by the booth. Now these aren’t new challenges by any means. Bad booth staff may be an ongoing problem for many exhibit team leaders (even you) – but it’s not unsolvable. Over the years, I’ve worked with many exhibit teams to improve their booth staff behavior. I’ve alsoexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2024/10/ah-ha-moments-from-my-first-imex-experience/ Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:53:42 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7537 Marlys K. ArnoldnoFor years I’ve been hearing all the buzz about IMEX, but never had the opportunity to experience it first-hand until this year. IMEX is often referred to as the mega-conference & trade show for the events & incentives industries. And it definitely can be overwhelming for a newcomer. I spent the first couple of days feeling breathless … trying not to miss any must-see sessions I had bookmarked or in-booth activities that sounded creative and fun. I was there primarily to capture and record ideas for YOU – to be the eyes and ears for all my podcast listeners, followersMarlys K. ArnoldFor years I’ve been hearing all the buzz about IMEX, but never had the opportunity to experience it first-hand until this year. IMEX is often referred to as the mega-conference & trade show for the events & incentives industries. And it definitely can be overwhelming for a newcomer. I spent the first couple of days feeling breathless … trying not to miss any must-see sessions I had bookmarked or in-booth activities that sounded creative and fun. I was there primarily to capture and record ideas for YOU – to be the eyes and ears for all my podcast listeners, followersexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2024/10/creative-seating-ideas-from-imex-2024/ Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:40:06 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7515 Marlys K. Arnold https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2024/09/bridging-the-gap-aligning-sales-marketing-objectives/ Thu, 26 Sep 2024 03:32:29 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7507 Marlys K. ArnoldnoMany exhibitors face a disconnect – the marketing team works hard to design an engaging and interactive exhibit that attracts crowds, but the sales team feels it’s not delivering the right type of leads. How can you bridge that divide? Teresa Lopez has a lot of experience getting both of these teams working together. In this episode, she shares some of her favorite strategies for how to: Get sales to see you (the marketing or exhibit manager) as part of their team Find the overlap to create the right in-booth talking points Design booth activations and experiences that are relevantMarlys K. ArnoldMany exhibitors face a disconnect – the marketing team works hard to design an engaging and interactive exhibit that attracts crowds, but the sales team feels it’s not delivering the right type of leads. How can you bridge that divide? Teresa Lopez has a lot of experience getting both of these teams working together. In this episode, she shares some of her favorite strategies for how to: Get sales to see you (the marketing or exhibit manager) as part of their team Find the overlap to create the right in-booth talking points Design booth activations and experiences that are relevantexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2024/08/beyond-transactions-building-strong-vendor-relationships/ Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:49:45 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7494 Marlys K. ArnoldnoYou may not spend a lot of time thinking about vendor selection when it comes to your exhibit or event, but that could cost you. Having vendor partners you can trust will make your job so much easier. But on the flip side … working with a bad one could spell complete disaster! Evan Babins knows how to find and build relationships with trusted vendors, and in this episode he shares his expert tips on: What to look for in a potential vendor (and what to avoid) How to leverage existing vendor relationships Why you should consider yourself the quarterbackMarlys K. ArnoldYou may not spend a lot of time thinking about vendor selection when it comes to your exhibit or event, but that could cost you. Having vendor partners you can trust will make your job so much easier. But on the flip side … working with a bad one could spell complete disaster! Evan Babins knows how to find and build relationships with trusted vendors, and in this episode he shares his expert tips on: What to look for in a potential vendor (and what to avoid) How to leverage existing vendor relationships Why you should consider yourself the quarterbackexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2024/08/trade-show-insights-is-nominated-for-an-award/ Fri, 02 Aug 2024 19:14:26 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7472 Marlys K. Arnold https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/2024/07/reframe-your-trade-show-sales-conversations/ Fri, 26 Jul 2024 01:51:30 +0000 https://www.tradeshowinsights.com/?p=7463 Marlys K. ArnoldnoEver been the unhappy victim of a slimy sales pitch? (Haven’t we all!) Want to make sure you never come across that way? Then you’ll want to take careful notes as you listen to my conversation with sales expert Aleasha Bahr, who believes there’s a much better strategy for those in-booth sales conversations. (Hint: It’s NOT all about selling!) She’ll guide you step-by-step how to: Seamlessly weave your pitch into the conversation Put everything in context for each person Handle objections in a totally new way Create a more natural follow-up approach Related links: Pitchweaving: How to Increase Sales withoutMarlys K. ArnoldEver been the unhappy victim of a slimy sales pitch? (Haven’t we all!) Want to make sure you never come across that way? Then you’ll want to take careful notes as you listen to my conversation with sales expert Aleasha Bahr, who believes there’s a much better strategy for those in-booth sales conversations. (Hint: It’s NOT all about selling!) She’ll guide you step-by-step how to: Seamlessly weave your pitch into the conversation Put everything in context for each person Handle objections in a totally new way Create a more natural follow-up approach Related links: Pitchweaving: How to Increase Sales withoutexhibit,exhibiting,trade,show,expo,tradeshow,exhibitor,marketing