Rebuilding the US Trade Show Workforce with Laura Palker (Part 2)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In Part 2 of this insightful conversation, host continues his discussion with , President of the and a honoree. They explore how the trade show industry is gaining recognition through the modernized , making careers in exhibitions more visible in schools and workforce development programs. Laura shares updates on & codes, the initiative, and the growing role of and veteran outreach in attracting new talent. Jeff and Laura also discuss the training course, its successful launch in Atlanta, and its expansion to more cities. They emphasize why industry leaders must invest in training...
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Rebuilding the US Trade Show Workforce with Laura Palker (Part 1)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In this first episode, host sits down with , President of the , to discuss the critical challenges facing the trade show industry today. They explore the massive workforce shift post-COVID, the impact of the "Silver Resignation", and the need for skilled workforce development. Laura shares insights into the ongoing efforts to secure industry recognition through and codes, the importance of , and how industry associations must work together to secure the future of exhibitions and events. If you're passionate about the future of trade shows and workforce development, this is an episode you...
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Pat Alacqua: Industry Trailblazer and Co-Founder of Nth Degree (Part 3)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In this third episode, welcomes back for a rare look into his ventures since selling . Pat reflects on leadership and his vision for the future. Pat shares how perseverance, determination, and resilience have fueled his successes, including his role in business turnarounds and his recent endeavors. Pat discusses purchasing a local sports complex and transforming it into a national brand through innovative processes for player development, training, and an event model. He talks about his "3C's Process for Faster Growth," as well as his upcoming book, . Pat also reveals plans for an...
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Pat Alacqua: Industry Trailblazer and Co-Founder of Nth Degree (Part 2)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In this second episode, delves into ’s journey as a leader and entrepreneur, exploring the emotional and strategic dynamics of building and eventually selling . In this rare interview, also candidly reflects on the toll of seeing valued team members move-on over time – a natural yet bittersweet reality of leading a fast-growing business in a thriving industry where the demand for trained and skilled professionals constantly grows. Pat discusses the complexities of growth, including the decision to hire people from outside the trade show industry to drive transformation and innovation....
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Pat Alacqua: Industry Trailblazer and Co-Founder of Nth Degree (Part 1)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In this first episode of the three-part series, conducts a rare interview with , co-founder of , exploring the foundational strategies and challenges that defined the company’s early days. Beyond co-founding Nth Degree, Pat has built multiple successful businesses across other industries and continues to collaborate with business leaders through his consulting services and online leadership and business growth tools, guiding them through challenges to achieve sustained growth. Together, they reflect on how the trade show industry has evolved, Nth Degree’s innovative approach to building a...
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Show-Up & Stand Out: Australian Trade Show Strategist, Jessica Turnbull (Part 2)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In Part 2 of this two-part interview, host talks with trade show strategist of in , during . Continuing our enlightening conversation with , we delve deeper into the world of exhibitions and client engagement in Australia. In this episode, you will join us for a conversation about: Insights garnered from advising and training clients on maximising returns The more selective approach to hospitality for trade shows in Australia How to maximize opportunities on the show floor Strategies and tactics that define successful exhibition experiences Gain a deeper understanding of the evolving...
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Show-Up & Stand Out: Australian Trade Show Strategist, Jessica Turnbull (Part 1)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In Part 1 of this two-part interview, host talks with trade show strategist of in , during . During this conversation, shared insights into her journey, having co-founded with her stepfather, Chris Lamb some years ago. Their approach to the business is truly distinctive, placing strategy at the forefront – followed by outstanding design. Their forward-thinking mindset has positioned them ahead of the curve, consistently delivering clear value to their clients. In this episode, we discuss: The significance of a holistic approach to maximize opportunities on the show floor The shifting...
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Three Generations in Mexico with Francisco Collazo (Part 2)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
This is Part 2 of a two-part interview with international industry leader and designer , Partner and CEO of in . In this fascinating conversation, shares his extensive journey into the exhibition industry, tracing the evolution of his career from its inception as a young boy working with his father. More than 40 years later, Francisco’s company is now well into its third family generation and has established an outstanding reputation for themselves globally in the industry. Host asks to share the transformative shifts he has witnessed in the Mexican exhibition landscape over the...
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Three Generations in Mexico with Francisco Collazo (Part 1)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
This is Part 1 of a two-part interview with international industry leader and designer , Partner and CEO of in . In this fascinating conversation, shares his extensive journey into the exhibition industry, tracing the evolution of his career from its inception as a young boy working with his father. More than 40 years later, Francisco’s company is now well into its third family generation and has established an outstanding reputation for themselves globally in the industry. Host asks to share the transformative shifts he has witnessed in the Mexican exhibition landscape over the years,...
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Inside the Mind of Digital Genius Mazi Farzam
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In this episode, host interviews digital genius, , CEO of , an agency based in . is focused on the intersection of science, technology, and storytelling. Under his leadership, has built a global reputation for content generation, user experience creation, visual effects, and immersive storytelling. works across a wide range of industries where their work finds application in museums, trade shows, executive briefing centers, and other types of experiences. is from the Middle East, but is an American now, having worked and traveled extensively around the world. He has a fantastic...
info_outlineThis is Part 1 of a two-part interview with Han Leenhouts author of Sales & Pepper, based in The Hague (Den Haag), The Netherlands.
This is one of the most fun, exciting, and inspirational episodes that we’ve had on The Global Exhibitor Podcast! In this interview, hosted by Jeff Hannah, you can experience Han’s electric personality, and magnetic passion through his dynamic, engaging, and direct (Dutch) style. The primary focus of this episode is the importance of booth staff selection, training and engagement.
Han is focused on outcomes! But, far too many get it wrong! As part of his consultative, training, and coaching initiatives, Han works globally with brands to help establish and reach goals for their trade show participation. With clearly defined goals in mind, you can then work to achieve those goals - and recognize when you have or haven’t. Having the goals is important, but is not everything. Making the most of show floor interactions can make or break any trade show participation. Staff training is the next, hugely important component. Much of the booth staff training can happen in the planning phases, but some of it must happen on the show floor, in the actual physical environment in order to fully utilize the exhibit in the way it was designed to be used.
Jeff asks Han about his views on staffing a booth with marketing team members vs. sales vs. technical staff. Han talks in detail about how to select the right people to fill the various roles required on the show floor. Han gives his recommendations on the ideal mix of profiles for the roles, and how to play to people’s strengths. He focuses on the importance of booth staff attitude and outlook on working on the show floor. It is critical for them to understand their purpose, as well as the best ways to approach people and start meaningful interactions.
Respect for cultural differences is important for working across cultures. But, when looking for ways to engage with others, Han urges people to tap into the most basic and common human characteristics – those things we share in common – rather than focusing on our differences. Shaping questions in just the right way to capture a visitor’s attention immediately is essential in the busy, distracting, and fast-paced show floor environment. Han is a master at engaging both individuals and audiences.
Han Leenhouts is an internationally acclaimed author, keynote speaker, trainer, and coach in the trade show industry. Han is the author of Sales & Pepper, a book focused on the best ways to engage with people on the trade show floor, in conjunction with an effective exhibit. He is also the author of Peppertalk 2.0, which is focused on open-ended, thought-provoking questions which can be used to effectively engage with others on the show floor. Han owns Sales & Pepper, a training and coaching firm based in The Netherlands.
This interview was recorded live in Las Vegas at the luxurious Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, with host Jeff Hannah. Please join us for Part 2 of this interview with Han Leenhouts.
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanleenhouts/
Website: https://salesandpepper.com/