The Global Exhibitor Podcast

In Part 2 of this two-part interview, host Jeff Hannah talks with trade show strategist Jessica Turnbull of The Exhibit Company in Australia, during EXHIBITORLIVE 2024. Continuing our enlightening conversation with Jess Turnbull, 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 landscape of trade shows in Australia The Exhibit Company is an international custom exhibit agency, headquartered in New South Wales, Australia. They are uniquely positioned to work with brands for shows all across Australia. Their unique approach is based on strategy, creative design solutions, and solid project management. The Exhibit Company is not simply focused on providing an exhibit. Their holistic approach encompasses pre-show promotional activities, determining and tracking ROI, lead tracking & management, and booth staff training, among many other services. To learn more from Jess, please listen to Part 1 of this interview. This interview was recorded live at the amazing  Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee with host Jeff Hannah. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-turnbull-32556950/ Website: www.theexhibitcompany.com.au

In Part 1 of this two-part interview, host Jeff Hannah talks with trade show strategist Jessica Turnbull of The Exhibit Company in Australia, during EXHIBITORLIVE 2024. During this conversation, Jess shared insights into her journey, having co-founded The Exhibit Company 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 landscape of exhibitions in the Post-COVID era and why face-to-face interactions are here to stay The current attendee profile at trade shows and what this means for how you exhibit This conversation with Jessica Turnbull provides invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of exhibitions and the importance of strategic thinking in producing impactful experiences, with more to come in Part 2. The Exhibit Company is an international custom exhibit agency, headquartered in New South Wales, Australia. They are uniquely positioned to work with brands for shows all across Australia. Their unique approach is based on strategy, creative design solutions, and solid project management. The Exhibit Company is not simply focused on providing an exhibit. Their holistic approach encompasses pre-show promotional activities, determining and tracking ROI, lead tracking & management, and booth staff training, among many other services. This interview was recorded live at the amazing Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee with host Jeff Hannah. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-turnbull-32556950/ Email: jess@theexhibitcompany.com.au Website: www.theexhibitcompany.com.au

This is Part 2 of a two-part interview with international industry leader and designer Francisco Collazo, Partner and CEO of SISTEXPO (Sistemas de Exposición) in Mexico City, Mexico. In this fascinating conversation, Francisco Collazo 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 Jeff Hannah asks Francisco to share the transformative shifts he has witnessed in the Mexican exhibition landscape over the years, offering valuable insights into the dynamic nature of the industry in Mexico. Nowadays, most of the exhibits are custom-built, wooden exhibits versus system exhibits; many are still build and burn (one time use). Francisco highlighted his knowledge of system exhibits, shedding light on the diverse range, some of the history, and how he became an expert in this area. He mentions his past interactions with historical system influencers, such as Hans Bruder (global leader of OCTANORM for over 50 years). Some of the systems they discussed are beMatrix, Aluvision, Agam, OCTANORM, SYMA, and meroform, They discuss the primary exhibition venues in Mexico, and how those have evolved over the years in their respective areas: Palacio de los Deportes World Trade Center Mexico City Centro Citibanamex Expo Guadalajara Jeff and Francisco share their common bond of their pathways to becoming an industrial designer. Francisco shares how he is particularly passionate about giving back to future generations of designers and design programs at various universities. Francisco's heavy involvement in international and local industry associations underscored his commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing with others across the industry. Francisco’s international work experience is a key focal point, illustrating the intricacies and nuances of navigating business across borders – particularly in Latin America. Francisco opens-up about the unique experience of collaborating with family members in the industry, providing a glimpse into the dynamics of working alongside loved ones. He shares his outlook on navigating some of those challenges – and well as the reward of working with his family in the formation of this third-generation business. They specifically mention the work that his son Paco Collazo is doing with Happy Projects, based in Atlanta. Jeff asks Francisco about his legacy, where he emphasizes continuous innovation, building connections, and providing the highest level of service possible (beyond what is happening on the trade show floor). Host Jeff Hannah summarizes this interview by stating, “good stuff to build a business on; good stuff to build a life around.” SISTEXPO are international exhibit and event builders, headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. They are uniquely positioned to work across North America and South America, with a reach far beyond – into Europe and elsewhere around the world. SISTEXPO designs and builds exhibits for trade shows, works as a general contractor for entire exhibitions, provides international pavilions, and produces full-scale events. Well into their third family generation, SISTEXPO has a strong track record of over 40 years and continues to be heavily involved in international associations and works with many global brands. They are proud members of IFES, EDPA, ESSA, bePartner Network, MPI, OSPI, and AMPROFEC. This interview was recorded live at the amazing Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, in Bonita Springs, Florida (USA) with host Jeff Hannah. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-collazo-ortega-23601639/ Website: https://www.sistexpo.com/ www.globalexhibitor.com

This is Part 1 of a two-part interview with international industry leader and designer Francisco Collazo, Partner and CEO of SISTEXPO (Sistemas de Exposición) in Mexico City, Mexico. In this fascinating conversation, Francisco Collazo 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 Jeff Hannah asks Francisco to share the transformative shifts he has witnessed in the Mexican exhibition landscape over the years, offering valuable insights into the dynamic nature of the industry in Mexico. Nowadays, most of the exhibits are custom-built, wooden exhibits versus system exhibits; many are still build and burn (one time use). Francisco highlighted his knowledge of system exhibits, shedding light on the diverse range, some of the history, and how he became an expert in this area. He mentions his past interactions with historical system influencers, such as Hans Bruder (global leader of OCTANORM for over 50 years). Some of the systems they discussed are beMatrix, Aluvision, Agam, OCTANORM, SYMA, and meroform, They discuss the primary exhibition venues in Mexico, and how those have evolved over the years in their respective areas: Palacio de los Deportes World Trade Center Mexico City Centro Citibanamex Expo Guadalajara Jeff and Francisco share their common bond of their pathways to becoming an industrial designer. Francisco shares how he is particularly passionate about giving back to future generations of designers and design programs at various universities. Francisco's heavy involvement in international and local industry associations underscored his commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing with others across the industry. Francisco’s international work experience is a key focal point, illustrating the intricacies and nuances of navigating business across borders – particularly in Latin America. Francisco opens-up about the unique experience of collaborating with family members in the industry, providing a glimpse into the dynamics of working alongside loved ones. He shares his outlook on navigating some of those challenges – and well as the reward of working with his family in the formation of this third-generation business. They specifically mention the work that his son Paco Collazo is doing with Happy Projects, based in Atlanta. Jeff asks Francisco about his legacy, where he emphasizes continuous innovation, building connections, and providing the highest level of service possible (beyond what is happening on the trade show floor). Host Jeff Hannah summarizes this interview by stating, “good stuff to build a business on; good stuff to build a life around.” SISTEXPO are international exhibit and event builders, headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. They are uniquely positioned to work across North America and South America, with a reach far beyond – into Europe and elsewhere around the world. SISTEXPO designs and builds exhibits for trade shows, works as a general contractor for entire exhibitions, provides international pavilions, and produces full-scale events. Well into their third family generation, SISTEXPO has a strong track record of over 40 years and continues to be heavily involved in international associations and works with many global brands. They are proud members of IFES, EDPA, ESSA, bePartner Network, MPI, OSPI, and AMPROFEC. This interview was recorded live at the amazing Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, in Bonita Springs, Florida (USA) with host Jeff Hannah. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-collazo-ortega-23601639/ Website: https://www.sistexpo.com/ www.globalexhibitor.com

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews digital genius, Mazi Farzam, CEO of Inhance Digital, an agency based in Los Angeles, California. Mazi is focused on the intersection of science, technology, and storytelling. Under his leadership, Inhance has built a global reputation for content generation, user experience creation, visual effects, and immersive storytelling. Inhance works across a wide range of industries where their work finds application in museums, trade shows, executive briefing centers, and other types of experiences. Mazi is from the Middle East, but is an American now, having worked and traveled extensively around the world. He has a fantastic understanding of cultural differences and how those impact business, interpersonal relationships, and the design of experiences. He is passionate about technology, experiences, and entertainment. Jeff and Mazi talk about how culture plays into design of interactives and storytelling. They take a deeper look at the differences between basic translation and localization. Mazi stresses the importance of having locals to help craft the story – understanding the connotations of the local language, colloquialisms, and sensitivities to various topics and issues. He explains how most of their projects are designed to be used across a spectrum of different cultures. Mazi talks how the most effective experiences are those in which the digital and interactive elements are seamlessly integrated into the physical architectural spaces; some refer to this as phygital. Both elements are critically important. But they need to be fully understood, appreciated, and designed together to achieve this level of integration.    Looking into the future, Mazi talks about how the metaverse will change the way we go about our daily lives. He talks about how the technology itself may become more transparent in some ways: more integrated into everything but less obviously visible. He indicates that we are just on the precipice of an exciting new era in technology – one which has the potential to improve humanity in ways that we have yet to see. This could help us build a better world – improving communications, awareness, healthcare, and the environment, just to name a few! Jeff asks Mazi about what makes Inhance truly unique in their work, as they have achieved an outstanding reputation in the past twenty-plus years. He notes that being in Hollywood helps them to attract some of the best talent in this world. Many of their team members work in feature films, visual effects (VFX), and as AAA game developers. They are distinctly client focused, nimble, and fast in their development.   Inhance Digital is an award-winning interactive agency that helps tell complex stories. Their services span content generation, visual effects, physical brand activation/immersive experiences, and virtual brand exhibits and events. Inhance is at the forefront of delivering custom, cutting-edge interactive experiences for both in-person brand activations as well as virtual and online customer engagement. This interview was recorded live at EXHIBITORLIVE in Las Vegas, Nevada with host Jeff Hannah. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maziar-farzam-2695718/ Website: https://www.inhance.com/ www.globalexhibitor.com

Industry veteran Mark Johnson is re-shaping the world of exhibitions with his deep passion, foresight, and encompassing vision for the future. Mark has garnered significant attention with his recent acquisitions of EXHIBITOR Group, as well as Featherlite Exhibits. In this episode, host Jeff Hannah asks Mark about his acquisition of EXHIBITOR Group, and how he is re-imagining the future of it. Mark introduces Dan Raynak as the new CEO/President of EXHIBITOR Group, and talks about the unique and ongoing mission for the company. Mark’s fiery passion for the exhibition industry can be felt as he discusses a more inclusive future for EXHIBITOR – with the introduction of additional tools and resources. Mark also discusses the outlook for EXHIBITORLIVE 2023 and beyond, including future potential show locations. EXHIBITOR is widely recognized as a producer of educational conferences – and is exploring ways to build upon this globally recognized brand – including potential international expansion of educational programming and CTSM Certification. EXHIBITOR and the EDPA (Experiential Designers & Producers Association) have recently formed a partnership to provide ongoing professional education to EDPA members through EXHIBITOR's Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) program. Mark Johnson is the Founder / CEO of Star Exhibits & Environments, and also owns several other companies. Mark built an outstanding reputation in the exhibition industry through decades of international work and leadership in industry associations such as EDPA and IFES. He was formerly President (2005) of EDPA (Experiential Designers & Producers Association). He was involved in the creation of the EDPA Foundation, where he continues to serve as Treasurer. He was instrumental in supporting and promoting IFES (International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services) over the years in various ways. Mark has been instrumental in the exhibit design education programs at both Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and Bemidji State University (BSU), from the early stages of development to current day. In 2021, Mark was honored as one of the Ten Most Admired CEOs by the MSP Business Journal. EXHIBITOR Group is the global leader in trade show and corporate event marketing education. EXHIBITOR does this through many platforms, including: EXHIBITOR Magazine, EXHIBITORLIVE, the Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) program, EXHIBITOR FastTrak, EXHIBITOR eTrak, and others. A leading global marketing solutions provider, Star Exhibits and Environments values a customer-intimate approach, lasting partnerships, powerful strategic direction, and consistent execution. Star's comprehensive design, fabrication, installation, and property management services support trade show, retail, corporate interior, event and selling environment initiatives. This interview was recorded live at EXHIBITOR FastTrak in Providence, Rhode Island, with host Jeff Hannah. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjohnsonstar/ Website: https://www.exhibitoronline.com/index.asp www.globalexhibitor.com

This is an interview with an industry legend, Bendict Soh, Chairman and Co-Founder of Kingsmen Creative Ltd., based in Singapore. In this episode, host Jeff Hannah and Bendict Soh discuss the return of the industry since the COVID-19 pandemic brought the exhibition industry to a complete halt over two years ago. Shows and events are recovering well, with a number of large corporations hosting their own private customer events and product launches. Ben talks about the importance of face-to-face marketing, and the need as an industry to demonstrate excellent ROI for the client stakeholders. Ben talks about how the trade show industry has evolved over the years, and has excelled at integrating all of the other aspects of technology and marketing. He also talks about how business has changed due to the blending of cultures globally. Jeff asks Ben about the challenges of running a large corporation with offices in many countries. Jeff asks Ben to give advice to people considering a career in this industry. He talks about mentors, sources of inspiration, and about how he got started in this industry. He also talks about the concepts of work/life balance and work/life integration. And, he talks about what he feels is his greatest achievement.  Bendict Soh is internationally known across the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry and amusement park industry segments. Benedict has been awarded the prestigious Hazel Hayes Award, as well as the Lifetime Achievement for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism by the Singapore Tourism Board. Benedict co-founded Kingsmen Creatives over 45 years ago, and is also Chairman. Kingsmen has now gown to 21 offices across major cities in Asia, the Middle East, and the USA, with global headquarters in Singapore. Kingsmen are creators of experience, harnessing the power of creativity and design to tell engaging stories that bring brands to life. Kingsmen delivers seamless, innovative and engaging experiences that connect, engage and empower. From conception to completion, their integrated capabilities built over the last 45 years have enabled them to be the one-stop creative solutions partner, delivering memorable, successful campaigns around the world. This interview was recorded live in Singapore at the Kingsmen Experience, the global headquarter tower of Kingsmen Creative Ltd., in the Changi District of Singapore, with host Jeff Hannah. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedict-soh-819b614/ Website: https://www.kingsmen-int.com/ www.globalexhibitor.com

This is Part 2 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. In this episode, Jeff asks Han to differentiate between the Dutch culture and mindset in comparison to other countries in Europe. Han talks about what Americans might not understand when working with the Dutch. They talk about the direct communications style, and the importance of being authentic and genuine. Han emphasizes the importance of booth staff training and what the process generally looks like – involving both pre-show training as well as on-site coaching. He talks about setting goals for the show and how to measure where those goals are met. Han elaborates on how asking the “right” questions is an important step in learning how to engage with people you have never met before. The right questions help to quickly qualify your potential leads and determine where to take the conversation. Han is a firm believer in being bold, taking risks, and stepping out of your comfort zone – which is what it takes in order to be really successful in trade show marketing.   As a side note, Jeff and Han briefly discuss perspectives on the war in Ukraine, as well as how Dutch DJ’s compare to others in the world! You don't want to miss that! 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 also join us for Part 1 of this interview with Han Leenhouts.   Email: han@salesandpepper.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanleenhouts/ Website: https://salesandpepper.com/ www.globalexhibitor.com

This 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: han@salesandpepper.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanleenhouts/ Website: https://salesandpepper.com/ www.globalexhibitor.com

This is Part 2 of an interview with Lee Ali of Expo Stars Interactive, based in Manchester, England. Host Jeff Hannah asks Lee about the Five E’s of Engagement, booth staffing recommendations, and getting the right people in the right places in an exhibit.   Lee and Jeff discuss various outlooks regarding the attendee experience model in the post-COVID world. How have expectations of engagements and interactions changed during the past couple of years? What problems are we seeing now? And how are expectations continuing to change? It is more important than ever to staff your booth in the right way in order to achieve more successful outcomes. A key insight that Lee has is that booth staffers tend to do too much talking and not enough listening as they are working an exhibit. Additionally, Lee makes some somewhat controversial statements about whether or not exhibiting is a marketing activity or a sales activity. Jeff asks Lee about how to find the right mix between sales, marketing, product or technical specialists, and senior executives. Lee Ali is an international speaker, entrepreneur, business coach, mentor, sales strategist and a qualified iMA practitioner. He is widely regarded as the go-to source for attendee engagement and lead generation at global tradeshow exhibitions, conferences and live marketing events. Lee's passion from very early on in his business career has been understanding what makes people buy and how to truly connect with them so that they are deeply engaged with what you do. As well as contributing his valuable insights to industry press and media, Lee has been invited to speak at various conferences across the world on audience engagement including; UFI Asia Pacific Conference in Malaysia, Middle East Event Show in Dubai, Sales and Marketing Expo in LA, The Business Show in London, Expo Expo! in Las Vegas, EXHIBITORLIVE in Las Vegas, Event Tech Live in London and more. Lee also hosts the "In Conversation with Expo Stars" podcast interviewing experts from the tradeshow industry. Lee founded Expo Stars Interactive, an award winning exhibition engagement company, to support exhibitors worldwide to engage more attendees to their booth, convert them into qualified sales leads, raise their brand awareness, and deliver measurable results. Since 2007, the Expo Stars team have been supporting exhibitors at all the major global exhibitions including Arab Health, Mobile World Congress, CES, GITEX, BAUMA, HPE Discover, Cisco Live, Black Hat, Microsoft Convergence, Conn Expo and many more. Lee is also passionate about health and well-being. He is a qualified Reiki practitioner and incorporates the power of positive energy into his unique 5 E's framework for personal, business, sales and marketing success. This interview was recorded online from both Manchester, England (UK) and Dayton, Ohio (USA) with host Jeff Hannah.  Email: lee@expostars.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeali5/ Website: https://www.expostars.com/ www.globalexhibitor.com

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Lee Ali of Expo Stars Interactive, based in Manchester, England. In this episode, Jeff asks Lee about several unique aspects of his work and business model. This is part one of a two-part series with Lee. Lee discusses his Remote Exhibiting Model, which is a new development born in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, when companies were prevented from traveling due to restrictions of one kind or another. This Model allows companies to still participate in trade shows in a very real, legitimate, and effective way, even when their own staff members cannot attend IRL. Lee also discusses his outlook regarding the attendee experience model in the post-COVID world. How have expectations of engagements and interactions changed during the past couple of years? And how do they continue to change? Due to show attendance still down from the previous era, exhibitors are spending similar (if not more) dollars but getting access to fewer attendees. So, what can and should exhibitors do to address that in the most effective way possible? Lee shares insights on cultural differences and their relative importance in the exhibition world and on the show floor. And he talks in depth about a new phrase which he recently coined, “Tradeshow Engagement Optimization” – also known as TEO. Lee Ali is an international speaker, entrepreneur, business coach, mentor, sales strategist and a qualified iMA practitioner. He is widely regarded as the go-to source for attendee engagement and lead generation at global tradeshow exhibitions, conferences and live marketing events. Lee's passion from very early on in his business career has been understanding what makes people buy and how to truly connect with them so that they are deeply engaged with what you do. As well as contributing his valuable insights to industry press and media, Lee has been invited to speak at various conferences across the world on audience engagement including; UFI Asia Pacific Conference in Malaysia, Middle East Event Show in Dubai, Sales and Marketing Expo in LA, The Business Show in London, Expo Expo! in Las Vegas, EXHIBITORLIVE in Las Vegas, Event Tech Live in London and more. Lee also hosts the "In Conversation with Expo Stars" podcast interviewing experts from the tradeshow industry. Lee founded Expo Stars Interactive, an award winning exhibition engagement company, to support exhibitors worldwide to engage more attendees to their booth, convert them into qualified sales leads, raise their brand awareness, and deliver measurable results. Since 2007, the Expo Stars team have been supporting exhibitors at all the major global exhibitions including Arab Health, Mobile World Congress, CES, GITEX, BAUMA, HPE Discover, Cisco Live, Black Hat, Microsoft Convergence, Conn Expo and many more. Lee is also passionate about health and well-being. He is a qualified Reiki practitioner and incorporates the power of positive energy into his unique 5 E's framework for personal, business, sales and marketing success. This interview was recorded online from both Manchester, England (UK) and Dayton, Ohio (USA) with host Jeff Hannah.  Email: lee@expostars.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeali5/ Website: https://www.expostars.com/ www.globalexhibitor.com

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Martin Besaris (Martijn Besaris) of The Inside Standbouw, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Martin describes the exhibition industry as the “best industry in the world” – and describes the amazing degree of fulfilment and excitement that it creates for him personally and professionally. Jeff talks with Martin about how the Dutch have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the never-ending stream of variants. They discuss it from an industry perspective, including how the government of The Netherlands worked with companies (early in the pandemic) to put together plans for dealing with employee reductions, finances, and business survival. Martin talks about the current outlook regarding recovery and return of the exhibition industry. He also discusses the return of international travel, and the administrative challenges with that. Jeff and Martin take a deeper look into the Dutch mindset and culture regarding personal behavior, freedoms, and lack of written rules. People in the society are generally free to “do as they please” in terms of beliefs and behaviors. The Dutch tend to have a strong outlook on business, with a high degree of focus on international. Education is important and expected. It is typical to start learning English and German in preschool. Martin also talks about similarities and differences the Dutch have with other European countries as well as the USA. Recent societal and business shifts in The Netherlands has led to more people working with their “heads” instead of their “hands.” This (along with the pandemic) has created a shortage of carpenters and other skilled craftspeople, especially for the exhibition industry. Martin urges industry associations, companies, and individuals to make a more concerted effort to expose youth to this unique industry so that they can consider it as a career option. He discusses how this industry is fun, beautiful and exciting – and offers a very broad range of exposure to other industries. Martin talks about the various languages that he speaks, as well as how he found his way into the exhibition industry, with the help of The Inside founder, Michael Hermans. Martin discusses his current role, which primarily focuses on international sales. Jeff asks Martin for his insights into trends and developments that he is seeing in the industry across Europe – and recommendations on how companies should adjust their approach. They discuss the value of good exhibit design and the importance of differentiation and the need to quickly capture attention on the show floor. Martin believes that companies need to more carefully consider the geographic location of where a show is located, and the targeted attendees. Too often companies create graphics in their own native language, which is okay for some situations. But in others, it’s not the best approach (i.e. Germany). Either way, companies generally use too much written text (copy) for their graphics, which nearly always gets overlooked. QR codes are growing in popularity, especially during COVID. The Inside Standbouw (Stand Builder) has been in business for more than 25 years, and provides turn-key services for exhibitions, interiors, and events in The Netherlands, across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and in many other locations. Michael Hermans is the founder, and owner / CEO. The Inside is well known for their award-winning design capabilities and their thoughtful, strategic, comprehensive approach to projects.   This interview was recorded during EDPA ACCESS 2021 at the The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood Curio Collection in Hollywood, Florida with host Jeff Hannah.  Email: Martin@the-inside.nl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijnbesaris/ Website: https://www.theinside-standbuilding.com/ www.globalexhibitor.com

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Mexican industry globetrotter Alejandro (Alex) Escalante from Guadalajara. Alejandro is part of the family-owned company, Omega Group, where he is involved in sales, project management, logistics, and many other activities. He has worked in many regions of the world, such as Europe, Latin America, and the USA. They discuss cultural, mindset, and industry differences between Mexico and the USA, as well as Mexico and other Latin American countries. Alejandro discusses how to reach Mexican clients, and the importance of building long-term, personal relationships. They discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on the exhibition industry in Mexico, on the economy there – and how the recovery is progressing. On a personal note, Jeff asks Alex about his years of industry experience, and what he learned working at notable European companies, such as Atelier Damböck in Germany. Alex shares how those cross-cultural work experiences helped to shape his approach to business.   This interview was recorded during EDPA ACCESS 2021 at the The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood Curio Collection in Hollywood, Florida with host Jeff Hannah.  Email: aez@omegagroup.com.mx LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-escalante-a50394105/ www.omegaexp.com.mx www.globalexhibitor.com

This 3-part mini-series interview provides a wealth of solid insights and recommendations for restaurants, food, and excursions / activities in five international cities. This is quite different from most of our episodes. But, it’s extremely interesting – and provides an abundance of first-hand recommendations from international travel influencer David Hanger, whose reviews on TripAdvisor have been read by more than 100,000 people. Besides being a “critic of food,” David is an international business executive and consultant based in the USA. Host Jeff Hannah interviewed David during a trip to Singapore.   In Part 1 of this interview, David and Jeff focus on Singapore and Amsterdam. Part 2 of this series covers the Greek Island of Santorini, and the city of Shanghai in China. Part 3 of this series covers the cities of Prague in the Czech Republic, and the US cities of Chicago and Santa Barbara. It’s quite important to ensure that any restaurant you choose for business meetings or entertainment are excellent choices – not only in terms of food quality, but in terms of atmosphere, location, service level, and cultural fit, to name a few. Hopefully this mini-series will be a great resource for those of you who may be planning shows, events, or personal travel in these cities.  Please feel free to connect with David Hanger if you would like to get other recommendations or information directly from him, as he is a tremendous wealth of knowledge for food and dining globally. His contact info is listed below. Links to restaurants / activities mentioned in this podcast episode: Praque: Sasazu (Asian meats & gastronomy restaurant) U Glaubicu (traditional, very old restaurant, near castle) Pilsner Urquell (beer / local specialty)   Chicago: Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder (Chicago pizza pot pie)   Santa Barbara: Stonehouse Restaurant – at San Yisidro Ranch (Santa Barbara restaurant – reservations required)   This interview was recorded at the Urbana Rooftop Bar & Pool at the Marriott Courtyard Singapore Novena Hotel in Singapore with host Jeff Hannah.  Email: davidhanger88@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshanger/ www.globalexhibitor.com

This 3-part mini-series interview provides a wealth of solid insights and recommendations for restaurants, food, and excursions / activities in five international cities. This is quite different from most of our episodes. But, it’s extremely interesting – and provides an abundance of first-hand recommendations from international travel influencer David Hanger, whose reviews on TripAdvisor have been read by more than 100,000 people. Besides being a “critic of food,” David is an international business executive and consultant based in the USA. Host Jeff Hannah interviewed David during a trip to Singapore.   In Part 1 of this interview, David and Jeff focus on Singapore and Amsterdam. Part 2 of this series covers the Greek Island of Santorini, and the city of Shanghai in China. Part 3 of this series covers the cities of Prague in the Czech Republic, and the US cities of Chicago and Santa Barbara. It’s quite important to ensure that any restaurant you choose for business meetings or entertainment are excellent choices – not only in terms of food quality, but in terms of atmosphere, location, service level, and cultural fit, to name a few. Hopefully this mini-series will be a great resource for those of you who may be planning shows, events, or personal travel in these cities.  Please feel free to connect with David Hanger if you would like to get other recommendations or information directly from him, as he is a tremendous wealth of knowledge for food and dining globally. His contact info is listed below. Links to restaurants / activities mentioned in this podcast episode: Greek Island of Santorini: Fira Town (Santorini) (capital of Santorini) Oia Village (Santorini) (village / town in Santorini) Best Beaches of Santorini (list of top beaches of Santorini) Santorini Cable Car / Lift (cable car / lift transport to Fira Town) Amoudi Bay (beaches & port area of Santorini) Cliff Jumping – Amoudi Bay (how-to guide to cliff jumping at Amoudi Bay)   Shanghai: House of Roosevelt (historical building with restaurants) Roosevelt Sky Restaurant (restaurant on top of House of Roosevelt) Roosevelt Sky Bar (speakeasy bar on top of House of Roosevelt) The Bund (waterfront & historical district in central Shanghai) The Captain (Bar / Speakeasy) (speakeasy bar) Confucian Temple of Shanghai (ancient Confucian temple with special tea service) Shanghai Tower (world’s second tallest building – and has observation deck) Fairmont Peace Hotel (hotel) Fairmont Peace – Jazz Bar (jazz bar at the Fairmont Peach Hotel)   This interview was recorded at the Urbana Rooftop Bar & Pool at the Marriott Courtyard Singapore Novena Hotel in Singapore with host Jeff Hannah.  Email: davidhanger88@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshanger/ www.globalexhibitor.com

This 3-part mini-series interview provides a wealth of solid insights and recommendations for restaurants, food, and excursions / activities in five international cities. This is quite different from most of our episodes. But, it’s extremely interesting – and provides an abundance of first-hand recommendations from David Hanger, whose reviews on TripAdvisor have been read by more than 100,000 people. Besides being a “critic of food,” David is an international business executive and consultant based in the USA. Host Jeff Hannah interviewed David during a trip to Singapore.   In Part 1 of this interview, David and Jeff focus on Singapore and Amsterdam. Part 2 of this series covers the Greek Island of Santorini, and the city of Shanghai in China. Part 3 of this series covers the cities of Prague in the Czech Republic, and the US cities of Chicago and Santa Barbara. It’s quite important to ensure that any restaurant you choose for business meetings or entertainment are excellent choices – not only in terms of food quality, but in terms of atmosphere, location, service level, and cultural fit, to name a few. Hopefully this mini-series will be a great resource for those of you who may be planning shows, events, or personal travel in these cities.  Please feel free to connect with David Hanger if you would like to get other recommendations or information directly from him, as he is a tremendous wealth of knowledge for food and dining globally. His contact info is listed below. Links to restaurants / activities mentioned in this podcast episode: Singapore: Fotia (Mediterranean / Greek restaurant) Chao Chao Gyoza (Japanese restaurant) NOX (total darkness restaurant) The Other Room (speakeasy bar at Marriott Tang Plaza) Club Street (restaurants / various types of entertainment / nightlife) CBD (Central Business District) Novena Square Area KF1 (go kart circuit) Singapore Grand Prix (Formula 1 night race) Haji Lane (near Suntec City & Duo Galleria) Amsterdam: De Belhamel (romantic atmosphere with French & Italian cuisine) Stubbe’s Haring (seafood street vendor / restaurant) Vondelpark (nature park) This interview was recorded at the Urbana Rooftop Bar & Pool at the Marriott Courtyard Singapore Novena Hotel in Singapore with host Jeff Hannah.  Email: davidhanger88@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshanger/ www.globalexhibitor.com

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Scott Wojda, President of Global Creative Group based in the Czech Republic. Jeff interviewed Scott during EuroShop 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany.   Jeff has a very interesting conversation with Scott about his agency’s approach to storytelling, strategy, creating engagements, and the overall design of exhibitry. Scott has a deep understanding of how to capture peoples’ interest, and a unique approach to translating that into outstanding environments. Growing-up in California, Scott is bilingual and of Czech heritage. He earned a degree in Industrial Design at the highly acclaimed Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He now lives with his family in the Czech Republic, where his company, Global Creative Group is headquartered. Global Creative Group is a digital event agency with locations in Southern California and in the Czech Republic. Global Creative Group works with brands from around the world to design outstanding exhibits which attract, engage, and tell meaningful stories. This interview was recorded during EuroShop 2020 at the Messe Düsseldorf in Düsseldorf, Germany at the Exhibitor Magazine booth on the show floor. This trade show (EuroShop) was one of the last major trade shows to be held before the COVID-19 Pandemic caused shows globally to be cancelled. EuroShop is the world’s largest trade fair for the retail industry, trade shows and associated sectors. There are over 90,000 attendees at the show, with more than 2,000 exhibitors from 56 countries. Global Creative Group Email: scott@globalcreative.eu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwojda www.globalexhibitor.com

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Marcela Medrano, President of Dodecaedro Group, based in Buenos Aires. Jeff interviewed Marcela during EuroShop 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany.   Jeff talks with Marcela about the unique distinctions of the trade show (trade fair) industry in Argentina. They discuss the typical approach to exhibit fabrication, which is mostly custom fabrication versus modular systems. They also get into some details about printed graphics – and the fact that silicon edged graphics (SEG) are not readily produced in Argentina.  Marcela also discusses the economic realities and challenges of working in Argentina and Latin America. In the past several years, prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the trade show industry was hard-hit in Argentina, due to multiple years of hyper-inflation and currency devaluation. Client budgets cannot keep pace with the growth of inflation, making it harder for brands to participate in trade shows and events. With most materials being imported, along with skyrocketing labor costs, the industry has suffered greatly. Marcela reviews several of the major convention centers in Buenos Aires, such as La Rural, Tecnópolis, The Buenos Aires Convention Centre (CEC), and the various types of international shows that are typically held in Buenos Aires. Jeff also asks Marcela to explain more about the cultural perspectives in Argentina, as well as the ethnic landscape, and what has been happening recently in terms of immigration. Dodecaedro Group is a global alliance between Dodecaedro (Argentina), Dodecaedro (Brazil), and Dylunio (Spain). Marcela is from Mendoza, Argentina, and holds a degree in architecture from the Universidad de Mendoza. She is currently based at their HQ office in Buenos Aires. With more than 20 years of experience and developed projects in more than 40 countries, Dodecaedro Group has a proven track-record in design and stand construction globally. Dodecaedro Group is member of the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES), the Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), the Argentine Association of Organizers and Suppliers of Exhibitions, Congresses, Events and Convention Bureaus (AOCA), and Buenos Aires Convention and Visitors Bureau. This trade show (EuroShop) was one of the last major trade shows to be held before the COVID-19 Pandemic caused shows globally to be cancelled. EuroShop is the world’s largest trade fair for the retail industry, trade shows and associated sectors. There are over 90,000 attendees at the show, with more than 2,000 exhibitors from 56 countries. This interview was recorded at the Messe Düsseldorf in Düsseldorf, Germany at the Exhibitor Magazine booth on the show floor. Email: mmedrano@dodecaedrogroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcela-medrano-9a003328/ www.globalexhibitor.com

In this episode, we are re-airing a webinar with Jeff Hannah called The Great Global Reset, presented by IFES (International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services), as part of an ongoing series called IFES Solutions. All countries and cultures on the planet are feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact is monumental – and will likely have more significant repercussions on humanity than any other crisis we have seen in our lifetimes. The coronavirus pandemic is already permanently reshaping culture as we speak. The trade show and event industry is being hit particularly hard as well – and is being forced to shift, innovate, and re-think. In this webinar we will explore COVID through the eyes of culture – and some elements of the Great Global Reset. This interview was recorded in Dayton, Ohio but broadcast globally in April 2020. Email: jhannah@exhibitconcepts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyhannah/ www.globalexhibitor.com

In this episode, we are re-airing a panel interview with Jeff Hannah and Joey DiFranco from the main stage at Rethinking Events, a recent virtual event which explores how virtual events are exploding and developing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joey is a media futurist and expert in experiential technology. Joey is also the Director of the NEXT Lab at Exhibit Concepts – “New Experiential Technologies” – which is focused on all things technology-related, such as virtual events, augmented reality, virtual reality, audio-visual, and much more. Jeff Hannah is the Vice President of Interiors, International, and Creative at Exhibit Concepts, and has oversight of the NEXT Lab. Both of these industry thought leaders are interviewed by Masten Worley, Director of Sales at Exhibit Concepts.   This is a dynamic conversation which explores the role of virtual events in the overall marketing mix, what kinds of mistakes companies often make when implementing online events. They talk about the challenges and difficulties of creating and managing virtual events. And, they discuss what the future may look like in terms of the mix between virtual and in-real-life (IRL) events. This interview was recorded in Dayton, Ohio. Email: jdifranco@exhibitconcepts.com; jhannah@exhibitconcepts.com; mworley@exhibitconcepts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-difranco-creative/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyhannah/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mastenworley/ www.globalexhibitor.com