Beyond the Booth Podcast

This bonus episode of the Beyond the Booth podcast features a series of quick interviews from the Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS Live), where industry leaders share what they’re looking forward to in the second half of 2026 and what changes they’d like to see in the trade show industry. Many respondents highlight excitement for upcoming events, personal milestones, or simply finding stability after a busy period. A consistent theme across interviews is the importance of face-to-face marketing and the unique value of human connection, which participants believe cannot be replaced by technology. Several speakers emphasize challenges in workforce development, including the need to attract and train younger talent and skilled labor to sustain the industry. Others call for greater collaboration, clearer pricing models, and stronger advocacy to improve transparency and long-term growth.Get more trade show information at our website skyline.com, or visit our blog at blog.skyline.com

This episode of Beyond the Booth takes listeners behind the scenes of the trade show industry, exploring the unpredictable challenges, problem-solving, and teamwork required to execute successful exhibits and live events. Hosted by Brian Lanning and featuring Skyline experts Duane Griffith and Sonja Stricklin, the conversation shares real-world stories from the show floor — from freight delays and missing exhibit components to last-minute fixes — while highlighting the planning, communication, and client support that keep trade shows running smoothly even when things don’t go according to plan.Get more trade show information at our website skyline.com, or visit our blog at blog.skyline.com

This bonus episode of the Beyond the Booth podcast was recorded live at #EXHIBITORLIVE 2026 in Tampa. It features quick interviews with industry professionals discussing the future of #tradeshows and experiential #marketing. Adam Deming emphasizes excitement around new technology and #exhibitdesign possibilities, focusing on creating engaging, brand-driven experiences that attract and energize attendees. His “wish” for the industry is simple: more people at shows, greater engagement, and stronger face-to-face interactions. Alec Pierson of Exploring highlights the shift beyond traditional trade shows into mobile, experiential, and offsite activations. He’s interested in how partners will leverage elements like flooring, graphics, and scenic builds to expand into new environments and better connect with audiences. His big-picture goal centers on sustainability (specifically, eliminating flooring waste by diverting materials from landfills across the industry). Overall, the conversation underscores three key themes: innovation through technology, expanding experiential strategies beyond the show floor, and a growing commitment to sustainability.Get more trade show information at our website skyline.com, or visit our blog at blog.skyline.com

Episode two of the Beyond the Booth podcast outlines the long-standing stigma around rental exhibits — historically seen as lower quality — but explains how modern rentals have evolved to offer high-quality, customizable solutions. Host Brian Lanning and panelists Erin Clute and Roger Johnsen also break down the trade-offs of exhibit ownership, including hidden costs, maintenance, and lack of flexibility, alongside its benefits like brand consistency and staff familiarity. They also highlight a hybrid approach — combining rental and owned elements — as the most effective strategy for balancing cost efficiency, scalability, and brand impact across trade show programs.Get more trade show information at our website skyline.com, or visit our blog at blog.skyline.com

Join Brian Lanning, Andrea Murphy, and Chris Takas of Skyline Exhibits as they discuss CES 2026 in Las Vegas. This debut episode dives into CES insights, covering strategic exhibit design, purposeful technology use, sustainability concerns, and the importance of build quality. Through real-world examples and memorable activations, the podcast offers practical strategies to help brands create immersive, results-driven event experiences.Get more trade show information at our website skyline.com, or visit our blog at blog.skyline.com