Welcome to the Beyond the Booth Podcast

I am thrilled to welcome you to a new conversation about the world of trade shows and events. For years, I've had the privilege of working with incredible brands and talented professionals, exploring what it takes to create truly impactful tradeshow experiences. Now, I'm excited to share those insights with you through our new podcast, "Beyond the Booth."

This podcast is for every marketing professional, event manager, and executive who knows that a trade show is more than just a space on an exhibit hall floor. It's an opportunity to connect, engage, and drive your business forward. Each episode, we will dive into the latest trends, emerging innovations, and practical strategies that can transform your event presence.

We are officially live! You can listen, watch, and subscribe on your favorite platform, including iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and right here on our website. Join us as we go beyond the booth to explore what truly makes an event successful.

  • 52 min

CES 2026 Overview

Beyond the Booth Podcast

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Inside Our First Episode: A Deep Dive into CES

For our inaugural episode, I was joined by two of our pros: Chris Takas and Andrea Murphy discussing what they saw on the CES floor.

Here’s a look at the key discussions from our debut conversation:

The Foundation: Booth Design, Technology, and Attendee Engagement

First, we explored the cornerstone of any successful exhibit: strategic booth design. It’s not just about building the booth structure. It’s about taking the attendee on a journey. We discussed how many companies miss vital opportunities to connect with attendees simply because the experience isn’t aligned with their goals.

We shared best practices for booth staff. A well-designed booth paired with a well-trained team is the combination that delivers measurable results. And we touched on in-booth technology. It’s a great tool, but only when used with purpose. We dove into the role of technology in modern exhibits, from massive LED walls to interactive displays. Our conversation emphasized a critical point: technology must support your story, not replace it.

The most memorable booths seamlessly integrate technology to enhance their content, creating an immersive and informative experience for every visitor.

A Growing Concern: Sustainability and Build Quality

A concerning trend that we saw at CES: the return of "build and burn" practices. Chris, Andrea, and I shared our collective worry over a noticeable decline in sustainability efforts. Disposable, single-use exhibits not only have a negative environmental impact but also reflect poorly on a brand’s values.

We also examined the risks associated with poor build quality. Subpar construction can undermine your brand's reputation and, more importantly, pose safety risks to attendees and staff. A commitment to quality and sustainability is a direct reflection of a brand's integrity.

Learning from the Best: Standout Examples and Best Practices

To bring these concepts to life, we highlighted brands that are setting the standard for excellence. We analyzed what makes companies like Eureka, Segway, and Govee so successful on the show floor. Their exhibits demonstrate a masterful blend of creative design, clear messaging, and engaging activations.

This segment offers actionable takeaways and practical ideas you can apply to your own program. Creating a memorable, immersive trade show experience is achievable when you focus on strategic planning and flawless execution.

Creating Lasting Impressions: Memorable Activations

Finally, we recounted some of the most memorable booth activations we've ever witnessed. Interactive elements and genuine attendee participation are what elevate an exhibit from a passive display to an active experience. From gamification to hands-on product demos, the goal is to create a moment that sticks with an attendee long after they've left the hall.

This is just the beginning. I invite you to tune in to our first episode and subscribe so you never miss a future conversation. We are incredibly excited to embark on this journey and build a community of professionals dedicated to elevating our industry. Listen now on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Addict, Deezer or watch the full episode on YouTube.