Trade Show Insights

Marlys K. Arnold: Exhibit Marketing Consultant, Trainer & Author
  • 3.8 (5)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or headed to your first expo, Trade Show Insights helps you navigate the evolving landscape of exhibit marketing to maximize your impact. Host Marlys Arnold and her expert guests tackle current challenges and offer actionable advice to enhance your trade show success. This long-running series (since 2006) is the go-to resource for both show organizers and exhibitors to create memorable experiences that resonate with attendees. For over two decades, Marlys has advised thousands of exhibitors in consultations and workshops for events ranging from local consumer expos to major U.S. trade shows. She’s even written two books on the subject: Build a Better Trade Show Image and Exhibit Design That Works. She’s also the creative mastermind behind the Exhibit Marketers Café, an online hub for learning.

  1. JAN 28

    Trade Show Insights 20th Anniversary - TSI21.1

    Trade Show Insights is turning 20 and you're invited to join the celebration! Our live event featured: 00:00 - Intro & History of Trade Show Insights 04:35 - 1st Episode & Mission of TSI 07:55 - Getting in a Groove & 1st Guest 10:01 - Life Has Changed … but Topics Haven’t 11:55 - Questions from the Panel 17:51 - Topics Over the Years 23:11 - Top 10 Episodes 34:06 - Ideas for Topics & Questions About Books 36:19 - TSI Around the World 37:55 - Favorite Episodes 42:56 - Thanks & Season 20 Action Guide

    48 min

  2. 12/18/2025

    Stop Dazzling. Start Connecting. - TSI20.12

    “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.

    7 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    Master the Art of In-Booth Conversation - TSI20.11

    Ever 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 EquityStop being afraid of the pauseInterrupt with intention and finesseUse key phrases to deal with chronic interruptersGracefully wrap up conversations with attendees

    36 min

  4. 10/30/2025

    From Cranberry Fields to Trade Show Floors: Lessons from a Road Trip - TSI20.10

    My husband and 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. And of course as a trade show & event professional, I couldn’t help but notice a few lessons along the way.

    6 min

  5. 09/29/2025

    Partnerships Over Placements: Sponsorships That Drive Results - TSI20.9

    It’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: Understand why you need to choose opportunities that truly match your objectives – whether that’s lead generation, awareness, or thought leadership.Creative Solutions & Real Examples: From white-glove airport pickups to curated VIP dinners, you’ll be inspired with inventive sponsorship activations that build relationships (not just impressions).Make Sponsorships Work Year-Round: Find out how sponsors can remain engaged and visible beyond the main event, with ideas like an educational series, small group dinners, and more. Plus ... Wendy and I are introducing our new partnership offering a full range of support – from auditing your current sponsorship program with Your Sponsorship Map to hands-on white-glove activations with SponsorLink.

    29 min

  6. 08/28/2025

    Success Strategies for Organizers + Exhibitors: A Shared Playbook - TSI20.8

    This 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, we've got 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.

    8 min

  7. 07/29/2025

    Trade Show Website Fixes: What Exhibitors & Attendees Really Want - TSI20.7

    If 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.

    7 min

  8. 06/25/2025

    The Challenge of Using Salespeople as Booth Staff - TSI20.6

    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 at what they do can often create a challenge in the trade show environment. Here are specific steps you can take to overcome this situation.

    6 min
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3.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or headed to your first expo, Trade Show Insights helps you navigate the evolving landscape of exhibit marketing to maximize your impact. Host Marlys Arnold and her expert guests tackle current challenges and offer actionable advice to enhance your trade show success. This long-running series (since 2006) is the go-to resource for both show organizers and exhibitors to create memorable experiences that resonate with attendees. For over two decades, Marlys has advised thousands of exhibitors in consultations and workshops for events ranging from local consumer expos to major U.S. trade shows. She’s even written two books on the subject: Build a Better Trade Show Image and Exhibit Design That Works. She’s also the creative mastermind behind the Exhibit Marketers Café, an online hub for learning.

Information

  • Creator
    Marlys K. Arnold: Exhibit Marketing Consultant, Trainer & Author
  • Years Active
    2010 - 2026
  • Episodes
    173
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2006-2026 Marlys K. Arnold
  • Show Website
    Trade Show Insights