Best Practices · Increase Results & ROI
Trade Show Tips
Practical, no-cost advice from trade show expert Michael Flavin to help you plan smarter, spend wiser and get more out of every show.
Why I’m here
My Purpose
If you’re like many trade show exhibitors, you have too much to do and not enough time to do it. They never move the trade show date or time; the show must go on. The most successful exhibitors will figure out how to manage their time best to accomplish higher results.
If you want to learn more about trade shows, do more and accomplish more at your trade shows, you’re in the right place. I created TradeShowTips.com to share the best and most helpful trade show information I can find, from my own experience and from other trade show pros, at no cost.
Meet Michael
About Michael
I’m Michael Flavin. I started in the trade show industry in 2006, and since then I’ve worked with hundreds of companies of all sizes, across many industries. I’ve hosted trade show webinars, trained booth staff to start better conversations, and served as President of the Business Marketing Association’s St. Louis chapter. This site is where I share what works, and the mistakes to skip.
Latest tips
From the blog
Pre-Show Emails That Actually Book Booth Meetings (With Templates)
Send three or four short emails over the six weeks before the show: a save-the-date with your booth number, a reason to stop by, a specific meeting...
How to Choose Which Trade Shows to Exhibit at in 2027
To choose which trade shows to exhibit at in 2027, score each one on audience fit, full cost, timing and proof. Ask who actually attends, check last...
Cut Energy Costs At Tradeshows
Why would it matter? There are several benefits. Save money. Be a good corporate citizen and reduce your carbon footprint.…
Topics
Everything you need for a better show
Eight areas every exhibitor has to get right. Pick a topic to find the tips that matter for the show you’re working on now.
Planning & Objectives
Set clear goals, pick the right shows and build a timeline that keeps you ahead of every deadline.
Budgeting
Understand where the money goes, cut waste and treat every dollar as an investment in results.
Booth Design & Graphics
Booth design, exhibits, lighting and graphics that stop people in the aisle and tell your story in seconds.
Staffing
Choose, train and coach a booth team that starts conversations and qualifies leads.
Marketing
Pre-show promotion and in-booth engagement that bring the right people to your booth.
Measurement
Set the right goals, track ROI and ROO, and show your executives what every show is worth.
Logistics
Keep shipping, drayage, install & dismantle and show services on schedule and on budget.
Lead Follow-Up
Capture, qualify and follow up fast, so the leads you worked for turn into customers.
Convention center guides
Know the venue before you ship the booth
City-by-city guides to the convention centers where exhibitors spend the most time — floor space, local labor rules and how to get there. Now covering eight cities, including my hometown, St. Louis.
Chicago: McCormick Place & More
McCormick Place, Rosemont and Navy Pier, plus Chicago’s labor rules and EACs.
Orlando: OCCC & Resort Hotels
The Orange County Convention Center and Orlando’s big resort convention hotels.
Las Vegas: LVCC & the Strip
The LVCC, Venetian Expo, Mandalay Bay and Caesars Forum, plus Vegas labor rules and EACs.
Get in touch
Have a trade show question?
Tell me what you’re working on. I’ll point you to the right tips, or write a new one.