Expert Advice & Insights for Trade Show Professionals

Our podcast offers actionable advice for optimizing client and peer relationships.
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Chris and Khalil candidly discuss the hidden dangers of chasing big projects (“whales”) without considering operational capacity and cash flow reality.

Chris Griffin shares proven methods for identifying and pursuing the “next 10” target accounts, using industry-savvy observation, research, and intentional outreach rather than random prospecting.

Chris & Khalil unpack practical revenue growth planning, focusing on how agencies can intentionally identify where their next million dollars will come from.

Chris and Khalil examine actionable risk management strategies for businesses caught in the crosshairs of political instability.

Chris & Khalil dive into how the October 2025 government shutdown and Congress’s ongoing budget deadlock create ripples of risk for exhibit houses, trade show contractors, and experiential agency leaders.

Chris and Khalil dissect why traditional LinkedIn tactics fail and share specific strategies for authentic engagement that generates qualified opportunities.

How exhibit sales evolved from selling portable displays to providing strategic consulting services that command premium pricing. Chris traces the transformation of the trade show industry, revealing how smart sales professionals adapted at each stage to capture massive growth opportunities.

Trade show sales professionals are facing a crisis: the old playbook of 600 cold calls to land 2 appointments no longer works. In this revealing conversation, Chris Griffin and Khalil Benalioulhaj break down how exhibit sales has transformed from straight commission cold calling to strategic relationship building.

Attracting qualified trade show attendees requires proactive strategies beyond hoping foot traffic finds you - discover concrete tactics that consistently drive booth engagement.

Strategic sponsorship opportunities can extend your trade show impact far beyond booth boundaries - learn how experiential professionals evaluate options that deliver real value.

Selecting and preparing trade show staff remains one of the least asked yet most critical questions in exhibition strategy - discover why this oversight costs exhibitors millions in missed opportunities.

Creating a realistic trade show budget requires more than copying last year's numbers - discover the strategic approach industry veterans use to align spending with outcomes.

What would happen if your business doubled overnight? In this insightful discussion, Chris Griffin and Khalil Benalioulhaj explore the challenges of rapid growth—from scaling teams and embracing technology to maintaining company culture and managing cash flow.

What’s the one number every business owner should track each week? In this insightful conversation, Chris Griffin & Khalil Benalioulhaj discuss the key metrics that drive business success, from gross margin to cash flow and beyond.

What’s the real reason you’re in business? In this candid conversation, Chris Griffin and Khalil Benalioulhaj dive into the true purpose behind entrepreneurship—beyond just making money.

Chris and Michael McMahon break down two thinking styles—those who speak to process and those who process before speaking—and how this impacts meetings, leadership, and team structure.

Chris and guest Michael McMahon discuss how different thinking styles show up in meetings—some people process out loud, others need time. They share how to set up conversations so both types can participate.

Chris and Michael McMahon talk about how people process ideas differently—some talk to think, others think before they talk—and what that means for leadership, meetings, and team communication.

Chris shares what a true five-star experience looks like for clients—going beyond deliverables to anticipate needs, handle details, and leave nothing to chance.

Chris breaks down how today’s buyers show up informed and why businesses need to match that behavior to build trust.

Chris shares stories about what really drives buying decisions. It’s not just the product—it’s the experience and how it makes people feel.

Chris reflects on what it means to be the main character in your own story, how everyday actions shape that story, and why the impact you have on others matters more than titles or achievements.

Chris shares a story about a business owner who left a lasting impact by showing up for others. He reflects on what it means to be remembered and how small actions define our legacy.

Chris talks about writing your own professional obituary, the legacy you leave behind, and how everyday actions shape how others remember you.

Chris breaks down how to manage cash flow during slow periods, reduce fixed costs, use reserves instead of credit, and plan ahead to avoid financial strain when business picks up again.

Chris goes over practical ways to manage seasonal slowdowns, from building cash reserves and securing credit lines to improving internal operations and targeting busy industries during quiet months.

Chris talks about how small and midsize businesses can manage seasonal slowdowns in the trade show industry. He goes over signs of financial pressure, ways to prepare throughout the year, and how to reduce costs or find temporary work during slow months.

Chris shares tips for navigating international travel, including how to handle layovers, customs, and security.

Chris discusses what to expect when going through US Customs and Border Patrol, emphasizing the importance of being prepared with the right documents.

Chris talks about the basic travel requirements for international visitors attending trade shows in the US.

Chris explains why trade show booths need a clear purpose and strong staff execution.

Chris talks about why trade show booths often fall flat—usually because there’s no clear goal or direction.

Chris breaks down what it actually means for a trade show booth to “have a job.”

Chris shares how to find the right exhibit house when you're ready to buy a trade show booth.

Chris explains why renting a trade show booth can be a smart alternative to buying.

Chris breaks down what it really costs to own a trade show exhibit.

Chris talks about who should be working the booth during a trade show.

Chris explains what exhibitors often miss when planning for a trade show.

Chris breaks down why a trade show booth should be treated like a temporary branch office.

Chris outlines how he forecasts growth by reviewing existing clients, new opportunities, and market trends.

Chris breaks down how his team analyzes their top 20 customers each year to forecast realistic growth

Chris explains how he sets up profit sharing in his company, how expenses tie directly to net profit, and why every employee has a stake in managing costs.