Episode 268

UK vs US Trade Shows: What Exhibitors NEED to Know Before Going Overseas!

Are all trade shows created equal? Absolutely not β€” especially when crossing the Atlantic! In this episode, host Jim Cermak welcomes Andy Hickinbotham from Tecna UK to dive deep into the key differences between trade shows in the UK and the US. From logistics and booth design to attendee engagement and lead generation, Andy provides a masterclass for first-time international exhibitors looking to maximize ROI β€” and have fun doing it!

Whether you're planning your first UK event or looking to fine-tune your global strategy, this conversation will give you valuable tools, tips, and tactics to succeed.

πŸ’‘ What You’ll Learn:

βœ… The biggest misconceptions US exhibitors have about UK trade shows

βœ… How exhibiting in the UK can be simpler and more efficient

βœ… Design and psychology: why UK stands often focus on experience, not just spectacle

βœ… Lead capture & engagement tools that are common (and effective!) in the UK

βœ… Key differences in drayage, shipping, and setup

βœ… Why hospitality, touchpoints, and gamification matter more than ever

βœ… How to prepare your team: training, strategy, and pre-show alignment

βœ… Using heat mapping and analytics to improve booth performance

βœ… The rising importance of sustainability and carbon tracking in UK events

βœ… Tips for working with local brand ambassadors to connect with UK audiences

Contact Andy Hickinbotham:

πŸ“§ Email: andy@teamtecna.com

πŸ”— Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-hickinbotham-07893744/

🌐 Visit Tecna’s Website: www.teamtecna.com


Connect with Jim Cermak:

πŸ“§ Email: jim@tradeshowu.biz

πŸ”— Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcermak/

🌐 Visit Trade Show University's Website: www.tradeshowu.biz

🌐 Grab our exclusive GOAL SETTING for Trade Shows Course - Small Businesses just $59! https://trade-show-university.trainercentralsite.com/Courses

πŸ”— Schedule a Free Brainstorming Discovery Call: www.calendly.com/tradeshowu

About the Podcast

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Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events
Value-packed resource for Trade Show exhibitors & producers, and those who run Virtual Events & Webinars. With our passion for shows, we'll help you Get your PhD in ROI.

About your host

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Jim Cermak

Jim Cermak - Trade Show Trainer, Podcast Host & Founder of Trade Show University - has over 30 years of marketing, coaching and training experience. Plus he has planned, exhibited and attended hundreds of trade shows. He knows how to get businesses More Leads, More Sales and Better ROI at their shows, conferences and events. Go grab a spot on his calendar to see what he can do for you: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu