S7, E12 3 Powerful Ways to Amplify Your Brand Presence at a Trade Show—With or Without an Exhibit | Featuring Nicole Lashae Ben

Trade shows have been a game-changer for brands looking to gain visibility, build strategic partnerships, and drive sales—but standing out in a sea of exhibitors requires more than just showing up. To make a lasting impact, you have to be strategic in how you network, market, and follow up. Planning your approach before the event, focusing on creating memorable interactions during it, and maximizing post-show follow-ups are essential steps in your strategy. By approaching trade shows with intention and a clear plan, you can transform a single event into a powerful catalyst for long-term business growth. Whether you have a booth or not, success lies in your ability to differentiate your brand, create meaningful connections, and convert those connections into lasting relationships. In this solo episode, your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, shares powerful strategies to help you amplify your brand presence and make the most of trade shows—whether you have a booth or not. Listen and get valuable insights on how to make your next trade show experience more impactful by leveraging strategic networking, creative marketing tactics, and effective follow-up techniques.   Tune in now!   Key Highlights from the Episode: [00:01] Intro & what in for you in today’s show [03:52] A very special announcement: Speaking at NeoCon 2025  [06:53] Three key reasons to attend a trade show [08:53] Three ways to thrive in a trade show without a booth [09:14] 1# Leveraging strategic networking before and during the trade shows   [18:21] 2# Creating Buzz with gorilla marketing and thought leadership  [24:36] 3# Maximizing followup in post-show engagement  [30:06] Additional strategies that Nicole does for her clients  [31:00] Quick recap: Three ways to thrive at a trade show [31:50] Wrap-up and end of the show Notable Quotes:  Don’t spend $10-20 on exhibiting at a trade show without knowing if you will have a return on investment.   Trade shows allow visibility, strategic networking, and creative engagement. Being more strategic is thinking about how you will network before and after the event. Organize your leads immediately after the event, don’t wait weeks to follow up; strike while the event is still hot. The key to follow-up is not only about remaining connected but also being the brand that offers value. Resources Mentioned  How To Use Gorilla Marketing S6E5: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s6-e5-how-to-use-guerilla-marketing-to-maximize-your/id1596367503?i=1000665443416 Let’s Connect: Learn more about Thrive In Design:  Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/   Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/   Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.   Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog