Trade Show Strategy That Works: Before, During, and After the Show

Trade shows can be one of the most powerful growth tools in your business or an exhausting expense with little return. The difference is having a clear plan before, during, and after the show. This week on 2 Regular Guys, we welcome back Angie Meese, sales consultant for UxPrint and the creative force behind That Shirt Shack. Angie shares practical strategies for preparing before the doors open, staying intentional on a busy show floor, and following up in ways that turn conversations into real, long-term relationships. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/p8IzatRF02I Dad Joke Terry: Did you know I had a job interview at UPS? I apologized for being late because I went to the wrong address, and they made me a regional manager. Trade Show Strategy That Works Terry: Welcome back. Before we dive into trade show strategies, remind our listeners about you and your story in the industry. Aaron: When you are evaluating a trade show, what are the key signs that tell you this one is worth your time and investment? Terry: What does strong pre-show preparation actually look like, and what are most people skipping that hurts them before the show even starts? Aaron: You have worked shows from multiple sides of the industry. How does your approach change when you are selling versus when you are building long-term relationships? Terry: What are the must-have tools, materials, or systems you bring with you to every show that make your life easier afterward? Aaron: How do you use social media before and after a trade show to extend the life of the event beyond the show floor? Terry: Looking back, what is one lesson from an early trade show experience that still shapes how you approach events today? Aaron: What does effective post-show follow-up look like after an event? Terry: Anything we missed today that could help people at an upcoming show? The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/3XHYyd5TjBY OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026 The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% Off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with APAS and DTF Superstore Trade Shows Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 22-24, 2026 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 20-21, 2026 ASI Show Forth Worth, TX – March 9-11, 2026 Graphics Pro Expo, Irving, TX – March 12-14, 2026 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 26-28, 2026 DAX Dayton, OH – April 24-25, 2026 DAX Chicago, IL – May 15-16, 2026 DAX Tampa, FL – May 29-30, 2026 DAX Nashville, TN – June 19-20, 2026 ASI Show Chicago, IL – July 21-23, 2026 DAX Twin Cities, MN – August 7-8, 2026 Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA – August 13-15, 2026 Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026All dates and events are subject to change