Episode 127: Are Big Trade Shows Still Worth It For Lodge Owners

The floor may be buzzing, but the best trade show wins often happen in quiet moments—over a handshake, a shared story, or a thoughtful follow-up that arrives right when someone is ready to book. We open up about the early missteps, the pressure to sell fast, and why we chose a different path built on trust, clear expectations, and experiences we could control.

Rather than pushing deposits, we focused on unique selling points that never go out of style: great food with a sit-down lunch, comfortable cabins, and an atmosphere guests wanted to return to. We dig into the tools that turned browsers into warm leads—simple giveaways with clean consent, consistent emails that deliver value, and visual storytelling that works even when you step out of the booth. If you’ve ever wondered whether a packed bookings book is real or just theatre, you’ll appreciate our commitment to underpromise and overdeliver, which kept satisfaction high and repeat visits strong.

The real multiplier came from networking. We share how meeting TV hosts, writers, tournament anglers, and tourism leaders led to televised visits that filled calendars and boosted search visibility. Saying yes to last-minute media, then delivering a flawless stay, paid off far more than squeezing a few walk-up deposits. We also cover the operational side: aligning staff language, avoiding costly mixed messages, and building a simple follow-up system so promising conversations don’t go cold. If you’re a lodge owner, outfitter, or small tourism operator weighing show costs against digital marketing, this story gives you a practical blueprint for turning trade shows into relationship engines that pay off all year.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s prepping for trade show season, and leave a quick review with your best booth tip—we’d love to learn what works for you.