Discover how to turn every conversation into a meaningful connection. In this episode of The Expo Factor, Lee Ali is joined by keynote speaker and founder of Rob’s 10K Friends, Rob Lawless, to explore the art of authentic connection and what 10,000 conversations can teach us about success in business and at events.

Exhibitors and event professionals will learn how to:

• Build genuine, human-centred connections on the show floor
• Move from transactional networking to meaningful relationship building
• Apply storytelling and curiosity to create lasting engagement
• Balance quality and quantity when meeting new prospects
• Stay open to unexpected opportunities that drive long-term success

Whether you’re exhibiting, networking or leading teams, Rob’s insights reveal why human connection is still the most valuable currency in business today.

Learn how to create deeper, more authentic connections that turn chance encounters into lasting professional relationships.

Find out the key takeaways from the episode by visiting our blog: (add)

#BusinessNetworking #TradeShowSuccess #EventEngagement #HumanConnection #ExhibitorStrategy #TheExpoFactor #EventMarketing #RelationshipBuilding #B2BMarketing #NetworkingTips

Discover how to elevate your event from routine to remarkable. In this episode of The Expo Factor Lee Ali is joined by exhibition strategist John Blaskey to reveal actionable engagement strategies and the secrets of designing purposeful attendee journeys.

Exhibitors and event organisers will learn how to:

• Create meaningful, emotion-driven connections with attendees

• Control the attendee experience using the John's Privileged Access Engagement model

• Move beyond sales to strategic marketing at events

• Design structured, impactful attendee journeys that leave lasting impressions

• Maximize post-event follow-up for measurable results

Whether you’re looking to boost engagement or aiming to deliver more value, John’s insights show that the key to event success is intentionality, human connection and thoughtful strategy.

Turn every interaction into a memorable experience and elevate your next event performance.

Find out the key takeaways from the episode by visitng our blog: Engagement Strategy and The Attendee Journey with John Blaskey

#EventMarketing #EventPresence #ExhibitionSuccess #AttendeeEngagement #ExhibitorStrategy #Eventsindustry #HumanConnection #PrivilegedAccessEngagement #B2BMarketing

Trade shows aren’t just about products or pitches, they’re about people. And people make decisions emotionally, not logically.

In this episode of The Expo Factor, Lee Ali speaks with Dr. Dan Hill, author of Emotionomics and one of the world’s leading experts on emotions in business. Together they explore how exhibitors can read and respond to attendee emotions, avoid common mistakes on the show floor, and create meaningful connections that last beyond the event.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why emotions—not logic—drive attendee decisions

• The 7 universal emotions and how to recognize them

• How to avoid triggering fear and build trust instead

• The “WOW factor” that turns curiosity into connection

• Dan’s 3 rules for trade show success: Surprise, Safety, and Hope

If you want to stop “pitching” and start connecting, this episode is your guide to creating emotional impact on the trade show floor.

Learn more about Dan Hill: sensorylogic.com

#TheExpoFactor #Emotionomics #TradeShowSuccess #HumanConnection #EventMarketing #Business

Welcome back to The Expo Factor!

Trade shows are chaotic. Flashing screens, pushy sales reps, and distracted attendees everywhere. How do you break through the noise?

In this episode, Lee Ali talks with Anders Boulanger, founder of Engageify, who shares the neuroscience behind attention and engagement. From the engagement gap to brain chemistry triggers and his SAVEU framework, Anders explains how to spark curiosity, build connection, and turn fleeting moments into meaningful conversations.

🎧 Listen now to discover how neuroscience can transform your trade show results.

Find out more about the episode - The Neuroscience of Attendee Engagement, with Anders BoulangerWatch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/mSY4vK5eF5U

Connect with us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/expostars-interactive-ltd-

#Lifestyle #Science #Tradeshow #Events

Mental Health on the Show Floor: Thriving Under Pressure with Petra Velzeboer | The Expo Factor Podcast Ep. 9

Episode 9 of The Expo Factor Podcast
Why Mental Health Matters in the Events Industry

In this episode, host Lee Ali sits down with leading mental health expert and speaker Petra Velzeboer to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the events and exhibitions industry: stress, burnout, and resilience.

From trade show floors to behind-the-scenes event planning, professionals in this industry face constant high pressure. Petra shares powerful insights and practical strategies to help event organisers, exhibitors, and trade show teams thrive without sacrificing their wellbeing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why emotional regulation is the ultimate event professional skill

• How to prevent burnout by releasing stored stress

• The importance of psychological safety and team backup

• Why knowing your personal recovery style boosts performance

• How leaders can support staff with flexibility and empathy

Whether you’re an event manager, trade show organiser, exhibitor, or event marketer, this episode will give you actionable tools to protect your mental health and build stronger, more resilient teams.

Key Quote from Petra: “Stress is not the enemy. Ignoring it is.”

Don’t miss this essential conversation for anyone working in events, exhibitions, and trade shows.

Find out more about the episode here - Mental Health Strategies for Thriving at Trade Shows

In Episode 8 of The Expo Factor, Lee Ali welcomes transformation strategist Daphne S. Leger to explore a topic that sits at the heart of every exhibition, organisation and team performance. Change.

With decades of experience leading people-first change initiatives across global companies, Daphne brings deep insight into how culture and leadership influence everything. From how your people show up on the show floor to how your business grows in a fast-moving world. With experience training over 10,000 leaders across 15 countries, Daphne brings deep expertise in the field of change – she’s not just talking theory, she’s lived it.

This episode is not about minor tweaks; it is about stepping back and asking the hard questions.

Are we really using change in the right way?

Find out more about the episode at Driving Change. Where It Matters: People, Culture, and the Show Floor

Read Daphne's latest book all about change! https://www.thefutureproof.life/

In episode 7 of The Expo Factor, Lee Ali sits down with Deanna Krause, a global authority on booth staff performance and motivational leadership. With over 20 years immersed in the live events industry, Deanna reveals the game-changing secret to exhibition ROI: your people.

Forget flashy stands or giveaway swag, Deanna makes a compelling case that engaged, well-trained booth staff are your biggest untapped asset. Discover practical strategies for briefing, real-time leadership, and mindset shifts that turn your team into a powerhouse of authentic connection and sales success.

Whether you’re launching your first show or leading a seasoned program, this episode delivers must-hear insights for marketing leaders, sales teams, and event pros looking to maximize impact and create unforgettable brand experiences.

Find out more about the episode here How to build a high performance booth teamConnect with us on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest episodes, plus helpful tips and insights to improve your business.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/expostars-interactive-ltd-

#TradeShows #BoothTeam #TeamBuilding #Leadership

In Episode 6 of The Expo Factor, Lee Ali chats with Adam Parry, editor of Event Industry News and co-founder of Event Tech Live, about the evolving role of technology in exhibitions.

Is tech helping or hurting human connection on the show floor?

From AI to exhibitor engagement, Adam shares real-world insights, pet peeves, and a sneak peek at his new venture, SpeakerStacks. A must-listen for anyone in the events world.Find out more

https://expostars.com/theexpofactor-episode6-iseventtechenhancingorhinderinghumanconnection/

Get in touch https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeali5/

#InternationalExhibitions #Networking #TradeShows #Technology #EventTech #TheExpoFactor #ExpoStars #Entrepreneur