In Part 2 of this insightful conversation, host Jeff Hannah continues his discussion with Laura Palker, President of the Exhibitions & Events Workforce Development Federation and a Top 100 Most Influential People in the Industry (Eventex Awards) honoree.

They explore how the trade show industry is gaining recognition through the modernized National Career Cluster Framework, making careers in exhibitions more visible in schools and workforce development programs. Laura shares updates on O*NET & NAICS codes, the Career Fair in a Box initiative, and the growing role of apprenticeships and veteran outreach in attracting new talent.

Jeff and Laura also discuss the Trade Show Basics training course, its successful launch in Atlanta, and its expansion to more cities. They emphasize why industry leaders must invest in training and advocacy to secure the next generation of trade show professionals.

Some key points from this episode:

· The impact of trade show careers being added to career cluster frameworks

· The push for industry-wide workforce development and apprenticeships

· How Trade Show Basics is helping train newcomers

Jeff and Laura also discuss the important launch of Jeff's new Trade Show Basics course, which is designed to support newcomers to the industry.

Laura Palker is the CEO of the Trade Show Solution Center, and a Top 100 Most Influential People in the Industry (Eventex Awards) honoree.

This episode was recorded at the amazing ET Global USA Headquarters in Suwanee, Georgia.

Part 1 of my interview with Laura.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapalker/

Website: https://ee-wdf.org/

Website: http://www.tssolutioncenter.com

www.globalexhibitor.com

In this first episode, host Jeff Hannah sits down with Laura Palker, President of the Exhibitions & Events Workforce Development Federation, to discuss the critical challenges facing the trade show industry today. They explore the massive workforce shift post-COVID, the impact of the "Silver Resignation", and the need for skilled workforce development.

Laura shares insights into the ongoing efforts to secure industry recognition through O*NET and NAICS codes, the importance of apprenticeship programs, and how industry associations must work together to secure the future of exhibitions and events. If you're passionate about the future of trade shows and workforce development, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Some key points from this episode:

· The trade show workforce before and after COVID

· The urgent need for industry coding and classification

· How apprenticeship programs can fill the skills gap

· Collaboration between trade show industry associations

Jeff and Laura also discuss the important launch of Jeff's new Trade Show Basics course, which is designed to support newcomers to the industry.

Laura Palker is the CEO of the Trade Show Solution Center, and a Top 100 Most Influential People in the Industry (Eventex Awards) honoree.

This episode was recorded at the amazing ET Global USA Headquarters in Suwanee, Georgia.

Part 2 of my interview with Laura.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapalker/

Website: https://ee-wdf.org/

Website: http://www.tssolutioncenter.com

www.globalexhibitor.com

In this third episode, Jeff Hannah welcomes Pat Alacqua back for a rare look into his ventures since selling Nth Degree. Pat reflects on leadership and his vision for the future. Pat shares how perseverance, determination, and resilience have fueled his successes, including his role in business turnarounds and his recent endeavors.

Pat discusses purchasing a local sports complex and transforming it into a national brand through innovative processes for player development, training, and an event model. He talks about his "3C's Process for Faster Growth," as well as his upcoming book, Obstacles to Opportunity: Transforming Business Challenges Into Triumphs. Pat also reveals plans for an online membership platform offering daily tips on professional growth and business building - and highlights his collaboration with Jane Gentry on the "Optimum Value Blueprint" for the trade show industry.

Jeff and Pat explore the concept of legacy, with Pat reflecting on his desire to create a "ripple effect" by inspiring and sharing wisdom to help others grow. Pat emphasizes that success is not only about personal achievements but about enabling others to thrive.

The conversation shifts to collaboration, including the importance of working with competitors for the greater good of an industry. Pat reflects on identifying common interests and fostering partnerships that drive collective success.

When asked about the future of the trade show industry, Pat highlights the importance of shifting the “industry DNA” from a focus on individual performance to building high-performing teams. He emphasizes scaling businesses through coaching, mentoring, and empowering others, redefining success as team growth and achievement.

Jeff and Pat conclude by discussing the launch of Jeff's new Trade Show Basics course, which is designed to support newcomers to the industry. This episode is rich with lessons on leadership, growth, and the power of collaboration.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patalacqua/

Website: https://www.patalacqua.com/

www.globalexhibitor.com

In this second episode, Jeff Hannah delves into Pat Alacqua’s journey as a leader and entrepreneur, exploring the emotional and strategic dynamics of building and eventually selling Nth Degree. In this rare interview, Pat Alacqua also candidly reflects on the toll of seeing valued team members move-on over time – a natural yet bittersweet reality of leading a fast-growing business in a thriving industry where the demand for trained and skilled professionals constantly grows.

Pat discusses the complexities of growth, including the decision to hire people from outside the trade show industry to drive transformation and innovation. Jeff emphasizes the importance of a rigorous hiring process, which included assessments supported by an industrial psychologist to ensure alignment with the company’s values and culture – an approach that was uncommon for entrepreneurial companies at the time. Pat also shares his philosophy on hiring and leading great people, underscoring the value of surrounding oneself with individuals who bring diverse mindsets and perspectives to the table.

A lifelong learner, Pat reflects on how leadership is more about asking the right questions than it is about having all the right answers. He shares how continuous learning has shaped his approach to influence—building alignment, securing support, and inspiring others—all of which require patience and intentionality.

Pat also opens up about some of his greatest life challenges, the lessons they taught him, and how mentorship has been a cornerstone of his career. He passionately believes in "paying it forward" by mentoring and guiding others, and he credits much of his own success to those who mentored him along the way.

Jeff also asks about Pat’s decision to sell Nth Degree, his perspective on that decision, and his broader view on defining success. Pat talks about how growth is not just about transforming a company but about how it also transforms the people involved in that journey. He reflects on how rare and fulfilling it is to build a business with a continuous growth trajectory.

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, learning, and the power of mentorship, offering listeners valuable lessons from Pat’s remarkable career.

Stay tuned for more insights in Episode 3.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patalacqua/

Website: https://www.patalacqua.com/

www.globalexhibitor.com

In this first episode of the three-part series, Jeff Hannah conducts a rare interview with Pat Alacqua, co-founder of Nth Degree, exploring the foundational strategies and challenges that defined the company’s early days. Beyond co-founding Nth Degree, Pat has built multiple successful businesses across other industries and continues to collaborate with business leaders through his consulting services and online leadership and business growth tools, guiding them through challenges to achieve sustained growth. Together, they reflect on how the trade show industry has evolved, Nth Degree’s innovative approach to building a labor management company, and the critical importance of training and education in shaping their team and culture.

Pat shares how Nth Degree carved out its niche in the industry by focusing on differentiation, emphasizing core values like education, training, and exceptional customer service. He explains how they anticipated customer needs and proactively solved problems to set themselves apart in a fast-growing competitive landscape. Pat reflects on the high levels of risk involved in starting Nth Degree and scaling it to handle increasingly large and complex projects.

Listeners will gain insight into the legendary antitrust legal case in Dallas, Texas, where Nth Degree and its partners faced significant challenges. Although the directed verdict was not in their favor, over time they won in the court of public opinion, ultimately changing the direction of the trade show industry. This led to the development of new industry categories like "independent labor contractors," which are now commonly referred to across the industry as "exhibitor appointed contractors" (EACs).

This episode also highlights how Nth Degree developed industry practices and terminology still in use today, such as "leadmen" and "floor managers." They recognized the need for robust systems and processes to effectively manage rapid growth and scale the company without sacrificing quality or service. Pat’s reflections provide valuable lessons on leadership, perseverance, and innovation in a dynamic industry. Drawing on his extensive career experience, Pat also shares actionable insights to help business leaders overcome challenges and scale their companies successfully.

Stay tuned for more insights in Episodes 2 and 3 of the three-part series as Jeff and Pat continue to explore the challenges and triumphs that shaped Nth Degree and the trade show industry at large.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patalacqua/

Website: https://www.patalacqua.com/

www.globalexhibitor.com

In Part 2 of this two-part interview, host Jeff Hannah talks with trade show strategist Jessica Turnbull of The Exhibit Company in Australia, during EXHIBITORLIVE 2024.

Continuing our enlightening conversation with Jess Turnbull, we delve deeper into the world of exhibitions and client engagement in Australia.

In this episode, you will join us for a conversation about:

• Insights garnered from advising and training clients on maximising returns
• The more selective approach to hospitality for trade shows in Australia
• How to maximize opportunities on the show floor
• Strategies and tactics that define successful exhibition experiences
• Gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of trade shows in Australia

The Exhibit Company is an international custom exhibit agency, headquartered in New South Wales, Australia. They are uniquely positioned to work with brands for shows all across Australia. Their unique approach is based on strategy, creative design solutions, and solid project management. The Exhibit Company is not simply focused on providing an exhibit. Their holistic approach encompasses pre-show promotional activities, determining and tracking ROI, lead tracking & management, and booth staff training, among many other services.

To learn more from Jess, please listen to Part 1 of this interview.

This interview was recorded live at the amazing Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee with host Jeff Hannah.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-turnbull-32556950/

Website: www.theexhibitcompany.com.au

In Part 1 of this two-part interview, host Jeff Hannah talks with trade show strategist Jessica Turnbull of The Exhibit Company in Australia, during EXHIBITORLIVE 2024.

During this conversation, Jess shared insights into her journey, having co-founded The Exhibit Company with her stepfather, Chris Lamb some years ago. Their approach to the business is truly distinctive, placing strategy at the forefront – followed by outstanding design. Their forward-thinking mindset has positioned them ahead of the curve, consistently delivering clear value to their clients.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The significance of a holistic approach to maximize opportunities on the show floor
• The shifting landscape of exhibitions in the Post-COVID era and why face-to-face interactions are here to stay
• The current attendee profile at trade shows and what this means for how you exhibit

This conversation with Jessica Turnbull provides invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of exhibitions and the importance of strategic thinking in producing impactful experiences, with more to come in Part 2.

The Exhibit Company is an international custom exhibit agency, headquartered in New South Wales, Australia. They are uniquely positioned to work with brands for shows all across Australia. Their unique approach is based on strategy, creative design solutions, and solid project management. The Exhibit Company is not simply focused on providing an exhibit. Their holistic approach encompasses pre-show promotional activities, determining and tracking ROI, lead tracking & management, and booth staff training, among many other services.

This interview was recorded live at the amazing Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee with host Jeff Hannah.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-turnbull-32556950/

Email: jess@theexhibitcompany.com.au

Website: www.theexhibitcompany.com.au