📖 The trade show playbook is being rewritten.

In this episode, Steve Prahalis, COO of SME, joins James Soto and Virginia Roberson to discuss how trade shows are evolving to meet the needs of diverse, modern audiences. From strategic partnerships to hybrid models and tailored attendee experiences, Steve shares insights to help trade show organizers, exhibitors, and marketers adapt and thrive.

🎧 Topics include:

• The rise of vertical marketing for targeted engagement
• Demographic shifts reshaping trade shows
• How hybrid models enhance ROI for exhibitors and attendees
• The importance of proactive strategies to stay ahead

👉 Learn actionable insights to elevate your trade show strategy.

Links Mentioned:

• SME Website: https://www.sme.org
• Steve’s LinkedIn: Steve Prahalis

About the Show:

The Industrial Strength Marketing Show is a top manufacturing podcast that explores the personalities, cutting-edge strategies, tools, and technologies transforming the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Each episode, hosted by James Soto, covers marketing, sales, business development, and integrating martech and AI into industrial B2B strategies. Tune in to gain actionable insights to help you stay ahead in the industry.

Let’s connect:

• Visit the podcast homepage
• Tweet us at @Industrialsays, @jamessotoism
• Follow James Soto on LinkedIn
• Email us at podcast@Industrialstrengthmarketing.com
• Subcribe to the YouTube channel

In this episode, we talk with Ed Youdell, President and CEO of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA), about how trade shows, marketing, data strategies, and automation are transforming the metal fabrication industry. Ed shares insights on the role of first-party data, workforce development, and the future of manufacturing with automation and robotics.

Discover how FMA, a key organization behind FABTECH, continues to drive innovation in manufacturing and foster workforce development initiatives like Manufacturing Day, all while adapting to the evolving needs of the industry.

Articles and resources referenced in this episode:

• FMA’s Official Website
• FABTECH Expo Website
• Connect with Ed Youdell on LinkedIn
• Check out Industrial Strength Marketing

Join us on the show:

Have you enjoyed this episode? We'd greatly appreciate your review! Even a simple word of encouragement fuels our momentum and inspires us.

Are you looking to share your expertise with industrial marketers, influencers, and leaders? Apply to be a guest on the show and help shape the future of industrial marketing.

About the Show:

The Industrial Strength Marketing Show is a top manufacturing podcast that explores the personalities, cutting-edge strategies, tools, and technologies transforming the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Each episode, hosted by James Soto, covers marketing, sales, business development, and integrating martech and AI into industrial B2B strategies. Tune in to gain actionable insights to help you stay ahead in the industry.

Let’s connect:

• Visit the podcast homepage
• Tweet us at @Industrialsays, @jamessotoism
• Follow James Soto on LinkedIn
• Email us at podcast@Industrialstrengthmarketing.com
• Subcribe to the YouTube channel

In this episode of the Industrial Strength Marketing podcast, we’re joined by Greg Jones from SME, a leader in integrating education with industry needs. Greg discusses how trade shows like IMTS are evolving into crucial venues for workforce development, focusing on how these events are transforming recruitment and engagement in the manufacturing industry. This episode is a must-listen for talent-focused marketers and manufacturing recruiters aiming to stay ahead in an ever-changing landscape.

Articles and resources referenced in this episode:

• IMTS Official Website
• SME - Society of Manufacturing Engineers
• Connect with Greg Jones on LinkedIn

Join us on the show:

Did you enjoy this episode? We'd greatly appreciate your review! Your feedback fuels our momentum and inspires us.

Interested in sharing your expertise with industrial marketers, influencers, and leaders? Apply to be a guest on the show.

About the Show:

The Industrial Strength Marketing Show is a top manufacturing podcast that explores the personalities, cutting-edge strategies, tools, and technologies transforming the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Each episode, hosted by James Soto, covers marketing, sales, business development, and integrating martech and AI into industrial B2B strategies. Tune in to gain actionable insights to help you stay ahead in the industry.

Let’s connect:

• Visit the podcast homepage
• Tweet us at @Industrialsays, @jamessotoism
• Follow James Soto on LinkedIn
• Email us at podcast@Industrialstrengthmarketing.com
• Subcribe to the YouTube channel