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Rising Tides Live: Trade Shows and Conferences

In This Episode

Interview Takeaways

  • Preparation Defines Success – The best trade show experiences start before you even step on the floor. Research the speaker lineup, set reminders for key sessions, and engage with attendees on LinkedIn ahead of time. Knowing who you want to meet and why ensures every interaction is intentional.
  • Show Up With Purpose – Walking the floor aimlessly or sticking with familiar faces won’t drive results. Prioritize attending sessions where your target connections are speaking, engage in meaningful conversations, and avoid the trap of staying in your comfort zone. Trade shows are about making new connections, not just reinforcing old ones.
  • Follow-Up is the Long Game – Trade show connections don’t turn into business overnight. Many operators get overwhelmed with post-show outreach, so persistence matters. Continue engaging on social media, reinforce the relationship through thoughtful follow-ups, and play the long game—success comes from consistency, not a single conversation.

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation dives into the high-stakes world of industry trade shows and strategic networking. Featured guests Laura Wilber, Restaurant Guest Acquisition & Retention Expert with Dinova, and Mark Hatch, VP of Trade Relations and Events at Informa, share their insights on how to maximize opportunities at conferences, build meaningful connections, and create lasting business impact. Laura and Mark join host Shawn Walchef to explore the art of preparation, the importance of showing up with intention, and the best ways to navigate events for long-term success. Together, they break down the strategies that turn trade shows from an expense into an investment, leaving listeners with actionable takeaways to elevate their networking game and grow their brands.

Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed community service and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard

Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tides Live room streaming with Riverside on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.

The Big Quote

Homework Assignment

At your next conference, make it a goal to start conversations with at least five new people—ask them about what they do, their experience at the event, and what brought them there. Focus on listening and building connections rather than pitching.

Episode Links

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About Cali BBQ Media

Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.

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