CrewXP CEO Chris Griffin applies the powerful "Start, Stop, Continue" framework to evaluate 11 critical business areas for 2026. From stepping down as EDPA President to investing in AI and Gen Z workforce development, this strategic planning session reveals how experiential agency leaders can make tough decisions about where to focus their limited resources.

What You’ll Learn

• How to apply the Start, Stop, Continue framework to your own business planning
• Strategic decision-making for experiential agencies post-pandemic recovery
• Why curating your customer base leads to better profitability
• Essential considerations for AI implementation in project-based businesses
• The reality of business acquisition opportunities in today's market

Time Stamps

• 00:47 - Reflecting on 2025 and Welcoming 2026
• 01:24 - Start, Stop, Continue: A Year-End Exercise
• 02:54 - The Future of the Podcast
• 05:03 - Association Memberships and Roles
• 09:28 - Event Production: Challenges and Opportunities
• 11:30 - Growth Through Acquisition
• 16:04 - Selling Your Business: Key Considerations
• 16:57 - International Partnerships: Challenges and Opportunities
• 17:55 - Gen Z in the Workforce: Adapting and Thriving
• 19:12 - Curated Customer Base: A Strategic Approach
• 20:32 - AI Initiatives: Investing in the Future
• 23:03 - Global Talent: Expanding Horizons
• 25:56 - Recap and Reflections: Key Takeaways

Snippets from the Episode

• "There's an enormous amount of talent [in Gen Z], and I think it's gonna be up to employers and hiring managers to figure out how to onboard this group." - Chris Griffin
• "We feel our winning business model is gonna be catered to fewer, better fit customers that embrace 'I want a partner that's on the front lines." - Chris Griffin
• "I get three requests a week right now. That's how active the market is for private equity and investment people looking to move into our space." - Chris Griffin
• "There's no complaining about Gen Z and they don't have your work ethic. In 2027, they're gonna be 27, 28% of the total workforce globally." - Chris Griffin

Key Takeaways

1. Strategic Resource Allocation Framework
2. Post-Pandemic Business Recovery Priorities
3. Customer Base Curation Strategy
4. AI Investment Without Replacement Mentality
5. Gen Z Workforce Integration Imperative
6. Global Talent Acquisition Best Practices
7. Association Leadership Transition Planning

Resources

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

• Watch On ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Chris

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠   

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect With Us

Ready to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses. Share this episode with fellow industry leaders who are planning their next growth phase.

EDPA Access 2025 shattered attendance records with 354 participants while raising $122,000 for industry scholarships. Outgoing President Chris Griffin reflects on the leadership transition to Tara Erickson and shares how strategic networking at industry conferences drives real business growth in the experiential marketing sector.

What You’ll Learn

• How EDPA Access achieved record-breaking attendance and sponsorship revenue
• Strategic networking approaches that generate measurable business outcomes
• Key economic insights for experiential marketing companies in 2026
• Leadership transition strategies that maintain association momentum
• Community-building tactics that strengthen industry relationships

Time Stamps

• 00:00 - End of an Era: Farewell to the EDPA President
• 00:26 - Introducing the New Leadership
• 02:03 - Recap of a Record-Breaking Event
• 05:25 - Networking Highlights and Success Stories
• 15:29 - Keynote Insights: Building Community and Connection
• 21:39 - Economic Insights and Predictions
• 26:49 - Private Equity and Business Growth
• 32:03 - Cigar Rolling and Karaoke
• 34:29 - Reflections and Future Plans
• 37:07 - Holiday Plans and Family Time
• 37:53 - Las Vegas Christmas
• 38:57 - Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

Snippets from the Episode

• "You can't see eye to eye without being face to face."- Chris Griffin (quoting Warren Buffett)
• "I had 15 great meetings, one-on-one, not five or ten-minute pickup meetings, but good, great encounters. Four of them I would say are game-changing relationships for my company in 2026."- Chris Griffin
• "Jack of all trades, master of none. You can either spread yourself thin or you can go deep. What stood out was how structured his approach was, using what he calls associative thinking."- Chris Griffin (quoting Leo Chan)
• "The only way to know how valuable it is is to look back; there's no looking forward."- Chris Griffin (referencing Steve Jobs' calligraphy story)

Key Takeaways

1. Record-Breaking Conference Success
2. Strategic Leadership Transition Planning
3. Measurable Networking ROI from Industry Events
4. Economic Challenges and Opportunities for 2030
5. Innovation Through Associative Thinking
6. Community Building Through Shared Values
7. Foundation Impact with $122,000 Fundraising

Resources

• Watch On ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

• Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

• Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠

More from Chris

• ⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠   

• ⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Connect With Us

Ready to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses. Share this episode with fellow industry leaders who are planning their next growth phase.

Legal expert Rob Cohen returns to break down the real purpose of NDAs and what constitutes legitimate confidentiality requests versus overreach. If you've ever blindly signed a non-disclosure agreement without understanding the implications, this episode reveals the red flags to watch for and negotiation strategies that protect your business while maintaining client relationships.

What You’ll Learn

• Difference between unilateral and bilateral NDA agreements
• Key red flags in confidentiality clauses and duration terms
• How to negotiate mutual protection for your proprietary processes
• When to push back without damaging business relationships
• Strategic approach to managing multiple NDA requests

Time Stamps

• 01:43 - Introduction to NDAs
• 05:51 - Unilateral vs. Bilateral Agreements
• 11:20 - Common NDA Clauses and Concerns
• 18:12 - Practical Advice for Small Businesses
• 30:12 - Understanding Risk in Legal Agreements
• 30:50 - Using AI for Legal Document Review
• 32:01 - The Importance of Bilateral NDAs
• 33:05 - Enforcing Non-Disclosure Agreements
• 35:09 - Non-Compete Agreements and Legal Precedents
• 39:21 - Adhesion Contracts and Their Implications
• 40:35 - Negotiating Fair Legal Terms
• 42:57 - Tips for Business Owners
• 54:01 - The Role of Corporate Governance
• 54:25 - Episode Outro

Snippets from the Episode

• "Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. It's only in those moments where you find yourself caught that you realize the only way to not get caught is to pay attention to this stuff on the front end."- Chris Griffin
• "If someone's pushing you to rush and sign something, that's all the more reason not to. 'I've gotta get my bid in 24 hours.' Well, why are you calling me now?"- Rob Cohen
• "You also have to look at whether the agreement was reasonable in the first place. Rather than just applying to one party, it applies to either party. If they've got problems with it, then why were they so aggressive with their language to you?"- Rob Cohen
• "When you're chasing the next project, you make decisions like signing the NDA that is totally against you. You can't afford to not sign because you need that project, when in reality that project could lead to your demise."- Khalil Benalioulhaj

Key Takeaways

1. Consider bilateral protection instead of one-sided agreements
2. Establish internal policies for who can sign binding agreements
3. Create template NDAs with legal counsel for repeat situations
4. Watch for overly broad confidentiality definitions and missing carve-outs
5. Negotiate reasonable timeframes and scope limitations
6. Use pushback as a test of partnership potential

Resources

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

• Watch On ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Rob Cohen

• ⁠Rob Cohen on LinkedIn
• Display Supply & Lighting, Inc. Website

More from Chris

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠   

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect With Us

Ready to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses.

Industry leaders unpack shocking new data revealing a 98% disconnect between what hiring managers want and what Gen Z values in the workplace. Chris Griffin and Khalil Benalioulhaj join forces with recruiting expert Jaynie Ellison to explore practical strategies for bridging this massive gap and turning Gen Z from perceived obstacle into competitive advantage.

What You’ll Learn

• The real reasons behind the 98% employer-Gen Z value disconnect
• Why Gen Z's worldview creates different workplace expectations
• Proven strategies for integrating Gen Z into experiential teams
• How remote work and mentorship can close the generational gap
• Why trade jobs offer untapped opportunities for young talent

Time Stamps

• 01:27 - Episode Intro
• 02:29 -Guest Intro
• 04:41 - The Disconnect Between Hiring Managers and Gen Z
• 08:01 Challenges and Solutions for Gen Z in the Workforce
• 13:21 -Incentives and Flexibility in Trade Jobs
• 30:45 -The Importance of In-Person Connection
• 31:36 -Remote Work and Technology's Role
• 32:55 -Evaluating and Integrating Gen Z into the Workforce
• 38:21 -Strategies for Employers to Engage Gen Z
• 44:36 -Advice for Gen Z Entering the Workforce

Snippets from the Episode

• "If you're looking at Gen Z as an obstacle, you're not gonna be in it for long. The workforce is aging out. You need the next generation."- Khalil Benalioulhaj
• "Gen Z is going to be 27% of the workforce by 2028. We're knocking on the door of 2026. This is an important conversation."- Jaynie Ellison
• "Stop measuring your employees based on inputs and start measuring based on outcomes. If you're judging them off office hours, you have a poor management system."- Khalil Benalioulhaj
• "They really want to see results. They want to see that they're progressing in their career more quickly because we don't know when things could change."- Jaynie Ellison

Key Takeaways

1. 98% value disconnect exists between hiring managers and Gen Z
2. COVID disrupted Gen Z's foundational workplace expectations
3. Trade jobs offer six-figure opportunities with clear advancement paths
4. Mentorship and structured onboarding are essential for Gen Z integration
5. Flexibility doesn't always mean remote work - focus on outcomes
6. Gen Z values culture, authenticity, and helping others above traditional metrics
7. Clear career progression paths can extend retention beyond 13 months

Resources

• Seth Godin's ⁠9,000 vs 9 blog⁠
• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠ 

• Watch On ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

• Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

• Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠

More from Jaynie Ellison

• Emerge XP
• Email Jaynie
• Jaynie on LinkedIn

More from Chris

• ⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠   

• ⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Connect With Us

Ready to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses.

Chris Griffin reveals 10 seemingly minor professional oversights that can destroy valuable business relationships and lose major clients. From poor proofreading to sloppy billing, these "small" mistakes can undermine years of relationship building and cost you six-figure deals.

What You’ll Learn

• Why the little things matter more than 900,000 minutes of expertise
• 10 specific mistakes that signal unprofessionalism to clients
• How to build relationship capital through deposits vs. withdrawals
• Professional standards that separate top performers from the pack
• Simple systems to protect your biggest client relationships

Time Stamps

• 00:35 - The Importance of Relationships
• 01:31 - Seth Godin's Insight: 900,000 vs. 9 Minutes
• 02:53 - The Power of Little Things in Business
• 04:55 - Proofreading: A Small Step with Big Impact
• 08:04 - The Value of Written Follow-Ups
• 14:49 - Clear Communication: Visuals and Analogies
• 21:09 - The Pitfalls of Wrong Information
• 23:31 - Punctuality: Respecting Time and Commitments
• 26:18 - Managing Digital Fatigue
• 26:23 - Balancing Workload and Decompression
• 27:45 - The Importance of Appearance
• 32:38 - Making Deposits in Relationships
• 44:15 - The Value of Accountability

Snippets from the Episode

• "It takes 900,000 minutes to become a subject matter expert, but less than 9 minutes to make someone feel seen and understood."— Chris Griffin
• "Nothing can slow you down more than a mistake from not proofreading."— Khalil Benalioulhaj
• "Four deposits for every one withdrawal - there's gotta be something in the relationship account."— Chris Griffin
• "Shortcuts lead to dead ends."— Khalil Benalioulhaj

Key Takeaways

1. Small Professional Oversights Destroy Big Relationships
2. Proofreading Everything Protects Your Credibility
3. Written Follow-Ups Prevent Future Disagreements
4. Clear Communication Uses Visuals and Relevant Examples
5. Being On Time Reflects Your Core Values
6. Relationship Deposits Must Exceed Withdrawals
7. Authenticity Trumps Polish in Client Interactions

Resources

• Seth Godin's 9,000 vs 9 blog
• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠ 

• Watch On ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

• Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

• Have Questions? ⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠

More from Chris

• ⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠   

• ⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Connect With Us

Ready to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses. Share this episode with fellow industry leaders who are planning their next growth phase.

Chris and Khalil dive deep into the strategic question every agency owner should be asking: where will your next million dollars in revenue actually come from? They break down three proven pathways for sustainable growth and share hard-earned lessons about the difference between chasing revenue and building profitable, bulletproof businesses that can weather any storm.

What You’ll Learn

• Three strategic channels for generating your next million in revenue
• How to systematically grow existing client relationships beyond current offerings
• Proven frameworks for identifying and approaching high-value target accounts
• Why business development strategies are evolving and what's working now
• Critical warning signs when pursuing large opportunities or acquisitions

Time Stamps

• 00:49 - Current Business Climate
• 01:42 - Strategic Growth: Acquisitions and Alliances
• 04:28 - Maximizing Revenue from Existing Clients
• 19:59 - Evolving Business Development Strategies
• 24:28 - Targeting New Accounts: Strategies and Insights
• 25:50 - Networking and Building Relationships
• 32:21 - Challenges and Risks in Business Growth
• 43:49 - Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Snippets from the Episode

• "I do not chase revenue just for the sake of it. When I say where's the next million coming from, it really is, where's that next chunk of business that's gonna be good for the company?"— Chris Griffin
• "By us asking this question, it changes your mindset. You sort of move from autopilot to having both hands on the wheel, both feet on the pedals."— Chris Griffin
• "Everything requires maintenance. If you're going to take on this new project, you have to budget maintenance and attention to detail."— Khalil Benalioulhaj

Key Takeaways

1. Don't Hope to Grow - Plan Your Growth
2. Focus on Profitable Revenue Over Total Revenue
3. Segment Clients Into Strategic Categories
4. Networking and Referrals Drive New Business
5. Protect Your Business Model During Rapid Growth

Resources

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠CrewXP⁠ 

• Watch On ⁠YouTube⁠

• Follow Us On Social: ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠

• Have Questions? ⁠Email us⁠

More from Chris

• ⁠CrewXP⁠   

• ⁠Email Chris⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠benali.com ⁠

• ⁠Email Khalil⁠

• ⁠Meet With Khalil⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

• ⁠Facebook⁠

• ⁠Instagram⁠

Connect With Us

Ready to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses. Share this episode with fellow industry leaders who are planning their next growth phase.

Chris Griffin breaks down how the current government shutdown affects the trade show and exhibit industry beyond the obvious. While most exhibit houses report no direct business impact, the political instability creates ripple effects that smart business leaders can't ignore—from military event cancellations to broader concerns about economic uncertainty and business confidence.

What You'll Learn

• Why government shutdowns matter even when your business isn't directly affected
• How political instability impacts client spending decisions and business confidence
• The connection between government operations and critical trade show infrastructure
• Practical contingency planning strategies for uncertain political climates
• Why this pattern of governmental dysfunction poses long-term risks to business growth

Key Topics & Timestamp

• 00:24 - Understanding the Government Shutdown
• 00:43 - Impact on Small Businesses
• 01:37 - The Budget and Continuing Resolutions
• 02:58 - Political Stalemate and Its Consequences
• 05:31 - Broader Economic Concerns
• 15:52 - Practical Steps for Businesses
• 21:03 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Snippets from the Episode

• "Isn't that a good sentiment to greet every day with, Khalil? 'I've got a lot to learn today.'"— Chris Griffin
• "It's been 25 years since the United States has been able to present and agree on a balanced budget in Congress. So we've been in this slow death spiral of disagreeing and disagreeing more."— Chris Griffin
• "While there is no direct impact today on this current shutdown to businesses in our space, there is major concern by all business leaders that this inability to agree is just another nail in the proverbial coffin of our inability to trust our institutions."— Chris Griffin
• "I think we're all looking forward to and counting on a solid economy in 2026. But most of us always have some kind of defensive or contingency plan."— Chris Griffin

Key Takeaways

1. No Immediate Direct Impact on Most Exhibition Businesses
2. Military Events and Government Contracts Are Vulnerable
3. Travel Infrastructure Workers Face Payment Delays
4. Business Confidence Erodes with Repeated Government Dysfunction
5. International Trade Show Participation Could Decline
6. Contingency Planning Becomes More Critical
7. October 15th Military Pay Deadline Creates Resolution Pressure

Resources

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with CrewXP 
• Watch On YouTube
• Follow Us On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook
• Have Questions? Email us

More from Chris

• CrewXP   
• Email Chris
• LinkedIn

More from Khalil

• benali.com 
• Email Khalil
• Meet With Khalil
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect With Us

Ready to future-proof your exhibit sales career? Share your biggest sales challenge with us and connect with fellow Experience Builders who are mastering the new rules of our industry.

Chris Griffin reveals the harsh reality: it now takes 600 dials to get 2 appointments in exhibit sales. But don't panic - he and Khalil break down the blueprint for building a six-figure income in today's relationship-driven market, from LinkedIn strategies to vertical market mastery.

What You’ll Learn

• Why traditional cold calling is dead and what replaced it
• The 5-step framework for building sustainable exhibit sales success
• LinkedIn prospecting strategies that actually work in our industry
• How to become the subject matter expert that clients chase
• The psychology behind influence and relationship building

Time Stamps

• 00:23 - The Heyday of Sales: Chris Griffin's Journey
• 01:28 - The Evolution of Sales Strategies
• 02:50 - Challenges in Modern Sales
• 05:00 - The Role of Younger Salespeople
• 08:31 - The Importance of Referrals and Incentives
• 10:52 - The Shift to Strategic Selling
• 13:03 - Becoming a Subject Matter Expert
• 20:17 - Influence and Relationship Building
• 23:02 - Finding Business in a Changing Environment
• 24:31 - The Evolution of LinkedIn for Business
• 26:36 - Effective Engagement Strategies on LinkedIn
• 32:29 - Principles for Successful Sales on LinkedIn
• 37:54 - Key Takeaways for Trade Show Sales Professionals

Snippets from the Episode

• "We're not selling stuff anymore. We're not selling exhibits. Brands are looking for sales results - filling pipeline, generating qualified leads."— Chris Griffin
• "It takes 600 dials to get through to 20 live people. Out of those 20, you'll end up with two appointments."— Chris Griffin
• "Stop trying to get what I want, start helping other people get what they want."— Chris Griffin
• "Always make sure you're putting more into the relationship than you're asking to take out."— Chris Griffin

Key Takeaways

1. Master the New Sales Reality
2. Focus on Strategic Partnerships Over Product Sales
3. Become a Vertical Market Subject Matter Expert
4. Leverage LinkedIn Native Engagement Strategies
5. Build Relationships Through the Seven Influence Principles
6. Play the Long Game for Sustainable Income
7. Create Customers for Life Through Value-First Approach

Resources

• Influence by Robert Cialdini
• They Ask You Answer by Marcus Sheridan
• The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

• ⁠Trade Show Displays⁠

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Watch On ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Chris

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

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Chris & Khalil tackle the crucial questions exhibitors fail to ask but desperately need answered. From realistic budgeting to staff selection, discover the strategic blind spots that separate successful exhibitors from those burning cash on disappointing results. This isn't about booth design—it's about bulletproof trade show business strategy.

What You’ll Learn

• How to create realistic trade show budgets that account for hidden costs
• Proven methods to measure trade show ROI beyond the standard 90-day window
• Staff selection and preparation strategies that maximize booth performance
• Lead capture systems that go beyond basic badge scanning
• Pre-show marketing tactics to get on attendees' must-visit lists

Time Stamps

• 00:50 - Episode Intro
• 01:38 - Q#1: How can I create a realistic budget for a trade show?
• 05:24 - Q#2: How do I measure trade show ROI?
• 11:41 - Q#3: How do I select and prepare my trade show staff for each event?
• 15:55 - Q#4: What is my exhibit's job at a trade show?
• 17:36 - Q#5: Is this show really worth our participation?
• 19:52 - Q#6: What is our plan to capture and follow up with leads we generate?
• 23:34 - Q#7: Who is accountable for the company's overall trade show performance?
• 26:43 - Q#8: How should we be considering sponsorship opportunities at events?
• 30:18 - Q#9: What is our primary objective for exhibiting at this next show?
• 33:47 - Q#10: What is my plan to drive trade show traffic to my booth space?
• 36:56 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Snippets from the Episode

• "The days of just getting a great-looking exhibit and showing up and sort of freestyling the rest of it over, man. Poll results have shown that 75% of people who attend trade shows already have a list of whom they want to see when they go. And the chances are you are not on it."— Chris Griffin
• "If you're not doing some kind of pre-show marketing and pre-show communication three or four months in advance and giving them reasons to come see you, the odds get a lot longer for having any kind of meaningful encounter."— Chris Griffin
• "Add up all the bills you paid from your last big industry show and document that. But challenge yourself: did we get the results we wanted last year? Because if we didn't, we need to lean in and do more."— Chris Griffin

Key Takeaways

1. Reverse Engineer Your Success Vision
2. Track Pipeline Impact Beyond 90 Days
3. Handpick and Train Booth Staff
4. Define Your Exhibit's Primary Job
5. Research and Vet Show Audiences
6. Implement Professional Lead Capture
7. Establish Senior Management Accountability

Resources

• Rockway Exhibits podcast
• Trade Show Displays

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Watch On ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Chris

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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In this insightful episode, Chris Griffin and Khalil Benalioulhaj explore 10 critical yet rarely asked questions that business owners should regularly consider. From examining what you truly want from your business to identifying potential breaking points if your company suddenly doubled, these questions provide a framework for building more resilient and intentional businesses that serve both your clients and yourself.

What You’ll Learn

• How to identify what you actually want your business to do for you
• Which key metrics you should monitor regularly for business health
• How to identify potential breaking points in your business model
• The difference between managing people and babysitting them
• How to prepare your business for unexpected disruptions

Time Stamps

• 00:51 - Introduction and Episode Overview
• 01:56 - Question 1:   What do I actually want the business to do for me?
• 10:01 - Question 2:   What's the one number I need to look at every week as a business owner?
• 15:23 - Question 3:   Which parts of my business would break if we doubled?
• 21:38 - Question 4:   Am I managing people or am I babysitting them?
• 30:38 - Question 5:  What if I had to replace myself tomorrow, what would break?
• 34:40 - Question 6:   What decisions am I avoiding?
• 42:24 - Question 7: Where are we leaking margin?
• 44:56 - Question 8:   What would I do differently if I weren't afraid?
• 47:30 - Question 9: How long could you survive is sales stopped today?
• 53:24 - Question 10: What's the real root cause of my stress?
• 01:01:47 - Episode Takeaways

Snippets from the Episode

• "What I want this business to do for me is generate an income for me, my family, and the people I employ—a good income. I'd like it to allow for retirement savings in addition to that."— Chris Griffin
• "Noble endeavors are great, and they help get motivation and inspiration to keep going and stay clear on what you're trying to accomplish. But the objective purpose of business is generating more cash."— Khalil Benalioulhaj
• "We're in the season of life—having kids, growing our family, desires change. I want a minivan."— Khalil Benalioulhaj
• "If I had to say, we're 90% managing and 10% babysitting. I don't know if babysitting ever goes away, but if you have a culture where you're running around worried about how much time people spend on Facebook and Instagram... that's a different type of problem."— Chris Griffin

Key Takeaways

1. Know Your Personal Business Purpose
2. Track Your Current Business Constraint
3. Identify Potential Breaking Points
4. Develop People Rather Than Babysitting
5. Prepare for Your Own Replacement
6. Make Difficult Decisions Promptly
7. Monitor Margin Leakage Points

Resources

• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
• One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
• Getting Things Done

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠
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More from Chris

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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What if the key to unlocking your team's full potential lies in understanding how they process ideas? This episode explores two dominant thinking styles—talking to think and thinking to talk—and how leaders can create space for every voice to be heard.

Time Stamps

• 01:05 - Episode Intro
• 03:14 - Challenges of Leadership and Communication
• 10:11 - Balancing Different Communication Styles
• 14:08 - Creating a Space for All Voices
• 16:42 - Encouraging Constructive Feedback
• 19:19 - Blending Different Thinkers in Meetings
• 22:55 - Talking to Think Style
• 24:56 - Thinking to Talk Style
• 26:41 - Balancing Different Thinking Styles
• 32:42 - The Role of Structure in Business Success
• 34:38 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

Snippets from the Episode

• "Some of the most amazing things in my organization happened because I listened to people who communicate differently than I do." – Michael McMahon
• "If you don't create the space for differences to grow, you risk missing out on valuable perspectives." – Chris Griffin
• "Neither one of these styles is wrong. Both are valuable, and the best ideas come when every thinking style has room to breathe." – Chris Griffin
• "If you believe the human element is the differentiator, then the best way to connect is by finding a way for all kinds of people to achieve in your space." – Michael McMahon

Resources

• Pepper Wilson on LinkedIn
• Extra Shot of Leadership Podcast by Pepper Wilson
• DiSC® styles
• MBTI® Personality Type
• Good to Great by Jim Collins

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Watch On ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠
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• Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Michael McMahon

• Michael McMahon on LinkedIn
• Hill & Partners website

More from Chris

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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More from Khalil

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How can businesses transform ordinary transactions into memorable experiences? Chris dives into the psychology of buying, the power of authentic sales interactions, and how to deliver standout service that keeps customers coming back.

Time Stamps

• 00:52 - Episode Intro
• 01:04 - The Giant Adirondack Chair Story
• 03:51 - The Importance of a Good Salesperson
• 19:33 - Customer Knowledge and Expectations
• 20:00 - Building Trust and Credibility
• 22:58 - Delivering a Five-Star Experience
• 31:08 - Beyond Five Stars: Elevating Customer Service

Snippets from the Episode

• “It’s way more than just the thing I’m buying—it’s about how I feel during the process and the confidence the salesperson gives me.” -Chris
• “The days of a simple commodity sale are over—it’s the white-glove, full-service approach that makes you stand out in a sea of sameness.” -Chris
• “A great salesperson doesn’t just sell; they listen, anticipate, and make the buyer feel confident and understood.” -Chris

Resources

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠
• Watch On ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠
• Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠
• Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠

More from Chris

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More from Khalil

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What do you want to be remembered for professionally? Chris reflects on legacy, leadership, and how to craft a career story that truly matters. Tune in!

Time Stamps

• 00:40 - Episode Intro
• 01:00 - Reflecting on Leadership Roles
• 01:52 - The Importance of Legacy
• 03:36 - Main Characters and Their Flaws
• 04:42 - Crafting Your Professional Story
• 06:06 - Real-Life Examples of Legacy
• 10:50 - The Impact of Personal Touches
• 15:03 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Snippets from the Episode

• “If each one of us is the main character in our own movie… what scenes or episodes would you go back and put in to make sure people remember who you really are?” — Chris Griffin
• “This is way more than just a job. The really interesting obituaries will be the ones where we get to see more of you than just your professional role.” — Chris Griffin

Resources

• StoryBrand by Donald Miller
• EDPA (Experiential Designers & Producers Association)
• Exhibit City News

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠
• Watch On ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠
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• Have Questions? ⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠

More from Chris

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• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Feeling the pinch of a seasonal slowdown? Listen in as we discuss practical ways to handle predictable downtimes in the trade show industry.

Time Stamps

• 00:32 - Episode Intro
• 02:27 - Understanding the Trade Show Industry's Seasonal Patterns
• 04:49 - Strategies for Managing Financial Pressures
• 10:58 - Optimizing Operations During Slow Periods
• 21:53 - Maximizing Efficiency During Slow Periods
• 22:40 - Targeting Busy Industries During Slow Months
• 24:21 - Strategic Financial Management
• 27:27 - Reemerging from Slow Periods

Snippets from the Episode

•  ”A mentor of mine decades ago said, in the trade show and event space, you're guaranteed to make money six months a year if you show up. You're guaranteed to lose money two months a year. It's usually the summer and it's the other four months that determine whether your business has a good year or a bad year. So what are you doing with those four months?” -Chris

Resources

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠CrewXP ⁠
• Watch On ⁠YouTube⁠
• Follow Us On Social: ⁠LinkedIn,⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠
• Have Questions? ⁠Email us⁠

More from Chris

• ⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Heading to an international trade show? Listen to this episode and learn how to simplify your travel prep! Learn about visas, entry protocols, and practical tips for a seamless journey.

Time Stamps

• 00:42 - Episode Intro
• 01:02 - Legislative Action Day Preview
• 01:38 - The Four Ts: Tariffs, Taxes, Talent, and Travel
• 02:27 - Importance of International Travel for Trade Shows
• 03:39 - US Entry Requirements and Documentation
• 08:43 - Navigating US Customs and Border Patrol
• 12:54 - Travel Tips and Best Practices
• 28:06 - Final Thoughts and Resources

Snippets from the Episode

• "Just because you're granted a visa, it's not a guarantee that you can come into the country. It still comes down to the Customs and Border Patrol checkpoint. When you come in, they can still decline you.” -Chris
• “  I've seen people get uncomfortable and don't tell the truth. You can get yourself pretty quickly into a jam there if you fail to declare any unrestricted good.” -Chris
•  ”One in three are now brand new to this industry since the pandemic recovery. So it’s not unheard of to think that we're gonna have some first-time travelers to the U.S.” -Chris

Resources

• CBP Travel Information
• Find a U.S. Embassy
• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with CrewXP
• Watch On YouTube
• Follow Us On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook
• Have Questions? Email us

More from Chris

• ⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Instagram

Join us as we dive into the essentials of designing an effective trade show booth. Learn how giving your booth a clear purpose can make all the difference in attracting and engaging visitors. Don't just show up—stand out!

Time Stamps

• 00:41 - Episode Intro
• 01:05 - Understanding the Trade Show Industry Post-Pandemic
• 02:44 - The Concept of Jobs to Be Done
• 04:55 - Defining Your Trade Show Booth's Job
• 06:44 - Strategies for Effective Booth Design
• 10:35 - Preparing and Managing Booth Staff
• 20:18 - Real-Life Examples of Successful Booths
• 30:26 - Final Tips and Resources for Exhibitors

Snippets from the Episode

• " 85% of us, the reason we participate as exhibitors at shows is to generate qualified leads. That's the mission. - Chris Griffin
•   "What's the experience I'm driving people to? What's gonna get 'em in and interacting with me a little bit? What are the six or eight pieces of information I've predetermined that I need, that I can work into the conversation so I can capture that information?" - Chris Griffin
•   "It is critical that your booth has a clear job, and it's part of the strategy that you guys have to put together for your company.” -Chris Griffin

Resources

• ⁠Jobs to be Done by Clayton Christensen
• Trade Show Displays⁠
• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with⁠ CrewXP ⁠
• Watch On ⁠YouTube⁠
• Follow Us On Social:⁠ LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠
• Have Questions? ⁠Email us⁠

More from Chris

• ⁠CrewXP ⁠
• ⁠Email Chris⁠
• ⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠

More from Khalil

• ⁠benali.com ⁠
• ⁠Email Khalil⁠
• ⁠Meet With Khalil⁠
• ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• ⁠Facebook⁠
• ⁠Instagram

Dive into the key considerations when choosing to rent or purchase exhibit displays for trade shows. Find out which option could save you time and money while enhancing your trade show presence.

Time Stamps

• 00:38 - Should You Buy or Rent?
• 01:18 - Factors to Consider When Deciding
• 02:17 - Cost of Owning an Exhibit
• 05:16 - Maintenance & Repairs
• 12:43 - Advantages of Renting
• 14:25 - Cost Comparison: Renting vs. Buying
• 16:54 - Customization and Mixed Models
• 21:36 - Disadvantages of Renting
• 30:27 - Choosing the Right Exhibit House
• 32:44 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Snippets from the Episode

• "The first thing you have to consider when deciding to purchase or rent is how many times you gonna be participating in an event where you're gonna use this in trade shows? For me, the magic number's always been three." -Chris Griffin
• I really like renting as an option. You're still gonna invest in your own graphic messaging, but when you're paying to rent that structure, it's somebody else's problem to make sure that you don't have to pay a storage fee. There's no upcharge or upkeep for repairing cracks and chips, and scratches. If you're dealing with a professional exhibit house, you just show up and you're booth's ready." -Chris Griffin
• "Most people think about the cost of designing and building an exhibit. They don't necessarily think about the cost of owning it and using it." -Chris Griffin

Resources

• Trade Show Displays
• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with CrewXP
• Watch On YouTube
• Follow Us On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook
• Have Questions? Email us

More from Chris

• CrewXP
• Email Chris
• Chris on LinkedIn

More from Khalil

• benali.com
• Email Khalil
• Meet With Khalil
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Ever thought of your trade show booth as more than just a booth? Dive into the idea of treating it as a branch office for strategic success. Discover actionable insights on planning, staff training, and creating engaging experiences to maximize your ROI. Listen now!

Time Stamps

• 00:48 - Episode Intro
• 02:38 - Opening a Branch Office at Trade Shows
• 06:10 - Strategic Planning for Trade Show Success
• 10:11 - Engaging and Training Your Staff
• 22:48 - Engaging Trade Show Visitors
• 22:58 - Choosing the Right Staff for Your Booth
• 24:37 - Creating a Compelling Booth Experience
• 26:40 - Maximizing Client and Prospect Interactions
• 29:01 - Budgeting and Planning for Success

Snippets from the Episode

• "It's not enough to buy a pretty booth or rent something. There's gotta be a strategy and then a tactical plan to drive that traffic there.” -Chris Griffin
• “You've gotta be able to engage, qualify, present, and close.  And close doesn't mean get a deal. Close means close on a commitment. ” -Chris Griffin
• “It gets harder and harder to get in front of our clients and prospects now. But shows are a great place to do that.” -Chris Griffin

Resources

• Experience Builders on LinkedIn
• Experience Builders on Facebook

More from Chris

• CrewXP
• Email Chris
• Chris on LinkedIn

More from Khalil

• Email Khalil
• Meet With Khalil
• Khalil on LinkedIn

Join Chris & Khalil as they explore strategies for hitting new revenue targets through intentional planning and effective team engagement. Discover how profit sharing can align your team towards common goals. Tune in now!

Time Stamps

• 01:00 - Episode Intro
• 02:44 - Revenue Targets and Growth Strategies
• 07:24 - Reviewing Financial Metrics
• 11:58 - Managing Overhead and Fixed Costs
• 17:05 - Profit Sharing and Employee Engagement
• 24:57 - Planning for Seasonal Workload
• 26:00 - Forecasting for Growth
• 26:34 - Analyzing Customer Contributions
• 29:07 - Project Management and New Opportunities
• 34:16 - Setting Realistic Growth Targets

Snippets from the Episode

• "Once you're in business, you realize it's not what you sell, it's what you keep, right? - Chris Griffin
• Sometimes you're so busy doing, you don't have the time to do the planning. - Chris Griffin
• Somebody told me 25 years ago, in the trade show business, you are guaranteed to make money six months a year if you show up with your shoes tied. You are guaranteed you are gonna lose money at least two months. And it's the other four months that determine whether you have a good year or a bad year. What are you doing with those four months? -Chris Griffin

Resources

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with CrewXP
• Watch On YouTube
• Follow Us On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook
• Have Questions? Email us

More from Chris

• CrewXP
• Email Chris
• Chris on LinkedIn

More from Khalil

• benali.com
• Email Khalil
• Meet With Khalil
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Curious about how tariffs are affecting our industry? Join our conversation with Rob Cohen, where we unravel how these taxes impact the market and what small business owners should know. It's a must-listen for every business owner!

Time Stamps

• 01:11 - Episode & Guest Intro
• 03:48 - Historical Context of Tariffs
• 05:08 - Current Tariff Policies and Their Implications
• 08:09 - Legal and Political Aspects of Tariffs
• 14:53 - Creative Solutions and Alternatives
• 17:37 - Economic and Market Impacts
• 21:07 - Challenges and Legal Actions
• 24:06 - Global Perspectives and Future Trends
• 25:48 - Impact of Moving Shows Internationally
• 27:19 - Cost Implications for American Companies
• 27:47 - Tariffs and Their Broader Implications
• 30:27 - Workforce and Trade Skills Shortage
• 32:45 - Strategizing Around Tariffs
• 34:42 - Long-Term Effects of Tariffs
• 36:33 - Historical Context and Future Projections
• 37:41 - Political and Economic Consequences
• 38:20 - Episode Takeaways
• 46:35 - Call to Action for Legislative Action Day

Snippets from the Episode

• "I'm boggled in Massachusetts, where I live, to read the news reports that there are more kids that want to go to trade schools than there are slots to attend trade schools. - Rob Cohen
• I don't think that tariffs are short-lived. - Rob Cohen
• The deterioration of our ability to compromise is crippling our country. And until we get back to a point where we can come together and compromise, legislate, and not get everything that you want, get some things, we're in trouble. - Rob Cohen
• 50 percent of the U.S. economy is made up of small businesses and we are now finding ourselves in a situation where tariffs are touching way more that affects all of those. It's not just one or two products that we can sort of ignore. -Chris Griffin

Registration for ECA’s 2025 Legislative Action Day

Resources

• Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with CrewXP
• Watch On YouTube
• Follow Us On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook
• Have Questions? Email us

More from Rob Cohen

• Rob Cohen on LinkedIn
• Display Supply & Lighting, Inc. Website

More from Chris

• CrewXP
• Email Chris
• Chris on LinkedIn

More from Khalil

benali.com

Email Khalil

Meet With Khalil

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram