Welcome to The Expo Factor! The podcast that dives beneath the surface of trade show success to explore what really drives results: human connection, communication, and meaningful engagement.

In this episode of The Expo Factor, host Lee is joined by Han Leenhouts, founder of Sales & Pepper and author of Pepper Talk 2.0, to unpack the power of asking the right questions on the show floor. Whether you're an exhibitor, sales pro, or event strategist, this episode will help you ditch the pitch and start sparking real conversations.

Discover:

Why open-ended questions are the key to unlocking deeper dialogue.

The most common mistakes that kill booth engagement. How to qualify leads without sounding like a script.

The subtle art of reading visitor behaviour and body language.

When and how to end a conversation without being awkward.

Plus, Han shares a powerful story about a visitor who was nearly overlooked—until one smart question revealed a multi-million euro opportunity.

Tune in now and learn how to turn curiosity into connection, and questions into qualified leads.

Spotify - Hans contact Information

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanleenhouts/

Website -https://www.salesandpepper.com/

Join the conversation! Connect with Expo Stars on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on the podcast.

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

#TheExpoFactor #TradeShowSuccess #NetworkingTips #BusinessGrowth #HumanConnection #VerbalCommunication #StorytellingInSales #EngagementMatters #EventMarketing #TradeShowStrategy #ActiveListening #SalesLeadership #MarketingInsights #B2BMarketing #TradeShowConversations

Welcome to The Expo Factor! The podcast that dives beneath the surface of trade show success to explore what really drives results: human connection, communication, and meaningful engagement. In this episode of The Expo Factor, host Lee is joined by Andrew Thorp, a storytelling and communication expert, to explore how to transform small talk into engaging, meaningful conversations that drive real results. Exhibitors, CEO'S, Exhibit Builder's and professionals, t’s time to ditch the pitch slap and start mastering verbal communications on the show floor. Discover: The biggest mistake sabotaging your stand interactions. How to craft stories that captivate instantly. The secret to active listening that builds trust and rapport. Why adapting your message is more powerful than a memorised pitch. Plus, we share a surprising tale of networking, a traffic jam, and a swimming pool in Saudi Arabia!

Watch now and discover how to turn trade show conversations into real business opportunities.

Andrews contact Information LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewthorp62/Website - https://andrewthorp.co.uk/

Join the conversation!

Connect with Expo Stars on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on the podcast. https://www.linkedin.com/company/expostars-interactive-ltd-

#TheExpoFactor #TradeShowSuccess #NetworkingTips #BusinessGrowth #HumanConnection #VerbalCommunication #StorytellingInSales #EngagementMatters #EventMarketing #TradeShowStrategy #ActiveListening #SalesLeadership #MarketingInsights #B2BMarketing #TradeShowConversations

The Art of Breaking the Ice with special guest Shideh Doerr, founder of Jabberyak.

Welcome to The Expo Factor—the podcast that dives beneath the surface of trade show success to explore what really drives results: human connection, communication, and meaningful engagement.

In this episode, your host Lee Ali is joined by Shideh Doerr, networking innovator and founder of Jabberyak, a conversation-sparking tool designed to help people connect authentically at events. Together, they break down the emotional rollercoaster of networking, from the fear of saying hello to the magic of forming relationships that actually last beyond the badge scan.

Shideh shares the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of Jabriak, born out of a chance conversation on a cruise ship, and how it's now helping reshape networking experiences from awkward and transactional to open and transformative.

💡 In this episode, we explore:

• Why networking events can feel emotionally exhausting—and what to do about it

• How to move from transactional chats to relationship-driven conversations

• Why breaking the ice is more than small talk—it’s a skill every professional should master

• The role of event organisers in designing inclusive and engaging networking environments

• How to reduce anxiety and increase authenticity at events

• The power of creative icebreakers to spark real connections

• How Jabriak is changing the game by giving people “permission” to start meaningful conversations

• Why turning down the music might be the best decision you make as an organiser

Shideh also shares practical tips for attendees and organisers alike, with examples of what not to do, and how a shift in mindset (and event design) can help everyone leave with stronger connections and better outcomes.

Whether you’re an event planner, exhibitor, host, or simply someone who dreads networking—this episode will help you rethink how we connect, one conversation at a time.

🎯 Key themes:
Networking · Icebreakers · Human Connection · Event Design · Event Planning · Jabriak · Engagement Strategy · Relationship Building · Authenticity · Trade Show Experience · Professional Development · Anxiety Reduction · Communication Skills · Inclusive Events

🗣️ Featured Guest:
Shideh Doerr
Founder of Jabberyak
🌐 www.jabberyak.com

Hosted by Lee Ali, founder of ⁠Expo Stars Interactive.

🎧 Subscribe now for more episodes exploring how to turn booths into experiences, visitors into advocates, and trade shows into true business opportunities—powered by the people behind the performance.

#TheExpoFactor #Networking #TradeShows #EventEngagement #HumanConnection #Jabriak #ExhibitorSuccess #EventPlanning #ShidehDoerr #Icebreakers #RelationshipMarketing

Nothing Gets Sold Until the Audience Gets Engaged with special guest Steve Multer, author of Nothing Gets Sold Until the Story Gets Told and founder of CorporateStorytelling.com

Welcome to the very first episode of The Expo Factor—the podcast where we explore what truly makes trade shows and exhibitions successful: human connection, communication, and engagement.

In this powerful debut, your host Lee Ali is joined by internationally recognised corporate storytelling expert Steve Multer, who has spent over two decades helping global brands like Cisco transform their messaging from product-focused to people-first. Together, they dive deep into the concept that sits at the heart of all successful event marketing: storytelling.

Why do so many exhibitors still struggle to connect with audiences? Why is human-to-human engagement still the hardest thing to “sell” to executive teams? And how can we move from delivering pitches to building real, authentic relationships on the show floor?

💡 In this episode, we explore:

• Why storytelling is more than a buzzword—it’s the key to sales, marketing, and audience engagement

• How authenticity builds trust, drives connection, and creates memorable booth experiences

• The biggest mistakes exhibitors make when crafting their trade show strategy

• Why aligning your marketing message with your business goals is crucial for real ROI

• How to create an inclusive, welcoming space where people feel seen, heard, and valued

• The difference between talking at people versus talking with them

• The power of listening, asking great questions, and being truly present

• Why human expertise is still more powerful than tech in driving conversions

• How to turn your booth staff into brand storytellers, not just sales reps

Steve also shares behind-the-scenes insights from writing his book, stories from working with top-tier brands, and practical, actionable advice for any business looking to improve how they show up at trade shows and connect with their audience.

Whether you're an exhibitor, event organiser, marketer, or strategist—this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to communication, messaging, and engagement on the show floor.

🎯 Key themes:
Storytelling · Trade Shows · Sales Strategy · Authenticity · Booth Engagement · Corporate Communication · Audience Engagement · Business Alignment · Exhibition Planning · Brand Messaging · Event Marketing · Human Interaction · Value Creation · Inclusion · Listening · Leadership

🗣️ Featured Guest:
Steve Multer
📘 Author of Nothing Gets Sold Until the Story Gets Told
🌐 www.corporatestorytelling.com

Hosted by Lee Ali, founder of Expo Stars Interactive.

🎧 Subscribe now for more episodes exploring how to turn booths into experiences, visitors into advocates, and trade shows into true business opportunities—powered by the people behind the performance.

#TheExpoFactor #TradeShows #Storytelling #CorporateCommunication #HumanConnection #SteveMulter #EventMarketing #ExhibitorSuccess #PodcastLaunch