Mental Health on the Show Floor: Thriving Under Pressure with Petra Velzeboer | The Expo Factor Podcast Ep. 9

Episode 9 of The Expo Factor Podcast
Why Mental Health Matters in the Events Industry

In this episode, host Lee Ali sits down with leading mental health expert and speaker Petra Velzeboer to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the events and exhibitions industry: stress, burnout, and resilience.

From trade show floors to behind-the-scenes event planning, professionals in this industry face constant high pressure. Petra shares powerful insights and practical strategies to help event organisers, exhibitors, and trade show teams thrive without sacrificing their wellbeing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why emotional regulation is the ultimate event professional skill

• How to prevent burnout by releasing stored stress

• The importance of psychological safety and team backup

• Why knowing your personal recovery style boosts performance

• How leaders can support staff with flexibility and empathy

Whether you’re an event manager, trade show organiser, exhibitor, or event marketer, this episode will give you actionable tools to protect your mental health and build stronger, more resilient teams.

Key Quote from Petra: “Stress is not the enemy. Ignoring it is.”

Don’t miss this essential conversation for anyone working in events, exhibitions, and trade shows.

Find out more about the episode here - Mental Health Strategies for Thriving at Trade Shows

In Episode 8 of The Expo Factor, Lee Ali welcomes transformation strategist Daphne S. Leger to explore a topic that sits at the heart of every exhibition, organisation and team performance. Change.

With decades of experience leading people-first change initiatives across global companies, Daphne brings deep insight into how culture and leadership influence everything. From how your people show up on the show floor to how your business grows in a fast-moving world. With experience training over 10,000 leaders across 15 countries, Daphne brings deep expertise in the field of change – she’s not just talking theory, she’s lived it.

This episode is not about minor tweaks; it is about stepping back and asking the hard questions.

Are we really using change in the right way?

Find out more about the episode at Driving Change. Where It Matters: People, Culture, and the Show Floor

Read Daphne's latest book all about change! https://www.thefutureproof.life/

In episode 7 of The Expo Factor, Lee Ali sits down with Deanna Krause, a global authority on booth staff performance and motivational leadership. With over 20 years immersed in the live events industry, Deanna reveals the game-changing secret to exhibition ROI: your people.

Forget flashy stands or giveaway swag, Deanna makes a compelling case that engaged, well-trained booth staff are your biggest untapped asset. Discover practical strategies for briefing, real-time leadership, and mindset shifts that turn your team into a powerhouse of authentic connection and sales success.

Whether you’re launching your first show or leading a seasoned program, this episode delivers must-hear insights for marketing leaders, sales teams, and event pros looking to maximize impact and create unforgettable brand experiences.

Find out more about the episode here How to build a high performance booth teamConnect with us on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest episodes, plus helpful tips and insights to improve your business.

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

#TradeShows #BoothTeam #TeamBuilding #Leadership

In Episode 6 of The Expo Factor, Lee Ali chats with Adam Parry, editor of Event Industry News and co-founder of Event Tech Live, about the evolving role of technology in exhibitions.

Is tech helping or hurting human connection on the show floor?

From AI to exhibitor engagement, Adam shares real-world insights, pet peeves, and a sneak peek at his new venture, SpeakerStacks. A must-listen for anyone in the events world.Find out more

https://expostars.com/theexpofactor-episode6-iseventtechenhancingorhinderinghumanconnection/

Get in touch https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeali5/

#InternationalExhibitions #Networking #TradeShows #Technology #EventTech #TheExpoFactor #ExpoStars #Entrepreneur

Whether you’re preparing for a networking event, planning your presence at a trade exhibition, or attending a conference, one truth remains:

People remember how you made them feel.

In this must-listen episode of The Expo Factor, Lee Ali is joined by creative force and seasoned comedy performer John Cooper, who shares why embracing humour, spontaneity, and authenticity isn’t just refreshing but essential to standing out in a crowded exhibition hall.

From Hawaiian shirts to active listening games, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas for exhibitors, marketers, and event professionals who want to connect more meaningfully.

Find out more at How To Use Comedy And Curiosity To Engage Attendees

#Expostars #ExpoFactor #Networking #Business #entrepreneur

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