Experience Builders

Trade shows are one of the biggest, most meaningful branches of marketing, and one of the best-kept secrets in the field. Business events add $408 billion to the US economy every year and spark $168 billion in business-to-business purchases, and the people who build them get to say they help the world trade. Chris talks with Ashley Crane, Business Development Manager at Acer Exhibits, who left a f...

Thinking about a career in the events industry? Maybe you've watched the festivals and brand activations come together and wondered what it actually takes to build one, or whether this industry is even for you. Chris and Khalil welcome back Noelle Webster, a program manager who's spent a decade producing everything from million-square-foot convention takeovers to intimate whiskey tastings....

If account management and project management really are two separate skill sets, what does that actually look like inside an exhibit house that's still scaling? Chris and Khalil bring Chris Dunn, VP of Sales and Business Development at BlueHive Exhibits, onto the show to unpack how a three-pronged team of account executives, account managers, and project managers actually runs. Chris walks thr...

What happens when the same person managing your biggest client relationships is also buried in project deliverables? If you run an experiential agency, you've probably lived that tension firsthand. Chris and Khalil break down what separates account management from project management, why those roles demand different skill sets, and how to recognize when your team is stretched too thin to do bo...

How do you stay ahead when everything in your industry is changing at once? Chris and Khalil dig into why the smartest agency owners are investing in associations and industry relationships, and how that investment pays off in ways you can't get from a webinar or a LinkedIn post. COVID proved something the experiential industry always felt but never tested: you can't build a business in is...

Chris Griffin just returned from EuroShop, the world's largest trade show for experiential and business event professionals. While many attendees focus solely on booth strategy, Chris discovered something counterintuitive: his unplanned encounters delivered 10 times more value than his meticulously scheduled meetings. In this episode, Chris walks through his proven 7-step framework for maximiz...

You're operating at 200% capacity. Revenue is up. And somehow you're falling behind on everything that matters. Chris and Khalil tackle the uncomfortable truth that high-performing business owners avoid: if you're not building reflection into your rhythm, you're not growing — you're going backwards. The formula is simple: challenge + reflection = growth. Skip the reflection, an...

Industry veterans Chris Griffin and Khalil Benalioulhaj tackle the timely challenge of evaluating unexpected job offers during peak business season. With talent shortages driving aggressive recruiting and stress levels at their annual high, they break down how to make strategic career decisions rather than reactive ones, whether you're the employee considering a move or the employer competing...

Chris Griffin calls in from the trenches of CES week in Las Vegas, where his team is shipping 43 projects in 28 days while operating at 150-200% capacity. This raw, real-time conversation reveals what peak season leadership actually looks like, from getting your boots on the ground to temporarily suspending normal protocols when your team is maxed out. What You’ll Learn How to support teams operat...

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 appl...

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 attendanc...

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...

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 be...

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 un...

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 stra...

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'l...

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 build...

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...

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 you...

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 - C...

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 2...

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 P...

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:...

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 Requireme...

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...