IFES - Beyond the Booth Podcast

Episodes

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  Beyond the Booth Ep 3: Beyond the Buzzword - What Innovation Really Means for the Exhibition Industry 16.10.2026 47m

  Is the exhibition industry truly innovative, or are we simply adding new technology to a familiar model?In Episode 3 of Beyond the Booth, Lee Ali speaks with Stefan Trieb, CEO of mac. brand spaces, and Jörg Zeissig, CEO of Holtmann Plus and President of IFES, about what meaningful innovation looks like across the exhibition industry.They explore why innovation should be judged by the problem it solves, where the industry has made real progress and why connecting the fragmented exhibition value chain could create more value than any single tool. The discussion covers sustainability, data ownership, workforce and cost pressures, customer value, AI, innovation culture and the lessons exhibitions can learn from technology, gaming and luxury brands.The episode asks a practical question for every exhibition business: are we simply adapting to change, or are we actively shaping what comes next?Guests: Stefan Trieb and Jörg ZeissigHost: Lee AliPodcast: Beyond the Booth by IFES
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  IFES Beyond the Booth Podcast (Ep 2) - The Future of Exhibition Sales: Stop Selling Stands, Start Creating Value 25.08.2026 47m

  Are exhibit builders selling stands - or should they be selling something much bigger?In Episode 2 of Beyond the Booth, Lee Ali and Han Leenhouts explore the future of sales in the exhibition industry and why exhibit builders need to move beyond design, build and price to create genuine value for their clients.From navigating RFPs and understanding decision-makers to asking better questions, having the confidence to say no and positioning yourself as a trusted adviser, Lee and Handiscuss what it really takes to stand apart in an increasingly competitive market.They also explore how AI could reshape the traditional sales process - and why commercial curiosity and genuine client orientation could become even more valuable as technology advances.The big takeaway?Stop simply selling the booth. Start understanding thebusiness outcome behind it.Because the future of exhibition sales belongs to companies that truly understand what their clients are trying to achieve.
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  Beyond the Booth Episode 1: The Next Generation: Who Builds the Future of Exhibitions? 15.06.2026 1h 5m

  Who will build the future of exhibitions?In the inaugural episode of IFES: Beyond the Booth, host Lee Ali is joined by Steve Deckel, Martijn Besaris and Dr. Sachel Josefson to explore one of the biggest challenges facing the global exhibition industry: attracting, developing and retaining the next generation of talent.Together they discuss why the exhibition industry remains one of the world's best-kept secrets, how education and mentorship can help build future careers, the impact of AI on the workforce, and why communication and human connection remain essential skills in an increasingly digital world.Whether you're an exhibition contractor, organiser, designer, project manager, educator or industry professional, this episode offers practical insights into building a stronger, more sustainable future for our industry.Guests• Steve Deckel – CEO, Deckel & Moneypenny• Martijn Besaris – Vice President of Sales, The Inside• Dr. Sachel Josefson – Professor of Live Events, Bemidji State University🎙️ Hosted by Lee AliProduced by the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES).