potters wheel

The Great Global Reset

The Great Global Reset – Jeff Hannah Speaks at IFES

In this episode, we are re-airing a webinar with Jeff Hannah called The Great Global Reset, presented by IFES (International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services), as part of an ongoing series called IFES Solutions. All countries and cultures on the planet are feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact is monumental – and will likely have more significant repercussions on humanity than any other crisis we have seen in our lifetimes. The coronavirus pandemic is already permanently reshaping culture as we speak. The trade show and event industry is being hit particularly hard as well – and is being forced to shift, innovate, and re-think. In this webinar we will explore COVID through the eyes of culture – and some elements of the Great Global Reset.

This interview was recorded in Dayton, Ohio but broadcast globally in April 2020.

Email: jhannah@exhibitconcepts.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyhannah/

Bin Yu CEO of HitLights

Bin Yu – “My American Dream”

Bin Yu of HitLights Shares His American Dream

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Bin Yu, Ph.D, Founder & CEO of HitLights, a top provider of LED technologies for trade show exhibits, and other industry sectors. Bin is a native of China, but pursued his American dream by earning his Ph.D. at Louisiana State University (LSU) in the USA. He shares part of his fascinating entrepreneurial journey, what inspires him, and the mindset which has helped him to succeed in so many areas of life.

Jeff also discusses with Bin the differences between the Chinese and American cultures and business environments, the concept of guanxi, learning as a lifestyle, and leading millennial employees.

HitLights has offices in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in Chino, California, and in Shenzhen, China.

As founder of HitLights, Bin makes a positive impact by developing loyal and caring relationships. His company HITlights has won 2017 and 2016 Honoree of the LSU 100: Fastest Growing Tiger Businesses, The Company doubled the revenue in 2018 and launched the China-Shenzhen E-commerce office. Bin Yu has been nominated 2016 Young Businessperson of the Year by Business Report. Bin is a man of many passions, entrepreneurship, connecting/bridging, environmental protection, and LED lighting solutions. These passions have helped to sculpt the way he does business. As an EOer-Orange county, he is really grateful for the benefits that EO has brought in the last 6 years.

Giving back to the community is deeply important to Bin, and he likes to make business reflect that. So, his company Hitlights gives internship opportunities to LSU Fellowship (Entrepreneur) Program every year, and they sponsor the 2nd and 3rd LSU Student Incubator’s annual Venture Challenge.

His personal and family life purpose is to make an impact and spread positive energy by learning and connecting. He is an active runner and love scuba-diving and meditation.

This interview was recorded at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Email: byu@hitlights.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/binyuled

Jeff Hannah Speaks at EuroShop 2020

Jeff Hannah Speaks at EuroShop 2020

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah speaks at EuroShop 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany as part of the IFES Expo & Event Stage. Jeff’s lecture was titled Cultural Frameworks – which highlights the need for focusing on the dimensions of national culture. Jeff states that cultural differences are one of the most ignored aspects of international trade show programs.

Neglecting subtle nuances in cross-cultural business can be devastating, as unrealized components of culture can damage business relationships and nullify marketing efforts. Recognizing that all business is conducted within the “context of culture” helps one to see things from a totally different perspective. This session provides a brief overview of the various dimensions of culture which should considered when exhibiting in other countries, such as:

IFES is the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, headquartered in Europe. Jeff’s lecture was hosted by IFES as part of their series called, The Art of Exhibition, an important aspect of the educational program provided at EuroShop.

EuroShop is the world’s largest trade fair for the retail industry, trade shows and associated sectors. There are over 90,000 attendees at the show, with more than 2,000 exhibitors from 56 countries. It is the source of information and inspiration for professionals and decision-makers on every conceivable aspect of retailing. It is the showcase for trends and innovations. A hot spot for sales and marketing experts seeking new ideas to spotlight and sell their company’s products and services even better.

This interview was recorded at the Messe Düsseldorf in Düsseldorf, Germany – and moderated by the infamous Han Leenhouts from The Netherlands.

Jeff Hannah on LinkedIn

Email: jeff@globalexhibitor.com

Pavilions at the Dubai Airshow

Terri Morrison – Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands® (Part 2)

Communications, Body Language, & Authority

This is Part 2 of a two-part interview with Ms. Terri Morrison, known worldwide for her series of books called Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands® (co-authored by Wayne A. Conaway). Recently, Terri Morrison has been speaking at EXHIBITORLIVE in Las Vegas and focusing on the international aspects of the trade show industry, where she met-up with host Jeff Hannah.

Terri’s books have sold over 450,000 copies. Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands® has been translated into everything from Mandarin to Estonian, and is on INC. Magazine’s 7 Best Books on How to Negotiate.

Her new book Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands®: Courtrooms to Corporate Counsels was recently released and is available online from the American Bar Association.  Her clients include the American Bar Association, AT&T, Accenture, American Airlines, American Express… and many more!

Terri has been profiled and quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Asia Times, Investor’s Weekly, the Washington Post, Fast Company, National Geographic Adventure, Nature, ESPN, Fortune, the Huffington Post, and many others.

Terri Morrison has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, and repeatedly on NPR, and the BBC – and finally on The Global Exhibitor Podcast!

Be sure to listen to Part 1 of this interview with Terri Morrison.

www.kissboworshakehands.com

www.TerriMorrison.com

Terri Morrison Facebook

Twitter: @KissBowAuthor

Terri Morrison LinkedIn

Pavilions at the Dubai Airshow

Terri Morrison – Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands® (Part 1)

Communications, Body Language, & Authority

This is Part 1 of a two-part interview with Ms. Terri Morrison, known worldwide for her series of books called Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands® (co-authored by Wayne A. Conaway). Recently, Terri Morrison has been speaking at EXHIBITORLIVE in Las Vegas and focusing on the international aspects of the trade show industry, where she met-up with host Jeff Hannah.

Terri’s books have sold over 450,000 copies. Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands® has been translated into everything from Mandarin to Estonian, and is on INC. Magazine’s 7 Best Books on How to Negotiate.

Her new book Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands®: Courtrooms to Corporate Counsels was recently released and is available online from the American Bar Association.  Her clients include the American Bar AssociationAT&TAccentureAmerican AirlinesAmerican Express… and many more!

Terri has been profiled and quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Asia Times, Investor’s Weekly, the Washington Post, Fast Company, National Geographic Adventure, Nature, ESPN, Fortune, the Huffington Post, and many others.

Terri Morrison has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, and repeatedly on NPR, and the BBC – and finally on The Global Exhibitor Podcast!

Be sure to listen to Part 2 of this interview with Terri Morrison.

www.kissboworshakehands.com

www.TerriMorrison.com

Terri Morrison Facebook

Twitter: @KissBowAuthor

Terri Morrison LinkedIn

Iggy Rosenberg in Singapore

Distinctive Lighting Designer “Iggy” Rosenberg – on the Global Stage

Ignacio Rosenberg (known as “Iggy” to his friends and clients) is a well-known lighting and visual designer who works for a distinctive global agency called Lightswitch. Iggy grew-up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but is now based in Salt Lake City. He has spent more than 20 years designing and implementing large touring shows around the world for top rock groups such as Def Leppard, The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, Shakira, and many more!

Iggy is a really neat guy – extremely brilliant as a designer, articulate, sophisticated, but really down to earth! He spends time working with people that most of us will never have the privilege to meet. This gives him a very unique perspective as a designer working on large, high-profile projects – while also working across cultures around the world.

Iggy recently spent most of a day with Jeff Hannah and the Creative Team at Exhibit Concepts, at their HQ offices in Dayton, Ohio. Iggy shared his knowledge and inspiration with the creative team and say down with Jeff for this podcast interview.

During this interview, Iggy and Jeff discussed design, culture, lighting, creating experiences and much more.

NCR @ EuroShop
Persian Gulf Marina
Tabexpo Trade Show

Tips for Working With PRECISE TIME Cultures

How do you view time? In a loose, casual way, or in a more precise way? And why does it matter?

 

If you are participating in a trade show or event in a PRECISE TIME CULTURE, the concept of TIME will play an important role – and introduces differences which you should recognize. If you are from a more relaxed, or LOOSE TIME CULTURE, you may be surprised when your colleagues in the precise time culture are not as flexible as you would like them to be, if they seem frustrated if you do not arrive on time for a meeting, or fail to meet a deadline…  Read More

JCB Exhibit at Bauma Germany

How to Work with Germans – Part 2

I learned much the hard way from my interactions with German businesses over the years. I’d like to share some surprising advice with you – things I consider as ESSENTIAL for interacting and negotiating with Germans…

During the Meeting:

1. Anticipate the Style: Expect a more formal meeting than in the USA. Approach the discussion in a systematic and organized way. Propose an agenda and follow it! Don’t jump around. Establish expectations for outcomes. Everyone should have a chance to be heard in the meeting. Direct and participative communication is appreciated.

 

If you are not used to a strong banter, you may be taken by surprise or wear down quickly. Modestly demonstrating your technical expertise and industry experience lends creditability and trust. Stand your ground and make a case for your goals. Jeff Hannah

 

2. Control Your Emotions: It’s certainly okay to be passionate. But, don’t let emotions or personal feelings cloud your arguments. Be respectful. Keep a clear head and rely heavily on logic and fact. Strongest logic wins!

 

3. Stay Focused: Don’t expect too much small talk or chitchat. You will generally get right down to business. Don’t get distracted by sideline / ancillary issues. Keep the main things the main things! This is not the same as detail, which requires proper attention.

 

4. Communicate Clearly: Be clear, direct and consistent in your responses. Miscommunication happens easily and often with language barriers and industry jargon. Verbalize details in a couple of different ways to see if everyone still agrees. Use visuals, sketches, and drawings to clarify and document details. Here are more insights on dealing with LANGUAGE BARRIERS.

 

5. Expect Uber Specificity: The meeting will likely delve into greater detail than you expect as an American. Be very specific / precise with details. Start with the overall, and then go into the details, following a systematic approach, including costs, numbers, etc. Expect to work in the metric system. Be PRECISE with TIME also.

 

6. Maintain Resilience: If you are not used to a strong banter, you may be taken by surprise or wear down quickly. Modestly demonstrating your technical expertise and industry experience lends creditability and trust. Stand your ground and make a case for your goals; don’t give up, and don’t take pushback personally.

 

After the Meeting:

Just Do It: Do what you committed to do. And, don’t wait for days or weeks. Do it as quickly as possible!

 

For the essentials of planning for a meeting with Germans, go to PART 1 of this blog: “Before the Meeting.”