business

Pat Alacqua: Industry Trailblazer and Co-Founder of Nth Degree (Part 2)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Best Practices, Communications, Leadership, Marketing, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Strategy, United States, Verbal Communications

 

Leadership, Growth, and Mentorship with Pat Alacqua

In this second episode,Jeff Hannah delves into Pat Alacqua’s journey as a leader and entrepreneur, exploring the emotional and strategic dynamics of building and eventually selling Nth Degree. In this rare interview, Pat Alacqua also candidly reflects on the toll of seeing valued team members move-on over time – a natural yet bittersweet reality of leading a fast-growing business in a thriving industry where the demand for trained and skilled professionals constantly grows.

Pat discusses the complexities of growth, including the decision to hire people from outside the trade show industry to drive transformation and innovation. Jeff emphasizes the importance of a rigorous hiring process, which included assessments supported by an industrial psychologist to ensure alignment with the company’s values and culture – an approach that was uncommon for entrepreneurial companies at the time. Pat also shares his philosophy on hiring and leading great people, underscoring the value of surrounding oneself with individuals who bring diverse mindsets and perspectives to the table.

A lifelong learner, Pat reflects on how leadership is more about asking the right questions than it is about having all the right answers. He shares how continuous learning has shaped his approach to influence—building alignment, securing support, and inspiring others—all of which require patience and intentionality.

Pat also opens up about some of his greatest life challenges, the lessons they taught him, and how mentorship has been a cornerstone of his career. He passionately believes in “paying it forward” by mentoring and guiding others, and he credits much of his own success to those who mentored him along the way.

Jeff also asks about Pat’s decision to sell Nth Degree, his perspective on that decision, and his broader view on defining success. Pat talks about how growth is not just about transforming a company but about how it also transforms the people involved in that journey. He reflects on how rare and fulfilling it is to build a business with a continuous growth trajectory.

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, learning, and the power of mentorship, offering listeners valuable lessons from Pat’s remarkable career.

Stay tuned for more insights in Episode 3.

Part 1 of my interview with Pat.

Part 3 of my interview with Pat.

Pat Alacqua on LinkedIn

Website: https://www.patalacqua.com/

Email: pat@patalacqua.com

Pat Alacqua: Industry Trailblazer and Co-Founder of Nth Degree (Part 1)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Best Practices, Branding, Communications, Leadership, Marketing, North America, Podcast, Storytelling, Strategy, United States, Verbal Communications

 

Foundational Strategies and Industry Impact with Pat Alacqua

In this first episode of the three-part series, Jeff Hannah conducts a rare interview with Pat Alacqua, co-founder of Nth Degree, exploring the foundational strategies and challenges that defined the company’s early days. Beyond co-founding Nth Degree, Pat has built multiple successful businesses across other industries and continues to collaborate with business leaders through his consulting services and online leadership and business growth tools, guiding them through challenges to achieve sustained growth. Together, they reflect on how the trade show industry has evolved, Nth Degree’s innovative approach to building a labor management company, and the critical importance of training and education in shaping their team and culture.

Pat shares how Nth Degree carved out its niche in the industry by focusing on differentiation, emphasizing core values like education, training, and exceptional customer service. He explains how they anticipated customer needs and proactively solved problems to set themselves apart in a fast-growing competitive landscape. Pat reflects on the high levels of risk involved in starting Nth Degree and scaling it to handle increasingly large and complex projects.

Listeners will gain insight into the legendary antitrust legal case in Dallas, Texas, where Nth Degree and its partners faced significant challenges. Although the directed verdict was not in their favor, over time they won in the court of public opinion, ultimately changing the direction of the trade show industry. This led to the development of new industry categories like “independent labor contractors,” which are now commonly referred to across the industry as “exhibitor appointed contractors” (EACs).

This episode also highlights how Nth Degree developed industry practices and terminology still in use today, such as “leadmen” and “floor managers.” They recognized the need for robust systems and processes to effectively manage rapid growth and scale the company without sacrificing quality or service. Pat’s reflections provide valuable lessons on leadership, perseverance, and innovation in a dynamic industry. Drawing on his extensive career experience, Pat also shares actionable insights to help business leaders overcome challenges and scale their companies successfully.

Stay tuned for more insights in Episodes 2 and 3 of the three-part series as Jeff and Pat continue to explore the challenges and triumphs that shaped Nth Degree and the trade show industry at large.

Part 2 of my interview with Pat.

Part 3 of my interview with Pat.

Pat Alacqua on LinkedIn

Website: https://www.patalacqua.com/

Email: pat@patalacqua.com

Jeff & Uta on Eco Tour in Sonoran Desert

IFES Executive Director – Uta Goretzky

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Best Practices, Brazil, Chile, Communications, Culture, Design, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Europe, Germany, Graphics, Language, Latin America, Leadership, Marketing, Mexico, Middle East, Munich, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Strategy, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Jeff Hannah Interviews Uta Goretzky – Executive Director of IFES

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Uta Goretzky, the Executive Director of the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, headquartered in Europe. Uta has a vast knowledge of what is happening in the trade show and event industry on a global basis. She works diligently to ensure that the industry is well-represented globally within various government contexts, as well as from an economic standpoint. They also provide a platform for global collaboration between companies across the exhibition industry.

Uta discusses trends that she is observing, initiatives that IFES is pursuing currently, the significance of cultural concerns, as well as best practices for exhibitors. Uta is based in Frankfurt, Germany, but spends much of her life on the road in many places around the world.

Prior to joining IFES, Uta spent more than 20 years with FAMAB e.V., the German association for the exhibitions and events industry. Uta studied economics at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster in Germany.

This interview was recorded in the Sonoran Desert of Tucson, Arizona in the USA.

Uta Goretzky on LinkedIn

Email: uta@ifesnet.org

Chloe Richardson – a Woman of Many Talents! (Part 3)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Asia, Australia, Branding, Communications, Culture, Europe, Gender, Germany, Language, Latin America, Leadership, London, Marketing, Middle East, Non-Verbal Communications, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Saudi Arabia, Strategy, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Verbal Communications, Yorkshire

Jeff Hannah Interviews Chloe Richardson – Linguist & Exhibition Sales Strategist

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Chloe Richardson, a linguist – and sales strategist within the exhibition and trade show industry globally. She speaks about 5 or 6 languages – and teaches language. She also works in the exhibition and trade show industry, specializing in sales strategy, rebook consultancy, sales team support, business development, client engagement, the customer journey and process management. And she also does translation work on a regular basis.

Chloe’s home base is in London, where she is today. But, Chloe works in a diverse array of industries across the world, including Europe, North America, Russia and Eurasia, China, India, South East Asia and Africa.

Chloe holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and Portuguese from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. One little secret about Chloe…is that she has spent a significant part of her life working in the entertainment industry, being a vocalist, pianist and actress. Chloe is just super-talented, extremely articulate and just fun to be around!!

Chloe shares lots of great insights across this 3-part series. She discusses the importance of language in relation to travel – and to the trade show and exhibition world in general; she talks about cultural differences, travel tips, how to engage with strangers, how to create trust & respect, perceptions across borders, and developing a better understanding of the audience you are trying to engage with.

This interview was recorded in London, United Kingdom & Dayton, Ohio, USA.

Part 1 of my interview with Chloe.

Part 2 of my interview with Chloe.

Chloe Richardson on LinkedIn

Website: www.explori.com

Email: c.richardson@explori.com

Chloe Richardson – a Woman of Many Talents! (Part 2)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Australia, Best Practices, Branding, Brazil, Chile, Communications, Culture, Dubai, Europe, Gender, Germany, Language, Latin America, Leadership, London, Marketing, Mexico, Middle East, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Saudi Arabia, Strategy, Sydney, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Verbal Communications, Yorkshire

Jeff Hannah Interviews Chloe Richardson – Linguist & Exhibition Sales Strategist

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Chloe Richardson, a linguist – and sales strategist within the exhibition and trade show industry globally. She speaks about 5 or 6 languages – and teaches language. She also works in the exhibition and trade show industry, specializing in sales strategy, rebook consultancy, sales team support, business development, client engagement, the customer journey and process management. And she also does translation work on a regular basis.

Chloe’s home base is in London, where she is today. But, Chloe works in a diverse array of industries across the world, including Europe, North America, Russia and Eurasia, China, India, South East Asia and Africa.

Chloe holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and Portuguese from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. One little secret about Chloe…is that she has spent a significant part of her life working in the entertainment industry, being a vocalist, pianist and actress. Chloe is just super-talented, extremely articulate and just fun to be around!!

Chloe shares lots of great insights across this 3-part series. She discusses the importance of language in relation to travel – and to the trade show and exhibition world in general; she talks about cultural differences, travel tips, how to engage with strangers, how to create trust & respect, perceptions across borders, and developing a better understanding of the audience you are trying to engage with.

This interview was recorded in London, United Kingdom & Dayton, Ohio, USA.

Part 1 of my interview with Chloe.

Part 3 of my interview with Chloe.

Chloe Richardson on LinkedIn

Website: www.explori.com

Email: c.richardson@explori.com

Chloe Richardson – a Woman of Many Talents! (Part 1)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Abu Dhabi, Asia, Best Practices, Branding, Brazil, Communications, Culture, Design, Dubai, Europe, Gender, Germany, Language, Latin America, Leadership, London, Marketing, Middle East, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Saudi Arabia, Storytelling, Strategy, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Verbal Communications, Yorkshire

Jeff Hannah Interviews Chloe Richardson – Linguist & Exhibition Sales Strategist

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Chloe Richardson, a linguist – and sales strategist within the exhibition and trade show industry globally. She speaks about 5 or 6 languages – and teaches language. She also works in the exhibition and trade show industry, specializing in sales strategy, rebook consultancy, sales team support, business development, client engagement, the customer journey and process management. And she also does translation work on a regular basis.

Chloe’s home base is in London, where she is today. But, Chloe works in a diverse array of industries across the world, including Europe, North America, Russia and Eurasia, China, India, South East Asia and Africa.

Chloe holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and Portuguese from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. One little secret about Chloe…is that she has spent a significant part of her life working in the entertainment industry, being a vocalist, pianist and actress. Chloe is just super-talented, extremely articulate and just fun to be around!!

Chloe shares lots of great insights across this 3-part series. She discusses the importance of language in relation to travel – and to the trade show and exhibition world in general; she talks about cultural differences, travel tips, how to engage with strangers, how to create trust & respect, perceptions across borders, and developing a better understanding of the audience you are trying to engage with.

This interview was recorded in London, United Kingdom & Dayton, Ohio, USA.

Part 2 of my interview with Chloe.

Part 3 of my interview with Chloe.

Chloe Richardson on LinkedIn

Website: www.explori.com

Email: c.richardson@explori.com

Dutch Pavilion Shanghai 2010

Charles Pappas – Flying Cars, Zombie Dogs, & Robot Overlords (Part 2)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Abu Dhabi, Asia, Best Practices, Branding, Brazil, Culture, Design, Dubai, Europe, Germany, Graphics, Language, Latin America, Leadership, London, Marketing, Mexico, Middle East, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Saudi Arabia, Strategy, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Jeff Hannah Interviews Charles Pappas – Exhibit Industry Historian

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Charles Pappas, author of Flying Cars, Zombie Dogs, & Robot Overlords, and senior writer at Exhibitor Magazine. Charles is like the Indiana Jones – Captain Ahab – Mr. Peabody of the exhibition industry. He dug up lost expo photos in Shanghai and located forgotten fair buildings in Mexico City. He has spent years sleuthing out not just the economic IMPACT but cultural IMPRINT of trade fairs – which is a key point of his book. The impact of trade fairs last long beyond the end of the event. Charles has covered the expo industry for Exhibitor Magazine for many years – and is the industry’s de facto historian.

In part 2 of this interview, Jeff explores the things that Charles has learned from his extensive international travels, in particular how those things relate to good and bad practices in exhibitions. Charles explains the Dunning–Kruger effect, and how business can be impacted by a lack of knowledge of certain subjects. They discuss the use a sensory attractions – kinetic structures, technology, sand painting, art, fragrances and storytelling. Jeff talks to Charles about his level of interest in cultures and how that knowledge can and should be applied to the exhibition world.

This interview was recorded in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Flying Cars, Zombie Dogs, & Robot Overlords Book on Amazon

Charles Pappas on LinkedIn

Exhibitor Magazine

Email: cpappas@exhibitormagazine.com

Dutch Pavilion Shanghai 2010

Charles Pappas – Flying Cars, Zombie Dogs, & Robot Overlords (Part 1)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Asia, Best Practices, Branding, Brazil, Culture, Design, Dubai, Europe, Germany, Graphics, Language, Latin America, Leadership, London, Marketing, Mexico, Middle East, North America, Podcast, Saudi Arabia, Strategy, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Jeff Hannah Interviews Charles Pappas – Exhibit Industry Historian

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Charles Pappas, author of Flying Cars, Zombie Dogs, & Robot Overlords, and senior writer at Exhibitor Magazine. Charles is like the Indiana Jones – Captain Ahab – Mr. Peabody of the exhibition industry. He dug up lost expo photos in Shanghai and located forgotten fair buildings in Mexico City. He has spent years sleuthing out not just the economic IMPACT but cultural IMPRINT of trade fairs – which is a key point of his book. The impact of trade fairs last long beyond the end of the event. Charles has covered the expo industry for Exhibitor Magazine for many years – and is the industry’s de facto historian.

In part 1 of this interview, Charles explains how he became interested in world’s fairs and exhibitions, and the many shows that he has personally visited and studied. They talk about how governments use their pavilions at world fairs to market and sell themselves to the world, something Charles refers to as culture to consumer (C2C). Through fascinating examples Charles reveals interesting past exhibits which have really changed the world. They also discuss opportunities that companies often miss when exhibiting, and some of the huge mistakes that they make. Charles provides an incredibly insightful and historical perspective on the importance of trade shows, exhibitions, and world’s fairs to the global economy.

This interview was recorded in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Flying Cars, Zombie Dogs, & Robot Overlords Book on Amazon

Charles Pappas on LinkedIn

Exhibitor Magazine

Email: cpappas@exhibitormagazine.com

EuroShop 2017

Steve Tustain – Seeing Germany through British Eyes (Part 2)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Communications, Culture, Design, Europe, Germany, Language, London, Middle East, Non-Verbal Communications, North America, Podcast, Precise Time, Relationships, Time, United Kingdom, United States, Yorkshire

Jeff Hannah Interviews Steve Tustain – a British Man Living in Germany

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Steve Tustain of MDL Expo International GmbH. They discuss the separation between private and professional life in Germany, and building credibility with German colleagues. They discuss the Bavarian (Bayern) region of Germany and how business and mindsets differ there from some other regions of Germany. Steve talks about the looming issue of Brexit, how it might impact the UK as well Europe in general. Steve gives some fantastic advice to exhibit managers and event planners who are planning shows or events in Germany and throughout Europe.

Jeff also asks Steve about how he got started in this industry with his background in architecture.

Steve Tustain was born in the UK, and studied architecture at The University of Hull in Yorkshire, England. He also studied at the Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom, before moving to Germany.

Jeff and Steve had overlapping tenures at Gielissen Interiors & Exhibitions, based in Eindhoven. Steve was based in Germany, where he has lived for more than 20 years now. He has broad global experience and works across multiple industries for many recognized brands. Steve Tustain is currently the Sales Manager for MDL Expo International GmbH, based near Frankfurt.

Be sure to listen to Part 1 of this interview with Steve Tustain.

This interview was recorded in Dayton, Ohio.

MDL Expo International GmbH

Steve Tustain LinkedIn English

Steve Tustain LinkedIn Germany

Email: steve.tustain@mdl-expo.com

EuroShop 2017

Steve Tustain – Seeing Germany through British Eyes (Part 1)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Asia, Best Practices, Culture, Design, Dusseldorf, Europe, Germany, Language, London, Marketing, Munich, North America, Podcast, Precise Time, Relationships, Strategy, Time, United Kingdom, United States

Jeff Hannah Interviews Steve Tustain – a British Man Living in Germany

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Steve Tustain of MDL Expo International GmbH. They discuss how exhibits should be designed differently for Germany, and how the exhibit may be used different in Europe than in other places such as in the USA. Steve emphasizes the importance of pre-show planning and promotion in order to reach the audience you want to have. They also talk about preparing to meet with – and negotiate with – German business people. And Steve shares his views on how in-booth activities such as engagements, gamification and gimmicks are viewed by Europeans.

Steve delves deeper into the mind of the German with his views on how people desire to be perceived by others, especially in the business world. Competence is important. But, pride and being too “showy” with success can quickly backfire when trying to connect with someone from Germany.

Jeff also asks Steve to share how his life is different in Germany in comparison to his upbringing in Great Britain.

Steve Tustain was born in the UK, and studied architecture at the University of Hull in Yorkshire, England. He also studied at the Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom, before moving to Germany.

Jeff and Steve had overlapping tenures at Gielissen Interiors & Exhibitions, based in Eindhoven. Steve was based in Germany, where he has lived for more than 20 years now. He has broad global experience and works across multiple industries for many recognized brands. Steve Tustain is currently the Sales Manager for MDL Expo International GmbH, based near Frankfurt.

Be sure to listen to Part 2 of this interview with Steve Tustain.

This interview was recorded in Dayton, Ohio.

MDL Expo International GmbH

Steve Tustain LinkedIn English

Steve Tustain LinkedIn Germany

Email: steve.tustain@mdl-expo.com