education
Shelf Help
 
These 2025 titles offer fresh insights, practical guidance, and behind-the-scenes tales of event industry history that will help you sharpen your skills and boost your event trivia knowledge so you'll be the most fascinating person in the room. By Emily Olson


Breaking the Code to Healthcare Compliance
“Breaking the Code to Healthcare Compliance” by Pat Schaumann is a comprehensive guide to planning healthcare events without tripping over the sometimes complex rules in the healthcare sector. Schaumann, senior director of healthcare compliance at McVeigh Global Meetings & Events and principal instructor of the Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate program, brings decades of insider know-how to the page. Now in its fifth edition, the book features updated international sections, an improved glossary, revised charts and maps, COVID-19 updates, and color-enhanced e-book visuals. Schaumann breaks down the “who, what, where, and how” of state, federal, and global regulations in a way that's clear, practical, and readable. It's a must-have for event pros in healthcare who want to keep their events compliant, professional, and smoothly executed. Consider it a trusty cheat sheet for navigating the truly complex world of healthcare compliance in events.


Nobody Sits Like the French
EXHIBITOR magazine's own senior writer, World Expo historian and consultant, and author of multiple books, Charles Pappas, once again put pen to paper to bring “Nobody Sits Like the French” to life. The book explores the seven Paris World Expos held between 1855 and 1937, showing how these events shaped the city's skyline and left a lasting impact on its culture. Featuring Pappas' signature wit, backed by his meticulous research, each story is engaging, accessible, and fun to read. It's a delightful cover-to-cover read, but each chapter stands on its own well, making it a perfect companion to an afternoon break with un café. The book's red, white, and blue design reinforces its Parisian roots with closed pages echoing the French flag, and the chapter openers in striking red and blue, combined with tinted artwork throughout, create a visually compelling reading experience. The resulting volume takes readers on an informative and entertaining exploration of classic Parisian experiences that owe their existence to a World Expo that took place there.



Inside Live Events
“Inside Live Events”, by Bob Priest-Heck and Carrie Freeman Parsons, is a practical playbook for designing, planning, and executing live events that engage attendees in meaningful ways. Drawing on their decades of Freeman experience, the authors guide readers through a four-phase methodology — getting started, designing the plan, building the plan, and reviewing and improving — that can be applied to experiential activations, trade shows, conferences, and corporate gatherings. Each chapter includes checklists, pro tips, and bulleted guides to distill complex processes into actionable goals. Not only does it simplify logistics, the book celebrates the power of live events to connect people, encourage collaboration, and create lasting impact. Designed for seasoned event professionals, newcomers exploring a career in live events, and anyone responsible for producing memorable experiences, the book provides readers with the tools and inspiration they need to elevate attendee experiences and bring events to life with purpose and precision.



The Invisible Industry: The Evolution of Trade Shows
Industry veterans Larry Kulchawik and Bob McGlincy draw on their combined century of experience to chart the trade show industry's journey, from ancient Persian markets to today's experiential, tech-driven halls. Along the way, they profile key figures, companies, organizations, and thought leaders who were instrumental in shaping the field. “The Invisible Industry” concludes with a chapter of industry predictions, offering firsthand perspectives on what's next for this vibrant, impactful business. Written with a casual tone and style, yet brimming with enthusiasm, the book has the DIY spirit of exhibitors — passionate, resourceful, and hands-on. It balances historical depth with contemporary insight, weaving anecdotes with analysis to show how exhibitions have adapted to economic shifts, cultural changes, and technological advancements. The volume offers a spirited tour through an often “invisible” industry that moves billions of dollars annually and is responsible for driving countless business relationships.

listen up
These podcasts turn your daily commute into a mini masterclass. And they're practically guaranteed to sharpen your edge at work.
The Indicator from Planet Money
This NPR-backed podcast is a favorite for a reason. It provides quick hits on work, business, and the economy that you can drop into any conversation.
HBR IdeaCast
The minds behind Harvard Business Review are also behind this interview-based podcast that tackles weighty topics like navigating career challenges and being an effective leader.
WorkLife: Short Cuts
Adam Grant hosts this TED-sponsored podcast that discusses career psychology and teaches busy people how to thrive in an active, fast-paced workplace.


Editorial
Coloring Inside the Lines
The most impactful designs are ones in which companies strip their message down to its essence.
Exhibitor Q & A
Augmented and Virtual Reality
What are the most effective ways to integrate AR and VR into a trade show environment to support our brand goals?
Ask Dan
Ideas from the New Guy
My boss tends to accept ideas or suggestions based on an employee's seniority.
Exhibiting 101
Network Smarter, Not Harder
These strategic tips will help you meet the right people at the right time for the right reasons.
Fuel
Ideas That Work
Put a Pin in it, Bust a Move, Free Bird, and more
Products
New Tools
Trade Show Maestro chatbot, Audio Design Tool for Non-Techies, and more
Conventional Wisdom
Congress Center Hamburg
The Congress Center Hamburg (CCH) was reopened in 2022 after an extensive $345 million overhaul.
City Profile
Get Out! Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg entices visitors to experience its history, culture, and nightlife from every angle.
Fixing Snafus
Lost in Transportation
A rushed shipment bound for San Antonio took an unplanned Vegas vacation, and the show opening was just hours away.
Archive
Fairy Tale
1908: The Electricity Fairy visits the International Exposition of Electricity in Marseille, France.
Education
Shelf Help
These 2025 titles offer fresh insights, practical guidance, and behind-the-scenes tales of event industry history.
Portfolio
Ceiling the Deal
In the exhibit hall's sea of sameness, the ceiling remains the final frontier for differentiation.
Quiz
Are You Normal?
How normal are you and your trade show program compared to "average" exhibitors?
Case Study
Sound Decisions
At Integrated Systems Europe, Sono's dreams were bigger than its budget. But the company's gamble paid off.
Expo Awards
World Expo Awards
EXHIBITOR holds its sixth World Expo Awards competition to honor the most impressive pavilions in Osaka, Japan
Expo Awards
World Expo Awards Honorable Mentions
Honorable Mentions from EXHIBITOR's sixth World Expo Awards competition in Osaka, Japan
Expo Awards
Quiet Giants
EXHIBITOR's resident World Expo historian and consultant discusses his favorite finds from World Expo 2025.