{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Changing The Industry Podcast","title":"Bonus Episode - Navigating Trade Shows and AI Hype with Cavan Robinson & Tony Mercury","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/397d1446\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3875,"description":"In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cavan Robinson and Tony Mercury of Vehlo from STX 2026. Cavan and Tony explore the evolving trade show landscape, discussing how rising costs and market saturation have changed their approach to event participation. They also dive into the growing influence of AI in the industry, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it brings to shop management and marketing.\n00:00 Evaluating trade show expenses\n10:25 Finding the right trade show staff\n14:31 Attending the Northeast Show and Milwaukee Event\n17:37 Improving event attendance strategies\n25:47 Issues with recurring trade shows\n30:12 Questioning Technical Training Value\n35:21 Lunch with Margaret discussing retirement\n38:42 Advice for growing your business\n46:56 AI's impact on SEO strategies\n53:41 Managing AI Data and Partnerships\n57:36 Using GuestX for call issues\n01:00:29 Catfish leads to divorce","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/TmFutVBA2CXrbhzBSzhfJLpfqgewMMYGUnLcyfdNyvc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzM3ODY2LzE2NzQw/ODM5MjItYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}