---
title: What A Week! | Product Show Hidden ROI
description: Product show season! This episode explores trade shows, speed meetings, and how better conversations with product reps lead to smarter project decisions.
---

[Deliberate Words Podcast | conspectusinc.com ](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast)

# [What A Week! | Product Show Hidden ROI](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/what-a-week-product-show-hidden-roi)

 Written by [Elias Saltz, Steve Gantner, David Stutzman](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/author/elias-saltz-steve-gantner-david-stutzman) | April 20, 2026 at 7:26 PM

 

Spring doesn’t just bring thunderstorms, it signals the start of product show season across the industry. This week, the team compares experiences from traditional trade show floors to structured “speed dating” events like CSI Chicago’s CSI2eye. Steve Gantner, Elias Saltz, and Tina Montone chat about how architects, specifiers, and manufacturers navigate the sometimes awkward dance of engagement, whether walking the floor or working a booth. From eye contact and first lines to deeper technical conversations, the episode reframes product shows as more than swag and small talk. At their best, they become a two-way exchange of knowledge, where product reps and specifiers collaborate to solve real project challenges. The takeaway is clear: meaningful engagement, not just attendance, is what turns these events into valuable project resources.

### **Learning Points**

**Industry Insight**  
Product shows are evolving from passive exhibits into active, curated engagements, especially with formats like scheduled one-on-one sessions.

**Practice Takeaway**  
Don’t overthink the approach. A simple “tell me what’s new” or “how should I specify this?” opens the door to valuable technical insight.

**Process Lesson**  
Early and direct conversations with product reps can refine specification decisions faster than independent research alone.

**Risk or Opportunity**  
Missed engagement is missed intelligence. Walking past a booth might mean overlooking a solution to a current or future problem.

**People & Culture**  
The best interactions happen when both sides drop the script. Authentic curiosity from attendees and genuine responsiveness from reps build lasting relationships.

> #### Product reps are my number one resource.

[View full post](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/what-a-week-product-show-hidden-roi)

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