Team management during peak season and leadership during high volume periods are critical for exhibit houses and experiential agencies. 

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In this episode, Chris Griffin, an industry veteran deeply experienced in trade show production management, shares his front-line approach for managing unprecedented project loads. With 43 projects shipping in just 28 days, Chris unpacks what effective boots-on-the-ground leadership looks like during the January trade show rush.

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You’ll hear exactly how to support teams during busy season when standard protocols can do more harm than good. Chris discusses real-world strategies: when it’s time to step out of the office and get into the trenches, how to “check your ego at the door,” and which management habits need to be temporarily suspended. Tactical examples include showing flexibility on work hours, adjusting meeting routines, and finding practical ways to lighten your team’s workload whether that means handling client errands or simply bringing in lunch. Key insight: in high-pressure periods, leaders must both acknowledge the realities the team is facing and adapt expectations to prevent burnout and costly mistakes.

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If you’re an agency owner or operations manager dealing with the January surge, this conversation delivers actionable takeaways for managing 12-hour workdays, supporting project managers running at max capacity, and balancing client demands on top of daily chaos. The discussion is packed with advice for anyone tasked with leading experiential marketing teams through the busiest weeks of the year.

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