Are you wondering how to make the most out of your next industry trade show? Discover key strategies that can transform your experience!
As an exhibition expert, I’ve attended many shows like the AB Show and know what works. My experience has helped businesses make the most out of these events.
The AB Show is the premier event where fitness professionals connect with the latest innovations, from cutting-edge equipment to new business solutions.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to maximize your time at the AB Show. We will explore the best booths to visit, to make meaningful connections with key vendors.
So let’s get down to it!
Table of Contents
1. Pre-Event Preparation
Attending the AB Show can boost your business in the fitness industry. Here’s how to prepare:
Plan Your Schedule
- Dates: November 19 – 22, 2024
- Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
- Event Website: https://www.abshow.com/
- Highlights: Workshops, keynotes, and expo showcasing the latest trends, products, and technologies.
Registration and Accommodation
- Early Registration: Save money and secure your spot by registering early at the AB Show Pricing and Deadlines page to avoid higher fees later. Early registration offers access to all event features.
- Hotel Booking: Housing opens in Spring 2024. Book through onPeak, the official hotel provider, for special rates and availability at prime locations.
- Plan Flights Early: Book your flights in advance for the best prices and convenient times. Booking early helps you avoid last-minute stress and higher costs.
- Stay Connected: Make sure to follow AB Show’s social channels or subscribe for updates. This keeps you informed about important deadlines and event details.
Items to Bring
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll spend hours walking, so bring shoes that keep your feet comfortable all day. This will help you stay focused on networking and learning without discomfort.
- Business Cards: Networking is key, so pack extra business cards for easy exchanges with potential partners or clients. What makes this so special? Having them on hand makes introductions smoother.
- Notebook and Pen: Take quick notes during sessions or after conversations with exhibitors. Sometimes, writing things down is quicker and more memorable than using a phone.
- Folder or Binder: Bring something to store brochures, business cards, and notes. Keeping things organized will help when you sort through information after the event.
- Comfortable Bag: Carrying around materials from the expo can get heavy. A comfortable backpack or tote will help you carry everything without straining yourself.
- Hand Sanitizer and Mask: With large crowds, keeping hygiene in mind is important. Having these items helps you stay safe and comfortable throughout the event.
Events and Sessions
- Save the Date: Sign up for AB Show updates to get the latest information on schedules and speakers. The AB Show Update Form will help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss key events.
- Build Your Itinerary: Choose sessions that fit your goals and interests. Look for topics that will give you practical tips or introduce you to new trends in the industry.
- Networking: Set clear goals for whom you want to meet, such as potential suppliers or business partners. Consider reaching out to set up meetings in advance to make the most of your time.
2. Key Highlights to Explore
The AB Show is your chance to explore the latest trends and connect with key players in the fitness industry. Don’t miss these exciting highlights:
- Networking Party: Enjoy music, food, and drinks while networking with industry professionals. It’s a fun way to relax and build valuable connections.
- Newcomers Program: If it’s your first time attending, this program helps you meet AB staff, speakers, and experienced attendees. And the best part is that it’s the perfect way to start your experience.
- Awards Reception: Celebrate the top facilities in the industry with AB Show and Athletic Business magazine staff. Learn from what makes these facilities stand out.
- Military Meet-Up: This event brings together military professionals attending the AB Show for a chance to connect and share experiences in a more relaxed setting. It’s a great networking opportunity for those in the military sector.
- Golf Event: No matter your skill level, enjoy a fun night of golf, food, and drinks with your peers. It’s a great way to unwind and connect.
3. Connecting with Exhibitors
The AB Show is a great place to connect with exhibitors who can help improve your business with the latest products and innovations. Here are some random exhibitors you won’t want to miss:
VertiMax (Booth 744)
VertiMax specializes in training systems for sports like basketball and football, as well as strength training equipment. Their technology is designed to boost athletic performance by improving speed, power, and overall fitness. Visit their booth to explore how VertiMax can help your facility offer better training solutions.
Snapsports (Booth 644)
Snapsports offers premium sports flooring for basketball, tennis, and multipurpose courts. Known for their durable, high-performance surfaces, they provide solutions for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Stop by their booth to see how their products can enhance your sports facilities with top-quality flooring and covers.
NORDOT Adhesives (Booth 626)
NORDOT specializes in adhesives for sports surfaces, including fields and track installations. They provide reliable adhesive products that keep flooring and fields in place for long-term durability. On top of that, visit their booth to learn more about their products designed to support safe, long-lasting sports surfaces.
Jaypro Sports (Booth 326)
Jaypro Sports provides a wide range of sports equipment, from bleachers and seating to soccer and volleyball components. Their high-quality products are trusted in many sports facilities. Swing by their booth to check out how they can meet your needs for various sports and seating equipment.
4. Conference Workshops and Sessions
The AB Show is known for offering top-tier workshops and sessions that dive into the latest fitness trends, business strategies, and operational tactics. Led by industry experts, these sessions are designed to give attendees practical advice and insights they can use right away.
The workshops are hands-on and interactive, with live demonstrations, discussions, and Q&A time. This format makes complex topics easier to understand while creating great networking opportunities. Here’s the bottom line: whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or learn something new, these sessions are a must-attend for anyone wanting to grow in the fitness world.
5. Insider Tips for AB Show Success
To make the most of your time at the AB Show, it’s important to plan ahead and stay organized. Here are some practical tips to help you have a successful visit:
- Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve at the show. Whether it’s finding new products, making connections, or learning about trends, having a clear purpose will guide your time and keep you focused.
- Network Early and Often: Don’t wait until the last day to meet people. For instance, start conversations at workshops, during breaks, or at social events like the Industry Party to expand your network early on.
- Visit Key Exhibitors First: The expo floor can be overwhelming, so prioritize the booths you most want to see. Why is this so?This helps you make sure you connect with exhibitors before the crowd builds up.
- Take Notes During Sessions: Write down important takeaways from workshops or seminars. This will help you remember key points and make it easier to apply what you learned when you’re back at work.
- Follow Up After the Show: After the event, reach out to new contacts and exhibitors you met. For example, a quick email or LinkedIn message can help maintain the connections you make and lead to future business opportunities.
6. Industry Trends to Watch
The AB Show highlights several key trends in the fitness industry, offering attendees insights into what’s shaping the future of fitness. Here are some important trends to keep an eye on:
Fitness Technology Innovations
Technology is making workouts smarter and more personalized. At the AB Show, you’ll find fitness machines that track your client’s progress with the help of apps or AI. These tools help gyms offer better, more engaging experiences for their members. Sounds impressive, right?
Sustainable Facility Design
More gyms are going green by using eco-friendly equipment and materials. You’ll see examples of how fitness facilities can save energy, water, and money by making sustainable choices. These changes are not only good for the planet but also for cutting costs in the long run.
Functional Training Growth
Functional training, which focuses on real-life movements, is becoming a big trend. This type of exercise helps people move better in their daily lives, and many gyms are adding special areas for it. The AB Show highlights new equipment and ideas to make functional training easier to offer in any gym.
Outdoor Fitness Spaces
Since the pandemic, more people enjoy working out outside. The AB Show features solutions for building outdoor fitness spaces with equipment that can handle all kinds of weather. These outdoor areas give people more options and can help gyms expand their services.
Below is a table outlining key industry trends to watch in the fitness industry, as highlighted by the AB Show:
Trend | Description | Key Benefits | Examples |
Fitness Technology Innovations | Smart equipment and AI-driven apps to personalize workouts and track progress. | Enhanced user engagement, better client retention, and data-driven insights for gym owners. | AI-integrated treadmills, wearable fitness trackers, app-based workout plans. |
Sustainable Facility Design | Use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient equipment in gym setups. | Cost savings, environmental impact reduction, and alignment with eco-conscious customer values. | Solar-powered gym equipment, water-saving shower systems, recyclable flooring. |
Functional Training Growth | Focus on exercises mimicking daily movements to improve real-life functionality and mobility. | Increased appeal to a broader audience, injury prevention, and improved everyday performance. | Dedicated functional training zones, kettlebells, resistance bands, and suspension trainers. |
Outdoor Fitness Spaces | Design of outdoor workout areas using durable, weather-resistant equipment. | Expanded services, better customer experience for outdoor enthusiasts, and increased utilization of open spaces. | Weatherproof stationary bikes, outdoor pull-up bars, and multi-station fitness equipment. |
Conclusion
The next AB Show is just around the corner, happening from November 19-22, 2024 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Whether you’re looking to explore new fitness trends or connect with key exhibitors, it’s an event you don’t want to miss. By preparing ahead and knowing which exhibitors to prioritize, you’ll be ready to get the most out of this exciting event.
If you’re looking for high-quality gym equipment, YR Fitness has everything you need. Contact us today to explore our product range and receive our latest pricing options customized to your needs.
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