Wondering how to maximize your AB Show experience this year? You’ve come to the right place.
The AB Show offers an exclusive look at the future of fitness, with innovations and trends that are shaping the industry. It’s a must-attend for professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.
This blog is your go-to guide for navigating the show. Expect tips on interacting with vendors, and strategies for securing the best deals.
1. Pre-Event Planning for the AB Show
Attending the AB Show is a strategic decision for professionals in the fitness and gym equipment industry. Here’s your guide to planning effectively:
Plan Your Schedule:
- Event Date: The AB Show runs from November 19-22, 2024.
- Location: It takes place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Time: The event schedule varies daily, with specific times for workshops, keynotes, and expo hall hours to be announced.
- Exhibition Overview: This premier event for the fitness and gym equipment industry features a comprehensive agenda, including educational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. It’s the perfect venue for discovering the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the sector. Attendees will benefit from invaluable insights into industry best practices, new products, and emerging trends.
Registration and Accommodation
- Secure Your Spot Early: Begin by visiting the AB Show Pricing and Deadlines page to understand the registration fees and deadlines. Early registration not only secures your spot but can also offer significant savings, thanks to early bird discounts.
- Look for the Opening Date: Housing for the AB Show will open in Spring 2024. Mark your calendar or set a reminder to check back for the opening date to ensure you get first pick at the preferred hotels within the official AB Show Hotel block.
- Use Only OnPeak Services: onPeak is the only official hotel provider for the AB Show, as well as for NIRSA, AORE, MFA, and NAYS. They have negotiated the best rates exclusively for attendees and exhibitors, guaranteeing not just savings but also peace of mind that your booking is secure and official.
Essentials to Pack
- Comfortable Footwear: Expect to spend a considerable amount of time walking and standing, especially while exploring the expo hall and attending various sessions. Comfortable shoes will help prevent fatigue and keep you focused on networking and learning.
- Business Cards: Networking is a key aspect of the AB Show, so don’t forget to pack plenty of business cards. This will make it easy to exchange contact information with potential partners, clients, or industry peers.
- Portable Charger: With a packed schedule and likely heavy reliance on your smartphone or tablet for communication and scheduling, a portable charger can be a lifesaver to ensure your devices stay powered throughout the day.
- Water Bottle and Snacks: Staying hydrated and nourished is essential for maintaining energy levels and focus. Carry a refillable water bottle to keep hydrated, and pack some light snacks such as granola bars or nuts to fuel yourself between sessions.
Events and Sessions
- Save the Date: To stay informed about the latest updates, speaker announcements, and session schedules, use the “Save the Date” feature available at AB Show Update Form. This ensures you receive all the critical information directly to your inbox.
- Tailor Your Itinerary: Once the event schedule is published, dedicate time to review it thoroughly. Look for sessions, workshops, and keynote speeches that align with your current interests and future business goals. Be strategic about the sessions you choose to attend—prioritize those that offer the most value in terms of learning, networking, and discovering new products or trends in the gym equipment industry.
- Networking Goals: Beyond the sessions, the AB Show is a prime networking opportunity. Set clear objectives for whom you want to meet, whether it’s potential suppliers, industry peers, or thought leaders. Consider reaching out to these individuals or companies before the event to schedule meetings or catch-ups during the show.
2. Exploring the AB Show: Must-See Highlights
Attending the AB Show presents an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest and greatest the fitness industry has to offer. Here’s a closer look at the must-see highlights that promise to enrich your experience.
- Industry Party: Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity for music, dancing, food, and beverages. It’s a perfect setting to relax, network, and enjoy the company of fellow industry professionals in a vibrant atmosphere.
- First Timers’ Program: If it’s your first time at the AB Show, this program is essential. Get connected with AB staff, speakers, and returning attendees to kickstart your experience.
Here’s a table that outlines the key features and benefits of the First Timers’ Program at the AB Show:
- Facilities of Merit Reception: Join the celebration with AB Show and Athletic Business magazine staff as they honor the 2024 Facility of Merit winners. It’s an excellent chance to see what top facilities are doing right.
- Golf Classic: Regardless of your golfing skills, the Golf Classic is a must for fun, food, and drinks. Enjoy a memorable night and a “tee-rific” time with industry peers.
3. Engaging with Exhibitors
Take advantage of the AB Show’s networking events, listed on the Special Events page, to connect with fellow fitness professionals and industry leaders. These gatherings are perfect for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and building professional relationships. When engaging with exhibitors at the AB Show, consider these strategies:
- Prepare Questions in Advance: Before approaching exhibitors, have a list of specific questions or topics you want to discuss. This ensures you gather the information most relevant to your needs and shows exhibitors you’re genuinely interested in what they offer.
- Schedule Meetings When Possible: For instance, if there are particular exhibitors you’re keen on speaking with, try to schedule meetings ahead of time. This guarantees you have a dedicated slot to discuss products or services in detail, without the rush of the exhibition floor.
- Follow Up Post-Show: Collect contact information from the exhibitors you interact with and make a point to follow up after the event. A quick email expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest can open the door to future opportunities and relationships.
4. Educational Sessions and Workshops
The AB Show stands out for its educational sessions and workshops, offering attendees a deep dive into the latest industry trends, business strategies, and operational techniques. Led by industry leaders and innovators, these sessions provide actionable insights and knowledge across a wide range of topics. The content is rich, relevant, and tailored to today’s fitness professionals.
These workshops are highly interactive, promoting active participation through demonstrations, discussions, and Q&A segments, a strategy also embraced by ABEC Asia. This format not only facilitates a better understanding of complex subjects but also encourages networking with peers, making these sessions essential for anyone aiming to advance in the fitness sector.
5. 5 Practical Tips for AB Show Attendees
Attending the AB Show comes with a variety of benefits, and understanding how to navigate the registration process can enhance your experience. Here are some practical tips to ensure you make the most out of your attendance:
- Take Advantage of Discounts: If you’re planning to attend with colleagues from the same organization or department, register together to utilize multi-attendee discounts. This can significantly reduce the cost of attendance for your team.
- Special Rates for Students and Military: Full-time undergraduate students new to the field are eligible for student rates but must present a valid student ID when picking up their badge. For instance, active duty military and civilian employees of the Armed Forces also benefit from special military rates, acknowledging their service.
- Badge Policy: The AB Show is a professional event, and access to the Expo requires a printed badge. Spouses or guests can obtain a free Expo badge, which also allows them to attend the keynote. Remember, no one is admitted without a badge.
- Children at the Show: While children are not permitted in keynotes or seminars and are not recommended on the Expo floor, they can attend the Expo if they are properly badged at the registration desk. This ensures a safe and professional environment for all attendees.
- Cancellation Policy: To cancel your AB Show registration, send a written request to questions@abshow.com. Options include transferring your registration or requesting a refund minus a $25 fee. A $100 fee applies for cancellations after November 5, 2024. If the event is canceled, you can get a full refund or move your registration to next year’s show.
Conclusion:
As we wrap up, let’s look ahead to the next AB Show. The upcoming event is scheduled for November 19-22, with pre-conference workshops and tours kicking off on Tuesday, November 19. The main trade show will be open November 20-21, Wednesday through Thursday, in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event promises to bring together the latest in fitness innovation, offering opportunities for networking, learning, and discovery.
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