Industry Buzz: Your Pre-IHRSA Trade Show Checklist

Last week we shared Mike Feeney’s IHRSA trade show strategy, which touched on how he tackles trade shows, from how he walks the floor to how he avoids gimmicks and more.

But what do you need to do pre-IHRSA to prepare? Here’s a simple checklist to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Make a schedule. Review the agenda and pre-plan which education seminars you’d like to attend. In addition, review the list of vendors and set up meetings this week if you can. This will guarantee you speak with whom you’d like to. View our “Must-See Companies of IHRSA” guide for a preview at companies who’ll be attending.
Get everything off your plate at work. Get ahead. There’s nothing worse than being at a trade show while simultaneously worrying about handling tasks that must be completed back at home. Lean on your staff as much as you can to ensure everything is handled and running smoothly while you’re gone, so that you can enjoy a stress-free show.
Set meetings with colleagues you know will be at IHRSA. IHRSA isn’t just a chance for you to meet with vendors — it’s also a chance to meet with industry colleagues you only get to see once a year. But be sure to let them know in advance you’d like to meet — trying to find people on the trade show floor without a set meeting time or place is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Evaluate your gym’s needs. At the show you’ll have access to hundreds of vendors. Before you leave, evaluate what your gym’s needs are so you can keep an eye out for vendors that fill that need. Be sure to check with your department heads on what they’d like to learn more about.
Double check your hotel reservation and flights are in-order. There’s still a week to rectify any mistakes that may have occurred!
Scout out local restaurants nearby the convention center you’d like to try. That way when you realize you’re starving, you already have an idea of where you’d like to go.