AB Show is one of my favorite events, not just because it’s a premier gathering for athletics, fitness and recreation professionals, but because it offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn and grow alongside some of the best in the business.
I’ve had the privilege of presenting at this event regularly since 2018, leading workshops and sessions that address the specific challenges and needs of fitness, recreation and wellness professionals. In addition to my work at AB Show, I’ve spoken at numerous other conferences and events. While an experienced presenter, I’m also a lifelong learner and prioritize attending as many sessions as possible. Every year, I walk away with new insights and strategies that I can apply to my work. Some of my closest professional relationships — including my writing partner, with whom I co-authored the textbook Fitness Facility Management — began at this very conference.
Over the years, I’ve observed what makes attendees truly successful at maximizing their live conference experience. In this article, I’ll share insights on selecting the best sessions, engaging with the material, and turning your learning into action long after the event ends.
Choose wisely
One of the biggest challenges at any conference is deciding which sessions to attend, especially when multiple appealing options are scheduled simultaneously. Over the years, I’ve developed a strategy to maximize the value of my time, both as an attendee and as a presenter, where I’ve seen firsthand what makes participants get the most out of their experience.
I start by carefully evaluating session topics. For example, when I was working on launching new fitness programs at my facility, I prioritized sessions focused on programming and revenue generation. Aligning session choices with your immediate goals or your organization’s strategic needs is crucial.
I also research the presenters — something I always encourage attendees to do, because knowing the speaker’s background can offer valuable context beyond the session topic. Reviewing session descriptions and objectives is another crucial step, as it helps determine if the takeaways will directly apply to your work.
All that said, as an attendee and presenter, I’ve learned the importance of flexibility. Some of the best sessions I’ve attended were ones I hadn’t initially planned for but decided to join based on positive buzz during the event. A plan is essential, but don’t hesitate to pivot if something unexpectedly sparks your interest.
Prepare like it’s a class
Just as you wouldn’t walk into a meeting or workshop unprepared, you shouldn’t enter a conference session without doing some groundwork. As both a presenter and an attendee, I’ve observed that the most successful participants do a bit of preparation in advance to maximize the value of the experience.
Many conferences now provide handouts, presentations and other materials through the conference app. Reviewing these resources is crucial. Personally, I’ve found that familiarizing myself with the content helps me engage more deeply during the session and allows me to ask more relevant questions.
I also prepare by entering each session with specific goals or discussion points in mind. When I attended a session on revenue-generating programs, for example, I asked myself, “How can this apply to my facility?” or “What adjustments could I make to our current strategy?” This kind of intentional engagement makes the session far more valuable, and I’ve seen firsthand that attendees who come with a purpose get much more out of the experience.
Moreover, I make a point to arrive early and sit near the front. From my perspective as someone who’s been both on and off the stage, I know where you sit can impact your ability to focus, engage with the presenter and even ask questions. Sitting up front opens opportunities to interact with the speaker and absorb the material thoroughly.
Enhance your engagement
How you engage during a session directly impacts how much you learn and how much the presenter notices your involvement.
As a presenter, I can often tell who’s fully invested within minutes based on their body language and interaction with the material. Sitting attentively and avoiding distractions is essential. Session attendees who check their phones or sit with arms crossed at the back of the room often miss valuable insights that could benefit their facilities. Instead, make a conscious effort to stay focused and engaged.
When it comes to taking notes, be selective — capture key takeaways and action items rather than trying to jot down every word. This helps reinforce your learning and makes it easier to revisit essential points later.
Additionally, asking thoughtful questions is a powerful way to enhance your engagement. I always appreciate attendees actively participating during the Q&A period, as it adds depth to the discussion and makes the session more dynamic and relevant. Having a question ready beforehand or refining one as the presentation unfolds can significantly enhance the learning experience for you and your fellow attendees.
Reflect and/or debrief
What you do after a session is just as important as your engagement during it, and there are key strategies to help you retain and apply the information you’ve gathered.
First, review your notes for a few minutes right after the session. This reinforces what you’ve just learned and helps you identify critical points that require further action. As a presenter, I often encourage attendees to do this, as it solidifies their understanding and prepares them for meaningful discussions later.
If you’re attending the conference with colleagues, set up a quick debrief to share insights and action steps. Discussing takeaways with peers can lead to new ideas and deeper insights. Even if you’re there solo, find opportunities to network with fellow attendees and share what you’ve learned.
Additionally, it’s crucial to identify specific action items from your notes. Look for ideas you can implement immediately or soon. Creating a follow-up plan for any changes or strategies you intend to pursue based on the session’s content will ensure that the knowledge gained translates into real-world applications. I’ve seen firsthand how attendees who take these steps maximize the impact of their learning and drive meaningful improvements in their work.
Keep the dialogue open
Many attendees miss out on a valuable opportunity to continue learning after a session by failing to follow up with presenters.
As a presenter, I actively encourage attendees to reach out with questions or thoughts even after the conference ends, as this engagement can significantly enhance their understanding of the material. It also allows the presenter to fine-tune future presentations on the same subject matter.
Email outreach is a simple yet effective way to clarify information or ask follow-up questions. Most presenters are happy to provide additional insights, especially if you’re implementing something new based on their session. Additionally, many presenters offer supplementary materials, webinars or other resources for continued learning. Take advantage of these opportunities, as they can provide further depth to the topics covered. Building a relationship with presenters can be valuable, and a brief email exchange can even pave the way for a lasting professional connection. Attendees who keep the dialogue open often return with feedback or new ideas, creating a collaborative learning environment beyond the event itself.
Connecting on LinkedIn is another great way to engage, as many presenters share relevant updates and insights. Following them on LinkedIn keeps you informed and can foster long-term connections that may lead to future collaborations or expansion of your professional network.
AB Show is an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect and grow. By choosing the right sessions, engaging actively and following up with presenters, you can maximize the value of your time at the event.
A few additional tips to elevate your conference experience:
• Network beyond sessions, as the actual value often happens outside the formal programming. Make time to attend social events, visit exhibitors and connect with fellow attendees over meals or during breaks.
• Pace yourself. Conference fatigue is real. Be mindful of your energy levels and take breaks to stay sharp throughout the event.
• Stay open to unexpected learning, as some of the best takeaways come from spontaneous conversations, sessions you hadn’t planned on or off-topic insights that spark new ideas.
• Be sure to fill out speaker evaluations. Your feedback helps presenters improve and aids the event in bringing in great speakers for future conferences.
By approaching each session with intentionality and curiosity, you can walk away from AB Show 2024 with new knowledge and actionable strategies to enhance your organization’s success. I hope to see and hear from you there — and beyond!
