Jan 29, 2015
Tips for the Trade Show

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Besides the educational sessions, panel discussions, NATA Hall of Fame induction ceremony, keynote address, and all the other events at the convention, don’t miss the trade show floor. It’s a hub of activity where you can learn about the newest sports medicine products, form relationships with vendors, and catch up with all of us at T&C. Our team has been attending trade shows for many years, and we’ve learned how to get the most from these events. Here are a few tips:

-Plan your trade show time in advance, with our listing of all vendors by company name and booth number.

Click here for the exhibitor listing in alphabetical order.

Click here for the exhibitor listing in numerical order.

The NATA is offering an attendee itinerary builder through its Web site. And here are some helpful lists of all the vendors to help you plan your time at the show:

-Remember to bring a stack of business cards with you. You’ll meet a lot of people at the show–athletic trainers and vendors alike–in a short span of time, and exchanging business cards is a great way to make lasting connections. If you don’t have business cards, pre-print mailing labels with your name, title/employer, address, phone number, and e-mail address. At many company booths, you’ll be invited to fill out a form to receive information, join a mailing list, or enter a drawing, and using stick-on labels is much easier than writing everything out by hand.

-Before you leave for the show, download coupons from T&C advertisers and bring them with you ready to drop off at company booths. Most coupons will ask for your name, address, and contact info. You can use them to win free stuff or receive discounts from vendors. You can access these coupons by clicking on the ad in this e-mail newsletter.

-Wear comfortable shoes. Suggested attire for the show is business casual. The NATA encourages everyone to dress like a professional at the show, and that’s important–but don’t sacrifice comfort for appearance. First-time convention goers are often surprised at how much walking they do each day. In addition, many companies offer the opportunity to test their training equipment: You won’t enjoy trying out the latest treadmill or stationary bike in wing tips or high heels.

-Bring a notebook. Whether or not you’re in the market for new products, you’ll want the chance to write notes on interesting things you saw at the show. You can use the same one to take notes at the educational sessions you attend.

-If it’s your first trip to the NATA Convention, check out this guide from the NATA that offers even more information and tips.

Finally, don’t forget to stop by the T&C booth and say hi! You can pick up a show packet that contains our May/June issue, with the usual mix of articles plus a special guide to products on display at the convention and new products just being launched. Remember to look through your packet for tickets–there are hundreds of opportunities to instantly win a prize from one of our participating advertisers. This is also a great time to renew your T&C free subscription. By doing so you will be entered to win a brand new Amazon Kindle 3G. (The winner will be notified after the show.)

MomentumMedia Sports Publishing (publishers of T&C) has also started offering educational books, and we will have those related to the sports medicine field at the booth so you can check them out. Head to our bookstore to find out more about the available books, including Performance Nutrition for Football, The Nutrition Edge, and just released, Following The Functional Path by Vern Gambetta.

Here’s where and when to find T&C at the show: Booth #430 Monday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (restricted to certified and associate NATA members) Tuesday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (open to all registrants) Wednesday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (open to all registrants)


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