AB Show began as a conference for people building and renovating athletic, fitness and recreation facilities. Thirty-eight years later, facility planning still takes center stage, which is what attracts facility owners, managers and directors involved in capital improvement projects.
Here we’ve outlined specific tracks, sessions, expo hall features, events and opportunities tailored to professionals just like you!
SESSIONS DESIGNED TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH YOUR BUILDING/RENOVATION PROJECT
AB Show provides you with relevant, informational and motivational sessions that can help you navigate the building or renovation process – from picking an architect to finding the products and services that will outfit your new facility.
Facility Planning and Design Sessions Include:
- Master Planning Collegiate Recreation Facilities: The Foundation to a Successful Programming and Feasibility Study (Erik Kocher & Dan Sullivan)
- Developing a Sound Business Plan for Your Public Recreation Center (Ken Ballard & Jeff King)
- Facilities + Amenities to Serve eSports Athletes (Lee Sterrett & Andy Barnard)
- A Blueprint for Student Health and Wellness Facilities (Colleen McKenna & Roland Lemke)
- Designing for Diversity (Anita Moran)
- Aquatic Center Design Glitches and Building Blunders (Craig Bouck & Steve Crocker)
- Building Sustainable: Defining the Future of Recreation Facilities (David Larson & Tim Casai)
- Facilities of Merit Panel: Project Tips from the 2019 Winners (Moderated by AB editors with five facility winners)
- Love It or Leave It: Evaluating Options for Change in Your Existing Facility (Mark Bodien & Troy Sherrard)
- Recreation Center Design for 2020 (Craig Bouck & Mick Massey)
ENHANCE YOUR AB SHOW EXPERIENCE WITH WORKSHOPS AND TOURS
AB Show provides you with multiple opportunities to see what is going on in the industry with our preconference workshops and tours.
Below are just a few images from the 2018 AB Show Tours in New Orleans.
Workshops provide you with hands-on, practical applications that you can take back to your facility and implement right away. On Wednesday, Nov. 13, join Colleen McKenna and Karl Leabo of Cannon Design for “Owners, Architects and Contractors: How to Build a Successful and Collaborative Working Relationship”, which provides a roadmap to navigate your way through the most common challenges of the design and construction process.
Preconference tours are a great start to your AB Show experience! Join one of our two tours to check out the most innovative facilities in the area:
- Peggy & Philip B. Crosby Wellness Center
- Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County and Orlando City Stadium
EXPLORE THE LATEST PRODUCT AND SERVICE OFFERINGS IN THE EXPO HALL
The expo hall is great for all phases of the building/renovation process – from inception to ribbon-cutting. With more than 20 architectural firms exhibiting, you’re sure to find the firm that is right for your project! Plus, with 250+ exhibitors showcasing everything from the latest and greatest innovations to the basics needed for day-to-day operations, you’ll find the products and services you need to outfit and manage your new or renovated facility.
MAKE VALUABLE CONNECTIONS AT AB SHOW'S SPECIAL EVENTS
AB Show's Friday night reception honors Athletic Business magazine’s 2019 Facilities of Merit winners. See a video highlighting the winning projects, and meet with the owners, managers, architects and consultants involved! This is a great opportunity to see what has been successful in the industry and see what the winners did to really make their facilities stand out. This is an opportunity to gather ideas for any future projects you may have.
APPLY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY TRIP TO AB SHOW 2019
To help make your job a little easier, we’re proud to offer our VIP Hosted Buyer Program. If you have an upcoming building or renovation project with a budget of at least $5 million, we invite you to apply.
Selected VIP applicants receive the following perks:
- Exclusive opportunity for personal, one-on-one meetings with 10 exhibiting companies of your choice, all set up and managed by AB Show staff
- Free full-conference registration to the event
- Complimentary airfare and two nights’ lodging
The VIP Hosted Buyer Program gives you the opportunity to connect with key athletic, fitness and recreation suppliers, architects and peers from around the world to set yourself up for a successful building or renovation project! Only 20 VIP applicants will be approved for 2019, so APPLY TODAY!
WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT AB SHOW
Don’t just take our word for it, check out what your peers have to say about the value of attending AB Show:
Not only did I make vital contacts that will assist us in purchasing equipment for our new facilities, the education was very beneficial as well. Having spent most of my career in one sport, it was great to get the perspective of being singly responsible for many. I also had some great conversations that have led to some more directed dialogue and direction with our City Administration here.” - Susan Jacobson | President/Executive Director | Sport Success