ABC 2011: Education, Exhibits Keep Attendees Active

Despite continued economic doldrums, the 2011 Athletic Business Conference was bustling with activity last week. "We were very happy with the attendance, especially since so many organizations are experiencing budget cuts," conference director Sue Searls told SNEWS, the insider trade news source of the fitness industry, which covered the conference, held Dec. 1-3 in Orlando, Fla. "We received nothing but good comments from attendees, both full-conference and those who came just for the trade show."

Celebrating 30 years, the 2011 event attracted 3,000 attendees, according to early reports (a slight increase over 2010), and exhibitor personnel added another 1,166 to overall attendance numbers.

In contrast to many fitness industry trade events, the Athletic Business Conference enjoyed strong attendance in its 11 tracks of educational seminars, SNEWS reports - from military fitness to leadership to facility design. With those seminars starting early and typically concluding when the trade show floor opens, most attendees headed straight for the show floor.

For the full SNEWS report from ABC, click here.