IDEA World Conference 2013: the expo and other fun stuff
Since I’ve already re-capped the sessions and “meat” of the IDEA conference, how about the rest of the fun stuff?
(with Monica, Cassey and Julie)
Namely, the Expo and hanging out with some awesome ladies 🙂
(from Reebok’s twitter!)
I’m not sure I’d recommend IDEA for a first conference because basically anything after that is sad trombone city. I’ve been to a few fitness conferences in my life, and they were all dwarfed by the awesomeness that is IDEA. Everything was the best of what I’d experienced, from the quality and variety of the classes/lectures to the additional offerings (Hollywood hills hike?!) and Expo.
Even if I didn’t work in fitness, I would still want to check out the Expo. The Reebok booth had a full workout stage area (complete with flashing lights and a live DJ) for various classes throughout the weekend. You could take a CrossFit class, learn a hip hop dance combo, practice yoga or do a bootcamp workout at any point during the day. Directly across from the Reebok booth was the Zumba booth!
Dreams do come true, haha.
Jump-in Zumba classes happened entire time, plus a little Zumba shop with all the funky outfits (costumes?) at ZIN prices. Since I wouldn’t have to pay for shipping, I loaded up on new pants and tops since it had been at least a year since my last Zumba purchase. It was time to freshen up the stash a little 😉
Throughout the rest of the Expo, various fitness companies, food booths and demos were set up. I love things like this because you’re able to get a small taste of the workout or food without the entire commitment of attending a full class or purchasing an entire box.
I also liked the fact that there seemed to be something for everyone: the drinkable protein egg whites were neighbors with Daiya cheese.
In between classes, shopping and hanging out at the Expo, I also got the chance to meet up with friends! I spent the first couple of days with Julie, Monica, Kristin, Jenny and Shannon, and then hung out with Kasey (aka Powercakes) for the rest of the trip. During my stay in LA, I got to try out a few amazing restaurants.
Especially noteworthy: the sushi at Katsuya and the 3 meals I enjoyed at The Farm (one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner).
I think of all of the great memories I’ll have from IDEA, one that will remain vivid in my mind was the keynote speech from Bo Eason. Since I’m not the biggest sports fanatic -I live for AZ basketball but that’s where it ends- I’d never heard of Bo before. He was an animated and captivating speaker, plus he did funny voices and moved across the stage like Dane Cook. A YouTube clip of him speaking:
and some things I took away from his talk:
-Connect with others by telling your story. Be true to yourself and tell others your personal story so they’ll want to connect with you. It seems simple, but as a blogger, it’s easy to become guarded in your words or start to censor certain emotions/experiences for fear of judgment. You have to get over it. Because all you’re doing is alienating the people who WANT to connect with you, and the people that don’t like you? Well, they’re not going to like you no matter what you do.
-If you really want to do something, even if you suck at it, NEVER quit. He went from being the “worst safety football player” (his words) to the first pick in the draft by doing a few things: practicing his heart out, refusing to accept defeat, and undying desire to achieve his goals.
-It really is possible to be great at many things. When he became injured, he was worried about what he was going to do since all he’d known was football. He ended up writing and starring in a one-man play on Broadway: “Runt of the Litter.” It’s won many awards and I read online that they’re making it into a movie.
I’m so excited to get back to teaching tomorrow to use some of the techniques and info that I learned!
And think I have enough inspiration to last until next year’s IDEA conference. 😉
Hope you’re enjoying the afternoon!
xoxo
Gina
Who is something that inspires you? Have you ever been to a fitness conference or Expo?
*Thanks again to IDEA and Reebok for sponsoring my trip to IDEA. Even though my attendance, expenses and travel were provided, all opinions are my own. <3
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That conference looks like so much fun! I’ve never been to a fitness conference but I’d love to one day!
This conference looked so amazing! There are so many bloggers and runners that inspire me but my biggest inspiration first and foremost is my husband. I have seen him work so hard to be where he wants to be and it gives me motivation that I can work just as hard! Glad you had such a great time!
I would love to go to a fitness conference!!
OK now I am SUPER jealous, I mean seriously I should have been there its literally 20 minutes from my house! O well, next year! I am so glad you left inspired and with a fresh feeling towards the industry, that literally is the best part about conferences is the excitement you get about your work! Thanks for sharing all your fun! Love + Shine CourtStar
This expo sounds wonderful! I’ve never been to a fitness conference before, but I’d love to attend one sometime. It definitely be right up my alley!
Thanks for the great recaps! I have to ask…did you try the drinkable egg whites? Were they as scary as they sound?! Yikes!
yes and YES
IDEA definitely looks like the cream of the crop when it comes to fitness conferences! It’d be amazing to go one day in the future. Loved the blogging tips at the end! As a new blogger, I’m still discovering how to deliver my own voice through my blog. Other bloggers and the people in my life inspire me!
Both the conference and the expo look like so much fun! It’s nice that you were able to get a good balance of sessions, workouts, good food, and friend time. 🙂
Never been to a fitness conference, however the Arnold Fitness Classic is held every year here in the CBus and I plan on attending next year. I love the idea that “It really is possible to be great at many things”. Sounds like a great conference.
This conference sounds supercool. I’d love to attend it one day. I am inspired by positive and healthy fitness ladies like the Tone it Up girls or Erin Pugliese.
I love that you got food samples too! Dirnkable Eggwhites?? That sounds strange…..was it good?
uh, no. i would never drink it again haha
I would LOVE to go to a conference like this! I am constantly inspired by people with less time/more health problems than me that push themselves to the max every day. It really helps me when I am whining about a workout to focus on people that would kill to be able to do what I am complaining about.
i totally agree- it gives you a perspective boost
That looks like so much fun! I’ve never been to a fitness conference, but I’m sure I would love it!
I’m not just sayin’ this, but you inspire me. When I need that burst of motivation, I scroll through your blog and pick up some new ideas. I love that you weren’t always that “fit” or “skinny” girl and started from the bottom just like me.
Hey, thanks! 🙂
wow, thank you so much, barb <3
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IDEA! Couldn’t make it this year since I went to a local conference here in DC but IDEA never diappoints! Thanks for the updates and it makes me cannot wait to get back there next year!
wow, i would love to attend the IDEA conference! i don’t work in the fitness industry, but it would be fun to attend since i love all things health and fitness related (and i live in LA!). i’m glad you had a blast and left the conference with a big dose of inspiration. i’ve been reading your blog for a couple years now and honestly, you’ve been such a huge inspiration for me, so i just wanted to say THANK YOU! 🙂
Hi Gina, I’ve always loved your personality and blog. I think that your personality really does shine through. And it’s true, life changes, people move, get married, have babies, change careers and have many ups and downs that can have sometimes negative effects on their attitude. But I guess that’s why I love your blog and have stayed a reader for so long (3 years I think). I think that by allowing people to see that life has its ups and downs, they realize that there are others out there that are going through similar situations too.
My work will pay for me to do one conference a year and next year I am going to try for IDEA! I not gonna lie i’d be super nervous to meet you!!! hahah! Im getting nervous just thinking about it! I have also always wanted to attend the ACSM Health and Fitness Summit so I need to choose between the two 🙁 I might choose ACSM because you said IDEA trumphs them all but it’s a hard choice! I am an ACSM Health Fitness Specialist so thats why I was leaning towards ACSM’s but IDEA just seems like a DREAM!
Thanks so much for sharing! Although I wasn’t there, I feel like I have been inspired by Bo Eason’s words as well – it is so important to share your story with other people!!