FIBO POWER USA and EUROPA Focus Group- Review

Several weeks ago I received a message from the Chicago Area Physique Athletes group on Facebook about the upcoming fitness expo coming to the Chicagoland area in September. After receiving the e-mail I checked Facebook for any other pages referring to the FIBO POWER™ USA and EUROPA™ Fitness Expo and found a fan page that asked if there were competitors or athletes interested in participating in a focus group.

When I saw this I jumped at the chance to be part of the process to help create an event, no matter how minuscule my role would be. I sent the e-mail with my interests and recieved an official invitation from FIBO POWER™ USA for a complimentary lunch33 Club.

Fitness Expo

FIBO POWER™ USA and EUROPA™ along with IFBB Pro Betty and Ed Pariso are presenting the first fitness expo in the Chicago area. There are three other EUROPA™ expos held in Maryland, Florida and Texas but this will be the first presentation with FIBO (Fitness & Bodybuilding) POWER™ USA. Some of the events included are grappling tournaments, IFBB and NPC sanctioned Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, Bikini and Physique competitions, USA Arm Wrestling, Cross Fit and kid's competitions.

Location

The FIBO focus group met at 33 Club in Old Town Chicago. The restaurant offers American fare in a "1930s post-prohibition inspired backdrop features 20 foot tall mahogany ceilings and walls complete with a grand staircase and balcony" which overlooks the restaurant. The meeting was held downstairs in a separate banquet room with a very professional wait staff while the menu offered included several healthy entrees and salads.

The Agenda

Representing FIBO POWER™ USA and EUROPA™ was Danielle Vastola, Lance Fensterman, Greg Topalian and Ed Gallo of Reed Exhibitions. Reed Exhibitions is a leading events organizer and the team came with questions and ideas that would be of interest to the "mainstream," as well as, athletes.

The meeting began with marketing strategies for the expo which included an updated flyer, Facebook Fanpage and a Twitter account. The inclusion of events and demos were also considered in order to help athletes and educators in the fitness industry. It was also brought to our attention by focus group member Jerome Cheatham to market the event towards runners in the Chicagoland area.

Though this will not be the size of the Olympia or Arnold Classic the FIBO POWER™ USA team would like an expo that is just as exciting and hopes for it to run smoothly. The entire fitness expo will be held in one building so spectators and athletes will not have to travel from building to building.

Food was also a main concern since it didn't seem appropriate to sell chili dogs or onion rings at a health and fitness expo. This is not to say we don't like that food option but those in attendance, as well as, the athletes may want something besides fast food.

My Impression

The meeting was held over a two hour lunch and I had the impression that the Reed Exhibitions team was interested in what we had to say. It wasn't a matter of their note taking but the fact that they guided the conversation but never stifled the ideas.

More importantly, I walked away from this meeting feeling as if this fitness expo is going to be big opportunity for athletes. I mean big. The sports events being incorporated into the expo will allow the "mainstream, " health and fitness practitioners and athletes enjoy themselves under one roof.

The FIBO POWER™ USA and EUROPA™ 2011 event will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois on September 30-October 1, 2011.