5. Pack for comfort. You might be tempted to wear your best and most fashionable Western or equestrian wear, but Parsons recommends putting comfort first. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing; opt for your broken-in boots instead of that shiny new pair with the pointy-and-achy toes.
"A comfortable pair of shoes is the number-one tool for the patron," says Parsons. "Your shoes can make or break your day. A good pair of rubber-soled shoes is a must. Dress casually. Although you may need to go outdoors to travel between buildings, you'll likely be comfortable inside with a light sweatshirt. Keep in mind that whatever coat you bring, you may have to carry it all day."
6. Divide and conquer. If there are two seminars scheduled at once, and you'd like to attend both, have a friend attend your second choice. Take lots of notes, and share your learning later. You'll find out more information and anchor your learning by teaching others.
Herron and her two trail-riding students traveled more than 1,700 miles to attend the 2008 Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio. After such a great road trip, the team wanted to make sure they learned all they could at the expo.
In just three days, group members saw every shopping booth and made it to 24 different seminars. Their seminar strategy: They split up and attended about eight seminars apiece. "We divided to conquer - then reported back to share what we learned," Herron says.
7. Speak up. O'Hara recommends visiting clinicians in their booths. "This is the chance to get up close and personal, and ask trainers questions about your specific issues or concerns," she says. "They're very personable, and they welcome visitors. This isn't the time to be shy!"
Trainers and clinicians want to talk to you. You'll find out that the great horse trainers and top clinicians are also kind and realistic horsepeople. This is your chance to get some one-on-one attention.
Look for signs in your favorite clinicians' booths that announce when they'll be available to answer questions or when they might be making a guest appearance in another booth.
8. Plan your shopping strategy. As soon as you arrive at your chosen expo, get a trade-show map (usually in the event program), so you can plan your shopping strategy. Find out where hot items, such as tack, trailers, and barn items, are grouped.
"I tell horse folk to check out the map and see where everything is," Sundling says. "The bigger expos now have shuttles to get you to all the buildings. Find out where those stops are. Expos can wear you out, so take a few water bottles, and space out your itinerary over at least two or three days to make sure you have time to see it all."
Herron further recommends attacking the expo as if it were a grocery store: Arm yourself with a list to make sure you stay focused, get all the goodies you need, and stay on budget. "Firm up your shopping list before you go, and shop early in the event to avoid the last rush of crowds - and to make sure nothing is sold out," he says.
9. Bag it. Parsons recommends bringing a bag on wheels to tote all (or almost all) your new goodies. Stock your bag with a notepad, pen, and maybe even a small tape recorder and video camera. "Also bring some cash," she advises. "Food and admission is cash only at most expos. Although there are usually ATMs onsite, there's no guarantee they'll be working."
