Hi all! Can anyone tell me if there is a big benefit of going to the IDEA conference versus watching the videos on IDEAFIT TV?
Here are some of the things that I’ve noticed, and I’ve attended IDEA World 5 times, PTI-West once, and am registered for PTI-West again this year. I also have licenses to several of the online libraries.
PROs: 1) Can play over and over again, so if you missed something important, you can see it again
2) Access is for 3 years if you get it online so you have plenty of time to access your content. Forever if you buy it on DVD (I have about 20 DVDs as well).
3) The audio and video quality are generally very good. Of all the DVDs I’ve purchased, only one was un-playable. I’ve never had a problem with the online licenses.
CONs: 1) The people video-ing the workshop don’t always pay attention to what’s being taught. For example, I have one video featuring Justin Price about developing a self myofascial release program. The audio is wonderful. BUT, the video sucks. Justin spent about 10 minutes using an attendee to model some postural topics he was educating about. “Can you see how her hip wants to move this way?” sort of things as he’s talking about the science. BUT, the video-taper focused on Justin without pulling back so the television audience could also see the postural deviation he was discussing. I found it to be very frustrating on this video because it’s an important video to me.
So, what I used to do is attend IDEA, first by registering for the classes I most wanted to take, and then once I found out what things were being filmed, I might switch out of a class that’s being filmed and buy the DVD (or online) so I could have access to a different class AND the DVD. Now, I don’t trust the eyes of the video camera to film what my own eyes might want to see, so I make sure to attend the stuff that’s most important to me, even if it’s being filmed, and then sometimes also purchase the content to support my memory.
2) Once an online resource has run its course, i.e. 3 years, then it’s gone. I don’t tend to watch things more than twice, but if there were a video I’d licensed online and then really treasured, I’d in effect have to buy it twice (order it on DVD so I could keep it)
3) You can ask questions at live events. If you have a burning question from a DVD, you’re out of luck in most cases.
As an aside, there are a ton of benefits to attending a live event besides watching the videos. I’ve met extraordinary people, several of whom have turned into long term friends, a few business contacts, and I got two master trainer positions by visiting booths to thank small companies for what their product has done to help me expand my business. I wasn’t marketing myself or actively seeking any positions, just an earnest thanks which led to some great opportunities. So, you never know what good can come out of friendly chatting. I also saw a format I liked, was the first person to host it in my state, and now 2 years later, there are over 75 instructors of that format in my state.
Hello Elizabeth Enkiri,
Attending any event live beats a video; mostly for the reason Nancy states: the videographer does not know what you need to learn. Being able to interact with colleagues will bring up questions you don’t know you have, also…huge motivation factor from the energy in the room.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
I used to attend the Inner IDEA conference because it was intimate, in a beautiful setting and packed with high quality presenters that concentrated on the “mind-body” aspects of fitness (Yoga, Pilates, Nutrition….). IDEA has unfortunately stopped offering this conference to my utter dismay and I have zero interest in going to any of the others. I subscribed to IDEA TV and LOVE it! I feel I no longer need (or want) to go to a Convention/conference. I can sit in the comfort of my home and watch and absorb everything said while taking notes. I can rewind, play, stop, start again. Many topics offered and tons of presenters are videoed to choose from. It is well worth the $32 per month and much less expensive than going to a conference. After 35 years in this industry I am done with crazy, frenetic convention. However, if you like that energy and enjoy networking in that environment then you should attend because sitting and watching a video in front of your computer screen will not give you that.