5. Vegas, Baby

Why is Las Vegas the “Convention Capital of the World”? Because it gives people a reason to justify going to Vegas, duh.  Needing no introduction, Las Vegas is home to an endless array of activities, especially for those in the fight community. This week alone Vegas will play host to Fighters Only World MMA Awards on Wednesday, Fight Summit on Thursday and Friday, and then the UFC Ultimate Fighter Finale on Saturday. Be prepared to skimp on the sleep.    

4. Fight Summit Dead Drop

As if there wasn’t enough already in place to keep you busy on Thursday and Friday, the organizers of Fight Summit have created Dead Drop. This exciting large scale scavenger hunt will consist of a series of cryptic clues, and will be a race to the finish. The first group to decipher the clues will win four full conference passes to Fight Summit 2012, two rooms of hotel for three nights during Fight Summit 2012, and a number of prizes from this year’s exhibitors and sponsors. Game on.

3. Live Training Sessions

One of the biggest allures of Fight Summit is the chance to learn techniques from some of the most respected trainers in the world. This year’s instructors include Kenny Johnson, Steve Bruno, Mike Bruno, Kirian Fitzgibbons, Chris Herzog, and Dean Lister. Make sure to bring along your own gear if interested in attending the sessions.

Thursday, Dec 1

• 8:15 – 9:45 am : Wrestling Takedowns for MMA with Kenny Johnson
• 3:00 – 3:45 pm : The Thai Clinch with Steve Bruno
• 5:00 – 5:45 pm : Wrestling for MMA with Mike Bruno
• 5:45 – 6:45 pm : Striking with Kirian Fitzgibbons

Friday, Dec 2

• 8:15 – 9:45 am : Leg Locks & 10^th Planet Jiu Jitsu with Chris Herzog
• 4:30 – 6:oo pm : No-Gi Jiu Jitsu with Dean Lister

2. Can’t Miss Seminars

With over 24 seminars ranging on nearly every aspect of mixed martial arts, Fight Summit offers anyone the chance to learn from the leaders in the industry. A host of the some of the most respected speakers from around the world have been hand-selected in order to give attendees the most complete and educational opportunity available. A few of the scheduled presenters include Greg Jackson, Mark Pavelich, Michael Mersch, Ed Soares, Mike Dolce, and Ken Pavia.

Thursday, Dec 1

• 10:00 – 11:15 am : Fight Summit Opening Keynote with Mike Hauben and Brian Cain
• 11:30 – 12:15 pm : Motivation, Fight Strategies, & Gameplans with Greg Jackson
• 11:30 – 12:15 pm : Promoting Fights Internationally with Michael Shoffner (Combate Extremo)
• 12:30 – 1:15 pm : Utilizing Your Resources As A Fight Promoter with Mark Pavelich (Maximum Fighting)
• 12:30 – 1:15 pm : MMA Marketing On A Budget with Hans Molenkamp (Triumph United & Osiris Shoes)
• 2:00 – 2:45 pm : Strength & Conditioning For Combat Sports Athletes with Jonathan Chaimberg
• 2:00 – 2:45 pm : Fight Promotion: Venue Procurment and more with Joe Kelly (Titan Fighting)
• 3:00 – 3:45 pm : MMA Regulation & Fighter Sponsorships with Michael Mersch (UFC)
• 4:00 – 4:45 pm : Content Marketing For MMA Business Owners with MMA Business
• 4:00 – 4:45 pm : Q&A For Athlete Managers with Ed Soares (Blackhouse)
• 5:00 – 5:45 pm : The Most Powerful Marketing Goal For Your School with Barry Van Over (MAMG)

Friday, Dec 2

• 9:00 – 9:45 am : Nutrition For Fighters with Mike Dolce (Dolce Diet)
• 10:00 – 10:45 am : Using Social Media To Promote Your Brand with Ryan Loco (Jaco Clothing & HEAVY)
• 10:00 – 10:45 am : Brand Building Strategies For Athletes with Lex McMahon (Alchemist Management)
• 11:00 – 11:45 am : Athlete Management: Rules of Engagement with Ken Pavia (MMA Agents)
• 11:00 – 11:45 am : A Look At Apparel Design Styles with Mike Calmenson (Bad Boy)
• 12:30 – 1:15 pm : Cutman Workshop (Stitch Duran)
• 12:30 – 1:15 pm : Production, Design, And Sourcing For Apparel Brands with Pascal Paketer (Do Or Die)
• 1:30 – 2:15 pm : Legal: Contract & Employment Issues For MMA with JR Riddell
• 1:30 – 2:15 pm : Secure Your Success With A Winning Team with MMA Business/Member Solutions
• 2:30 – 3:15 pm : MMA Legal Q & A
• 2:30 – 3:15 pm : Myths Of Youth Marketing Holding Back Your Brand with Bill Carter (Fuse Marketing)
• 3:30 – 4:15 pm : Legal Protection For Fighters with Greg Bloom
• 3:30 – 4:15 pm : Handling Sponsorships & Endorsements with Jeff Meyer (MMA Incorporated)
• 4:30 – 5:15 pm : Get Your Gym Connected! with Mindbody, Inc

1. Networking

The greatest reason to attend Fight Summit is because it is a once a year opportunity to connect and build powerful relationships with key MMA insiders. For business professionals within the industry Fight Summit provides the most bang-for-your buck and is an invaluable chance to further your career. Don’t miss this chance to make contacts and build personal relationships with the necessary people and take your organization to the next level.