Michael Boyle

Last year we started this series and it was popular so, here we go again. It's only 3 weeks away. Can you believe it? However, you still have time to register. Perform Better is expecting a record crowd of over 600 attendees at what has become the must-attend event of the education year.

To preface, I hope I don't hurt anyone's feelings with my recommendations. Just FYI, except in highly unusual situations, I will recommend a lecture over a practical. That's just my opinion. I think you generally get a lot more from the lectures.

Follow along here.

Friday

Things kick off at 9:15 on Friday and as usual it's a tough call right from the beginning. I loved Martin Rooney's talk at the One Day in New Jersey. It was far and away the best he has ever done so right off the bat I am saying "go see Martin". This is a tough choice. If I arrive on time I'll be at Steve Cotter's but only because I saw Martin in NJ.

At 10:45 you again have some tough choices. Myself, John Graham, Alwyn Cosgrove and Al Vermeil. If you saw me at a one day I might stick with my "go to the lecture" recommendation and say see John Graham. However I never miss a chance to listen to Al Vermeil. The scary part here is that one of my favorites, Alwyn Cosgrove, might be my last choice here. As I will say repeatedly, tough decisions all weekend.

After lunch you again have great choices. If you are looking for new info maybe check out Dr Jeff Anderson's practical. This is a total wild card as I have never heard Jeff speak. Again in this hour both Lee and Fraser are excellent lecturers.

At 2:30, you guessed it, more tough difficult choices. Once again if you didn't go to a one day seminar come to my hands on. This will be a real hands-on with lots of instruction on stretching and mobility. Already saw me? I'm seeing Al Vermeil if I am you. One thing you will notice about Al's talks. All the top coaches are at them.

At 4 the choice is really based on what you do. If you are a facility owner you have to be at Alwyn's lecture. If nutrition is your thing, John Berardi is the best in the business. Trainer? See Fraser Quelch and the TRX. Therapist or ATC? Lee Burton is your guy here.

From 5:30-6:30 prepare your thirst by getting a dose of Thomas Plummer. Thom always hits us with no nonsense honesty. Don't shower because it is FREE BEER at 6:30.

What a day.

Saturday

Saturday kicks off at 8. Hungover or not, get up and get at it. Again the 8 o'clock hour is based on your job descriptions. Todd Wright trains basketball players but is a master of function. In addition he is the second funniest Boston guy on the tour next to me. Bill Parisi is up for the business crowd. Bill is always excellent. For the PT/ATC crowd Sue Falsone is talking t-spine. I think that will be my destination. I'll see Todd in Chicago. John Brookfield is another wild card. John is a new speaker I have not heard. The topic sounds interesting and I may bounce between Sue and John.

At 9:30 the going gets tougher. Gray Cook is one of my favorites but, Chris Frankel delivered an excellent talk in New Jersey. If you want to sweat and get yelled at, Todd Durkin will be beating people up in his practical. Eric Cressey will deliver a great hands-on for those involved with overhead athletes. If you work with baseball, softball, swimming or tennis, don't miss Eric.

At 11 the fun continues. If you love working out, go from Todd Durkin to Dos. Dos will be dishing out Cardio Strength Training. To be honest, if you are a coach you should watch Todd and Dos to learn how it's done. For golfers and those who train them Greg Rose lectures at 11 and for the kettlebell or wanna-be kettelbell people Brett Jones lectures also. Brett is an ATC, a powerlifter and a smart guy. Again, too many choices.

After lunch you can hear Sue Falsone lecture. Again for PT/ATC's this is a "must attend". For everyone else, three great choices again.

At 2:45 the lectures conclude with a business talk from Todd Durkin, a lecture from Eric Cressey and two good practicals. The theme repeats itself. It will depend on what your job title is.

4:15-5 is the best part for the presenters. Q+A. Now is your chance to ask Gray Cook anything you want. Everyone is on stage and prepared to answer questions. The attendees love this, the presenters hate it. I hate it because I can't keep my mouth shut. It's difficult to share the stage with all these smart people.

Sunday

Sunday is three sessions and out. At 8 is the toughest decision of the weekend. I will tell you right now, see Thomas Myers. I love the other three guys but, I am dying to see Myers.

At 9:30, I'm going to see Myers hands-on. My morning will be all Myers. I feel bad for the other guys at these times because they are all great, but Anatomy Trains live is too good to pass up.

Please stay until 11. Four great guys and four great talks. Resist the temptation to take off early. All of these will be great. I might go hear Dave Jack as I have never heard him lecture.

The truth is as I handicap my first 2010 Summit I'm glad I will be at all three. I don't think it will be possible to see and hear everyone I want to see and hear this week so I'll catch up in Chicago. See you in Providence.