Five Weeks to Go Until the Big Show

I’ll get my Happy Holidays salute out of the way up front. Have to, ‘cause we’re but five weeks away from the return of the IRON MAN Magazine Naturally, set for Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

As we all know by now (well, at least those who’ve viewed the entry form at ironmanmagazine.com know by now), the greatly anticipated event, being held in conjunction with the Bodybuilding.com Los Angeles Fitness Expo, begins with the competitor’s meeting at 8 am. Prejudging gets underway at 10 am, with the finals set for 4 pm.

Several members of the IRON MAN Magazine and Creation Entertainment crew met Tuesday afternoon at the venue for the initial site inspection. I ventured into West Hall, and was amazed to see what a 220,000 square foot facility looks like, totally empty. As I circled the place, getting in my 20 minutes of cardio before the meeting was held, I thought of how all the space will be filled by the 250 or more booths on the weekend of January 29-30.

I’ve been getting a lot of calls and emails with questions about the IMN. So, let me review some of the main items on the “to do” list.

First off, all contestants must take a polygraph test, within four weeks of the contest, administered at the offices of Dr. Chris Gugas & Associates, located at 4311 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 314, Los Angeles CA 90010 [map]. Out of town contestants will be given priority in scheduling appointments on Friday, January 28; all tests that day will be conducted at the Convention Center, West Hall.

To schedule your appointment, contact Joseph Paoiella at (323) 965-7506. Allow one hour to complete the test; cost is $50, payable by cash or check at the time of the exam.

If you’ve logged on to the website of late, you’ll see that Pro Tan USA is the official tanning company for the IMN. The Pro Tan team will be in town as early as January 27th. Make sure to make your appointment early; ditto for those interested in the hair and make-up services of the well-known Nancy Jambazian. The earlier the better, gang!

Deadline to enter the show without a late fee is January 22, so get on the stick and begin to click! You can either enter online, or by downloading the entry form and mailing it, along with the $60 entry fee, to IRON MAN Magazine Naturally, 1701 Ives Avenue, Oxnard, CA, 93033.

All other info about the contest: NPC rules & regulations, the contest poster, polygraph testing and Fit Expo tickets can be found at the website. You’ll also be able to sign up for updates.

Speaking of dates, we have one coming soon. I’ll be emceeing the show, so you better be ready to go. Hey, I may even come up with a moniker when I introduce you from the podium. What else is there?