How should athletes approach sponsors at trade shows like PRI?

PRI and similar trade shows are excellent for meeting people and networking, but not for handing out decks and proposals. The best approach is having conversations, learning about companies' goals, and inviting contacts to follow-up calls rather than making direct pitches. Discover companies you may not know about outside your typical racing circles. Research companies ahead of time to ensure their values align with yours. Use the shows to learn and build relationships, saving the formal proposals for later follow-up conversations.