It’s the time of year when I find myself ending almost every conversation with the same question: Are you going to Boston? That’s seafood insider code for: Will you be at Seafood Expo North America?

To get my head in the game, I like to think of it as a race. But for me, this is bigger than the Boston Marathon. It’s more like a Fisheries IronMan Challenge — three days, hundreds of booths, thousands of people, and more seafood than you can shake a skewer at. Boston has it covered from every angle — conferences, contests, cocktail hours — but it’s the conversations you’ll have with seafood insiders from around the world that make this event a must.

But don’t get cocky and think you can show up and just walk the show floor without training. You need to spend some time reviewing the exhibitor list, mapping out your strategy, studying the conference program, sorting your reception invitations by day and time, setting your notifications for events.

Do you know where to pick up your badge? (Registration) What time the shuttles run? Well get on it! The show is just a few days away.

Bring your sensible shoes and don’t forget to hydrate. I’ll see you at the starting line — the BCEC on Sunday, March 11, 10 sharp.