Club Industry Future of Fitness June 2021: Full Schedule

9:00am EDT

Bright Spots: Secrets of Clubs That Thrived During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Some of the clubs that actually did well during the shutdowns and reopenings will share what they did not just to survive but to thrive, and how they are continuing to thrive now.

Speakers

Brent Gallagher

Co-Founder and CEO, Avenu Fitness

Brent Gallagher has built a brand measuring the quality of life one can live, not just their biceps and waistlines. He invests time coaching high-performing leaders and challenging fitness businesses to come to blows with the status quo by redefining what’s possible for the communities... Read More →

Billy Grenham

Chief Marketing Officer, Chuze Fitness

Billy Grenham is the CMO of Chuze Fitness and is a passionate global brand leader with 16 years of experience executing award-winning online/offline omnichannel strategies through data-driven research insights and cultural grassroots movements. He was most recently the global director... Read More →

Amy Glosser

Founder and CEO, BYKlyn

Amy Glosser is the founder and CEO of BYKlyn. Originally from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Amy is all about building community. It’s the small-town vibe that Amy has infused throughout BKYlyn—family-oriented customer service, a staff that knows you by name and a culture where everyBODY... Read More →

Geoffrey Dyer

President, CR Fitness

Geoff Dyer is president of CR Fitness Holdings LLC, the No. 1 franchise group for Crunch Fitness with 29 locations throughout the Southeast, including Atlanta, Tampa Bay , Orlando and the East Coast of Florida. CR Fitness Holdings has 10 clubs in development that will open over the... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Industry Challenges

9:00am EDT

The Employee Retention Credit: How to Qualify, Maximize, Calculate and Implement the Secret Strategies That Are Worth Tens of Thousands of Dollars to Gym and Fitness Studios

The Employee Retention Credit is starting to finally get noticed among fitness business owners. If you haven't heard of it, it's the best thing you can do for your fitness business in 2021. But do you know how to maximize the credit? Did you know you may be able to qualify for more quarters making your business eligible for tens of thousands of dollars more than originally thought? Has anyone coached you on why you should increase owner pay and run short pay periods to maximize the credit? Do you know why controlling the timing of your revenues may make you eligible for tens of thousands more in credits? Learn how to implement all the secret strategies and tips fitness business owners are paying thousands of dollars to hear from the industry experts The Fitness CPA, for free. Hire them if you want, but this isn't a commercial for services. This fast-paced session will include all the strategies and tactics to get you more back from The Employee Retention Credit so your gym or fitness studio can be better, faster, and more profitable after COVID.

Speakers

Eric Killian

Founder and Certified Public Accountant, The Fitness CPA

EricKillian is a certified public accountant, 2nd generation CPA firm owner, and founder of The Fitness CPA. Eric has invested over a decade serving the fitness industry in niche specific accounting, tax, and operational expertise. From 2014 to 2017 Eric was the CFO and a board... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Retention/Engagement

9:50am EDT

Sales and Marketing in 2021

What’s the deal with Instagram reels? Instagram reels are a fun way to educate, entertain and engage people. In this short but comprehensive session, Marisa Hoff will help you discover why reels should be part of your social media strategy, as well has tips for getting them done. The session is guaranteed to be reel-ly good!

Speakers

Marisa Hoff

Owner, Be Military Fit

Named one of IHRSA’s Women Who Inspire in 2019, Marisa Hoff is an owner at Be Military Fit Los Angeles. Be Military Fit is the world’s leading outdoor workout and made its debut in the United States in May 2021. Marisa is also the director of operations at The Empower Group, a... Read More →

Madison Sosebee

Social Media Manager, UpSwell

Wednesday June 16, 2021 9:50am - 10:10am EDT

Operations/Staffing

9:50am EDT

Latest Research on Physical Activity and Health Club Industry Recovery

More than a year removed from the start of the pandemic, gyms and studios are recovering from the impact of COVID-19. The latest research on physical activity and COVID-19 is promising for the industry. Recovery metrics and consumer trends also bode well for club operators and fitness professionals. IHRSA has examined the latest research and will present what industry professionals need to know.

Speakers

Alexandra Black Larcom, MPH, RD, LDN

Senior Manager of Health Promotion & Health Policy, IHRSA

Alexandra Larcom is the senior manager of health promotion & health policy at IHRSA. She is a registered dietitian with a bachelor’s of science degree in food science and human nutrition from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in public health from Boston University... Read More →

Melissa Rodriguez

Senior Research Manager, IHRSA

Melissa Rodriguez is the senior research manager at IHRSA and an active certified personal training and strength coach. Having overseen IHRSA research over the past decade, Rodriguez spearheads key initiatives, such as IHRSA's Health Club Consumer Report, Profiles of Success, international... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 9:50am - 10:10am EDT

Trends

10:15am EDT

A Successful Sales and Marketing Playbook Starts with Automation

Marketing and sales have never been more important for fitness businesses as 2021 will likely have flatter “seasonality” for membership sales. Automation of these processes can help to make the most out of every prospect opportunity, leading to better acquisition and conversion. Discover how data now drives marketing automation, and how you can grab the opportunity this presents so you can get your sales and marketing back on track to finish strong in the second half of 2021.

Moderator

Al Noshirvani

Founder, Motionsoft

Al is the Co-Founder of Motionsoft Inc which was recently acquired by Daxko, a leading provider of software and financial services for the health, fitness and wellness industry and where he now serves as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer. With 25 years of experience in software... Read More →

Speakers

Sandra Lei

Senior Marketing Director, In-Shape

Sandra Lei, senior marketing director for In-Shape Health Clubs, is responsible for member acquisition and retention through branding, ecommerce, digital, email and app development—all with the goal of helping members be healthy, fit and happy. Sandra plays an integral part in understandingmember... Read More →

Dharmesh Trivedi

Co-founder and COO, CIPIO

Dharmesh Trivedi is co-founder and COO at CIPIO, a domain-infused customer intelligence platform that humanizes and automates predictions and recommendations for B2C businesses including those in the fitness industry. Dharmesh is a fitness industry IT vet, formerly serving as senior... Read More →

Jarrod Saracco

COO, World Gym

Jarrod Saracco is a 25-year veteran of the health and fitness industry. He has worked his way up from personal trainer to gym owner to an owner’s consultant and now is the chief operations officer of the iconic global fitness brand, World Gym. As president and owner of Health Club... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 10:15am - 10:55am EDT

Operations/Staffing

10:15am EDT

The Path Ahead for Studios Around the World

Studio operators may have been most effected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to physical distancing requirements and the small size of most facilities, but that also means studios had to be even more creative. How will that creativity pay off in the future as the world moves beyond COVID? What does the path look like to greater success for studio operators big and small?

Moderator

Julian Barnes

Co-Founder and CEO, Boutique Fitness Solutions

Julian Barnes is a fitness industry veteran whose 40-year career includes being a competitive junior tennis player and certified professional tennis instructor, serving on the Investment Committee for the U.S. Tennis Association, being a sponsorship sales consultant to Madison Square... Read More →

Speakers

Anabel Chew

Co-Founder, WeBarre

Anabel Chew is the co-founder of WeBarre, Asia’s leading Barre studio, with locations in Singapore and Hong Kong. She comes from a background as a professional musician and an entrepreneur. As WeBarre’s lead instructor, Anabel trains and nurtures the team, maintaining a consistent... Read More →

Joanne Mathews

CEO and Founder, Ten Health & Fitness

Joanne Mathews established Ten Health & Fitness in 2007 as a result of a car crash that she has come to think of as her “happy accident” even though it didn’t feel happy at the time. While doing rehab for her back and pelvic injuries, she got the idea for Ten Health & Fitness... Read More →

Kari Saitowitz

Founder and CEO, Fhitting Room

Kari Saitowitz is founder and CEO of Fhitting Room, overseeing three Fhitting Room studios and a rooftop residency in New York City, Fhitting Room On Demand and Fhitting Room LIVE virtual classes. Prior to creating Fhitting Room, Kari was a marketing executive at Pepsi. She focused... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 10:15am - 10:55am EDT

Trends

11:00am EDT

5 Issues Shaping the Future of Work in the Fitness Industry

The Covid-19 pandemic, technological transformation, and demographic changes have created a shift in the fitness industry presenting unparalleled opportunities, but also significant challenges and uncertainties. Join Fred in this session as he discusses 5 key issues shaping the future of work in the fitness industry, along with insights into what the future client will look like, how the nature and quality of jobs will change, and the skills and training necessary for fitness professionals to succeed and thrive.

Speakers

Fred Hoffman, M.Ed.

Owner, Fitness Resources Consulting Services

Fred is the owner of Fitness Resources, an education and consultancy company, which specializes in staff training, professional career development, social media strategies, marketing solutions and technology innovation for health clubs, fitness centers, boutique studios, and spas... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 11:00am - 11:10am EDT

Operations/Staffing

11:00am EDT

The State of the Studio Market

Six months into 2021, find out how the studio market is performing and what to expect moving forward for the last half of the year.

Speakers

Julian Barnes

Co-Founder and CEO, Boutique Fitness Solutions

Nt Etuk

Co-Founder, Boutique Fitness Solutions

Nt Etuk is co-founder of Boutique Fitness Solutions (BFS), a boutique fitness’s premier private network, bringing together the industry’s most forward thinking innovators in an effort to take the industry to the next level. He also is founder and CEO of FitGrid, a ground-breaking... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 11:00am - 11:10am EDT

Trends

11:15am EDT

Member Loyalty and Lifetime Value

This panel will discuss key performance indicators for successful management of your business. It starts with member experience and culture but requires management of marketing, prospects, members, data and systematic approaches to performance. The panel will share member acquisition strategies, member enrollment strategies, member on-boarding strategies, member life-cycle management, key performance indicators and lifetime value of membership/revenue cycle management.

Moderator

Bill McBride

President & CEO, BMC3, President & CEO-Active Wellness

Speakers

Bill Davis

CEO, ABC Fitness Solutions

Bill Davis is President & Chief Executive Officer for ABC Fitness Solutions. Prior to joining ABC in February of 2019, Bill has spent his career in various leadership roles for enterprise software companies that span the healthcare IT, education IT and human capital management industries... Read More →

Kate Golden

Director of Health and Wellness Operations, Newtown Athletic Club

Kate Golden is the director of health and wellness operations for the Newtown Athletic Club (NAC) and Horsham Athletic Club. She worked in the human resource field for 8 years before joining the fitness industry. She currently oversees the Horsham Athletic Club and wellness operations... Read More →

Aaron Moore

Director of Operations, VIDA Fitness, Aura Spa, Bang Salon, SweatBox

Aaron Moore is the director of operations for VIDA Fitness, Aura spa, Bang Salon, Penthouse Pool, and SweatBox in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA. He has developed and expanded the upscale wellness provider from a start-up in 2006 to over $40 million in annual revenues.

Wednesday June 16, 2021 11:15am - 11:55am EDT

Retention/Engagement

11:15am EDT

Licensing Could Turn the Studio Model on Its Head

The world of studio brands may be changing as some studios are looking to license their content/brand in addition to or in lieu of franchising. In this world, the instructor could set up shop hosting multiple brands within their facility. Find out why some studio operators are moving in this direction, what this could mean for existing franchisees, multipurpose health clubs, not-for-profits, individual trainers and group exercise instructors.

Moderator

Len Fridman

CEO and Co-Founder, Wellness Living

Len Fridman is a fitness business expert and successful entrepreneur. He is the CEO and co-founder of WellnessLiving, a leading business management software company tailored for the wellness and fitness sector. Len began his journey back in 2009 when he started a local boot-camp in... Read More →

Speakers

Sadie Kurzban

Founder and CEO, 305 Fitness

Sadie Kurzban is the 30-year-old founder and CEO of 305 Fitness. Named the next fitness cult leader by the New York Observer, Sadie, a graduate of Brown University, has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Good Morning America, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, the TODAY show... Read More →

Jill Dailey

Founder and CEO, The Dailey Method

Jill Dailey founder and CEO of The Dailey Method. She is a true innovator of the dance barre fitness revolution on the West Coast. A degreed kinesiologist, Jill soon found that her true passion was helping people transform their lives through fitness. Seeking the most advanced methods... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 11:15am - 11:55am EDT

Trends

11:55am EDT

One-on-One with JJ Creegan of Orangetheory Fitness

J.J. Creegan, senior vice president of operations for Orangetheory Fitness, discusses where Orangetheory stands today, pandemic recovery, virtual coaching and more in a one-on-one interview conducted by Austin Cohen, CEO of Flexit.

Speakers

J.J. Creegan

Senior VP of Operations, Orangetheory Fitness

J.J. Creegan has been part of the fitness industry for more than 20 years and has worked with some amazing brands and teammates. He is currently the senior vice president of operations at Orangetheory Fitness overseeing performance of all company-owned studios. In his role he serves... Read More →

Austin Cohen

Founder and CEO, FlexIt

Austin Cohen is an entrepreneur with broad-based experience in strategy, business development, finance and capital raising across the consumer health and wellness, sports, entertainment and technology verticals. Cohen has spent about half of his career in venture capital and the other... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 11:55am - 12:15pm EDT

Business Strategies

12:15pm EDT

Strategy Spotlight: The Ripple Effect of a Member-Centric Approach

Member centricity is not a single act or service. It is an intention or result driven by your business strategy, technology and brand. Join ABC Fitness Solutions and Matt Bohn, Vice President of Operations for Club Fitness, to learn how Matt and team used 2020 to rethink their business and grow personal training revenue by 25%.

Speakers

Matt Bohn

Vice President, Club Fitness

Matt Bohn serves as vice president of Club Fitness. His career includes over six years of experience in the fitness industry and 12 years of experience in finance leading an area of retail banks. Under Matt’s leadership, The Club Fitness NPS doubled in 12 months in 2017 due to driving... Read More →

Keegan Dowling

VP of Client Success, ABC Fitness Solutions

Keegan Dowling serves as Vice President of Client Success at ABC Fitness Solutions. Her career accomplishments include over 10 years of experience in software sales, leading a team of Account Managers who build client portfolios with the introduction of new and exciting products.Her... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 12:15pm - 12:55pm EDT

12:15pm EDT

The Financial Community’s View of the Club Industry’s Comeback Potential

The club industry was hot prior to COVID-19, and the financial community is keeping its eye on it as the world reopens. Two insiders share how the club industry is viewed today in the financial markets, and what that view means for future growth and investment.

Moderator

Rick Caro

President, Management Vision

Rick Caro (often called the "Godfather of the Health Club Industry") is a 48-year veteran in this industry, serving as an owner, operator, consultant, director and investor. He currently is president of Management Vision and sits on two boards and four advisory boards. He was a co-founder... Read More →

Speakers

Peter Moore

CEO, Integrity Square

Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placement and advisory assignments across North America, Europe and Asia. He and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at Switch Playground, HigherDOSE... Read More →

Sharon Zackfia

Partner and Group Head of the Consumer Sector, William Blair

Sharon Zackfia, CFA, partner and group head of the consumer sector, joined the equity research group of William Blair in 2000 with a focus on lifestyle and leisure brands, restaurants and automotive retail/e-commerce. Previously, she worked in research at Credit Suisse First Boston... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 12:15pm - 12:55pm EDT

Trends

1:00pm EDT

Hiring Has Changed and Here Is How to Adapt

One of many changes caused by COVID-19 has been in hiring practices at health clubs. Some clubs have switched to hiring more full-time employees and fewer part-timers. Many club owners are looking for staff that have more diverse skills and can handle multiple jobs. How do you recruit, create realistic job descriptions, vet the best candidates and structure compensation to remain competitive? Find out in this session.

Speakers

Tina Carroll

President and Chief Communications Officer, Carroll Consultants

Tina M. Carroll of Carroll Consulting is an industry veteran. An L&D professional and former GM/Operations Director for over 25 years, Tina is relentlessly focused on employee education and the member experience. She is a skilled project manager and presenter on topics such as Managing... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 1:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

Operations/Staffing

1:00pm EDT

Understanding the KPIs of Omnichannels

A multichannel approach to sales and engagement that focuses on providing seamless member experiences across all member/prospect touchpoints is essential as part of any organization’s digital journey. Further, it is essential that it not stop at online joins. Learn from a leading operator about how they have increased member LTV by implementing an omnichannel member experience solution by understanding the KPIs of their omnichannels.

Speakers

Garrett Marshall

President, Fitness Streaming, Xponential

Garrett Marshall is president of fitness streaming for Xponential. He has nearly 20 years of experience working on the growth side of the fitness industry. His experience has included developing strategy and innovation, executive leadership, business development, strategic partnerships... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 1:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

Operations/Staffing

1:20pm EDT

How to Create an Inclusive Business Model

Inclusion matters, and businesses that focus on being inclusive are more profitable. Find out how you can make your fitness business more inclusive and, therefore, more profitable.

Speakers

Regina Wallace-Jones

Senior Vice President, Products & Engineering, Mindbody

Regina joined Mindbody in 2019 after successful stops at Yahoo, Facebook and eBay. She has nearly 25 years of business leadership experience in multinational environments having lived in Asia and having held executive responsibilities in roles that span four continents.In her current... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 1:20pm - 1:30pm EDT

Business Strategies

1:20pm EDT

Engaging with Your Members Through Advisory Boards

A member advisory board is a powerful way to gain valuable insight into the member experience at your facility. In this succinct and powerful session, learn what a member advisory board is, why they are effective and most importantly, the specifics on how to create and run one effectively. Attendees will receive sample resources, ranging from invitation letters to meeting agendas and more.

Speakers

Chris Stevenson

Founder, Be Military Fit California

Chris Stevenson-former Power Ranger stuntman is the founder of Stevenson Consulting, a full-service consulting firm based in Westlake Village, California. Chris’s current focus is to help businesses and entrepreneurs of all types maximize potential. His expertise stems from his... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 1:20pm - 1:30pm EDT

Retention/Engagement

1:30pm EDT

LIVE Q & A:The Role of Video in a Post-Pandemic World

Join this live discussion about how video will be used moving forward after the COVID-19 pandemic. Come with your questions for this interactive discussion.

Speakers

PJ Taei

Founder and President, Uscreen

PJ Taei is founder and president of Uscreen, a video streaming and monetization platform that helps fitness experts and businesses build their own Netflix-style streaming service. He founded the company in 2015, and today, Uscreen is home to more than 10,000 businesses globally, including... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 1:30pm - 1:55pm EDT

1:55pm EDT

The 5 Elements To Producing Unique Content Experiences

Does your online content reflect your brand's quality and experience? Brands need to look at content as an opportunity to extend their brand in new channels, develop new fans and engage members in new ways. There are five ingredients that go into every content experience but the trick is how you "cook" those for your brand. In this session, you will learn about these five elements, how to apply them to workout content and how to expand your content into story based content.

Speakers

Mike Hansen

Managing Partner, Endorphinz

Mike Hansen is the Managing Partner of Endorphinz, a fully integrated fitness streaming agency. Mike is a 20yr fitness industry change agent and has led dozens of strategies and digital transformations ranging from the creation of new club brands such as BKBX to developing the fitness... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 1:55pm - 2:15pm EDT

Operations/Staffing

1:55pm EDT

Fitness Freedom: The New Principles of the Virtually Anywhere Fitness Experience

We spent the last 15 months just getting by as club operators. Outdoor classes, zoom sessions, Facebook Live and whatever worked at the time – just to keep members engaged and active.

But now it’s time to move beyond what simply had to be done – and embrace everything we learned about member expectations, seamless programming and new strategies to truly optimize the member fitness experience for ultimate club success.

In this session, we’ll discuss the four new principles for optimizing fitness programming in your club, at home and everywhere your members choose to work out. Hear from industry experts about the steps you need to create the right balance of in-person classes, live-streamed sessions and on-the-go mobile access for members. Understand the steps needed to create the ideal platform, formats and blend of third-party and custom branded or bespoke workout content for every ability level.

Moderator

Uday Anumalachetty

Divisional Vice President, Fitness on Demand

Uday Anumalachetty is a seasoned international fitness industry executive with two decades of broad ranging leadership, business management and product development and innovation experience. Under his leadership as divisional vice president, FitnessOnDemand has cemented its position... Read More →

Speakers

April Fisk

CEO, RockBox Fitness

April Fisk started her career as a college volleyball coach and assistant athletic director with a passion for healthy living and empowering leadership. She quickly transitioned her career to the fitness industry and now brings with her more than 15 years of experience working with... Read More →

Jerome Bonhomme

CTO, American Specialty Health

As chief technology officer and executive vice president for American Specialty Health (ASH), Jerome Bonhomme is responsible for leading the consumer technology department, which develops and maintains innovative consumer-facing applications. These vital capabilities help to activate... Read More →

Heidi Nyquist

Franchise Owner, Snap Fitness

Will Brereton

Founder, SH1FT & Ministry of Fit

Will Brereton started teaching group fitness at the age of 18 and quickly grew to become one of Les Mills’ leading international presenters, traveling the world to launch new workout releases. A trained lawyer, Will started his business career in the commercial legal teams of companies... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 1:55pm - 2:15pm EDT

Technology

2:20pm EDT

What the Numbers Say About Digital Vs. Brick and Mortar Fitness

Get the data about how digital fitness compares to brick & mortar fitness in usage, users, and key functional/emotional attributes, plus the strengths and weakness of both. Find out who uses online fitness and why they use it. Find out who is coming back to the gym and who is not. And then get a few strategies to target high, medium and low potential returning customers.

Speakers

Sarah Marion, Ph.D.

Director of Syndicated Research, Murphy Research

Sarah Marion has been the Director of Syndicated Research at Murphy Research since 2019. In this role, she leads Murphy Research’s syndicated offerings, including the State of Our Health syndicated tracker, overseeing topic development, study design, execution, analysis, and storytelling.As... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 2:20pm - 2:30pm EDT

Operations/Staffing

2:20pm EDT

5 Ideas to Create a Service Culture That Retains Members

Learn five ideas you can implement at little or no cost that will help you create a better service culture. These small changes will “wow” your members and differentiate you from your competition.

Speakers

Lisa Gorsline

President and General Manager, Corpus Christi Athletic Club

Lisa Gorsline has over 36 years of experience in the health club Industry and more than 25 years of management experience. Lisa is the president/general manager of the Corpus Christi Athletic Club, which is a 110,000-square-foot facility with almost 150 employees. Lisa has held a... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 2:20pm - 2:30pm EDT

Retention/Engagement

2:35pm EDT

What Is Next in Hybridization?

This panel is designed for the audience to bring questions to the panelists about the next 12 to 24 months of “going hybrid” and what that means for our industry now that many fitness facilities have established their online fitness offerings and their doors have opened to in-person classes. Ask the panel what you've been wanting to ask others about the hybrid model, what is next, how it will change group fitness in the future and more. Now is the time to ask your questions of these experts so you know how to move forward.

Moderator

Adam Zeitsiff

CEO, Intelivideo

Adam is a visionary global executive with 25 years of successful leadership in technology and multi-unit business environments. He thrives on helping companies accelerate growth through his extensive capabilities in the areas of strategy, innovation and execution. Prior to joining... Read More →

Speakers

Chris Craytor

CEO, Welld Health

Chris Craytor is the CEO of Welld Health, a software platform designed to forge meaningful connections between health care and community health providers. Welld Health’s market-leading product simplifies data collection, third-party billing and outcomes reporting for providers preventative... Read More →

Tiffany Hamlin

National Director of Group Fitness, World Gym International

Tiffany Hamlin is the national director of group fitness for World Gym International. She has more than 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and holds more than 15 professional fitness certifications. Tiffany has managed group fitness programs for networks of gyms, managing... Read More →

Tommy Matthews

Business Development Director, Be Military Fit

Tommy Matthews is the business development director at Be Military Fit, the world’s leading military-inspired fitness company. He heads up the business's innovation, product development and franchise network development. BMF with Bear Grylls is the first company to truly train anywhere... Read More →

Ronn McMahon

President/CEO, Greater Wichita YMCA

Ronn McMahon has been a leader in the YMCA movement for over 20 years. Before joining the Greater Wichita YMCA as president and CEO in 2016, his 15-year tenure in the Pacific Northwest included a role as senior vice president for financial development/strategic collaborations at the... Read More →

Wednesday June 16, 2021 2:35pm - 3:20pm EDT

Technology

9:00am EDT

Vendors Speak: At-Home Training Offers Opportunity for Clubs

The truth is that people have learned they can exercise at home using a variety of resources, but the fitness industry knows that its brick-and-mortar locations offer much that at-home exercise can’t deliver. Find out how to embrace the existence of home exercise options while also sharing the benefits of having a brick-and-mortar location. And determine how this might look when it comes to a new dues option.

Moderator

Crystal Wheeler

Client Relations Account Manager, Club Industry/Questex

Crystal Wheeler joined Club Industry in August 2015 as the Client Relations Account Manager. She has more than 14 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry, having worked for Ball Dynamics International, representing FitBALL brand accessories as a manufacturer/supplier... Read More →

Speakers

Austin Cohen

Founder and CEO, FlexIt

Jeff Esswein

Vice President of Strategic Accounts and Digital Content, Freemotion Fitness

Jeff Esswein brings a uniquely diverse and extensive wealth of experience to any discussion within the fitness industry, especially surrounding fitness and technology. Currently the Vice President of Strategic Accounts and Digital Content with Freemotion Fitness, Jeff has built and... Read More →

Christy Browning

Director of Marketing, Power Systems

Christy Browning is the Director of Marketing of Power Systems, a leading fitness equipment supplier of studio, functional training, and strength equipment. With over a decade of experience building go-to-market strategies for brands and launching problem-solving products & services... Read More →

Rickard Blomberg

President, Eleiko Sport Inc

Rickard Blomberg is the president of Eleiko Sport Inc, the fully owned U.S. subsidiary of Eleiko, a family-owned and Sweden-based leading company offering strength training equipment and education to the professional sports, commercial fitness and military markets. Rickard has a master’s... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Technology

9:00am EDT

European Fitness Market Growth and Innovation Post COVID-19 (Presented by FIBO)

As the European health and leisure market moves past COVID-19, three industry experts share the innovation and growth that is ahead for this part of the world and what the industry in other parts of the globe can learn from it.

Moderator

Herman Rutgers

Global Ambassador, FIBO

Speakers

Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer

Co-Founder and CEO, EGYM GmbH

Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer co-founded EGYM in 2010. In 2008, working out at Columbia University’s somewhat dusty gym, Philipp asked himself why the whole world was changing so rapidly through IT, but gyms were still stuck at the level of the 1960s and 1970s. Back in Germany, he... Read More →

Martin Seibold

CEO, LifeFit Group

Martin Seibold is an industry veteran with more than 20 years in senior roles at brands across Germany, Benelux, Asia and Australia. In recent years he led an up-market repositioning of Fitness First in the UK and Germany by investing in people and simplifying processes, modernizing... Read More →

Valerie Bures-Bönström

Founder, VAHA

The founder of VAHA, Valerie Bures-Bönström is one of Germany’s most successful entrepreneurs. At the age of 24, she co-founded Mrs. Sporty, Europe's largest women's fitness club chain in collaboration with Stefanie Graf. Ten years later, she founded Pixformance Sports GmbH, combining... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Trends

9:49am EDT

Fast Talks: Creating Better Customer Experiences

The experience members want when they walk into a gym has changed over the years and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has never been more important for club and studio operators to create a rewarding customer experience. In this session, a number of suppliers in the industry share their thoughts on the changing customer experience and takeaways on how to ensure you are delivering what your members want today.

Speakers

Ian Mullane

CEO, KeepmeAI

Emma Excell

COO, Fisikal

Elizabeth Fouts

Power Systems

Elisabeth Fouts holds a B.S. in Education and Exercise Science and has served the fitness industry for over 15 years. She has a wide variety of industry experience from personal training and group fitness instruction to health club membership sales and fitness management. Elisabeth... Read More →

Rodney Corn

Eleiko

Austin Cohen

Founder and CEO, FlexIt

PJ Taei

Founder and President, Uscreen

Thursday June 17, 2021 9:49am - 10:30am EDT

Retention/Engagement

9:49am EDT

Expanding Into Connected Fitness

During the past year, the studio market learned that virtual can work, but today’s studio brands want to be more than virtual; they want to be experiential. That means taking the virtual studio experience to a new level by creating connected fitness with equipment in the home. Who are the leaders in this movement, and how are they making this transformation? What does this mean for the studio market moving forward?

Speakers

Alex Peacock

CCO, Sweatworks

As Chief Commercial Officer, Alex leads growth and customer engagement for SweatWorks - the leading global technology agency for the fitness and wellness industry. With over two decades of experience in building and scaling companies across the fitness technology space, Alex... Read More →

J.J. Creegan

Senior VP of Operations, Orangetheory Fitness

Helaine Knapp

Founder and CEO, CITYROW

After spending years climbing the corporate ladder, Helaine Knapp left the world of publishing for start-up life. Group fitness was her outlet while working hard and taking on the hustle and bustle of New York City. Months of group cycle and boot camp classes left her with a lower... Read More →

Ediva Zanker

Co-Founder, GRIT BXNG

Ediva Zanker is a boxer and a business owner. She co-founded a boutique boxing gym in Union Square in New York City called GRIT BXNG. GRIT is a 50-minute, high-intensity, full-body sweaty and fun workout that incorporates treadmills, water-filled punching bags and weights in an immersive... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 9:49am - 10:30am EDT

Technology

10:35am EDT

The Role Gyms Can Play in Improving Mental Health

Mental health issues are in the spotlight these days as the COVID-19 pandemic may have had created difficulties for people coping with isolation, job loss, illness or the death of a loved one. Physical activity can help improve mental health in some cases, but many club operators haven’t tapped into how they can be a resource. In this session, find out from two industry experts just what you can do to improve the mental health of your community.

Speakers

C. Victor Brick

CEO, PF Growth Partners, LLC

C. Victor Brick, M.Ed. is CEO of Planet Fitness Growth Partners, LLC (PFGP), which he co-founded with his wife, Lynne. Victor and Lynne also co-founded Brick Bodies, a chain of full-service health clubs in the Baltimore area, and he still serves as chairman of the board for Brick... Read More →

Nick Watterson

Business Manager, iFIT Mind

Native to Utah, Nick Watterson studied at Southern Virginia University, graduating with a BA in business administration and leadership. Nick began his journey in the fitness industry within the Research and Development Department at ICON Health and Fitness and over recent years has... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 10:35am - 10:55am EDT

Business Strategies

10:35am EDT

The Realities of Group Fitness NOW

For health clubs and studios, group fitness has shifted dramatically since the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although clubs and studios are strong again, these changes have brought on challenges. Learn from top directors from across the United States about how they are handling these changes now, their plans for the immediate future and what they believe will be some game-changers.

Moderator

Stacey Seward Vandiver

Owner and CEO, SoulBody Fitness

Stacey Seward Vandiver is the owner and CEO of SoulBody Fitness, a global group fitness programming company that continues to keep classes ahead of the curve. She is the creative director of all four SoulBody Fitness programs in Barre, HIIT and Yoga Sculpt. SBF is future-proofing... Read More →

Speakers

Sara Keller

Group Exercise Director, Brick Bodies Fitness Services

Sara Keller is the group exercise director for Brick Bodies Fitness Services, a locally owned chain of clubs in the Baltimore, Maryland, area. She has been in the group exercise industry since the early 2000s both on the instructor and management side. Her experience covers dance... Read More →

Joella Hopkins

Vice President of Group Fitness, EoS Fitness

Joella Hopkins is the Vice President of Group Fitness for EōS Fitness, one of the fastest-growing gym chains in the world. With gyms in CA, UT, FL, AZ and NV, EōS is known for perfecting the HVLP (high value, low price) model.  Joella has over 30 years in the fitness industry... Read More →

Linda Haupt

Corporate Director of Group Fitness, US Fitness

Linda Haupt is the Corporate Director of Group Fitness for US Fitness. US Fitness is the 9th largest fitness brand which includes the Onelife and Sport&Health brands with over 50 locations in five states. US Fitness also owns the Crunch franchises in the DC market. Linda has over... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 10:35am - 10:55am EDT

Operations/Staffing

10:55am EDT

Live Q&A How To Maximize the Member Journey Through Omnichannel

Dr. Jason Russell of Optimum Performance Sports discusses their omnichannel solution with the Freemotion Team– and how it now reaches its members wherever they're at.

Moderator

Tom Lapcevic

Executive Chairman and co-founder, ROR Partners

Speakers

Dr. Jason Russell

Founder and Director, Optimum Performance Sports (OPS)

Dr. Jason Russell is the founder and director of Optimum Performance Sports (OPS). OPS is the sports medicine and sports performance division of Lutheran Health Network. He received his B.S. in Kinesiology from Indiana University and his Doctorate degree from National University... Read More →

Dan Toigo

ICON Health & Fitness, Senior Vice President, Freemotion, Managing Director

Dan Toigo has earned worldwide admiration and praise through more than three decades of insightful leadership within the fitness industry. Currently the Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Freemotion Fitness, Dan embodies a caring, respectful, and empowering approach... Read More →

Jeff Esswein

Vice President of Strategic Accounts and Digital Content, Freemotion Fitness

Thursday June 17, 2021 10:55am - 11:15am EDT

Networking Break

10:55am EDT

Networking Break

Thursday June 17, 2021 10:55am - 11:15am EDT

Networking Break

11:15am EDT

The XX Factor: Why You Need Women in Your Executive Ranks

Even though more than half of health club members are women, executives in the health club business are overwhelmingly men, with the possible exception of studios. Find out why you need to ensure the people in power represent the membership better and why it makes business sense to have women in your executive team. The panel will discuss what is holding women back from moving higher in the executive rank and how to overcome that. In addition, the panel will look at whether the fitness business is family-friendly or whether that is holding back women from rising. If so, how can the fitness industry be more family-friendly for women and men?

Moderator

Ashley St. Jules

Vice President of Marketing, Les Mills

Ashley St. Jules was drawn to the Les Mills mission of creating a fitter planet in 2016, joining the team as they established their U.S. headquarters in Chicago. As the vice president of marketing, her focus is on growing the global fitness brand in the U.S. market through innovative... Read More →

Speakers

Carrie Kepple-Styles

Chairman of IHRSA Board of Directors, Founder and Co-owner of Styles Studios Fitness

Carrie Kepple-Styles is an executive leader in the fitness industry for nearly 2 decades with global experience operating and now also owning health clubs and studios. She is presently the Chair of the IHRSA Board of Directors and resides in Illinois with her wife Amy and 4-year-old... Read More →

Catherine Edmunds

Chair of DEI Advisory group, EuropeActive

Catherine Edmunds serves as chair of the DEI Advisory group at EuropeActive and works in the English football League as an equality, diversity and inclusion officer. She has held many inclusion-based roles within the fitness industry, including project work around pan disabilitie... Read More →

Jomana Elwenni

Director of Human Resources, Orangetheory Fitness Canada

Named as Canada’s most promising young human resources leader, Jomana is the director of human resources for Orangetheory Fitness Canada where she champions national leadership and management of a full range of HR functions for more than 110 locations. She is an innovative HR leader... Read More →

Stephanie Erazo

Founder, Prana Wellness

After spending seven years as a CNN producer and experiencing a scary panic attack, Stephanie Erazo decided to leave the fast pace of the newsroom for a life of wellness and follow her passion for health and fitness. Now, Stephanie is a trained yoga therapist and RYT 300. She is certified... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 11:15am - 11:30am EDT

Business Strategies

11:15am EDT

Generate Revenue with Innovative Ways to Use Your Club

In the future, health clubs may need to be more than a place for exercise. YMCAs and park and rec facilities already offer a variety of resources to their communities, and now some club operators are implementing some non-exercise offerings, including preschools and workspaces plus medical spaces, that are generating revenue. Find out how these offerings are working for those who have implemented them and which ones you can implement at a facility of your size.

Moderator

Mike Leveque

CEO – Americas and Group COO, Myzone

With over 30 years in the global Health & Fitness industry, Mike Leveque is the CEO for the Americas and Group COO of Myzone, the leading physical activity tracking company for the fitness industry. After working at a 17-acre multisport health club in Southern California for... Read More →

Speakers

Mike Feitelberg

President and CEO, Sports & Fitness EDGE

Mike Feitelberg is an industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the field. He is the president and chief executive officer of the Sports & Fitness EDGE Inc., d/b/a The EDGE. The company has five large multi-use health clubs, five physical therapy clinics, three accredited... Read More →

Neil King

Managing Director, énergie Fitness

Neil has extensive experience in senior executive positions across both the private and public sectors of the health and fitness industry, both in the UK and Europe. Since joining énergie Fitness, Neil has defined the current énergie fitness product as a pioneering ‘low cost... Read More →

Kevin P. McHugh

Chief Operating Officer, The Atlantic Club

Kevin McHugh serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Atlantic Club. McHugh was promoted to COO in 2006, from Vice President of Sales and Marketing. As the COO, McHugh provides effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved in the extensive health and wellness programs... Read More →

Keith Vinson

Vice President of Operations, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

Keith Vinson is a cause-driven senior executive leader that supports a culture of excellence, quality and diversity. He has more than 20 years of impactful leadership in non-profit, municipal government and the corporate workplace. Keith currently serves as the vice president of operations... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 11:15am - 11:55am EDT

Business Strategies

12:00pm EDT

Results of 2021 Club Management System Survey

Over 100 club owners and operators discuss their club management system with fitness tech educators and influencers Allison Flatley, Ted Vickey, and Bonnie Patrick-Mattalian joined by Allison Rand and Nick Hahn of ASF. Understand the findings and insights from the qualitative and quantitative research and how you can use the data to support your strategy to serve your members. Funded by ASF with the intention of understanding how to better serve the fitness industry.

Moderator

Allison Flatley

Owner, Allison Flatley Consulting, LLC

Speakers

Allison Rand

Director of Marketing, EverCommerce

Dr. Ted Vickey

Founder and president, FitWell Inc.

Dr. Ted Vickey has 30 years of experience in exercise science and business with special expertise in fitness technology. He is the founder and president of FitWell Inc., a fitness consulting company specializing in innovation and emerging technology. He works with start-ups and established... Read More →

Nick Hahn

Vice President of Product, Club OS and ASF

Nick Hahn is the vice president of product for ASF and Club OS at EverCommerce. He joined Club OS in 2018 as director of engineering with the goal of transforming the product and development team’s culture from that of a reactive startup into a data- and customer-driven small business... Read More →

Bonnie Patrick Mattalian

President, Club & Spa Synergy Group, LLC.

Bonnie Patrick Mattalian is president of the Club & Spa Synergy Group, LLC. She builds high-performance teams and businesses in both the private and not-for-profit sectors in the fitness and wellness industries. A consultant with proven solutions for customer experience delivery... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 12:00pm - 12:40pm EDT

Business Strategies

12:00pm EDT

Certifications vs. Personal Training Licensing: Is Now the Time?

The renewed interest in health and fitness due to the COVID-19 pandemic offers a tremendous opportunity for health clubs, but it is coupled with an outdated reputation that gyms must overcome as being a dirty place just for the already-fit. Would licensing of personal trainers rather than certifications help to increase the confidence that the 80 percent of the U.S. population who are non-gym goers have in health clubs?

Moderator

PJ Taei

Founder and President, Uscreen

Speakers

Akaylah Jaeke

Faculty Member, Madison College

Akaylah Jaeke is a faculty member at Madison College with over a decade of experience in the fitness, recreation, and wellness industries. She enjoys teaching future leaders in the industry and is passionate about the student college experience. Outside of Madison College, Akaylah... Read More →

Lawrence Biscontini

Mindful Movement Specialist, FitnessGroup2000

Lawrence Biscontini, M.A., has made fitness history as a mindful movement specialist winning awards including the Inner IDEA Visionary Award. Lawrence works as a philanthropist, presenter, keynoter, and course development specialist for various companies including ACE, AFAA, FIT... Read More →

Jarrod Saracco

COO, World Gym

Anthony L. Wilkins

Owner, Alloy Personal Training for Women

Anthony Wilkins was inspired to get into the health and fitness industry as well as open his own gym based on the life-long inspiration of his mother who is a breast cancer survivor. He has been with Alloy Personal Training since 2005 and has been the co-owner of Alloy Personal Training... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 12:00pm - 12:40pm EDT

Operations/Staffing

12:45pm EDT

Creating a Fitness Business That Lasts

Every business needs a strong foundation if it is going to last. This session addresses some of the pillars you need to build that foundation and that lasting presence.

Speakers

Rick Stollmeyer

Co-Founder, Mindybody

Rick Stollmeyer co-founded Mindbody in his garage in 2000 and served as the company's CEO until August 2020. During his two-decade tenure as the company's principal leader and visionary, Rick played a key role in the development of the modern wellness industry—from the introduction... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 12:45pm - 12:55pm EDT

Business Strategies

12:45pm EDT

Fitness Club Recovery: What's Next and How?

In this session, Dr Paul Bedford, international speaker and fitness industry expert of retention, attrition and customer experience, will share global data insights into post-COVID recovery with a focus on who is recovering well and what clubs can do to achieve the same results. Paul will review three key areas that businesses need to turn their attention to now and in the future.

Speakers

Dr. Paul Bedford

Founder, Retention Guru

Paul Bedford has been working in the fitness industry for more than two decades. He has presented more than 150 international presentations in 31 countries. 17 times for IHRSA. Paul divides his time between conducting research in the area of retention, attrition and customer loyalty... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 12:45pm - 12:55pm EDT

Business Strategies

1:00pm EDT

The Evolution of Tech in the Cycling Studio

Indoor cycling has evolved from its early days in how it is presented, the technology that is involved and the ability to track rider performance. Find out where the technology for indoor cycling is headed and how you as a club or studio operator need to adapt to these changes in order to lure people back into your cycling classes and away from their at-home bikes.

Speakers

Crystal Wheeler

Client Relations Account Manager, Club Industry/Questex

Jim Liggett

CEO, Stages Cycling

Jim Liggett, CEO of Stages Cycling, co-founded the global company with his brother in 2009. Stages Cycling is a leading producer of indoor cycling products and technology, and the world’s largest power meter producer. Prior to creating Stages Cycling, Jim held executive sales and... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 1:00pm - 1:10pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

What Platform is Best to Deliver On-Demand & Live Stream Classes

There are now a plethora of options when choosing a platform to broadcast on-demand and live classes, from generic platforms like Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube to highly customised and fully integrated purpose built, fitness focused, platforms. How do you decide which option to choose?
Making the right choice now will create a robust, flexible product that will evolve and grow with your business. Here we look at key factors you should consider to help you choose the right platform for you, your fitness business and most importantly, your members.

Speakers

Rob Lander

CEO, Fisikal

Rob Lander has more than 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, as a former personal trainer who built a successful business of 50 sessions per week. He has also spent many years as an international presenter lecturing on technology in the fitness industry.Rob... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 1:00pm - 1:10pm EDT

Technology

1:15pm EDT

Life Time Shares How It Is Working for Change Through DEI

In this one-on-one interview, David Pettrone Swalve, senior vice president of workplace inclusion at Life Time, will share how Life Time has formalized its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and how that is moving the company forward. Find out how your fitness business can adopt some of these same practices to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive to help improve the wellness of the communities you serve while increasing your brand’s profitability.

Speakers

Pamela Kufahl

Director of Content, Club Industry

Pamela Kufahl is content director for Club Industry, which she joined in 2002 as managing editor. In 2014, she led the brand’s move to go completely digital. She writes much of the brand’s news and blog content, oversees the brand’s reports, and plans the conference portion... Read More →

David Pettrone Swalve

SVP, Life Time University & Workforce Inclusion, Life Time

David Pettrone Swalve, a people-focused executive leader, serves as the senior vice president, workforce inclusion and learning development. In his role, David oversees, influences and leads the strategic learning and development initiatives across the organization. An accomplished... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 1:15pm - 1:35pm EDT

Business Strategies

1:15pm EDT

Puntos brillantes: secretos de los clubes latinoamericanos que prosperaron durante la pandemia de COVID-19 | Bright Spots: Secrets of Latin American Clubs That Thrived During the COVID-19 Pandemic

América Latina, que fue duramente afectada por el COVID-19, todavía está por detrás de muchos otros países en las tasas de vacunación, lo que genera dificultades en esta parte del mundo. Sin embargo, algunos operadores tuvieron éxito. Dos operadores de esta parte del mundo compartirán cómo lograron el éxito a pesar del duro 2020 que vivió el mundo. (Esta presentación se realizará en español con subtítulos en inglés).

Latin America, which was hit hard by COVID-19, is still behind many other countries in vaccination rates, causing hardships in this part of the world. However, some operators did have success. Two operators in this part of the world will share how they found success despite the tough 2020 that the world experienced. (This presentation will be conducted in Spanish with subtitles in English.)

Speakers

Wilder Zapata

CEO, Action Fitness

Wilder Zapata is the founder of Action Fitness, the third-largest gym chain in Colombia. He is also founder and pioneer of boutique studios in Colombia with his new brand Action Black. He is a communicator, athlete and entrepreneur. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilder decided to... Read More →

Guillermo Mazzoni

Co-Founder & CEO, BIGG

Guillermo Mazzoni es cofundador y CEO de BIGG. Es empresario, abogado y exjugador de rugby con 20 años de experiencia en el negocio deportivo. BIGG tiene más de 30 estudios de fitness en Argentina, Uruguay y Chile. La compañía superó la pandemia y alcanzó un nuevo nivel normal... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 1:15pm - 1:35pm EDT

Industry Challenges

1:40pm EDT

Where the Fitness Industry Is Heading

The fitness industry may have changed more in the past year than it has in any other year due to the challenges the world faced from COVID-19. These changes and challenges present opportunities for the industry to adapt and come out stronger in the future. Four industry leaders will share where they believe the industry is headed, and they will take your questions about the future. Come to this live panel ready to ask questions.

Moderator

Pamela Kufahl

Director of Content, Club Industry

Speakers

Todd Magazine

CEO, Blink Fitness

Todd Magazine is the chief executive officer of Blink Fitness, a wholly owned subsidiary and sister company of Equinox, Soul Cycle, Pure Yoga and Equinox Hotels. Since joining the business in 2012, Todd has helped grow Blink from four locations to over 100 nationwide.Todd was the... Read More →

Sue Glass

President and CEO, YMCA of Metro Denver

Sue Glass is the president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Denver, a 145-year-old nonprofit that focuses on innovative approaches to empower youth, improve health and build thriving communities. A lifelong health advocate, she’s passionate about improving the health of individuals... Read More →

Emma Lehner

Founder and CEO, Bodystreet

Emma Lehner, who was voted one of the 100 most influential women in franchising, has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years. With her experience as CEO and founder of the fitness franchise Bodystreet, she has a long track record of leadership and success. Bodystreet, the global... Read More →

Blair McHaney

CEO, MXM

Blair McHaney is CEO of MXM, Medallia’s partner to the fitness industry. MXM specializes solely on operationalizing member experience management through world-class technology, methodology and club operations experience. Blair is also the founder and president of Confluence Fitness... Read More →

Thursday June 17, 2021 1:40pm - 2:25pm EDT

Trends