This year's show welcomed 376 trade exhibitors / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
Nearly 12,000 fitness industry professionals from 80 countries were in Los Angeles from 8 to 11 March to attend IHRSA 2017, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association’s 36th Annual International Convention and Trade Show. During four huge days, these attendees experienced the latest equipment and technology from 376 exhibitors, listened to industry experts speak and participated in networking and social events.
Each of the four days was highlighted by an inspiring keynote presentation. To kick off IHRSA 2017, Seth Mattison spoke about the interaction of workplace trends, generational dynamics and leadership strategies. On Thursday morning, Martin Lindstrom – author, change agent and brand futurist – presented ‘Forget big data, small data defines the future’.
On Friday, attendees were prompted to think outside the box by entrepreneur Johnny ‘Cupcakes’ Earle, founder of the Johnny Cupcakes t-shirt brand. And on the final day of the convention, Soraya Darabi, co-founder of Zady, gave attendees a unique insight into how they could successfully create their own customised engagement plan to keep members coming back for more.
In addition to these inspiring keynote speakers, there were more than 150 educational, exercise and networking sessions on offer, many simultaneously translated into Chinese (sponsored by ChinaFit), French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. International attendees convened at the annual Planet IHRSA networking reception and in the event’s International Lounge.
Talking tech ‘Technology’ was a buzzword heard many times throughout the event. It has been deemed so important for the success of the industry that in September 2016, IHRSA chair Rasmus Ingerslev announced the formation of IHRSA’s Innovation and Technology Advisory Council as a means to help identify important technology-related issues and trends. The diverse group of individuals representing operator, supplier and technology companies met for the first time on March 10, during IHRSA 2017.
“The goal is to gather the smartest minds from in and around our industry in order to ensure that all IHRSA members are ‘in the know’ in regards to how technology will impact our industry,” said Ingerslev.
“One issue that all council members agreed upon during the meeting is that there seems to be a wide knowledge gap amongst club operators in the industry. Therefore, one of the immediate goals of the council will be to help IHRSA provide information and education to club operators to aid them in making sound innovation and technology decisions.”
“Consumers are in control – brands need to stop interrupting with bad technology and trying to sell unwanted products or services and instead start having smart conversations and start listening,” added David Minton, director of LeisureDB. At the IHRSA European Congress in London in October, LeisureDB will be presenting its data analysis platform and the historical trends from the company's annual State of the UK Fitness Industry Report and live monitoring of the industry from its Social Media Fitness Index.
Award recipients Three industry leaders were recognised during IHRSA 2017 for their commitment to the industry and for serving their local communities. The Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to FITNESS SF of Corte Madera, California; the Julie Main Scholarship was presented to Ellen Latham, MS, co-founder and partner of Orangetheory Fitness; and the Associate Member of the Year went to TRX.
IHRSA board of directors It was announced during IHRSA 2017 that Derek Gallup, executive vice president of fitness for New Evolution Ventures, will begin his term as IHRSA’s 2017–2018 chairperson on 1 July 2017. “I am honoured to represent the fitness industry as the IHRSA chair for 2017–2018,” said Gallup. “Our goal will be to lead the way in reversing the physical inactivity epidemic through high visibility and active leadership in our communities, at the IHRSA convention and other fitness gatherings around the world. We will innovate through cutting edge technology and attract millennials as IHRSA members and fitness customers.”
Gallup will take over the position from chair Rasmus Ingerslev, who will serve an additional year on the board as ex-officio.
Bash for Augie’s Quest Another highlight of IHRSA 2017 was the 12th Annual Bash for Augie’s Quest, which raised nearly US$3.5m in funds to fight ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). An incredible US$2.08m of this was raised by Orangetheory Fitness, which was presented with the 2017 Augie’s Quest Leadership Award. The company’s inaugural #IBurn4ALS campaign, lasting just two weeks via 620 of its popular locations, resulted in both the largest in-club fundraiser to date and largest single-year campaign ever for the organisation.
Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS is the challenge the fitness industry dared to accept, raising more than US$35m since its inception. Every dollar raised via the industry directly benefits Augie’s Quest, the ALS research initiative led by founder of Life Fitness Augie Nieto and his wife Lynne Nieto on behalf of the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ALS TDI is the world’s first non-profit biotech organisation, with more than 30 scientists focused on finding a cure for ALS.
Online registration is already open for IHRSA 2018, which is set for 21-24 March in sunny San Diego, California. For details visit ihrsa.org/convention
About IHRSA
Founded in 1981, IHRSA – the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association – is the only global trade association, representing more than 10,000 health and fitness facilities and suppliers worldwide. Locate an IHRSA club at www.healthclubs.com
To learn how IHRSA can help your business thrive, visit www.ihrsa.org
IHRSA speakers (from left): Johnny 'Cupcakes' Earle, Martin Lindstrom, Soraya Darabi and Seth Mattison / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
A two-day trade show formed a key part of the offering at IHRSA 2017
A two-day trade show formed a key part of the offering at IHRSA 2017 / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
A two-day trade show formed a key part of the offering at IHRSA 2017 / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
A two-day trade show formed a key part of the offering at IHRSA 2017 / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
US$35m has been raised for Cure ALS / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
COMPANY PROFILES
IDEATTACK
IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and
design company with headquarters in
Los Angeles. [more...]
DJW
David & Lynn Willrich started the Company
over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual
Department [more...]
RMA Ltd
RMA Ltd is a one-stop global company
that can design, build and produce from a
greenfield site upw [more...]
Taylor Made Designs
Founded in 1993, Taylor Made
Designs supply corporate clothing
and brand-enhancing merchandise
to [more...]
This year's show welcomed 376 trade exhibitors / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
Nearly 12,000 fitness industry professionals from 80 countries were in Los Angeles from 8 to 11 March to attend IHRSA 2017, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association’s 36th Annual International Convention and Trade Show. During four huge days, these attendees experienced the latest equipment and technology from 376 exhibitors, listened to industry experts speak and participated in networking and social events.
Each of the four days was highlighted by an inspiring keynote presentation. To kick off IHRSA 2017, Seth Mattison spoke about the interaction of workplace trends, generational dynamics and leadership strategies. On Thursday morning, Martin Lindstrom – author, change agent and brand futurist – presented ‘Forget big data, small data defines the future’.
On Friday, attendees were prompted to think outside the box by entrepreneur Johnny ‘Cupcakes’ Earle, founder of the Johnny Cupcakes t-shirt brand. And on the final day of the convention, Soraya Darabi, co-founder of Zady, gave attendees a unique insight into how they could successfully create their own customised engagement plan to keep members coming back for more.
In addition to these inspiring keynote speakers, there were more than 150 educational, exercise and networking sessions on offer, many simultaneously translated into Chinese (sponsored by ChinaFit), French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. International attendees convened at the annual Planet IHRSA networking reception and in the event’s International Lounge.
Talking tech ‘Technology’ was a buzzword heard many times throughout the event. It has been deemed so important for the success of the industry that in September 2016, IHRSA chair Rasmus Ingerslev announced the formation of IHRSA’s Innovation and Technology Advisory Council as a means to help identify important technology-related issues and trends. The diverse group of individuals representing operator, supplier and technology companies met for the first time on March 10, during IHRSA 2017.
“The goal is to gather the smartest minds from in and around our industry in order to ensure that all IHRSA members are ‘in the know’ in regards to how technology will impact our industry,” said Ingerslev.
“One issue that all council members agreed upon during the meeting is that there seems to be a wide knowledge gap amongst club operators in the industry. Therefore, one of the immediate goals of the council will be to help IHRSA provide information and education to club operators to aid them in making sound innovation and technology decisions.”
“Consumers are in control – brands need to stop interrupting with bad technology and trying to sell unwanted products or services and instead start having smart conversations and start listening,” added David Minton, director of LeisureDB. At the IHRSA European Congress in London in October, LeisureDB will be presenting its data analysis platform and the historical trends from the company's annual State of the UK Fitness Industry Report and live monitoring of the industry from its Social Media Fitness Index.
Award recipients Three industry leaders were recognised during IHRSA 2017 for their commitment to the industry and for serving their local communities. The Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to FITNESS SF of Corte Madera, California; the Julie Main Scholarship was presented to Ellen Latham, MS, co-founder and partner of Orangetheory Fitness; and the Associate Member of the Year went to TRX.
IHRSA board of directors It was announced during IHRSA 2017 that Derek Gallup, executive vice president of fitness for New Evolution Ventures, will begin his term as IHRSA’s 2017–2018 chairperson on 1 July 2017. “I am honoured to represent the fitness industry as the IHRSA chair for 2017–2018,” said Gallup. “Our goal will be to lead the way in reversing the physical inactivity epidemic through high visibility and active leadership in our communities, at the IHRSA convention and other fitness gatherings around the world. We will innovate through cutting edge technology and attract millennials as IHRSA members and fitness customers.”
Gallup will take over the position from chair Rasmus Ingerslev, who will serve an additional year on the board as ex-officio.
Bash for Augie’s Quest Another highlight of IHRSA 2017 was the 12th Annual Bash for Augie’s Quest, which raised nearly US$3.5m in funds to fight ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). An incredible US$2.08m of this was raised by Orangetheory Fitness, which was presented with the 2017 Augie’s Quest Leadership Award. The company’s inaugural #IBurn4ALS campaign, lasting just two weeks via 620 of its popular locations, resulted in both the largest in-club fundraiser to date and largest single-year campaign ever for the organisation.
Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS is the challenge the fitness industry dared to accept, raising more than US$35m since its inception. Every dollar raised via the industry directly benefits Augie’s Quest, the ALS research initiative led by founder of Life Fitness Augie Nieto and his wife Lynne Nieto on behalf of the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ALS TDI is the world’s first non-profit biotech organisation, with more than 30 scientists focused on finding a cure for ALS.
Online registration is already open for IHRSA 2018, which is set for 21-24 March in sunny San Diego, California. For details visit ihrsa.org/convention
About IHRSA
Founded in 1981, IHRSA – the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association – is the only global trade association, representing more than 10,000 health and fitness facilities and suppliers worldwide. Locate an IHRSA club at www.healthclubs.com
To learn how IHRSA can help your business thrive, visit www.ihrsa.org
IHRSA speakers (from left): Johnny 'Cupcakes' Earle, Martin Lindstrom, Soraya Darabi and Seth Mattison / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
A two-day trade show formed a key part of the offering at IHRSA 2017
A two-day trade show formed a key part of the offering at IHRSA 2017 / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
A two-day trade show formed a key part of the offering at IHRSA 2017 / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
A two-day trade show formed a key part of the offering at IHRSA 2017 / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
US$35m has been raised for Cure ALS / PHOTOS: IHRSA/THE PHOTO GROUP
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
+ More news
COMPANY PROFILES
IDEATTACK IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and
design company with headquarters in
Los Angeles. [more...]
DJW David & Lynn Willrich started the Company
over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual
Department [more...]
RMA Ltd RMA Ltd is a one-stop global company
that can design, build and produce from a
greenfield site upw [more...]
Taylor Made Designs Founded in 1993, Taylor Made
Designs supply corporate clothing
and brand-enhancing merchandise
to [more...]
