As a gym owner, staying at the forefront of the fitness industry is crucial for your business’s growth and success. Attending fitness business events can provide you with invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and inspiration.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 11 fitness business events that every gym owner should consider attending, especially if you provide coaching and have an element of personalized training involved in a small group setting. We’ll also share best practices on how to get the most out of these events and offer tips on what to bring to ensure a productive and enriching experience.
Note: We have not listed any events that are not available to the general public. There are a handful of wonderful events, hosted by leaders in the niche specifically for their own mastermind communities for which one needs to be part.
Description: The Perform Better Summit is a premier event known for its high-quality educational sessions that cut across all aspects be it new coaching studies, workshops, seminars, research to all things related to business. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from industry experts that quite literally come from across the world to share latest trends and time tested best practices.
The best thing about these Summits are that they are regional in nature and happen across the country so it should be relatively budget friendly to attend one. And, if you had to choose to attend one event, then this is the One.
Best Practices: Plan your schedule in advance (a must) to make the most of the educational sessions that align with your gym’s goals. Network with fellow attendees and exhibitors to establish valuable connections.
This Summit shares strategies across the entire continuum from marketing, selling, building a team, automation to deliver a notable training experience to your members.
The event recently completed it’s 5th year and usually takes place around the summer season.
In its inauguration year of 2023, this new Conference was launched by a gym owner – Kevin Dineen who moved to St Louis and still runs a very successful gym in New York.
In it’s original year, it catered mostly to trainers and coaches who have an online presence with practical and tactical insights on growing their business
This event is hosted by a marketing agency Loud Rumor that focuses exclusively on studios and as such the theme is centered mostly around marketing and sales
5. IHRSA International Convention and Trade Show
Description: The IHRSA International Convention and Trade Show is one of the largest global fitness business events. IHRSA used to be the only trade association of it’s kind for the entire industry before FBA was launched offering a wide range of seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities, as well as access to the latest fitness equipment and technology.
This event typically caters to clubs and is okay to be sit out by gym owners that focus on small group personal training.
Best Practices: Register early to secure discounts and access to preferred sessions.
Take advantage of keynote presentations by industry leaders for inspiration and insights.
6. IDEA-ACSM International Health & Fitness Summit
Description: This event is a joint collaboration between IDEA and ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine). Each organization used to have their own individual events and starting in 2024 they have combined their efforts to bring one collective event to the public.
7. Connected Health and Fitness Summit
Description: The Connected Health and Fitness Summit focuses on the evolving landscape of health and fitness technology. It’s a great opportunity to explore emerging trends in wearable fitness tech, health monitoring, and data-driven fitness solutions.
Best Practices: Attend sessions on leveraging wearable tech to enhance member engagement. Network with tech companies offering fitness-related solutions.
Description: This was another Summit hosted exclusively for Club and Studio owners by IDEA, and in 2023 they merged hands with Boutique Fitness Studios (BFS) to present this Summit.
The Summit is best attended by fitness owners that focus on group training which is an entirely different business model than small group personal training
Description: The Club Industry Show is a comprehensive fitness business event that covers various aspects of gym ownership, including management, marketing, and equipment. It offers valuable insights into optimizing gym operations.
Best Practices: Attend marketing and management seminars to boost your gym’s profitability.
Explore the trade show floor for the latest fitness equipment and business solutions.
Description: The Functional Aging Summit is hosted by Functional Aging Institute (FAI), and is the only one of it’s kind to focus on providing training to the mature client which is one of the most affluent population that most gym owners currently seek to train.
The Institute is a gateway for certifications, webinars and strategies and forward techniques that one needs to employ to attract and train these clients
Description: SUCCEED! is the only dedicated Virtual / Online fitness business event designed to help gym owners and fitness professionals grow their businesses.
It is hosted by FBA which stands for Fitness Business Association and provides for presentations and sessions that cut across all aspects of the fitness business.
Best Practices: Attend marketing workshops to enhance your gym’s online and offline presence. Engage with experienced gym owners to learn from their successes and challenges. Questions are welcomed and encouraged.
The 5 BEST ways to take advantage of fitness business events.
Participating in fitness business events can be a game-changer for gym owners looking to elevate their operations and stay ahead of industry trends. To ensure you get the most out of these invaluable gatherings, here are some tips directly from the pros:
1. Strategically Plan Ahead for Success
Before you even step foot into the event venue, take the time to meticulously plan your agenda. This proactive approach can significantly enhance your overall experience:
Review the Event Schedule: Dive deep into the event schedule, not just a cursory glance. Look for sessions, workshops, and seminars that closely align with your specific business goals. Whether you’re aiming to boost marketing efforts, improve member retention, or explore innovative fitness technologies, pinpoint the sessions that cater to your needs.
Prioritize Key Sessions: With a comprehensive understanding of the event schedule, prioritize the sessions that resonate most with your objectives. Make a detailed itinerary, allowing time for essential sessions while leaving room for spontaneous networking opportunities.
Research Speakers: Familiarize yourself with the speakers and presenters. Research their backgrounds, areas of expertise and past accomplishments. This knowledge will help you decide which sessions are most likely to provide valuable insights.
2. Proactively Network to Build Valuable Connections
Networking is at the heart of every successful fitness business event. Building meaningful connections can open doors to collaborations, partnerships, and fresh perspectives:
Engage with Fellow Attendees: Don’t confine yourself to your comfort zone. Approach fellow attendees, introduce yourself, and strike up conversations. You never know who you might meet and what opportunities may arise from these interactions.
Connect with Speakers: After attending a session, take the initiative to approach the speaker. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and express your interest in their topic. Speakers often appreciate the engagement and may provide additional insights or resources.
Visit Exhibitors and Sponsors: The exhibition area can be a goldmine of information and networking opportunities. Explore the booths of exhibitors and sponsors, inquire about their products or services, and discuss potential collaborations or partnerships.
3. Cultivate In-Depth Knowledge Through Effective Questioning
Asking questions is a powerful tool for deepening your understanding and gaining valuable insights:
Don’t Hesitate to Inquire: During sessions or panel discussions, don’t hold back from asking questions. If you’re uncertain about a topic or need clarification, chances are others have similar queries. Your questions can lead to valuable discussions and provide clarity.
Be Specific and Concise: When posing questions, be specific and concise. Clearly state your query to ensure a focused response. This not only benefits you but also maximizes the efficiency of the session for all attendees.
Take SPECIFIC Notes: As answers to your questions and insights are shared, take diligent notes. Recording key points and responses will allow you to reflect on the information later and apply it to your gym operations.
4. Embrace Innovation and Fresh Ideas
Fitness business events are prime environments for discovering new ideas and innovative approaches to fitness and business management:
Stay Open-Minded: Approach each session with an open mind. Be receptive to new concepts, trends, and technologies that may not have been on your radar. Innovations in fitness are constantly evolving, and embracing change can set your gym apart.
Participate in Interactive Sessions: Seek out hands-on workshops and interactive sessions that encourage experimentation. These experiences can provide a more immersive understanding of new ideas and techniques.
Engage in Roundtable Discussions: Many events host roundtable discussions where attendees can openly exchange ideas and experiences. Engaging in these discussions can offer fresh perspectives and spark creative solutions to challenges your gym may be facing.
5. Ensure Long-Term Impact Through Follow-Up
The value of fitness business events doesn’t end when the event concludes. To ensure lasting benefits, diligent follow-up is essential:
Connect with Contacts: After the event, reach out to the contacts you’ve made. Send personalized messages expressing your appreciation for meeting and reiterate your interest in potential collaborations or discussions.
Implement New Knowledge: Take action on the knowledge and strategies you’ve gained. Whether it’s integrating a new marketing approach, adopting a fresh member retention strategy, or introducing innovative fitness equipment, implementing what you’ve learned is key to tangible results.
Set Post-Event Goals: Define clear goals for what you aim to achieve with the insights gained from the event. Monitor your progress and adjust your gym’s strategies accordingly.
These fitness business events offer gym owners a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and networking opportunities. By attending and actively participating in these events, you can stay ahead of industry trends, enhance your gym’s offerings, and take your fitness business to new heights.
Don’t forget to bring your enthusiasm for fitness and a thirst for knowledge to make the most of these valuable experiences!