What's in store at our annual trade show and conference

To keep your business profitable in today's tough economy, you need to stay on top of industry trends and work hard to offer your members exactly what they want. Fortunately, with its expanded scope, Club Industry 2001 will help you accomplish those goals when the annual trade show conference arrives in Chicago next month (Nov. 14-17, McCormick Place).

With 235 exhibitors filling 950 booths, Club Industry 2001 will allow you to search out new trends, plus look at the latest developments in proven product lines. Inside the exhibit hall, you'll be able to try, examine and buy cardio and strength-training equipment, software technology, lockers and locker room amenities, fitness assessment equipment, nutritional products and programs, flooring, entertainment systems, and much, much more.

In addition to learning about the latest and greatest products on the show floor, you'll be able to expand your education in the conference halls. Club Industry 2001 will boast a comprehensive seminar program featuring eight tracks and more than 100 sessions that 11 leading organizations recognize for continuing education credits.

If you are interested in learning about new opportunities to grow your business, you should plan to set aside some time for a new education track on day spas — a vital revenue generator during these stressful times. The six-session spa track, sponsored and organized by the Day Spa Association, includes topics such as spa programming, cross-selling, trends and making your club's spa profitable.

Other specialized sessions will be available at the trade show and conference. Held in conjunction with Club Industry 2001, the 7th Annual Medical Fitness Association will be co-located at McCormick Place. As part of this partnership, the exhibit hall will feature a special Medical Fitness Pavilion, and the show will host a variety of related seminars covering topics such as the integration of cancer wellness and benchmarking for the hospital health and fitness industry.

The International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA) has also chosen to co-locate its conference program with Club Industry 2001. The IFPA Conference will allow IFPA-certified members to network with leading gym, health club, and other facility managers in an arena of fitness education, interactive participation and product awareness.

Finally, if you are interested in gaining some insight into the future of the fitness industry, plan to attend “Redefining the Business of Fitness: Industry Leaders Speak Out,” a free panel discussion scheduled for Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. Moderated by Club Industry Editor-in-Chief Jerry Janda, the discussion will include John McCarthy (IHRSA), Douglas Ribley (Akron General Health System), Steve Schwartz (Tennis Corporation of America) and Ed Trainor (Town Sports International). This panel will help give a better understanding of the market, and the global and social forces shaping it.

If you are looking for even more insights, check out the Consultants Corner, which will be open during the final hour of the exhibit hall every day. During this time, you will have the opportunity to go one-on-one with some of the leading authorities in the industry and get guidance on your specific business challenges.

With its exhibits and exhaustive educational program, Club Industry 2001 is not to be missed. There's still time to make plans. You can register online by visiting clubindustryshow.com. To register over the phone, call (800) 927-5007 or (203) 358-3751 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.

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