This year, Club Industry East makes its triumphant return to its unofficial hometown of New York, NY, knowing that it can make it there and so can the attendees and exhibitors that will be showing up at the Hilton New York next month.
From April 23 to 26 the Hilton New York will be transformed into the city's mecca for fitness equipment and education with more than 70 exhibitors and 100 information sessions.
The information sessions, which bring in all levels of fitness professionals, will encompass seven key subject areas such as sales and marketing, service and member retention, business and financial management, healthcare and wellness, personal training and spa track. In addition, six in-depth, all-day sessions are scheduled for this year's show.
In-between attending sessions attendees can walk the trade show floor and see some of the hottest new equipment from more than 70 exhibitors. Additionally, club owners, managers and group exercise directors can see demonstrations of group fitness activities at the Club Studio, which will feature class concepts during show hours. Also during show hours, club owners can learn more about adding spa services to their facilities at the Club Industry Spa Experience. Job hunters can find out about career opportunities from leading organizations at the Club Industry Career Connection.
Highlighting the educational and informational sessions is this year's keynote speaker, Bobby Valentine. This East Coast-bred sports personality and restaurateur has been a proven leader with the Texas Rangers and New York Mets, whom he led to the World Series in 2000. ESPN's newest baseball analyst will speak about leadership in his keynote address “Bringing Out the Best: Are You Managing the Players or Just Playing the Manager?” from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on April 24. Other highlights include free seminars and panels such as New News in Tennis Programming For Your Facility, Spotlights On Spas: The Latest Trends and How They Can Benefit Your Fitness Facility, and How They Do It: Best Practices in Eastern fitness facilities.
But what would a trip to New York City be without a little shopping? There will be plenty of opportunities to find deals and see some of the newest technologies without having to head over to Fifth Avenue. The show floor will do its best impersonation of New York's trendiest retail areas with more than 70 vendors showcasing everything from accessories to strength and cardio equipment to services to help run you run your business better.
But you can't be in the Big Apple without taking in the night-life or trying some of the hot new classes at the local clubs. Well, to get that taste of the city off to a strong start, Club Industry East is bringing a taste of the Big Apple to this year's show. At 5:30 p.m. on April 23 the Hilton's Mercury Ballroom will play host to the welcome reception. The next morning, attendees can work off some of the great food and drink from the reception with early morning aerobics. Then the next two mornings, attendees can "try before you buy" during the early morning workouts on the equipment on the show floor.
Whether looking to outfit your club, or pick up a few pointers or just network with others at some of New York's hottest spots, Club Industry East is the hot stop for success this spring.
Bobby Valentine, manager, New York Mets, 1996-2002 • manager, Texas Rangers, 1985-1992; analyst, ESPN Baseball Tonight
Thursday, April 24, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Bringing Out the Best: Are You Managing the Players or Just Playing the Manager?
Bobby Valentine made the jump from multisport scholastic star (Stamford, CT) to a 10-year major league playing career to a manager who ultimately took his team to the World Series. Honored for his humanitarian service during the 9/11 recovery and other charitable work, Bobby is a master motivator who will present techniques you can apply to energizing your clients and encouraging optimal performance from your staff.
How They Do It: Best Practices in Eastern Fitness Facilities Friday, April 25, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Glenn Colarossi, Owner, Stamford Athletic Club, Agefit and Colarossi Spa & Health Club Consulting; Bill McBride, Senior VP of sales & business development, Sport and Health Company; Doug Ribley, director, Wellness & Administrative Services, Akron General Health & Wellness Center, and chairman and president, Medical Fitness Association; Ed Trainor, VP of fitness, Town Sports International/New York Sports Clubs, moderator: John Agoglia, editor-in-chief, Club Industry magazine
Get an inside look at some of the most effective management techniques in profit and non-profit facilities.
New News in Tennis Programming for Your Facility Thursday, April 24, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Glenn Arrington, national administrator, USTA -USA Tennis Sandy Coffman, president, programming for profit and consultant for USTA
Learn about new opportunities, new programs and new markets to grow your tennis participation, including the 50+ market, the corporate market and the family market. Find out how to get involved with the USTA Cartoon Network for kids five to eight years old. Learn how to tap into merchandise, equipment, manuals, ad campaigns and public service announcements through the USTA and the Tennis Industry of America.
Gain added funding for your program.
By attending this session you will have the opportunity to receive funding and promotional resources for your tennis program — up to $5,000 in matching grants will be awarded during this presentation to clubs that commit to new adult player program marketing.
Spotlight on Spas: The Latest Trends and How They Can Benefit Your Fitness Facility Friday, April 25, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Melinda Minton, president, the Spa Association
Adding a spa or spa services is one of the fastest-growing vehicles of building revenue in the club industry. Hear the latest industry trends from the SPAA study of 4,800 spas and spa-like facilities. What are the numbers, what is profitable and where is this all headed?
A special exhibit area where you can learn to create the right ambience — as well as provide and realistically price the right spa services — for your clientele.
45-minute sessions during show hours.
High-interest group exercise programs are one of the key factors driving participation in every type of fitness operation. New dance workouts, martial arts and boot camp workouts are just a few disciplines that will be demonstrated.
Exhibit hall throughout show hours
See the latest job opportunities from leading profit and non-profit facilities.
Wednesday, April 23, 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Hilton New York.
Enjoy food, beverages and fun at the industry's most popular gathering.
Thursday, April 24, 7:00 a.m.-7:45 a.m., Hilton New York
Learn new routines that you can use in your own facility from top instructors.
Learn New Techniques to Strengthen Every Phase of Your Operation
No matter what type of facility you operate, Club Industry East can help you run it more efficiently, build your client base and improve your retention rate.
For 17 years, Club Industry conferences have helped thousands of fitness management executives and staff personnel advance their careers and build their business acumen. More than 75 percent of the 100+ presentations are new, brought to you by the leading minds in the industry. Here are just a few highlights:
Online: Register at www.clubindustryshow.com before April 4
Phone: 800-927-5007 or 203-358-3751 between 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST
Groups of 10 or more, please call our attendance development coordinator, Mark Betz, at 203-358-3713.