The for-profit club association celebrates 30 years with its annual conference and trade show in San Francisco.
Has it really been 30 years since the first convention and trade show of the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association?
Actually, IHRSA was known as IRSA back then—the International Racquet Sports Association. IHRSA, which was renamed in 1994, was the result of a merger of the National Court Clubs Association and the National Tennis Association.
Consequently, most of the attendees at the first show were from tennis and racquetball clubs, with a smattering of multi-sport club operators sprinkled in, recalls Rick Caro, one of IHRSA’s founders. The trade show itself was filled with tennis and racquetball-related exhibitors. Cardio and strength equipment companies were few and far between, Caro says.
“Since there were few pure fitness-only clubs represented, most of today’s vendor categories at an IHRSA trade show would not have been represented or even contemplated in 1981,” Caro says.
How large was the international influence 30 years ago? Well, aside from a few companies from Canada, the show was attended by mostly U.S. club operators. IHRSA now has more than 9,500 member clubs in more than 73 countries and more than 600 associate-member industry suppliers.
“Many of the leaders of IHRSA for its first eight to 10 years were at that convention,” Caro says. “There were lots of speakers and practitioners from the club industry who spoke or served on panels, as the industry was one of a major sharing environment. There was a university professor as a keynoter. It was a time of excitement, optimism and entrepreneurial spirit.”
That spirit will no doubt permeate through this year’s IHRSA convention and trade show, March 16-19 at Moscone Center South in San Francisco. IHRSA30 features four best-selling authors and an appearance by the U.S. surgeon general, Vice Admiral Regina Benjamin.
Benjamin will speak at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 19. Her presentation, “Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation,” will emphasize the importance of fighting the obesity epidemic in this country by communicating and celebrating the benefits of healthy living.
“Americans will be more likely to change their behavior if they have a meaningful reward—something more than just reaching a certain weight or dress size,” Benjamin says.
The surgeon general’s presentation will be followed by a presentation from Phil Keoghan, host of TV’s “The Amazing Race.” Keoghan will discuss his success and zest for living after a near-death experience he had at the age of 19.
The featured speaker on Wednesday, March 16, will be Daniel Pink, author of “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.” Pink will speak at 5:30 p.m. IHRSA30’s Three Decades of Success welcome reception will follow that night at 8 p.m.
Patrick Lencioni, founder and president of The Table Group Inc., will speak at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 17. Lencioni’s company is a specialized management consulting firm that focuses on organizational health.
Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com, will speak at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 18. Gross sales for Hsieh’s company have increased from $1.6 million to $1 billion during the past decade. After Hsieh’s presentation, Caro will moderate the 15th annual IHRSA Financial Panel from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The sixth annual Bash for Augie’s Quest to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s ALS research program will be held on Friday night, March 18, at the San Francisco Marriott. The theme for this year’s event is Make a Muscle, Make a Difference.
Unlike previous years, the trade show, which will be in Moscone Center South, will run just two days, opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. on both Thursday, March 17, and Friday, March 18. Early-morning workouts will occur from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Friday on the trade show floor.
For the latest information about the show, go to IHRSA’s website at www.ihrsa.org.
NEXT PAGE: IHRSA 2011 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
IHRSA 2011 Schedule of Events
March 16-19, 2011, San Francisco, Moscone Center South
Wednesday, March 16
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Educational sessions
8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Workshops
9 a.m. – noon
Workshop
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Workshop
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Educational sessions
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Educational sessions
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Supplier seminars
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Second Annual Women’s Leadership Summit
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Educational sessions
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
General session: “Drive: What the Science of Motivation Can Teach You About High Performance,” Daniel Pink, author
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Making Connections reception
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Welcome reception
Thursday, March 17
6 a.m. – 7 a.m.
Exercise classes
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Exercise classes
8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
IHRSA annual meeting and awards presentation
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
General session: “The Four Disciplines of a Healthy Organization,” Patrick Lencioni, author and management consultant
9:45 a.m. – 11 a.m.
General counsel forum
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Educational sessions
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Trade show, Moscone Center South
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Interactive panel discussions
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Special session
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Networking focus groups
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tutorials and consultations
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Networking forums
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Public policy council meeting
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Go Canada reception
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Special event: Zumbathon: Fundraiser for MDA’s Augie’s Quest
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
IHRSA Regional Association reception
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Planet IHRSA reception for international registrants
Friday, March 18
6 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Early morning workouts
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Exercise class
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Networking continental breakfast
8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Award presentations
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
General session: “Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose,” Tony Hsieh, author and CEO, Zappos.com
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Educational sessions
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
15th Annual IHRSA Financial Panel
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Trade show, Moscone Center South
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Interactive panel discussions
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Networking focus groups
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tutorials & consultations
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Networking forums
7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sixth Annual Bash for Augie’s Quest to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s ALS research program, San Francisco Marriott
Saturday, March 19
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Exercise class
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Golf outing No. 1 at the Presidio Golf Course
9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
General session: “Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation,” Vice Admiral Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA, U.S. Surgeon General, followed by
“No Opportunity Wasted: Creating the Life You Want,” Phil Keoghan, author and host of “The Amazing Race”
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Educational sessions
10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Instructional workshop and boot camp
11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Networking luncheon
1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Golf outing No. 2 at the Presidio Golf Course
1:45 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Educational sessions
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Group exercise class
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Educational sessions
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Closing event: L.A. Live! Hooray for Hollywood!
Schedule is up to date as of Jan. 21, 2011, and is subject to change. For the latest information, visit www.ihrsa.org/convention-schedule.
NEXT PAGE: IHRSA 2011 EXHIBITOR LIST
IHRSA 2011 List of Exhibitors and Booth Numbers
(as of Jan. 26, 2011)
2XL Corp. 1238
3D Art (Dynaforce International Pte. Ltd.) 2633
A-1 Textiles & Hospitality Products 636
Ab Coaster LLC 542
Abbott 2814
ABC Financial Services Inc. 1934
Active Network, Communities 2822
ActiveRewards 309
Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFFA) 1131
Aeromat Fitness Products /
EcoWise Fitness Products 327
Affiliated Acceptance Corp. 833
Airex 107
Alpha Strong 3021
Alter G Inc. 2808
Am-Finn Sauna & Steam 2936
American College of Sports Medicine 946
American Council On Exercise 734
American Public University 135
American Specialty Health 2811
Ant+ Dynastream Innovations Inc. 1242
Apex Fitness 331
ApexNetwork Physical Therapy 134
ASF International 1918
Aspen Core Fitness LLC 330
Aspen Information Systems Inc. 1239
Association Insurance Group 335
Athletes HoneyMilk 2956
Athletic Business 1240
Athletix Products by Contec Inc. 205
AV Now Fitness Sound 1138
Avanti Fitness 1040
AVID Products 209
Balanced Body Pilates 1524
Ball Bike 3024
Batca Fitness Systems 2954
Batuka 320
Biospace Inc. 236
Biotonix 105
Body Solid Inc. 312
BOSUÆ by Fitness Quest Inc. 2614
BroadcastVision Entertainment 207
C + P Moebelsysteme GmbH & Co. KG 342
Cardio Cushion 3058
Centaur Floor Systems LLC 835
Clean Designs LLC 2929
Clean Holdings LLC 2631
Clinemetrica 2927
Club Industry 2434
Club Insider 1038
Club Resource Group 2953
Club Vitals 121
ClubCom - Zoom Media 2903
ClubWebX 3005
Concept2 CTS INC 1126
COR Systems 2718
Coral LLC 2812
Core-Tex 136
Coverall North America Inc. 2943
Creative Agency Group 2527
Creative Fitness Marketing 2536
Creative Health Products 210
CSI Software 1538
CSM Fitness Equipment 3012
Cybex 1302
Diamond Corporate Services 137
Digilock 442
Dinoflex Group Ltd. Partnership 1546
DKN Technology 3003
dotFIT 2702
EFX Performance 103
Eldorado Climbing Walls/Trueblue Auto Belays 118
Epic Solutions Inc. 232
Europa Sports Products 3041
Everlast Sports Nutrition 2830
Everlast Sports Surfacing 1942
Extreme Conditioning 2626
EZ Facility Inc. 124
Fabiano Designs 1642
FBE Wellness 2732
Fine All Corp 3053
First Degree Fitness NA LLC 237
First Service 1545
Fiserv 1226
Fitness Anywhere 430
Fitness Audio LLC 2710
Fitness Equipment Depot Worldwide 2957
Fitness Flooring 406
Fitness Insurance LLC 638
Fitness Master Inc. 2722
Fitness On Request 2931
Fitness Wholesale 640
fitRewards 2532
FITwave International Technologies LLC 3027
Flexi-Sports GmbH 336
Flynn Construction 117
Fore Supply Co. 123
FreeMotion Fitness 2202
Frevola 1446
Fuel-powered by Island Oasis 2729
G2 Lifestyles 2627
Gantner Electronic GmbH 2735
Garmin USA 3000
Gatorade 2442
GB Global Marketing USA 2944
Go Figure Inc. 1136
GOJO Industries 2733
Gopher Performance 213
GP Industries Inc 202
GramercyOne 2832
Gravity by Total Gym 2224
H/P/Cosmos Sports & Medical 546
Hafele America Co. 2918
Hampton Fitness Products 402
Harbinger Fitness 1142
Health Club Media Network 1335
Health Profile Institute Inc. 2824
HealthLine 3037
Healthways 206
Helix Company 2959
HEX Tanning & Marketing Concepts 1034
Hoist Fitness Systems Inc. 1334
Hollman Inc. 1644
Hugger Mugger Yoga Products 3020
Humane Manufacturing Co. LLC 3047
HydroMassage 1133
Hyper Wear 2928
Ideal Product Inc. 109
Indo-Row 2619
Inflight Fitness 2804
InfoTrade Media Co. Ltd. 238
Intelametrix Inc. 133
Interactive Fitness Holdings 526
International Play Co. 131
InterWest Insurance 1137
Iron Grip Barbell Co. 1928
Ivanko Barbell Co. 112
Jacobs Ladder 106
JumpSport Inc. 3034
Junckers Hardwood Inc. 2630
K & K Insurance Inc. 2522
Kamagon Fitness LLC 132
Kangoo Jumps 2933
Kay’s Naturals Inc. 145
Keiser Corp. 822
Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz 235
KidCheck Inc. 139
KORR Medical Technologies 3044
Kug Way Co. Ltd. 229
Landice Inc. 218
Legacy Lockers 122
LeMond Fitness 224
Les Mills International 502
Life Fitness 702
Lifecore Fitness Inc. 2818
Lightspeed VT 2816
Lincoln Equipment Inc. 2535
Links Modular Solutions 2636
List Industries Inc. 2045
Loos & Co. Inc. 234
Lumos Inc. 3040
M-Core FTS 2625
Mad Dogg Athletics 2026
Marpo Kinetics 127
Matrix Fitness Systems 1002
McArthur Towels 545
Members Today 115
Merrithew Health & Fitness (Stott Pilates) 2018
MFAC LLC / Perform Better 2134
MicroFit Inc. 945
Milnor Laundry Systems 2438
MindBody Inc. 2514
Mondo 1132
Motionsoft 1026
MT Industries - Mystic Tan 2632
My Sauna 2945
MYE Entertainment 2917
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) 2346
National Federation of
Professional Trainers (NFPT) 1236
National Fitness 2706
National Strength & Conditioning Association 2817
Nautilus Commercial Fitness 102
New Leaf 2620
Nicros Climbing Walls 111
North West Rubber 2926
Norvell Skin Solutions LLC 2826
NTS Global 2819
Octane Fitness 514
Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative 1343
Ojmar U.S. 2813
Paramount Acceptance 735
Paramount Fitness Corp. 1324
Parisi Speed School 2144
Paviflex 2915
Pavigym America Corp. 330
Performance Food Centers 242
PFP Media 113
Philadelphia Insurance Companies 141
PLAE Performance Sports Flooring 2950
Playtime LLC 110
Polar Electro 302
Power Balance 2952
Power Plate 538
Power Systems Inc. 626
PowerBlock Inc. 2924
Precor Inc. 1618
ProClaim Nutrition LLC 2969
ProMaxima Strength and Conditioning 2540
ProTeam 227
PTStudio 2440
PumpOne LLC 2623
PuraVida H2O 3018
Qingdao Grand Fitness International Co. Ltd. 2621
Railyard Fitness 101
Ravon Invest Indoor Walking 217
RB Rubber Products Inc. 2716
Reach Sports Group 128
Ready Care Industries 2531
RealRyder International 3007
Regupol America 212
Relaxation Station 2424
Rephouse 3025
Respondesign 2946
Retention Management 305
Roppe Corp. (Tuflex) 2537
Salsbury Industries 3017
Salutron 1742
Savvier Fitness 120
SBT Core Trainer 2734
SCM Brands / Zenzation Athletics 2728
Shape.net Software 2534
Signature Sports Flooring 2712
SmartTouch Sanitizing System 2345
Snap Fitness 125
SofSurfaces Inc. 505
Sports & Fitness Insurance 1032
Sports and Prevention LLC 2905
SportsArt America Inc. 2240
SPRI Products Inc. 722
StairMaster 840
Star Trac 1902
Steam Sauna Inc. 119
Steamist 228
Step Into Life 130
Sun Ergolline, Division of
JK Products & Services Inc. 2428
Sunny Health & Fitness 231
Supreme Audio 2807
Sybaritic Inc. 2834
Tanita 1743
Technique Fitness 3045
Technogym 1602
Tennis Industry Association 2916
Terraboost Media 3006
The Blaster 2145
The One Fitness Co. Ltd. 339
The Personal Trainer 3004
The Pure Group 2714
The Stick / RPI of Atlanta 208
Timex Group USA Inc. 3046
TMI Salt Pure Corp. 211
Tongfang Health Technology Co. Ltd. 1741
Torque Fitness 642
Towel Tracker LLC 2942
Trak Fitness LLC 2539
Treeforms Inc. 2530
Trigger Point Performance 114
Troy Barbell 2970
True Fitness Technology 2232
Tuff Stuff Fitness Equipment Inc. 3028
Tune Belt Inc. 738
Tung Keng Enterprise Co. Ltd. 2034
Twin Oaks Software 2524
U.S. Rubber Recycling Inc. 3001
UMAX Strength 1842
UniMac 2529
United Leasing 1445
Unlimited Promotions Inc. 240
USchedule 3036
Valkur LLC 2958
Varisport Inc. 2923
Vasa Inc. 3002
Vectra Fitness 845
VersaClimber 1339
Victory MMA and Fitness 143
Visual Fitness Planner 1231
Vitabot Online Nutrition 337
Volo Innovations 230
WaterRower Inc. 2520
Wattbike 2930
Woodway 832
Worldwide Sport Nutrition / MET-Rx 329
Yoga Direct LLC 3019
YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide 343
Young at Heart, North America 3039
Zumba Fitness 2502