Had it with the August heat? Book a trip to Chicago Oct. 4-7 for a chance to cool down and learn how to improve your business at the Club Industry show in the Windy City.
In mid-August, when it feels as though it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk (and in some states it actually is toasty enough to make an omelet on your health club's pool deck), it's easy to begin daydreaming about fall's cool, crisp, fresh air. While comfortably cozying up in jeans and sweatshirts is still a few months off, you can ensure an autumn getaway retreat by booking your travel and registration to the Club Industry Conference and Exposition for Health and Fitness Facility Management, Oct. 4-7 in Chicago.
This year's show has more than gorgeous* fall weather to offer. Reflecting trends in the fitness industry, the show will feature two new showcase pavilions. The Healthy Aging Pavilion will help club owners reach out to the Baby Boomer market and offer new programming ideas for senior members. On the other side of the age spectrum, the Kid's Fitness Pavilion will showcase the latest innovations in children's fitness and ways to better educate children about the importance of exercise.
Other must-see events include the inspiring Lifetime Achievement Award and keynote address. Club Industry's Fitness Business Pro editor Pamela Kufahl will present Rick Caro, president of Management Vision Inc. and industry consultant, with the fourth annual Lifetime Achievement Award at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5. The magazine selected Caro for his contributions to the industry throughout the last 30 years as club owner, advisor, consultant, speaker, author and founder of the industry's trade association. After the award ceremony, Gale Sayers, owner of Sayers Computer Source, will deliver the keynote address. Best known for his successful football career with the Chicago Bears, Sayers will discuss how the same principles that helped him on the football field have also helped him with his business career. Sayers, who owns one of Chicago's top minority-owned firms, was also inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.
You'll want to be on hand for the free franchising seminar, “Should You or Shouldn't You?” from 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5. Club Industry's Fitness Business Pro columnist Michael Scott Scudder will speak on the ins and outs of franchising in the fitness industry. Scudder, owner of MSS FitBiz Connection, will address both attendees seeking to become franchisees of existing club chains and those wanting information about starting their own fitness franchise.
Don't miss the free panel discussion, “Identifying the Issues: the Biggest Challenges Facing the Club Industry Today and Tomorrow,” from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6. Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Caro will moderate the panel of industry leaders who will discuss key issues facing clubs today and offer insights into the future of the fitness industry.
To see more trends in action, check out the trade show floor. Roughly 225 companies will exhibit from 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5; from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6; and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Never miss a workout while you're away from the club either by participating in the early morning workouts on the show floor from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7. If you're looking to pick up new Pilates moves and sneak in a good workout on Thursday morning, check out the early morning Pilates class led by Leslee Bender, owner of The Pilates Coach, from 7 a.m.-7:45 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5.
Are you looking to increase your client base, learn more about the industry or manage your staff more effectively? Club Industry is the place for that, too. More than 100 seminars are on tap for the show, ranging in topics from business management and development; sales, marketing and retention; creative programming; personal training; wellness/medical integration; and staff/self-management and customer service. Seminars not only provide a wealth of information, but they also are approved as continuing education credits by more than 13 organizations. On Tuesday, Oct. 3, numerous certifying agencies will also hold certification exams in the north building at McCormick Place.
Start the event right by stopping by the annual welcome reception, “A Taste of Chicago” from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5. Enjoy foods from Little Italy, Mexico, Wrigleyville/World Champion Sox Park, China Town, Greek Town and the Chicago stockyards all while networking with industry colleagues.
So go ahead, pack your suitcases chock full of sweaters and jeans, and make your travel plans now. The Club Industry show is sure to be an informative, career-boosting and very cool time.
*Note: Club Industry's Fitness Business Pro does not guarantee beautiful, clear and 65 degree weather in Chicago during the show.
Conference: Oct. 4-7 • Exhibits: Oct. 5-7
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago
Web site: www.clubindustryshow.com
| Thursday, Oct. 5 | 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Friday, Oct. 6 | 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, Oct. 7 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. |
| Friday, Oct. 6 | 7 a.m.-9 a.m. |
| Saturday, Oct. 7 | 7 a.m.-9 a.m. |
| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Registration |
| 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | All-Day Sessions (A-1, A-2) |
| Noon-1:30 p.m. | B Sessions |
| 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | C Sessions |
| 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | D Sessions |
| 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. | E Sessions |
| 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | All-Day Sessions (A-3, A-4) |
| 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | F Sessions |
Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation to Rick Caro, President, Management Vision
Free Keynote Address: Gale Sayers, NFL Hall of Famer
| 2 p.m.-4 p.m. 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. | G Sessions (Executive Roundtables) |
Free Franchising Seminar: Franchising: Should You or Shouldn't You?
| 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open |
“A Taste of Chicago”
Welcome Reception, Exhibit Hall
| 7 a.m.-9 a.m. | Early Morning Workouts, Exhibit Hall |
| 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. | H Sessions |
| 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | All-Day Sessions (A-5, A-6) |
| 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | J Sessions |
Free Panel Discussion: Identifying the Issues: The Biggest Challenges Facing the Club Industry Today & Tomorrow
| 11:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open |
| 2 p.m.-4 p.m. | K Sessions (Executive Roundtables) |
| 7 a.m.-9 a.m. | Early Morning Workouts, Exhibit Hall |
| 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | L Sessions |
| 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open |
| 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | M Sessions |
| Organization | Booth # |
|---|---|
| 2XL Corporation (Gym Wipes) | 142 |
| 5 Hour Energy | 858 |
| ABC Financial Services Inc. | 449 |
| ABC Financial Services provides the comprehensive club management support solution to your business and is designed to enhance club operations. | |
| Accusplit | 560 |
| ActiveXL | 116 |
| AESON Flooring Systems, a division of Stage Step Inc. | 1037 |
| AFAA | 760 |
| AFAA, the world's largest fitness and Telefitness® educator™, issued more than 200,000 certifications and annually hosts 2,500 education workshops worldwide. | |
| Affiliated Acceptance | 337 |
| Affiliated Acceptance Corp. is an experienced billing software and collections company with more than 17 years in the industry. | |
| AGM Group | 1433 |
| American Council on Exercise | 1443 |
| American Specialty Health | 235 |
| Armasport Mat/DuoMed Inc. | 325 |
| ASF International | 927 |
| ASF's 30 years of experience means proven billing systems backed by customer service all working for you. For more information, please call 800-227-3859 or visit www.asfinternational.com. | |
| Aspen Information Systems | 556 |
| Association Insurance Group Inc. | 438 |
| Athletic Business | 559 |
| Athletix Products | 339 |
| AV Now Inc. | 1425 |
| Axess/North America LLC | 765 |
| Axia Health Management | 126 |
| B&D Specialty Concepts | 1355 |
| Balanced Body | 935 |
| Balanced Body is a resource for Pilates equipment, information and education. We produce Pilates equipment in collaboration with respected Pilates professionals. | |
| Biometrics Nutrition & Fitness | 763 |
| Blue Fish Activewear | 1249 |
| Body Wedge 21 | 1235 |
| Bodyblade / Hymanson Inc. | 1419 |
| Body-Solid | 1407 |
| BroadcastVision (BVE) | 241 |
| Burdenko Water Walker | 436 |
| CG Industries Ltd | 561 |
| California Blimps | 1248 |
| Cardiac Science Corp. | 663 |
| Cateye Fitness/Source Dist. | 725 |
| Cateye Fitness Products and GameBike lead the way in couch potato conversions by making indoor aerobic fitness fun and exciting. | |
| CDM Sport/MR Systems | 149 |
| Centaur Floor Systems | 551 |
| CheckFree | 849 |
| Aphelion is now part of CheckFree. CheckFree offers a comprehensive and scalable solution that combines club management software, managed member data services and payment services. | |
| City Blends Café | 1065 |
| Club Industry's Fitness Business Pro | Registration Area |
| Club Insider News | 135 |
| Club Solutions Magazine | 1427 |
| Concept2 | 240 |
| Concept2 promotes and encourages the growth of rowing, indoors and outdoors, by designing, selling and servicing rowing products. | |
| Conexion | 1149 |
| Connor Sport Court | 666 |
| Coral Springs Software | 762 |
| Creative Fitness Marketing | 1358 |
| Creative Health Products | 361 |
| CRS Products International | 549 |
| CSI Software | 331 |
| CSI Software is a provider of software for health and fitness clubs, campus recreation centers, wellness centers, JCC/YMCA/YWCA organizations, and parks and recreation departments. | |
| CYBEX International Inc. | 501 |
| CycleOps | 119 |
| D! Performance | 141 |
| Dartfish USA | 459 |
| Digilock | 1054 |
| Dinoflex Manufacturing | 1348 |
| DirecTV | 359 |
| Dr. Smoothie Enterprises | 756 |
| EAS | 862 |
| EFI Sports Medicine | 1327 |
| The EFT Group | 1353 |
| Entre Prises Climbing Walls | 352 |
| EVERLAST Performance Flooring | 959 |
| Made from 100 percent recycled rubber, EVERLAST Performance Flooring delivers stamina and style at an economical price for today's athletic club. | |
| Expresso Fitness Corp | 1155 |
| E-Z Facility.com | 1357 |
| Fabiano Designs International | 336 |
| Fit Rewards/New Paradigm Partners | 1405 |
| Greenmaple Wellness Communications | 865 |
| FitLinxx | 555 |
| Fitness & Wellness Insurance | 139 |
| Specialty insurance program providing liability, property and workers' compensation for health clubs, fitness centers, martial arts, day spas and yoga studios. Quick and easy quoting process through our Web site and live agents. | |
| Fitness Industry Experts Inc. | 140 |
| Fitness Insurance.com/Jewell Insurance Assoc. | 457 |
| Fitness Management/Athletic Business | 458 |
| FoodPharmacy Diet Therapy Software | 248 |
| FreeMotion Fitness Inc. | 1219 |
| FreeMotion Fitness offers wall-to-wall solutions with FreeMotion functional equipment, FreeMotion Cardio, FreeMotion EPIC and studio solutions with Studios Made Simple. | |
| Fundamental Fitness Products | 1061 |
| GAMETIME | 570 |
| Gerstung | 648 |
| Glenview Health Systems | 971 |
| Gojo Industries | 860 |
| Government Recreation & Fitness | 1361 |
| Hampton Fitness Products | 1041 |
| Every piece of Hampton equipment features distinctive styling and a durable design to satisfy all your free-weight needs. | |
| Haro Sports (Architectual Floor Systems) | 1066 |
| HydroMassage | 1064 |
| IDEAL Products | 358 |
| IHRSA. | 237 |
| Intek Strength | 1402 |
| When you make products available that are equal to or better than that which is available, do so below the competitions' pricing and make a commitment to service, people are going to notice. Intek, the future in strength. | |
| IntelaMetrix Inc. | 350 |
| Intercept EFT | 461 |
| International Tanning Equipment | 238 |
| Iron Grip Barbell Co | 1135 |
| Ivanko Barbell Co | 857 |
| Juice Plus | 967 |
| K & K Insurance Group Inc. | 965 |
| Keiser Corp | 539 |
| Kettler USA | 108 |
| Kidzpace Interactive | 658 |
| Laundry Loops | 102 |
| Laundry Loop with sock snare, an efficient way to manage group laundry. Garments stay sorted, get cleaner, less wrinkled and dry twice as fast as with laundry bags. Fourteen colors available. | |
| Legacy Lockers | 871 |
| Life Fitness | 901 |
| Magnum Fitness Systems | 419 |
| Matrix Fitness Systems | 101 |
| Merigen Medical | 366 |
| MET-Rx / Worldwide Sports Nutrition | 1048 |
| MicroFit Inc. | 964 |
| National Academy of Sports Medicine | 131 |
| National Council on Strength & Fitness | 759 |
| National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) | 1411 |
| Nautilus | 770 |
| Manufactures health and fitness products through direct, commercial, retail, specialty and international channels with a brand portfolio that includes Nautilus®, Bowflex®, Schwinn® Fitness, StairMaster® and Pearl iZUMi®. | |
| NESTA | 1158 |
| New Leaf Health & Fitness Products | 1241 |
| Nicros Climbing Walls | 238 |
| NSCA Certification Commission | 1250 |
| Octane Fitness | 1049 |
| Optimal Design Systems International | 870 |
| Orthometrix Inc. | 125 |
| Panasonic | 1253 |
| Paramount Acceptance | 1059 |
| Paramount Fitness Corp. | 917 |
| A leader in the design and manufacturing of strength products for more than 50 years. Visit our booth and see the new SP Circuit. | |
| PaviGym USA | 1259 |
| Club Success/Peak Performance | 748 |
| Peak Pilates | 924 |
| Peak Pilates, founded in 1996, provides single-source Pilates solutions including equipment designs, expert consulting services and instructor training. | |
| Perform Better M-F Athletics Co | 750 |
| Performance Food Centers | 465 |
| Personal Fitness Professionals | 1437 |
| Personal Training on the Net | 662 |
| Pharmanex | 246 |
| Phi Pilates | 970 |
| Pilates Coach, The | 1449 |
| Pneumex Inc. | 665 |
| Polar Electro | 1265 |
| Polar Business Solutions, which incorporate Polar heart rate monitors and the BodyAge™ System, provides a turnkey system to deliver new revenue streams from multiple member touch points. | |
| Polestar Pilates Education | 1415 |
| Power Plate North America | 749 |
| Power Systems Inc. | 349 |
| Precor Inc. | 301 |
| Promaxima Fitness Mfg. | 1161 |
| PureFit Inc. | 861 |
| Quantum Fitness Corp. | 655 |
| RB Rubber | 120 |
| Renosys Corp | 1160 |
| Retention Management | 960 |
| The Royal Smoothie Co. | 7710 |
| RSN Promotionals | 354 |
| Sales Makers | 334 |
| SCIFIT New Club Products | 217 |
| SCIFIT Medical Fitness | 321 |
| SCIFIT produces a full line of treadmills, ellipticals, upright and recumbent bikes, upper body and all body rotary exercisers, climbers, recumbent steppers and REX, our new orbi-linear trainer. | |
| Shape.net Software | 766 |
| Sissel Inc. | 148 |
| Speed Queen | 267 |
| Sports Art America Inc. | 1101 |
| SportsArt Fitness' multiple innovations provide a full line of award-winning cardio fitness products and a new strength line. | |
| Sports Beat | 356 |
| Sports Display | 348 |
| Sports & Fitness Insurance Corp | 1439 |
| SPRI Products | 1121 |
| Sprint Aquatics/Rohammer International | 100 |
| Stamina Products | 1401 |
| Star Trac | 701 |
| STL International Teeter Hang Ups | 130 |
| Stott Pilates | 1312 |
| Strive Smart Strength | 652 and 739 |
| The STRIVE Smart Strength solution creates an impact on revenue, utilization, retention, personal training and member satisfaction — backed by a 100 percent money-back guarantee. | |
| Stroops | 1071 |
| The Cooper Institute | 234 |
| The Strength Builder | 764 |
| Thin & Healthy Inc. | 558 |
| TrainerReady/ClubReady | 563 |
| Treeforms Lockers | 767 |
| Troy Barbell & Fitness | 1129 |
| TROY Barbell, founded in 1985. A manufacturer of free-weights and fitness equipment, TROY has provided excellence in quality, service and customer satisfaction ever since. | |
| True Fitness Technology | 521 |
| TruForm Fitness | 562 |
| Twin Oaks Software Development | 565 |
| Twin Oaks makes it easy for you. Powerful, full-featured, easy-to-use software; affordable, integrated billing and collections; and unlimited, free technical support. | |
| United Leasing | 1360 |
| Universal Nutrition | 363 |
| VersaClimber | 949 |
| VersaClimber products have been made in the United States for 25 years consisting of VersaClimbers, VersaPulley, 1-2-3 Heart Rate Monitors and now total body vibration technology — ExerVibe. | |
| Vitabot | 649 |
| WAVE Manufacturing | 1341 |
| WaterRower Inc | 1349 |
| Woodway USA | 229 |
| Workout Advantage | 651 |
| X Vest Inc. | 953 |
| X-Sport Fitness | 1300 |
| Youth Fitness Solutions Inc. | 657 |
| Zumba Fitness | 1431 |
| Note: Companies highlighted in yellow are advertisers in the August and September issues of Club Industry's Fitness Business Pro magazine. | |