Many years ago, crooner Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco. Well, he may want to hop a cable car and climb one of the many hills that make up the Golden Gate City later this month and look for it. While there he may decide to swing by the Moscone Center Feb. 26 to March 1 to see some of the latest exercise equipment for keeping that heart beating, as IHRSA makes its return to San Francisco. Bennett, along with an expected 10,000-plus attendees will find plenty of equipment, services and other products [with more than 400 exhibitors slated to show their wares during the three days that the trade show floor is open] along with a number of educational sessions, forums and special events.
Built around the concept of good to great, taken from one of the trio of keynote speakers, Jim Collins', latest book, IHRSA's 22nd Annual International Convention & Trade Show will feature not only the three keynote speakers but a number of new educational opportunities. Leading authorities and acclaimed authors will share their experiences in mini-general sessions on such topics that include leadership, customer service, fitness and inspirational motivation.
But the highlight of the educational forums will be the three separate general sessions given by the keynoters. In addition to Collins, Paul Zane Pilzer, author of two landmark, business best sellers, “Other People's Money” (1989) and “Unlimited Wealth” (1991). And currently a contributing editor of two economic journals will speak on the Wellness Revolution Feb. 28 at 9:00 a.m. And on Saturday, Feb. 29, personal trainer-turned NBA owner-turned author-turned TV personality Pat Croce will address the entrepreneurial spirit in his acclaimed motivational and inspirational speaking style.
Additionally, leading authorities and acclaimed authors will share their experiences in mini-general sessions focusing on topics that include leadership, customer service, fitness and inspirational motivation. Several sessions will be repeated to ensure all attendee have a greater opportunity to hear the messages these renowned individuals will present. And, of course, more traditional courses will continue to be a draw at this year's show.
But sitting in educational sessions for tracks such as sales, marketing, fitness and more or walking the floor to find the latest and greatest commercial equipment and club services [not to mention a deal or two] aren't the only way to make connections at the show.
The energy and vitality of the industry will be showcased in style with an expanded golf outing and tennis events. Another great chance to meet other professionals is in various forums tailored to a variety of job functions within a club setting. In San Francisco, IHRSA will be adding to its existing roster with a Sales Directors Forum, a Membership Services Forum, a Public Relations Forum and a CEO Forum with guest presentations from equipment manufacturers.
So whether you are looking to outfit your club with new equipment, advancing your career through education or just looking to have a good time with fellow fitness pros, a trip to IHRSA's 22nd Annual International Convention and Trade Show will be well worth your time. Just remember to bring your heart back along with your new education and equipment and put them all to work building a better business.
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Trade Show
6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Early Morning Workout & Exercise Classes
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Trade Show
6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Early Morning Workout & Exercise Classes
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Trade Show
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Government Relations Golf Tournament
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Certification Exams
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Membership Services Forum (by invitation)
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Public Relations Forum (by invitation)
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sales Directors Forum (by invitation)
7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Opening Reception: An Evening of Jazz & Blues
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. IHRSA Annual Meeting
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. IHRSA Associate Member of the Year Award
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. General Session “Good to Great” — Jim Collins
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Feature Presentations
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Global Industry Summit
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fitness Management Nova 7 Awards Reception
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Planet IHRSA, The International Attendee Reception (by invitation)
7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Government Relations Dinner: Moving the Industry Forward (by invitation)
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. IHRSA Awards Presentation
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. General Session: The Wellness Revolution — Paul Zane Pilzer
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Feature Presentations
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CEO Forum
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Club Controllers Networking Forum
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Minority Forum
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. American Council on Exercise (ACE) Awards Presentation
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. General Session: The Entrepreneurial Spirit — Pat Croce
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tennis Forum
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tennis Tournament
7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Grand Finale: Viva Las Vegas!