The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) today announced the conclusion of the association’s 28th Annual International Convention & Trade Show, where attendees from more than 70 countries gathered in San Francisco from March 16-19.
“What stood out loud and clear last week was the commitment of the global health club industry to lead both on the economy and in their communities,” said Joe Moore, IHRSA’s President and CEO.
“IHRSA club owners reaffirmed their commitment to their members, businesses and communities by coming together to learn from one another, research the latest innovations from our exhibitors and expert business faculty but more importantly, demonstrated their willingness to give back to society by their strong support of worthy causes such as Augie's Quest and HealthCorps®,” said Moore.
“On behalf of IHRSA, I extend my deepest appreciation to all the attendees who joined us in San Francisco once again for an incredible event, proving the strength of the industry even during uncertain economic times,” continued Moore. “As I said in my opening presentation, I reiterate that I am extremely confident in the future of the health and fitness industry, because the future of the industry distinctly lies with all of you - IHRSA 2009 attendees.”
IHRSA reports nearly 10,000 industry professionals in attendance. The 380,000 square feet on the trade show floor were occupied by 327 exhibiting companies, with total booth space equaling the third largest total in IHRSA show history. Exhibitors displayed the latest and greatest in 30 categories of health and fitness equipment, products, and programs. Fifty-two companies sponsored numerous programs and activities, an IHRSA record.
Nearly 160 educational and networking sessions were held at this year’s convention, including memorable presentations by Joe Montana, (sponsored by Matrix Fitness Systems,) Marcus Buckingham, (sponsored by Precor Incorporated), Seth Godin (sponsored by Technogym), Dara Torres, (sponsored by SPRI Products, Inc.), and Augie and Lynne Nieto.
In ceremonies held at the convention, IHRSA honored the following individuals for their contributions to the industry: Karen Jashinsky, Founder and CEO of O2 Max Fitness (Julie Main Emerging Woman Leader Scholarship), David Patchell- Evans, founder and CEO of The GoodLife Clubs (Outstanding Community Service Award), SPRI Products Inc., (IHRSA Associate Member of the Year Award) Jeff Klinger and Chuck Runyon, founders of Anytime Fitness (John McCarthy Industry Visionary of the Year Award), and Herb Lipsman, President and CEO of the Health Club Company (Dale S. Dibble Distinguished Service Award).
At IHRSA’s Annual Meeting, the association’s 2009-2010 Board of Directors was announced. David Patchell-Evans, founder and CEO of Goodlife Fitness Clubs was elected as IHRSA’s Board Chairperson. Patchell-Evens will succeed Gene LaMott, effective July 1, 2009. Bill McBride, COO of Club One, Inc. and Kay Yuspeh, owner of Elite Fitness and Racquet Clubs, were elected by the membership to begin serving terms on IHRSA’s Board of Directors effective July 1, 2009.
Additionally, PFP magazine announced the winner of its Trainer of the Year award for 2009 to industry veteran and owner of Function First in San Diego, Anthony Carey. Read more >>
For the fifth consecutive year, the event was held in conjunction with the 19th Annual Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference, presented by the American Journal of Health Promotion (AJHP). This partnership provides the unique opportunity for members of the health and fitness industry to network with like-minded professionals from a wide range of industries committed to health promotion.
The health and fitness industry turned out in grand fashion in support of the 4th Annual BASH for Augie’s Quest, which drew nearly 800 attendees, raising more than $620,500 dollars in the fight to combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Augie’s Quest recently reached its initial goal of raising $18 million to fight ALS, with a new goal of $36 million in 36 months announced at Augie and Lynne Nieto’s IHRSA 2009 feature presentation.
The event was emceed by Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell, featuring two-time Grammy nominee Sarah Bareilles and comedian John Pinette. All proceeds benefit Augie’s Quest, which in conjunction with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is an aggressive, cure-driven effort, singularly focused on treatments and cures for ALS.
During the trade show, Star Trac and Spinning joined forces to hold Chain Reaction, a fundraising event aimed to help combat childhood obesity. Proceeds benefited HealthCorps, founded by cardiac surgeon and The Oprah Winfrey Show health expert, Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Audio and video recordings of select convention sessions are available for purchase online at www.ihrsastore.com or by contacting IHRSA at 800-228-4772 and +1 617-951-0055. Press photos are available by contacting IHRSA atpr@ihrsa.org.
Preparations are well underway for next year’s 29th Annual IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show to be held March 10-13, 2010 in San Diego, California. With the theme “The future is you!” the annual event will bring fitness professionals and industry suppliers from the four corners of the world to meet and develop strategies to maximize opportunities to grow the fitness industry on a global basis.
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. The association’s membership includes over 9,750 clubs in 75 countries, along with over 740 industry suppliers.
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March 24 2009
