IHRSA 2014: Report

IHRSA 2014, the largest trade show for health club operators and fitness industry professionals in the United States, hosted more than 11,000 attendees from more than 80 countries this year.

The International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association's (IHRSA) 33rd Annual International Convention & Trade Show was held in San Diego, California, from March 12 to 15, 2014. Fitness and health club professionals and suppliers introduced their latest equipment, concepts, and technologies, providing visitors with invaluable insights into new trends in exercise.

IHRSA 2014 hosted more than 11,000 professionals, including over 7,000 attendees from more than 80 countries across the globe. The event acknowledged and celebrated the latest innovations in the fitness and health industry and celebrated the industry's success and commitment to boosting the appeal of physical activity among individuals worldwide.

372 companies attended the event to showcase their latest products in the exhibit hall which occupied more than 180,000 square feet. The hall was alive with excitement of exercisers who were there during trade show hours and for the early morning training sessions. For industry professionals, the event was an excellent setting to make new friends and discuss the latest industry trends and opportunities.

Joe Moore, IHRSA President and CEO, said, "I extend my sincere gratitude to each and every attendee, exhibitor, sponsor, and presenter for their dedication to this great industry of ours, and to their commitment to helping people across the world live happier, healthier, more active lives."

Moore kicked off the activities of the first two days of the event by showing videos that celebrated the efforts of IHRSA members and the global community to promote fitness and exercise to the world. The industry's #WhyGetActive campaign was launched, highlighting the efforts of health clubs to help people become more active and make exercise part of their daily routine.

IHRSA 2014 featured four keynote presentations over the course of the four days. Sally Hogshead delivered a dynamic presentation on "How to Fascinate," sponsored by SPRI. David Logan held a special presentation on Tribal Leadership for Global Industry Leaders and ILC members. Dan Heath delivered a presentation called "Decisive: How to Make Better Choices," sponsored by Technogym. Gary Vaynerchuk, social media guru and the author of The Thank You Economy and Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, gave visitors a lesson on communicating in 2014, sponsored by Matrix Fitness, which many attendees felt was the highlight of the four-day event.

The final presentation of IHRSA 2014, "Disrupt: Sparking Business Transformation with Innovation," was sponsored by MYZONE and delivered by Luke Williams. Many IHRSA visitors commented that this was so far the best line-up of speakers at the annual trade show. IHRSA also hosted the Global Leadership Summit, the Women's Leadership Summit, the Financial Panel and BASH for Augie's Quest, as well as over 150 exercise, educational, and networking sessions.

"There were so many great ideas for sales commissions, campaign ideas, new types of trial memberships, new ideas on leadership as well as new waves of marketing!" said Anna Rounaja, owner of Liikuntakeskus Hukka in Oulu, Finland. "There was a whole bunch of valuable insights from colleagues and presenters alike. Not to mention ideas to take home from the hotels, restaurants and theme parks in San Diego."

IHRSA 2015 will be held in Los Angeles, California, from March 11 to 14, 2015.