Supercharge Your Career at The HFA Show 2025

The HFA Show (formerly the IHRSA Convention & Trade Show) is known for its dynamic trade show showcasing the latest fitness equipment and innovations and special events, but what draws many to the annual convention is the unparalleled conference program. This year, The HFA Show offers eight specialized education tracks, each designed to support the evolving needs of health and fitness professionals.

Whether you’re a gym owner, general manager, or personal trainer, these tracks will help you stay ahead of the competition, manage and develop your team, recruit members and retain existing ones, innovate your programming, discern the best use of the latest technology, as well as advance your career.

Here are the eight tracks to expect at the show:

Staff Management

The ability to effectively build and lead your team is the foundation to creating a successful fitness business. The Staff Management track offers actionable strategies to help you recruit, develop, and retain top talent. From strategies to build trust to best practices for fostering an equitable and inclusive workforce to navigating HR challenges, this track has sessions you need, brought to you by experienced industry leaders.

Some of the sessions in this track include:

• “From Conflict to Collaboration” presented by Edwina Griffin, CEO and founder, AtOne
• “How to Get Full-Time Engagement From Your Part-Time Employees” presented by Chris Stevenson, founder, The Empower Group, and Marissa Hoff, partner, The Empower Group
• “Going Staffless: Where and How It’s Working,” presenter to be announced

Sales & Marketing

The cornerstone of a successful fitness business is effective sales and marketing strategies using the latest best practices. The Sales & Marketing track dives deep into modern marketing strategies that will help you create compelling campaigns, gain new members, and increase revenue.

Sessions will include:

• “How Purpose-Led Brands Increase Profitability,” presenters to be announced
• “A Modern Guide to Brand Building Through Creative PR Strategies” presented by Paula Steurer, founder, Sterling Public Relations
• “Future-Proof Marketing: Next-Gen Strategies for the Modern Brand” presented by Amanda Patterson, founder and CEO, Rocket Fuel Labs

Research & Advocacy

When you stay on top of the latest research, you stay ahead of the competition, and when you are in possession of this knowledge, you can better advocate for your business as necessary. You’ll find the guidance you need in the Research & Advocacy track. Connect with other fitness industry leaders who make it their business to stay on top of trends and ahead of the competition.

Sessions include:

• “Global Wellness—State of the Industry” presented by Anton Severin, VP, Research, Health & Fitness Association, and Beth McGroarty, VP, Research, Global Wellness Institute
• “Sharing Your Voice and Empowering the Future” presented by Mike Goscinski, vice president of government affairs, Health & Fitness Association, and Charles Regnante, manager of government affairs, Health & Fitness Association
• “The State of the Fitness Consumer” presented by Jon Weber, managing director, L.E.K. Consulting; Geoff McQueen, managing director, L.E.K. Consulting; and Alex Evans, managing director, L.E.K. Consulting

Technology & Operations

As the rate of change in the fitness industry increases, it’s more important than ever to understand the latest products and systems that will enhance efficiency and streamline processes, and to determine how best to integrate these technologies to elevate your business performance. The Technology & Operations track explores how the latest tools, systems, and AI advancements are reshaping the fitness and wellness industry.

Sessions include:

• “Design Insights: Incorporating Data Into Equipment Planning and Layouts,” presenters to be announced
• “Tech for Connection: Tackling Loneliness and Mental Health With Community-Driven Change” presented by Thomas Drew, co-founder and co-CEO, 1and1Life
• “Sweating the Details: Navigating Payment Processing Challenges in Fitness,” presenters to be announced

Programming

Retention of members often comes down to offering the right programming that meets their needs. The Programming track offers creative solutions for designing, implementing, and refining impactful fitness programs. Gain insights into trends that will keep your facility’s offerings fresh and effective in sessions such as these:

• “Healthy Aging: Strategies for Longevity and Vitality,” presenters to be announced
• “Integrating Rest and Recovery Throughout Your Programming,” presenters to be announced
• “Full-Cycle Programming: Supporting Women Through Every Phase of Life,” moderated by Mel Tempest, host, Women’s Leaders Fitness Business Podcast; with panelists Ashley Reid, founder, Active Mom Fitness; and Joanne Groves, course director, Faster Global

Retention & Experience

A loyal member is one of your greatest assets. The Retention & Experience track explores techniques to enhance the member experience, increase retention rates, and transform your business with hospitality-focused strategies.

Plan to attend these sessions and more:

• “Solving the Fitness Industry’s Hospitality Crisis” presented by Jennifer Maanavi, CEO, Physique 57; Jack Thomas, co-founder, The Fit Guide; and Matt Lavender, co-founder, The Fit Guide
• “The REX Retention Study: Unlocking the Science Behind Member Retention” presented by Dr. Paul Bedford, research director, Retention Guru
• “The Customer Success Blueprint: A Team Approach to Member Retention,” presenters to be announced

Leadership & Career Growth

The Leadership & Career Growth track offers the perfect opportunity to invest in yourself and your career development regardless of your level of experience. Gain the skills you need to lead a team and learn about the evolution that is occurring in fitness careers so you can be the linchpin in the success of your organization.

Sessions include:

• “Trends and Leadership Ideas from REX Members Worldwide” presented by Eddie Tock, CEO, REX Roundtables For Leaders; Allison Flatley, chair, REX Roundtables For Leaders; Brent Darden, chair, REX Roundtables For Leaders; and Justin Tamsett, chair and managing director, REX Roundtables For Leaders
• “Advancing Fitness as Essential: The Crucial Role of Mentorship Programs” moderated by Dr. Darian Parker, co-owner, Epic Leisure Management LLC; with panelists to be announced
• “Campus Recreation: Cultivating the Next Generation of Fitness Professionals” presented by Dr. Darian Parker, co-owner, Epic Leisure Management LLC, and Taylor Sidore, assistant director of fitness, Colorado State University

Studio

The boutique segment of the industry is being shaped by a variety of trends, opportunities, and challenges. The Studio track shares valuable insights for large and franchise operators as well as independent, single-location studio operators. Learn how to leverage the latest trends, accelerate your brand’s growth, and create a sense of community for your members in sessions such as these:

• “The State of the Boutique Fitness Industry” presented by Lise Kuecker, founder and CEO, Studio Grow
• “Embracing a Niche: MADabolic’s Disruptive Approach to Understanding Core Customers” presented by Brandon Cullen, chief concept officer, MADabolic
• “Creating the Third Space: Building Community in Your Studio” presented by Lauren McAlister, co-founder, McAlister Training; Michael McAlister, co-founder, McAlister Training; and Anna Rounaja, owner, Hukka Oy

Whether you’re looking to refine your leadership skills, expand your marketing strategies, or elevate your fitness offerings, The HFA Show 2025 is the must-attend event of the year. The eight tailored tracks will deliver practical insights, actionable strategies, and the tools you need to thrive in the competitive world of health and fitness. Don’t miss out. Register now at healthandfitness.org/show.

Keep Your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Up to Date

When you attend the sessions at The HFA Show 2025, you are eligible to earn continuing education credits from a variety of certifying agencies. Bring your team to take part in this learning and team-building experience.

The HFA Show will feature credits from the following partners, with the final credit amounts determined soon for each session:

• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
• International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)
• National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA)
• National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

This article originally appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Club Business International. View the full digital version of the issue online.