The Fitness Industry to Convene This Fall, Discovering "The Next Big Thing" in Health and Wellness

BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Club Industry Conference and Trade Show, will convene at Chicago's McCormick Place, October 12 - 14, 2011.  This annual show is the premier independent fitness industry event catering to the unique needs of for-profit and not-for-profit facilities.  Attendees will experience innovative equipment, discover new technology, learn business strategies, and engage with industry leaders.

The theme of this year's event is "Discover the Next Big Thing."  "The question to the industry is, what will be the next big thing, or trend or dynamic that will shape the health and wellness industry for the future," stated Adam Andersen, show director.  "We have a slow-to-recover economy, but Americans are embracing fitness, health and wellness more than ever."

Pamela Kufahl, editor-in-chief of Club Industry, said, "Operators of fitness facilities are looking to purchase again, and the Club Industry show is the perfect place to try out some of the newest commercial equipment available. It is also a great place to network with peers and to learn about new programming options and business practices through the seminars and keynote addresses."

John Moore, marketing mastermind from Starbucks and Whole Foods Market, will deliver Thursday's keynote address, sharing creative and inspirational marketing strategies for club owners and trainers.  Chris Powell, transformation specialist from ABC's "Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition," will give the keynote address on Friday, relating his experiences helping individuals attain their fitness goals, as well as the impact trainers and clubs can have on improving the health of the nation.  

Prior to Thursday's keynote address, Club Industry will recognize Red Lerille, owner of Red Lerille's Health and Racquet Club in Lafayette, LA, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Prior to Friday's keynote address, Life Fitness and ACE will recognize 11 Top Trainers To Watch and award one trainer with the grand prize.

This year's education platform has been redesigned to focus on the professional development needs of the industry as well as to inspire and model effective business strategies in the ever-changing fitness industry.  Conference sessions cover topics from fitness programs for specialty populations to active training sessions and business strategies.

Conference attendees will not want to miss Social Media Best Practices, moderated by Laurie Cingle, fitness business consultant, and featuring Jennifer Jacobs, a contestant from "The Biggest Loser" season 11 and a social media expert.  Jacobs and her father, Jay Jacobs, also a former contestant on "The Biggest Loser," will be on the show floor.

The industry of being fit is burgeoning more than ever and we constantly see health concerns in media headlines.  The Club Industry Show is positioned to support, educate and connect fitness professionals so that they are equipped to meet the developing health and fitness needs of our nation.

Club Industry Show is the premier annual independent fitness industry event focusing on the needs of for-profit and not-for-profit facilities.  The combination of unmatched professional development, inspirational speakers, strategic business solutions and industry networking make Club Industry a must attend event for the fitness business professional.

New Hope Natural Media (www.newhope360.com), a division of Penton Media Inc., is the leading media resource and information provider for the natural, organic and healthy products industry, with print, in-person/event, and e-business products and services. As a leading, independent, business-to-business media company, Penton knows business and how to create and disseminate the vital content that moves markets. Penton is where professionals turn to gain the critical insight, expert analysis, and relevant connections needed to compete and succeed. Headquartered in New York City, the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its co-investors. For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.

Contact: Heather Smith
Club Industry Tradeshow
New Hope Natural Media
p. 303. 998. 9232
e. [email protected]

SOURCE New Hope Natural Media