March 12-14, 2025 | Las Vegas, Nevada
A New Era of Global Wellness
Conference Track
Research & Advocacy
The research and advocacy track connects fitness industry leaders with cutting-edge health and fitness industry information and insights so they can stay ahead of the curve. Plug in to this track to learn about:
- The forces that shape the health and fitness industry on a local, national, and global level
- The latest insights on threats the industry is facing
- HFA's powerful advocacy work and how you can get involved
- The latest industry data and trends that are driving the future of the health and fitness industry
Staff Management
- Strategies for building trust and authentic engagement within teams
- Best practices for fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace
- Insights from industry leaders on company culture and team-building
- Practical methods for managing part-time employees and improving retention
Staff Management Sessions
- MAR 12
- MAR 13
- MAR 14
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9:15 am - 10:15 am
People Strategy: Establishing Trust & Engaging Authentically
This session will focus on the essential practices for effective workforce management and employee engagement. Desiree Guilliard-Young will share strategic leadership insights that prioritize both HR objectives and key business drivers, helping leaders build trust, foster authentic communication, and align their team’s efforts with organizational goals. Learn actionable strategies to engage employees meaningfully, improve retention, and drive business success through intentional leadership and a people-centered approach.
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Desiree Guilliard-Young
CEO & Founder, Femme Consulting Corp
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1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
DEI Matters: Own It, See It, Do It
This session is designed to help decision-makers create and collaborate effectively with a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) board. It will also guide DEI advocates in recruiting and empowering allies within the workplace. Additionally, the session provides valuable insights for newcomers to DEI, helping them overcome initial apprehension and engage confidently with DEI initiatives. The ultimate goal is to enhance participants' knowledge, awareness, and sensitivity to the experiences of others, fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and included, and where a true sense of belonging thrives in the workplace.
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Michaela Brown
General Manager, VIDA Fitness & Aura Spa
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2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Lessons From the Bay Club: A Study in Building Company Culture
This session explores the Bay Club’s approach to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of collaboration. Through a detailed case study, learn how the Bay Club’s leadership strategies, team-building initiatives, and commitment to employee development have driven success across their organization. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your existing teams or create new ones, this session will provide valuable lessons on how to inspire trust, improve performance, and achieve collective goals.
A Panel Conversation (Stay Tuned For Panelist Announcements)
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4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
From Conflict to Collaboration
Few people look forward to difficult conversations. This may be due to a fear of making things worse and so we choose to avoid them or perhaps we forge ahead unprepared only to find that the result is exhausting and unsuccessful. Team leaders need to have difficult conversations to build and maintain a healthy culture and high performing team. The challenge can be how to start a conversation on a sensitive topic that will allow a constructive and collaborative dialogue. How do you prevent emotions, (both yours and others) from derailing a constructive and important conversation? How do you maximize the opportunity that conflict offers to generate positive options? Through humor, audience engagement, examples and processes, Edwina shares how to shift from a difficult conversation to a collaborative, connected discussion, with productive results.
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Edwina Griffin
CEO & Founder, AtOne
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1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
CHRO Landscape: Managing Teams in a Modern Era
As organizations face rapid change, the role of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) has become increasingly pivotal. From managing the future of work to fostering inclusive, resilient cultures, CHROs are driving transformation across industries. This panel will explore how HR leaders are adapting to digital disruption, shifting workforce expectations, and economic uncertainty, while aligning HR strategies with broader business goals. Experts will discuss how CHROs are redefining organizational culture, advancing employee well-being, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. They will also share insights on managing talent through change and ensuring that HR remains a strategic partner in driving long-term success. Join us to gain valuable perspectives on how HR leadership is shaping the future of work and empowering organizations to thrive in an evolving climate.
A Panel Conversation (Stay Tuned For Panelist Announcements!)
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2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
How to Get Full-Time Engagement From Your Part-Time Employees
This session will provide practical strategies to help maximize engagement from part-time employees. We will discuss how to create an effective onboarding process, foster a positive team environment, and motivate staff to take ownership of their tasks. We will also discuss creating a job schedule that allows part-time employees to feel valued and respected. Finally, we will discuss recognizing and rewarding part-time employees for their accomplishments. With these strategies, you'll be able to get full-time engagement from your part-time employees.
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Chris Stevenson
Founder, The Empower Group
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Marissa Hoff
Partner, The Empower Group
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11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Going Staffless: Where & How It’s Working
This session explores the growing trend of staffless facilities, particularly within the European market, where automation and AI are transforming traditional operations. We’ll examine certain models that have eliminated front desk staff, streamlined member check-ins, and integrated AI-driven systems to reduce labor costs. Participants will learn about the benefits and challenges of this model, including cost savings, operational efficiency, and the impact on customer satisfaction. The session will also dive into the technology behind automation, the evolving role of staff in these environments, and what the future holds for staffless models in other industries.
A Panel Discussion (Stay Tuned For Panelist Announcements!)
conference tracks
unlock performance
Get the most out of the conference by organizing your experience around any one of eight educational tracks. Each track features unique, informative sessions led by industry experts, designed to help your business thrive!