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March 12-14, 2025 | Las Vegas, Nevada

A New Era of Global Wellness

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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
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Programming, Retention & Operations

Designing Experiences That Perform — for People and the Business

Retention is the new growth, and great operations make it possible. This track explores how programming, systems, and teams work together to create lasting member experiences. Learn how top operators are using data, staffing models, and workflow design to elevate engagement, efficiency, and loyalty.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
MVPs: The New Power Players in Club Growth – And How to Keep Them

In sports, MVPs are the difference makers;in gyms, MVPs are the Most Valuable Participants. The backbone of club business, they attend their club more often, stay longer, refer more friends, and deliver significantly higher Lifetime Value than any other member category. Earlier this year Les Mills, the global leader in group fitness solutions, studied over 2.6M member journeys across 1,300 clubs worldwide, compiling the industry’s newest and most comprehensive research report exploring the value of group training, insights about clubs’ top members, and secrets to driving club growth.

Adrian Heffernan
VP Customer Experience, Les Mills
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
The Future of Health Club Design Strategies: Boosting Motivation and Retention

Emerging interior design aesthetics in health clubs, boosting motivation and retention, focus on a blend of innovation, sensory engagement, and holistic well-being. Incorporating these aesthetics and zones transforms clubs into energetic, innovative, and community-oriented spaces, making them far more appealing and habit-forming for today’s fitness consumer.

Bruce Carter
CEO & Founder, ODSI
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Future-Proof Fitness: Engaging Gen Z & Gen Alpha with Purpose, Platforms, and Personalization

In a rapidly evolving fitness industry, the next generation of clients—Gen Z and Gen Alpha—aren’t just looking for workouts, they’re looking for connection, values, and innovation. This workshop dives into the unique motivations, behaviors, and communication preferences of these digitally native generations. You'll learn how to tailor your classes, services, and brand to meet their expectations, from leveraging short-form video and gamification to building inclusive communities and social accountability.

Christine Conti
CEO, FITFIXNOW
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Integration of Old and New: Balancing People, Process, and Platforms During Growth

As fitness organizations evolve in an increasingly digital landscape, the key to sustainable growth lies in the intentional integration of people, process, and platforms. In Integration of Old and New: Balancing People, Process, and Platforms During Growth, Burn Boot Camp COO Amber Burke explores how fitness brands can harness innovations in technology—like CRM systems, POS platforms, and artificial intelligence—without compromising the human connections that drive member loyalty and team engagement.

Amber Burke
COO, Burn Boot Camp
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
PT Pricing, Programming & Profits

This session will provide instructions and best practices for pricing and programming that will maximize profits for Personal Training business owners and managers. Get real-life examples of best business practices from the #1 voted Personal Training studio in Vancouver, WA, for the past 25 years.

Sherri McMillan
Owner, NW Personal Training
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
The Pickleball Boom: Turning a Cultural Craze into a Strategic Growth Engine

Pickleball has evolved from a pastime into a powerful economic driver—reshaping member engagement, facility design, and non-dues revenue opportunities across the industry. This session explores how forward-thinking operators are capitalizing on the sport’s explosive popularity by integrating pickleball into broader wellness ecosystems. From space optimization and programming innovation to partnerships, coaching certifications, and recovery offerings, panelists will share how clubs are converting a recreational trend into a long-term retention and revenue strategy. Attendees will gain insight into how to meet the needs of the fastest-growing active adult segment while future-proofing their business through smart diversification and community engagement.

Frank Lawrence
CEO, The Athletic Clubs
Anthony Passamonte
Co-owner, Stack Trax
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
The Franchise Playbook for Sustainable Growth and Unshakable Quality

In the fast-paced world of health and fitness, growing your brand across markets is exciting—but without the right systems, scaling can quickly erode culture and consistency. In this session, we’ll explore proven franchise frameworks for building infrastructure that fuels growth while protecting the core values that make your brand unique. You’ll learn how to maintain exceptional quality across multi-location, multi-cultural environments through intentional training, clear accountability systems, and leadership practices that resonate across diverse markets. Whether you’re expanding locally or globally, this session will help you scale through franchising with both strategy and heart—ensuring that your mission thrives in every location you serve.

Carisa Findley
SVP Franchise Support, Unleashed Brands
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Advancing Integrated Programming in Commercial Health Clubs

As the fitness industry evolves, health clubs have the opportunity to become true community anchors—serving not only the already-active but also those historically excluded from traditional fitness spaces. This session explores how integrated programming can engage underserved populations, including individuals with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, chronic illnesses, and older adults. Attendees will learn how inclusive design fosters connection, enhances member experience, and strengthens brand loyalty—proving that accessibility isn’t just social responsibility, but a powerful business strategy for long-term growth.

Select Panelists to Be Announced 

Hal Hargrave
President & CEO, The Perfect Step
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
How Wellness Retreats Can Boost Client Retention and Unlock New Revenue Streams

In today’s competitive wellness industry, keeping clients engaged and creating sustainable revenue requires more than just great classes and services. This session explores how wellness professionals—from fitness instructors and gym owners to wellness clubs and boutique brands—can enhance client loyalty and increase revenue by expanding into exclusive wellness retreats. Discover how immersive retreat experiences foster deeper connections, boost long-term retention, and generate new income streams without adding operational strain. Erik will share real-world success stories, actionable strategies, and key insights to help wellness businesses seamlessly integrate retreats into their growth strategy.

Erik Aiple
CEO, Fit4Travel

Staff Management Sessions