Institute for Professional Club Management

The IHRSA Institute for Professional Club Management will be on hiatus in 2013. Please check back here for further updates when they are posted.

The Next Generation of Professional Education

For over twenty years, IHRSA has provided industry-leading education to over a thousand health club management professionals through the renowned IHRSA Institute. It is universally agreed that the education received at the Institute pays unsurpassed dividends for years to come.

The qualities of this IHRSA member-only program are second to none. Three full days of graduate-level education led by expert faculty provide a balanced curriculum that covers every aspect of club management. And with limited class sizes, outstanding peer networking and social opportunities, the IHRSA Institute is where leaders learn to manage more effectively.

Who Should Attend the IHRSA Institute?
Our Institute is an exceptional learning and team-building experience for:

  • Individuals who are new to the health club industry as managers and/or owners.
  • Individuals who have been promoted from within to a new management position.
  • Individuals who have managed one or more clubs for several years.
  • Individuals who are developing a new club.
  • Individuals who have attended in the past and want to reenergize professionally.

If you would like to be notified when Institute updates are available, or would like to provide us with your comments and recommendations about the program, please send an email to institute@ihrsa.org and in the subject line type UPDATE.

Thank you for your interest in the IHRSA Institute for Professional Club Management.

 

The 2009 Institute . . . A Resounding Success!

 

I recently attended the IHRSA Institute and I have to tell you, this is one of the best manager-in-training programs I have ever seen. The program is designed for new or up-and-coming managers/owners. The group is small – usually 50-70 attendees – and runs over four days. The speakers are excellent; the sessions run in 3-hour chunks so there is really time to dig into a given topic, ask questions and LEARN something. There are also some very well-executed team-building events. If you're considering ways to invest in new managers or staff that you hope will someday be able to fill your shoes, I would highly recommend building this event into your calendar and budget.
Amanda Oborne
Executive Director
FitLife Club Network
IHRSA Institute, Class of 2009


The structure of the IHRSA Institute is brilliant. The size of the group is large enough to have attendees from every different niche in the fitness industry, yet small enough to be able to build relationships and network with the entire class, guest speakers, and IHRSA Staff. Attending the Institute was an extremely valuable tool for my professional growth, and I hope to attend again in the future.
David Oom, USPTA, PTR
Tennis Team Leader
MVP Sports Clubs
IHRSA Institute, Class of 2009


As the winner of the 4th Annual John McCarthy Merit Scholarship, I didn't realize how much of an honor and privilege it was for me to attend the 2009 IHRSA Institute for Professional Club Management until I experienced this spectacular event ... it exceeded all my expectations. The IHRSA Institute is absolutely the BEST educational forum for all club managers (on all levels) and owners. The connections made, the friendships developed, and the knowledge gained makes this event priceless … I wish that I’d attended years ago. The IHRSA team and faculty are definitely the Best of the Best. Thanks to all of you for your hard work and dedication to excellence. It was a fantastic experience!!!
Brad Wilkins
Assistant General Manager, Director of Fitness Operations
Cooper Fitness Center
IHRSA Institute, Class of 2009


2009 was my first year to attend the IHRSA Institute for Club Management. Literally knowing nobody when I came, I was unsure about the whole thing. It didn't take long before I was having a great time. The classes are smaller and of high quality which is a great feature of the program. The evening team building events were a terrific way to meet others and game plan together to meet the various challenges and enjoy friendly competition with other attendees/teams. On my way home from the event, I sensed I will become a better manager and stronger asset to my company as a result of the things I learned from the IHRSA Institute experience.
Eddie Thomas
General Manager
Marathon Energy Club, Plus One Health Management, Inc.
IHRSA Institute, Class of 2009


I truly believe the IHRSA Institute is the best learning opportunity for Club Owners, Managers and Department Heads. The smaller group settings and deeper dives into subject matter make it truly a rewarding and valuable training experience. Most attendees build friendships, connections and networking support systems that last for careers. It truly is a remarkable program year after year.
Bill McBride
Chief Operating Officer
Club One
IHRSA Institute, Class of 2009


I would like to thank IHRSA for once again exceeding my expectations at the Institute for Professional Club Management conference. The speakers and sessions were well thought out and delivered well, the networking experience was excellent and the keynote speaker was over the top!!! Thank you to IHRSA and the staff for providing a first-class conference and giving me such a wonderful experience. It is very rewarding and an honor to be part of IHRSA and its wonderful organization.
Lisa Gorsline
President / General Manager
Corpus Christi Athletic Club
IHRSA Institute, Class of 2009