IHRSA & Fitness Brasil Formalize Event Partnership Through 2026

IHRSA, the leading association for the global fitness industry, and Fitness Brasil, Latin America’s primary industry experts, agree to extend their partnership to grow and promote the fitness and well-being industry.

BOSTON, MA, & SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL—April 12, 2021—The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and Fitness Brasil signed an agreement that solidifies event partnership opportunities for at least six years.

IHRSA and Fitness Brasil have collaborated on fitness industry events since 2000, most notably the annual IHRSA Fitness Brasil Latin American Conference & Trade Show, Latin America’s top fitness industry event. This year, the organizations celebrate the program’s 22nd anniversary in São Paulo—event dates will be announced in the coming months.

“Our long-standing cooperation with Fitness Brasil is one of most successful partnerships in the entire fitness industry,” said Jay Ablondi, IHRSA executive vice president of global products. “IHRSA and Fitness Brasil have helped the Brazilian industry navigate many challenges over these many years, and we look forward to working alongside their team in the years to come to help the entire industry recover. After an uncertain and tense 2020, this year’s event is poised to energize the fitness industry and set a unified path forward.”

The extended agreement, which comes as Fitness Brasil begins operations under new ownership, provides certainty for the Brazilian fitness industry that IHRSA and Fitness Brasil will continue to assist in growing the region’s industry.

Jacqueline Antunes, Jay Ablondi, Fabio Saba, and Gustavo Almeida met virtually to formalize IHRSA and Fitness Brasil's partnership.

“It has been an honor to work alongside IHRSA, Jay, Jackie, and all staff members and Board of Directors over all these years. Renewing our agreement makes [Fitness Brasil] glad and motivated to keep helping people all over Latin America [to get] healthier and live better,” said Gustavo Almeida, Fitness Brasil executive director. “Our industry is being redefined by the tough times that we are all living [in], so after the storm, I truly believe we will be seen with the essentialism that we always deserved.”

“The extension of our partnership at these challenging moments is very important for both organizations. More than ever, the Latin American industry needs us to bring together the club operators and industry suppliers to find ways to a prosperous path for the fitness and well-being industry,” said Jacqueline Antunes, IHRSA director for Latin America.

The annual IHRSA Fitness Brasil Latin American Conference & Trade Show is the third largest gathering of club operators and industry suppliers of its kind worldwide.

For more information about the annual IHRSA Fitness Brasil Latin American Conference & Trade Show, contact Jacqueline Antunes at +1 617-316-6742 or email ja@ihrsa.org.

About IHRSA

IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, is a not-for-profit trade association representing the global fitness industry of over 200,000 health and fitness facilities and their suppliers.

IHRSA maintains a leadership role in advancing physical activity, which is critical to peak health and fight the battle against obesity and chronic lifestyle disease. IHRSA is the publisher of Club Business International, the leading monthly magazine for the global fitness industry. For Portuguese readers, visit IHRSA-Brasil.

About Fitness Brasil

Fitness Brasil is dedicated to developing business and careers related to fitness, health and well-being. Fitness Brasil hosts industry events, such as the IHRSA Fitness Brasil Latin American Conference & Trade Show in São Paulo. Other Fitness Brasil events are listed at www.fitnessbrasil.com.br.

Sami Smith is IHRSA's Senior Manager of Digital Communications, working to shape the organization's image on various digital platforms. On a typical day, she creates content, delivers impactful communications, and executes targeted marketing efforts to keep IHRSA at the forefront of the industry. Outside of the office, you can find her exploring new destinations, indulging in food, or participating in just about any sport.