The 20th IHRSA European Congress returns this October 17-19 in Lisbon, Portugal! Stay informed.

Speaking

Speak up! Share your expertise and successful initiatives with industry peers across the globe.

If you have a story to tell and feel others can benefit from your experiences, apply to speak at an upcoming program!

IHRSA has a number of speaking opportunities to help you share industry best practices to other health club owners, managers, and staff on all levels, both domestically and internationally.

Upcoming Submission Deadlines

Events Speaker 16 In

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of IHRSA education?

To provide attendees with the following:

  • Content that is forward-thinking, relevant, and actionable
  • Emerging trends, concepts, solutions, and best practices that may be immediately implemented
  • Knowledge to develop growth initiatives and become a catalyst for innovation

Who is eligible to present an education session?

Our members and event attendees are looking to hear from health club operators. Therefore, speakers should be operators from IHRSA member clubs. IHRSA will, however, consider proven experts operating from outside the club industry on a case-by-case basis.

I’m employed by an industry supplier...can I submit a speaker application?

You are welcome to submit a session concept for consideration, however IHRSA does not typically accept proposal submissions made by industry suppliers as a part of the standard session agenda. We reserve most speaking spots for fitness club and studio owners and their staff. To guarantee a spot on the session agenda, we encourage you to consider sponsoring a Supplier Seminar, which offers a unique, tailored opportunity for industry suppliers to share information with event attendees.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Supplier Seminar please email Lynne Devaney, vice president of sponsorship & business development.

What will I need to submit a speaker application?

  • Contact details including speaker name, job title, club/company affiliation, mailing address, email address, and telephone number
  • Brief bio in paragraph format
  • Headshot
  • Session title
  • Five learning objectives that will explain what you are looking to deliver to attendees
  • Past speaking experience

How many people may speak during a session?

Education sessions are limited to the maximum of two co-presenters. Panel discussions can accommodate up to three panelists plus a moderator.

Moderators will be responsible for coordination with their session panelists (i.e., gathering bios, headshots, sharing communications, etc.). All panelists must receive approval from IHRSA prior to an official offer to present.

What does IHRSA provide to each approved speaker?

Each approved speaker is provided with a complimentary full event registration.

Will the session be recorded?

A select few education sessions and panel discussions at the IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show may be recorded. Details will be provided about session recordings and accessing files in the weeks leading up to the event.

Are handout materials permitted?

Speakers are encouraged to provide approved handout materials to attendees. IHRSA provides the means to do so via the IHRSA website and/or mobile app. Speakers may also distribute hard copies in the sessions at their own expense. Promotional and sales based literature may not be distributed at any time. This includes branded giveaway items.

Can I promote a product or service during the session?

To maintain the program's credibility and attractiveness, sales are prohibited in the education sessions. More specifically, education sessions may not be used as a sales platform for any speaker’s company, products, or services. However, speakers may exchange business cards and other contact information to interested parties to connect with them upon request.

Can I sell books, DVDs, or other products in the education session?

Sales are not allowed in the session rooms.