40 Reasons to Attend IHRSA 2021, Part 1

This year’s IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2021) being held on October 13-15 in Dallas, Texas will mark the association’s 40th Anniversary since its fortuitous founding in 1981. If you’re like us, you probably don’t need a good reason to get away from it all after enduring all the pandemic-related challenges of the past year and a half. But in case you do, we’re counting down the top 40 reasons to attend IHRSA 2021!

Here are our first 10 reasons to attend IHRSA 2021. Stay tuned for more!

40. More than 200 companies on the trade show floor! It’s early days but already more than 200 companies have made commitments to showcase their latest innovations, products, and services at IHRSA this year. Experience firsthand what leading companies such as Matrix, True Fitness, Myzone, Hoist Fitness, Keiser Corp (just to name a few) have in store to get your heart pumping. Or check out the latest software and technology from ABC Fitness Solutions, Club Automation, and Paramount Acceptance (to name a few more). Since there were no trade shows last year (anywhere!), there will be a wealth of new products, services, and solutions for you and your team to explore. IHRSA expects more than 200 exhibiting companies to be at the 300,000+ sq. ft. expo. New companies are added every week.

39. All Things Dallas! The last time the IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show was held in Dallas was in 1990. Not only has IHRSA and the industry grown up considerably in the three decades since then, check out this article for great things to do when you are not checking out the IHRSA Show floor.

38. See business provocateur, Scott Stratten, in person. IHRSA is known for bringing world-class keynote presentations that make a lasting impression and challenge the industry to think outside the box to drive performance and meaningful change for your business. Stratten’s presentation is sponsored by Matrix Fitness.

37. Networking on steroids. Well, not literally on steroids, but it’s not like we’re drug testing. Metaphorically, however, you’ll have a talent pool hungry to make connections and be part of the industry revival. While post-pandemic handshakes may or may not be in vogue, you’ll find yourself in the company of exuberant professionals ready to mingle, make deals, and share winning strategies.

36. New initiatives, new agendas, new learning formats. The industry’s changed with the rest of the world, and IHRSA’s education program reflects this transformation, with tons of talent from outside (and inside) the fitness industry. You’ll want to absorb it all.

35. Attend the IHRSA Foundation Reception. Kick-off IHRSA 2021 Tuesday night by joining the IHRSA Foundation board of directors and the IHRSA board of directors at the 4th Annual IHRSA Foundation VIP Reception. You’ll have the opportunity to network with industry leaders while learning about the rewarding and important work the IHRSA Foundation is doing in the international community.

34. Learn from a living legend! Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, the Father of Aerobics, will deliver a keynote presentation on Preventive Medicine: It’s More Beneficial & Cost Effective to Prevent Disease. Dr. Cooper’s address is sponsored by MXMetrics.

33. New member tiers, more connections. IHRSA has added new membership categories that include studios and fitness professionals. This year’s show will be the first time these new members will have a chance to mingle and meet with the IHRSA’s usual contingent. You won’t want to miss the chance to expand your contacts and opportunities. Best of all, every IHRSA member receives a discount on each registration—save up to 50%!

32. The Opening Celebration will be off the hook! This year’s welcoming reception, sponsored by MindBody, Inc., will be the party that starts it all. You’ll remember what it’s like to be in the same room with old friends and new acquaintances. Ready to exhale? Here’s your chance to feel that human connection in an upbeat, informal atmosphere.

31. See IHRSA Talks & Takes Live! Ever wonder who’s taller: Brent, Sara, Bill, or Blair? Now’s your chance to find out. IHRSA’s popular monthly talk show starring Brent Darden, Sara Kooperman, Bill McBride, and Blair McHaney will be live for the first time ever in Dallas. Join the fab four as they mix it up on stage discussing the hot topics of the day in a fast-paced, provocative and informative manner. Talks and Takes is sponsored by ABC Fitness Solutions.