IHRSA 2020 Is Canceled. Read IHRSA’s Official Statement.

    After careful consideration, IHRSA and its Board of Directors have made the difficult decision to cancel IHRSA 2020, scheduled March 18-21 in San Diego.

    After careful consideration, it is with heavy heart that IHRSA and the IHRSA Board of Directors have made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel IHRSA 2020, scheduled to take place March 18-21 in San Diego, CA, USA.

    IHRSA exists to serve its members and the health and fitness industry. The Convention is one of the primary ways in which we do that, which is why we were holding out hope that the event could go on.

    We originally believed that continuing with IHRSA 2020 was the best course of action so that we could bring the industry’s best minds together, to talk about and discuss solutions to the virus’ impact on our global industry.

    Now, based on the latest guidance and official declarations, it is clear that canceling is the right course of action.

    Thankfully, IHRSA is more than just one event. Our mission is to grow, protect, and promote the industry and with or without a Convention, that is exactly what we will continue to do through the strength of the IHRSA membership, association, and community.

    We thank the entire IHRSA community for understanding the extreme difficulty of this situation. We are grateful for each and every one of you. It is your passion for the industry that helps make the IHRSA event a success year after year. And it is that same passion that will drive us into the future.

    What Is IHRSA Doing to Support the Industry During the Coronavirus Outbreak?

    The health and safety of our members and of all global citizens is of the utmost importance to us—it’s why we exist.

    We’re actively speaking with experts to identify and update coronavirus precautions and industry best practices as new information unfolds. And we’re committed to providing information based on data and facts, not driven by fear.

    We believe that now, more than ever, we need to educate the public about the benefits of regular physical activity to health and human immunity. And we believe that the health club industry is best positioned to provide the world with safe, supportive havens in which to exercise. Please look to this page on IHRSA.org for resources on how you can handle coronavirus in your clubs and communities.

    What Happens Next?

    Please remember to cancel any personal arrangements you’ve made, such as travel, restaurant, and housing reservations. IHRSA will automatically credit your paid registration fees to IHRSA 2021. You do not need to contact anyone at IHRSA to change your registrations. Please be patient as our small staff deals with the many details surrounding the event cancellation. If you have any questions regarding your registrations, please email IHRSA2020@ihrsa.org.

    IHRSA 2020 will not be rescheduled. Meetings the size of IHRSA are planned years in advance. We carefully coordinate with each host city to accommodate our attendees during a specific timeframe and as such, rescheduling is not an option at this time.

    As a member-owned, not-for-profit association, IHRSA's mission of growing, protecting, and promoting the industry remains our focus. We will continue to provide information and products to help you grow your business.

    If you have any additional questions or do not see what you need, please let us know what would be helpful. We are all in this together.

    Is It Possible to Be Reimbursed for Conference Cancellation Expenses?

    Possibly, depending on your specific insurance policy covering your club/gym/studio or company. Some insurance carriers do offer this type of coverage. It is recommended to touch base with your insurance agent/company to find out the details of your specific policy.

    Author avatar

    IHRSA Staff @IHRSA

    This article was a team effort by several IHRSA experts.