Club Industry Show Week Continues with Keynote Presentation, Opening of Exhibit Floor

The 32nd annual Club Industry Show kicked off Wednesday, Oct. 24, with the Welcome Reception and a full day of conference programming and continued Thursday with the keynote presentation and the opening of the exhibit floor.

A crowd of approximately 200 attended entrepreneur and author Ford Saeks' keynote presentation, "Superpower Success: Unleashing Your Inner Superhero!," at the International Ballroom North. His presentation, sponsored by ABC Financial, explored the ways in which you can harness your skills—like a superhero—to lend your business a competitive advantage.

Saek's keynote followed the community breakfast, sponsored by Genavix, and PFP's presentation of its Trainer of the Year Award, whose recipient was Andrea Leonard, founder and president of the Cancer Exercise Training Institute, Portland, Oregon. Leonard, an author and certified trainer, is a 34-year-long survivor of cancer, with 22 relatives who have received cancer diagnoses.

The Club Industry Show exhibit floor opened at 10:30 a.m., featuring 86 companies. For the second year, Startup Alley returned to the exhibit hall, which acquaints attendees with newly emerging companies offering new fitness products and services. Additionally, this year's exhibit hall debuted a Nutrition Pavilion for featuring new exhibitors.

The Show Floor Happy Hour will be held Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Lower Level, Exhibit Hall, Salon C & D).

(The exhibit floor is open until 5 p.m. Thursday and then again from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.)

Thursday's programming culminates with dessert and drinks at the Networking Nightcap, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the International Ballroom North.

Conference programming continues Friday with a half day of education sessions. Notably, for 2018, the conference's wellness track and leadership track have expanded into Friday.

The Sisterhood Stride at Club Industry 5K Run/Walk will be held for the second day at 7 a.m. on Friday morning. This run/walk along Lake Michigan is open to both female and male participants.