Just as our founding fathers drew their inspiration from Philadelphia when drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, fitness professionals hope to gather inspiration when they visit the home of the Liberty Bell for the Club Industry East Conference and Exposition. Held June 7-10, the show is a chance for members of the fitness world to come together and exercise their right to survey new equipment and trends, exchange ideas, and arm themselves with new knowledge and advice from experts in the industry.
Besides being known for its history, Philadelphia was recently named America's next great city by National Geographic Traveler.
“The show is right in the heart of downtown, and people in fitness call it America's most walkable city,” says Herbert Greenebaum, marketing manager for the Club Industry East show. “It's a very convenient destination.”
More than 2,500 people are expected to attend, with 120 exhibiting companies and 250 booths on the trade show floor, says Zari Stahl, Club Industry East show director. The trade show floor will be open for perusing 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, and Friday, June 9 with additional hours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 10.
To keep up with the marketplace and make the seminar track more user-friendly, the show also organized its 90-plus seminars according to new information tracks: business management/development, client/member service/retention, market expansion, people skills, personal training, progressive programming, sales savvy and wellness/medical integration.
“One of the areas we're expanding is wellness and medical integration,” Greenebaum says. “The interest in wellness is greater than ever, and it's our most popular track.”
Besides seminars, attendees shouldn't miss Nicholas DiNubile's free keynote address titled “A New Framework for the Future of Fitness: Give Your Members a Body Rebuilt to Last.” The orthopaedic consultant to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Pennsylvania Ballet will give real-world ideas that attendees can pass on to members and use themselves to “extend their warranty” on the human frame (for more information see Free Keynote: Framework for the Future of Fitness on page 40).
Other free events include the panel discussion, “Identifying the Issues: The Biggest Challenges Facing the Club Industry Today and Tomorrow,” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 9. Terry Dezzutti, CEO of Merritt Athletic Clubs; Gwen Foster, fitness czar of Philadelphia; Rob Goldman, vice president/sports and fitness division director of the Columbia Association; and Ed Trainor, vice president of fitness at Town Sports International; will discuss key issues that can make the difference between surviving and thriving in today's competitive market. President of Management Vision Rick Caro will moderate the discussion.
Later that day, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Michael Scott Scudder, managing partner of Southwest Club Services, will lead a franchising seminar titled “Franchising: Should You or Shouldn't You?” This special seminar will give the ins and outs of franchising in the fitness industry for both those seeking to become franchisees of existing club chains and those seeking information about starting their own fitness franchise.
Other notable events include the welcome reception from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel where food, drinks and fun are on the agenda.
That next morning wake up with a little Early Morning Power Sculpting with BodyWedge21 from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Rich Decker, founder of the BodyWedge, will run the group exercise session.
And, to try out equipment for yourself, be sure to hit the early morning workouts from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10, for a chance to meet manufacturers and get in-depth answers about the latest fitness equipment. Many companies also give away T-shirts, towels and water bottles as take-home souvenirs from the show.
“Where else can you find such a great, state-of-the-art gym?” Stahl says of the early morning workout sessions.
Whether you're going to buy new equipment, learn some new tricks of the trade or are simply looking for a great, fit time, exercise your constitutional rights to achieve greater success at Club Industry East this June in Philadelphia.
Schedule of Events
June 7-10, 2006 • Conference June 7-10 • Exhibits June 8-10
Pennsylvania Convention Center • Philadelphia, PA • www.clubindustryshow.com
| Wednesday, June 7 | |
|---|---|
| Exhibit Hall Closed | |
| 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Registration |
| 9 a.m. - 4 p.m | All-Day Sessions (A-1, A-2) |
| Noon - 1:30 p.m | B Sessions |
| 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | C Sessions |
| 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | D Sessions |
| 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Welcome Reception, Loews Philadelphia Hotel |
| Thursday, June 8 | |
| 7 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. | Early Morning Power Sculpt by BodyWedge21 Loews Philadelphia Hotel |
| 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. | E Sessions |
| 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | All-Day Sessions (A-3, A-4) |
| 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | F Sessions |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | |
| Free Keynote Address: A New Framework for the Future of Fitness: Give Your Members a Body Rebuilt to Last Nicholas DeNubile, MD | |
| 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | G Sessions |
| 12:30 p.m. 5 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open |
| Friday, June 9 | |
| 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. | Early Morning Workouts, Exhibit Hall |
| 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. | H Sessions |
| 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | All-Day Sessions (A-5, A-6) |
| 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | J Sessions |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | |
| Free Panel Discussion: Identifying the Issues: The Biggest Challenges Facing the Club Industry Today & Tomorrow | |
| 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open |
| 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | |
| Free Franchising Seminar: Franchising: Should You or Shouldn't You? | |
| 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | K Sessions (Executive Roundtables) |
| Saturday, June 10 | |
| 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. | Early Morning Workouts, Exhibit Hall |
| 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | L Sessions |
| 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | M Sessions |
| 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open |
Exhibitor's List
| Organization | Booth# | |
|---|---|---|
| ABC Financial Services Inc. | 725 | |
| ABC delivers the complete club management solution. Turn-key solutions for every aspect of your business include DataTrak club management software to streamline your club operations, a totally interactive Web site, payment processing and collections, customized member marketing and retention, plus extras you need to run your club efficiently and profitably. | ||
| Abcore Fitness Inc. | 437 | |
| Abcore isolates both frontal abdominals and obliques with a seat adjustment.Using bio-mechanical movement, Abcore trains the entire abdominal region without stressing the lower back. Unique to Abcore is its ability to vary resistance, and it also features weight assist which gives Abcore the ability to accommodate beginners with weak abdominals and elite athletes with strong, conditioned abs. | ||
| Ab-ulous Inc. | 836 | |
| Advantage Sport USA Inc. | 637 | |
| Advanced Fitness Technology | 718 | |
| AESON Flooring Systems, a div of Stage Step Inc. | 326 | |
| American Council on Exercise | 809 | |
| Aphelion/CheckFree | 426 | |
| Aphelion is now part of CheckFree. CheckFree offers a comprehensive and scalable solution that combines the best of club management software, managed member data services and payment services. When these three vital club functions are fully integrated, your club reaches the peak in profitability and operational efficiency. | ||
| Aspen Information | 815 | |
| B & D Specialty Concepts Inc. | 536 | |
| Biometrics Nutrition & Fitness | 431 | |
| Blue Fish Activewear | 533 | |
| Body Masters | 410 | |
| BodyWedge21 | 827 | |
| California Blimps | 300 | |
| Centaur Floor Systems | 114 | |
| Centaur Floor Systems has been providing recreational, fitness and athletic flooring solutions for more than 20 years. As a leader in the fitness and recreation industry, we seek out high-quality surfacing options with the desire to provide our customers with activity-specific products that are both functional and aesthetic. Our dedication to providing you with all the information you deserve makes Centaur the ultimate one-stop flooring shop. | ||
| CheckFree/Aphelion | 426 | |
| CheckFree offers a comprehensive and scalable solution that combines the best of club management software, managed member data services and payment services. When these three vital club functions are fully integrated, your club reaches the peak in profitability and operational efficiency. | ||
| CleanButt (The Bidet Shop) | 202 | |
| Club Industry's Fitness Business Pro | 801 | |
| Club Marketing & Management | 100 | |
| ClubLife Magazine | 532 | |
| Club Sentry Software | 133 | |
| Club Solutions Magazine | 238 | |
| Commercial Acceptance Company | 126 | |
| Core Spinal Fitness Systems by MedX | 210 | |
| Be better. Be faster. Be smarter. Whether you're a club owner or personal trainer, you know that all fitness and performance hinges on a strong, flexible spine. Help your members and clients get strong to the core. The Core Spinal Fitness System can give you a serious edge on the competition. | ||
| Creative Fitness Marketing | 131 | |
| CSI Software | 630 | |
| CSI Software is the leading provider of membership management software and services designed for health and fitness clubs, campus recreation centers, wellness centers, JCC/YMCA/YWCA organizations, and parks and recreation departments | ||
| Dartfish USA | 429 | |
| D1 Performance Inc. | 731 | |
| Equipment Marketers | 137 | |
| EVERLAST Performance Flooring | 824 | |
| Designed for superior resilience and durability, EVERLAST®floors are the only choice for long-lasting value in fitness and high-performance areas. Available in custom cut roll lengths, 36-inch-by-36-inch tiles, and new modular ultra-thick UltraTile®for extreme comfort and durability. Choose from 29 colors to add style and energy to cardio, selectorized and childcare areas, locker rooms, weight rooms — even offices and corridors. Made in the USA. | ||
| Expresso Fitness | 237 | |
| Expresso Fitness is a developer of commercial-grade, virtual reality-enhanced cardio fitness systems that use the latest entertainment-based software to engage exercisers as never before. Expresso Fitness' first product, the Spark, is an interactive cycling system that leverages superior technology at an affordable cost to bring the adventure of outdoor biking indoors. | ||
| 5 Hour Energy (Living Essentials) | 739 | |
| 5-Hour Energy™gives you hours of energy now — no crash later. It's a powerful blend of B-vitamins, enzymes and amino acids — zero sugar, zero net carbs and just enough caffeine. Portable two-ounce bottles require no refrigeration and are ideal for front end. Nationally advertised on TV, radio and print. | ||
| Fabiano Designs International | 425 | |
| Fit Rewards | 832 | |
| Fitlee Motionwear | 231 | |
| Fitness Equipment Depot | 430 | |
| Full Circle Padding | 737 | |
| Fundamental Fitness Products | 636 | |
| Gym TV (Be Media) | 220 | |
| Gym Source | 710 | |
| Gymwipes - 2XL Corporation | 401 | |
| Hampton Fitness Products | 805 | |
| Every Hampton product comes standard with unique and innovative features, allowing dealers to offer merchandise of exceptional quality to their customers. Our distinctive styling, durable designs and cutting-edge equipment will satisfy all your free-weight needs. | ||
| Healthclubleads.com | 129 | |
| HealthClubSites.com | 130 | |
| Health Club Managers | 127 | |
| Humane Manufacturing Company, LLC | 230 | |
| I.F.P.A. | 106 | |
| Intek Strength | 625 | |
| Intek Strength provides a complete line of urethane-encased dumbbells, curl/barbells. In addition, Intek Strength offers urethane-encased, rubber-encased and steel olympic grip plates, along with Pro Series urethane, rubber and steel dumbbells, curl/barbells. Olympic bars, collars and bumper plates are also available. Serving all markets in the United States and international markets. | ||
| JCC Association | 839 | |
| K & K Insurance Group Inc. | 427 | |
| “Insuring the World's Fun” is what K&K does. For over 50 years, we have been insuring the sports, leisure and entertainment industries. From large health, fitness, racquet clubs to exercise, yoga, Pilates studios and individual personal trainers, K&K is your one-stop shop for your insurance needs. | ||
| Kettler International | 626 | |
| KI Software (MotionSoft Inc) | 227 | |
| Kobu Power | 841 | |
| Landice Treadmills | 818 | |
| Les Mills Mid Atlantic | 531 | |
| Liberty Paper & Janitorial Supply | 727 | |
| Life Fitness | 800 | |
| LifeWave (Momentum) | 331 | |
| Mid Atlantic Club Management (MACMA) | 132 | |
| Magnum Fitness Equipment | 310 | |
| Matrix Fitness Systems | 418 | |
| McNeil and Company | 301 | |
| Miller Flooring Co. | 638 | |
| My XS Energy Biz | 831 | |
| National Council on Strength & Fitness | 629 | |
| Orthometrix Inc. | 537 | |
| Paramont Acceptance | 741 | |
| Paramount Fitness Corp. | 400 | |
| Parterre Flooring Systems | 730 | |
| PaviGym USA | 436 | |
| Penco Products, Inc. | 442 | |
| Perform Better / M-F Athletics Company | 226 | |
| Performance Food Centers | 736 | |
| Pharmanex | 333 | |
| Planet Beach Franchising Corp. | 440 | |
| Pneumex Inc. | 337 | |
| Polar Electro | 524 | |
| Power Music | 641 | |
| Power Systems Inc. | 327 | |
| Precor Inc. | 610 | |
| RB Rubber Products, Inc. | 729 | |
| RenoSys Corporation | 229 | |
| RT Fitness | 201 | |
| Breakthrough technology for sports performance enhancement, core muscle development and spinal rehabilitation. | ||
| SaniMist Ltd. | 433 | |
| Sasaki Associates | 232 | |
| Shape.net Software | 530 | |
| Smooth Fitness | 204 | |
| SPRI | 631 | |
| SportsArt Fitness | 810 | |
| SportsArt Fitness is firmly established as one of the world's premier fitness brands. Their breakthrough innovations position them as a technical and performance leader in the commercial cardio and strength markets. | ||
| Star Trac | 600 | |
| Best known for its leading treadmills, Star Trac offers a complete line of high-quality fitness equipment including the Pro Treadmill with a sleek, new design; user-controlled fans; the new IntelliTrac™display and more. | ||
| Steam Sauna | 833 | |
| Strive Smart Strength | 200 | |
| Strive, the only fitness company to offer Smart Strength technology, has selectorized and plate-loaded machines, a functional trainer and free weight accessories. Strive also has kidzSmart Strength — a strength circuit modified for youth. For 2005, Strive is introducing a treadmill, with unique features like Sonar Safe, Smart Speed and Thermoregulation | ||
| Teeter/STL International | 541 | |
| Troy Barbell & Fitness | 835 | |
| Troy Barbell, founded in 1985. A manufacturer of free-weights and fitness equipment, Troy has provided unequivocal excellence in quality, service and customer satisfaction ever since. | ||
| True Fitness Technology | 618 | |
| Truforms Fitness | 527 | |
| TruForm Fitness develops and manufactures high-quality, commercial strength training equipment designed to promote maximum exercise efficiency and comfort. Our revolutionary new IsoBar™line of free weight bars utilizes innovative patented technology to combine the isolation, ease on joints, muscle recruitment and range of motion possible with dumbbells with the control, simplicity and racking ability of barbells. | ||
| Twin Oaks Software Development | 330 | |
| VersaClimber | 811 | |
| Heart Rate Inc. is dedicated to create, develop and provide superior innovative products and services that benefit and improve health, fitness, conditioning and rehabilitation where emphasis on product quality, customer satisfaction and employee team work guarantee the well-being of the corporation and its customers. | ||
| Vertispace | 134 | |
| VPX Sports Fitness | 640 | |
| Vitabot | 233 | |
| Workout Advantage | 830 | |
| Workout Advantage is a distributor of PACE commercial grade adjustable hydraulic fitness equipment made in the United States for children and adults. Our superior non-intimidating equipment works on a double-concentric (push/pull) principle for a total- body workout ideal for any fitness center. No electrical power, weight stacks, plates or computers required. | ||
| Worldwide Sport Nutrition / MET-Rx | 108 | |
| X Vest Inc. | 813 | |
| An adjustable weight vest for all activities and exercises. Used by numerous fitness professionals as well as MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA teams. The Xvest is the most utilized training product in the U.S. Olympic program. | ||
| X-Sport Fitness | 724 | |
| York Barbell | 642 | |
| Zebra Card Printer Solutions | 236 | |
| *Exhibitor list as of April 12, 2006. **For more information about Club Industry East or to register, please visit www.clubindustryshow.com. | ||
Free Keynote: Framework for the Future of Fitness
Nicholas A DiNubile, MD, author of the best-selling new book FrameWork: Your 7-Step Program for Healthy Muscles, Bones & Joints, will address the Club Industry East show crowd from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m. on Thursday, June 8. As an orthopaedic surgeon who has seen the damage caused by improper exercise technique and general wear and tear, DiNubile's new book offers powerful, common-sense prescriptions for “extending the warranty” on the human frame. His keynote, “A New Framework for the Future of Fitness: Give Your Members a Body Rebuilt to Last!” will provide real-world ideas that you can pass on to your members as well as use in your own fitness program.
*For a complete Q&A with Dr. DiNubile, visit www.clubindustry.com/news/syndicate/QA_DiNubile.