Club Industry invites you to “Discover the Next Big Thing” with this year’s theme at its 26th annual trade show held in Chicago. The 2011 trade show will convene at Chicago’s McCormick Place on Wednesday, Oct. 12 through Friday, Oct. 14.
“There has been a large investment to bring the show back to success,” said Adam Andersen, this year’s show director. “There will be a new look on the floor and some new experiences.”
This is Andersen’s first year as show director. He is looking forward to having an exciting, vibrant show floor. “I want it to reflect what’s going on in the industry today, and hopefully reflect what it could be in the future,” he said.
The Club Industry Trade Show App, a large part of last year’s success, is available again this year. Additionally, the formerly known “Club Studio” event has been revamped and renamed “Club Industry Live,” and it will be a focal point of this year’s show.
The show boasts over 150 exhibitors and over 100 conference educational sessions. This year all exhibitors can look forward to lead retrieval units provided to them that will scan the badges of attendees that come to their booth and downloads their information in order to better follow up with potential leads.
There will also be a CEO Summit for executives and CEOs to be able to meet in an exclusive environment and talk about their successes and struggles in the past year. It’s also an opportunity to discuss where the industry is headed in the future.
This year’s two keynote speakers are aimed to align well with the trade show theme. Thursday’s speaker, John Moore, worked in marketing for Starbucks and Whole Foods Market where he served as retail marketing manager and national marketing director. “He will bring insight in how operators can grow their business and show them their biggest opportunities,” Andersen said.
Chris Powell, from the ABC TV show, Extreme Makeover: Weightloss Edition, will speak on Friday. He brings his insight on training clients and will share how he has been successful as well as his tips with the audience, according to Andersen.
Club Industry will recognize Red Lerille, owner of Red Lerille’s Health and Racquet Club in Lafayette, La., with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, Life Fitness and The American Council on Exercise (ACE) will recognize the “Top Trainers to Watch” and award one trainer with the grand prize of $5,000 toward their training business.
Bring your team out and be ready and excited to focus on the future of the industry. -CS
