Through March 19-22, Las Vegas will host the 32nd Annual IHRSA International Convention and Trade Show. During the trade show, many industry experts will serve as guest speakers and share their experiences and knowledge with the health and fitness industry.
Greta Wagner, the senior vice president of The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers in New York City and Stamford, Conn., will be a panelist at IHRSA’s 4th Annual Women’s Leadership Summit & Luncheon during this year’s trade show.
Club Solutions spoke with Wagner about the summit and what she expects to gain from the trade show.
CS: You’ll be a panelist at IHRSA’s 4th Annual Women’s Leadership Summit & Luncheon next week. Why is the topic of “Embracing Your Intelligence, Intuition & Ability to Inspire” an important topic to you?
GW: Because it crystallizes the necessary qualities an effective leader must have in order to be successful. Women in leadership positions must never forget the challenges young women still face in finding a path to the top of their fields.
CS: What are things you think women will be able to take away from this panel?
GW: That it’s okay to believe in yourself, toot your own horn, and that self value and confidence is contagious.
CS: As a successful senior vice president, could you give some advice to women specifically, who may be looking to work their way up in the industry?
GW: I think women need to be assertive and talk to everyone — speak your mind. Ask the right questions, know who can help you achieve your goals and develop strong relationships with them. Find a great mentor that can be a sounding board and don’t ever stop acknowledging the people that work hard for you.
CS: What do you expect to take away from this year’s tradeshow?
GW: I’m looking forward to seeing the people I talk with throughout the year and meeting new people. I always make new contacts and have a chance to recharge my battery. It’s nice to have a few days to remind myself why I got into this industry, being around so many people that are so passionate about the development of this industry.
CS: What meetings, committees, vendors and/or panels are you most excited to see/visit?
GW: I always love the keynote speakers; Pavigym will be a key vendor I’ll be visiting. TechnoGym and Matrix as well. Meeting with my long-time vendors, Precor, Keiser and American Hotel to name just a few, is always important. I’m short on time this trip so I have to do a lot in just two days.
CS: How has Chelsea Piers grown over the last year, and what more can we expect from the club?
GW: We suffered extensive damage to our systems, mechanical rooms and facilities the last quarter of 2012 with Super Storm Sandy. We recovered quickly compared to most, but it certainly left a lingering pain. We are currently doing an extensive renovation of our spa facilities and will welcome the Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa as our new operator.
We are also in the process of building a new 1,700-square-foot Yoga/TRX studio. That’s what’s happening now — we are constantly making improvements and additions to both our New York complex and already thinking of expanding our Connecticut site, which opened in July 2012 to instant success. We’ll keep you posted.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
