The Importance of Networking Post-COVID

In today’s current climate, continuing education is more important than ever as club operators around the globe strive to navigate the new normal in light of the coronavirus. Here, Maria Gonzalez, the CEO of ClubFitness Greensboro, talks about the importance of networking and shares her personal experiences attending the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat over the last two years. 

As the fitness industry continues to evolve and face new opportunities and challenges, it is more relevant than ever to find ways to learn from each other. With this in mind, roundtables and networking events — like the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat — are a great way to exchange ideas. 

My experience attending the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat has been invaluable. The opportunity to learn from industry leaders and peers throughout the two days make this event a worthwhile investment.

There are some details that make this experience different from some of the other events available to industry professionals. To begin with, the event size provides an intimate environment. Throughout the event, attendees are assigned to different groups for roundtable discussions, which allows for genuine connections, exchanges of ideas and shared best practices. In addition, the event is always hosted in beautiful resorts featuring top-notch customer service. The organized activities are fun and engaging, which facilitates networking, reconnecting and making new friends. 

What is even more unique to this retreat is the format in which groups change and rotate for each roundtable topic. Throughout the two days, there is an opportunity to take a deep dive into a variety of topics with different people at each discussion, providing diverse and unique perspectives.  

Furthermore, Blair McHaney, an expert in the industry and the CEO of MXM, moderates discussions and does an amazing job leading each group through in-depth conversations designed to share ideas and strategies. McHaney also shares his own valuable experiences as an operator.

The Club Solutions Leadership Retreat facilitates deep discussions with a diverse group of operators, owners and vendors with a wide variety of knowledge, experience and skill sets from all over the country.  

In light of the pandemic, we are finding the importance of connections — now it’s more important than ever for the industry to share their experiences to allow operators from all over to learn from each other. I have found virtual meetings very informative and useful, but in my opinion, it will not replace the in-person experience from an event. 

I highly encourage anyone looking for an opportunity to work on their business, recharge and discover best practices from top operators and industry leaders to attend the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat. 

Interested in attending or sponsoring the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat? This year’s retreat will take place September 9-11 at the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage in Rancho Mirage, California. Limited attendee and partner spots remain! Email carrie@peakemedia.com and visit peakemediaevents.com/retreat for a full event itinerary.