It’s hard to believe but the 2023 Club Solutions Leadership Retreat is nearly here. Next week 60-plus health club operators and limited sponsors will gather at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, for 2.5 days of roundtable discussions, networking and unique experiences. As my first Retreat as the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, here are the top five things I’m looking forward to.
1. Meeting and reconnecting with fitness professionals.
There’s nothing I love more than connecting with like-minded people. Getting to meet people in person that I’ve worked with on stories, seeing operators who have attended in the past return to the event, and meeting vendors who are bringing unique products and services to the industry leaves me feeling rejuvenated.
I love learning what clubs are working on, their biggest struggles and story ideas that come up while we’re all in person. If you’re attending the Retreat, I can’t wait to connect with you and learn about your experience. If you’re not, I hope to see you next year.
2. New additions to the schedule.
New this year, we are introducing two educational opportunities: a live Q&A on hospitality sponsored by Technogym, and a panel discussion on wellness and recovery sponsored by CryoBuilt.
The Q&A will feature Dustin Irwin, a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry and the esteemed club director at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. With extensive experience in various leadership roles — including operations, sales, marketing and facility openings — Irwin’s insights promise to offer invaluable takeaways for attendees.
The idea for the panel discussion stemmed from the 2022 event, during which attendees expressed a desire to continue discussing the opportunity surrounding recovery and wellness. Talking points include:
- Why recovery/wellness are trending segments in the fitness industry.
- Examples of amenities, programs, services or offerings clubs are investing in within this space.
- Tips for packaging or monetizing these offerings.
- Predictions on the future of the recovery trend. What can the industry/consumers expect to see?
3. The resort.
Stepping foot on the property feels like stepping into a villa in a different country. Tucked inside a Spanish Mission-style property north of San Diego, 400-acre Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is a beautiful backdrop to learn, connect and have fun.
Whether it will be hanging out at the Adult Edge Pool for our Fun in the Sun afternoon or meeting everyone during the welcome reception on the Main Plaza, I can’t wait to spend time rejuvenating in such a beautiful atmosphere.
4. The roundtable topics.
The roundtables are the bread and butter of our events. Each year Rachel Zabonick-Chonko and I sit down to discuss the most pressing topics in our industry. After much discussion and collaboration with our moderator, Blair McHaney, we craft topics we believe will have true impact in your communities. This year’s topics include:
- Marketing for a Competitive Advantage — Sponsored by Success Play
- Overcoming Hiring Challenges
- Member Experience — Sponsored by JK Products & Services
5. Fun!
Want to know the best part about our events? They aren’t just all work and no play. Creating a fun experience is one of our main goals. To achieve this at the 2023 Retreat, we have three fun-filled activities planned. Kicking off the event, attendees and sponsors will enjoy an exciting combination of music trivia and the classic game of BINGO. The second day the group will be divided into a number of “tribes” for Survivor Games. Teams will participate in four tribal challenges, drawing inspiration from the hit TV series. On the last day we will wind down with a pool party filled with snacks, beverages and good music.
If you are attending the event, I can’t wait to connect. If you’re not, email me at taylor@peakemedia.com to learn how you can join us next year.
