IHRSA 2017 Learnings From Andrew Simmons
My first learning is that the industry is completely fragmented.
People are willing to spend big money at trendy, Boutique clubs and studios but aren’t willing to spend big money at your conventional big box clubs so much anymore. I think this is being driven by the low cost / budget clubs that are popping up all over the world. Simply, people are willing to pay for service / community based businesses that provide intimate environments.
My second learning is that it appears that industry is not penetrating new markets.
According the world wide studies conducted by Paul Bedford (which he presented). Whilst thousands of clubs continue to open appears that the avid fitness enthusiast now just has more options and many are choosing to be members at multiple facilities, one of which is generally a low cost club.
These findings has simply confirmed that we are still on the right path at Vision Personal Training in providing results focused, high levels of service.
The third learning that really stood out and excited me was the lack of intimidating, muscle heads parading themselves around the trade floor.
This is rife at the trade shows in Australia which does not leave the public with a positive impression of the Industry.
Summary
Overall I had a great experience, especially networking with many of the industry’s pioneers that I have looked up to for many years. Of course, presenting at my first IHRSA convention was a real highlight for which I am extremely grateful for.
Active Management Note
Thanks Andrew for your contribution as a guest blogger on the IHRSA Conference 2017. Andrew is the Owner of Vision Personal Training, the largest PT franchise business in Australia and New Zealand. You can hear Andrew’s story and pick up tips on how to run a successful PT business in show 67 of the Fitness Business Podcast.
Justin is the Managing Director of Active Management, which he began January 2004. He offers coaching to businesses worldwide in everything from start up and design to marketing and sales systems. Justin also facilitates four Australian and New Zealand ‘fitness industry roundtables’ events, which allows him to see a huge cross section of business models.