BOSTON, MA—March 11, 2019—After 10 years, the IHRSA European Congress, the premier leadership event for the European fitness club industry, is returning to Dublin, Ireland. The event will be held 14-17 October at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road.

“We are delighted to be returning to the city of Dublin after 10 years for what promises to be a memorable 2019 IHRSA European Congress. With each new year, the IHRSA Congress attracts a growing number of distinguished industry leaders from all of Europe and beyond who come to network, learn about the latest trends in the industry, and visit some of the most cutting-edge clubs in Dublin,” said Florian Cartoux, IHRSA Europe Director.

“The 2019 IHRSA European Congress gives us the opportunity to work with friends and host partner, Ireland Active, to ensure we offer the best experience to our attendees. We are thrilled to have their support to make the IHRSA Congress the place to be this October,” added Alison O’Kane Giannaras, IHRSA Associate Vice President of International Operations. “Coming off extremely successful events the past two years in Lisbon and London respectively, we are confident that Dublin will continue to attract the best and brightest club business leaders from across Europe,” she added.

Barry Walsh, Chairperson of Ireland Active added: “Ireland Active is looking forward to welcoming the IHRSA European Congress to Dublin, and giving our members a great opportunity to learn from industry experts and to network with other European operators. The Irish Health and Fitness industry has grown significantly over the past 10 years and personal exercise is now the number one sport in Ireland with almost 13% of the population taking part. As hosts we look forward to showcasing the sector in Ireland to our guests.”

The programme will feature three keynote presentations from inspirational thought leaders and topical presentations by leaders in the club industry. All presentations, including the keynote sessions, will be simultaneously interpreted into French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

In addition to the education IHRSA is known for, the event will feature several networking opportunities, including:

  • A Sponsor Showcase providing attendees with the opportunity to talk one-to-one with leading suppliers in a relaxed environment
  • Opening and closing receptions
  • Roundtable discussions by language
  • Tours of some of Dublin's best health clubs

2018 European Congress sponsors included American Council on Exercise, B.W.H. LDA, Core Health & Fitness, Escape Fitness, Fabiano Designs, Fun & Fitness LDA, FunXtion International BV, GANTNER Technologies, Gruppo P&G—Fit interiors, Gympass, HydroMassage, Intenza Fitness, RiminiWellness, Johnson Health Tech Co. Ltd./MATRIX FITNESS, Keiser Corp., Les Mills Shared Services Ltd., Life Fitness, MINDBODY, Myzone, National Academy of Sports Medicine, Ojmar, Perfect Gym Solutions S.A., PinMeTo, Precor, QualiCert—Qualitop International, SELVAS Healthcare, Inc., SportsArt, Technogym S.p.A., TrainAway, Transaction Services Group (TSG), Virtuagym, Wexer Virtual, and Zumba Fitness LLC.

For full programme details and registration information, visit the event website.

About IHRSA

IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. IHRSA and its members are dedicated to making the world healthier through regular exercise and activity promotion. IHRSA's events provide a vast array of speakers on business and corporate culture, instructional sessions on all aspects of succeeding in the health club industry, social events to mix and mingle with peers, and the most spectacular trade shows in the industry. To learn more, visit the IHRSA website.