DEERFIELD, IL—October 27, 2021—The atmosphere was emotional at the recent return of SCW Midwest MANIA Fitness Convention. This first in-person convention for SCW Fitness Education, since the start of the pandemic over 18 months ago, kicked-off without a hitch, bringing about high-fives and smiles (even with a face mask). Over 400 people, including 22 sponsors and almost 40 exhibitors, filled the halls and ballrooms of the Westin O’Hare in Chicago.

“I am so proud of all the accomplishment’s SCW Fitness has completed over the last 18 months; 14 live-stream events, well over 100 free webinars and of course preparing for our fitness comeback,” said Sara Kooperman, CEO of SCW Fitness Education. “These events are not only in-person, but also hybrid to accommodate those not ready to return, plus SCW is ecologically aware with our use of QR codes and downloadable brochures.”

The 3-day SCW MANIA/Health & Fitness Business Conference, partnering with IHRSA, is designed for both fitness professionals and business leaders. This event encompassed more than 150 lectures and workshops focusing on ten different topics. Leading the way for the best attended session was “Paving the Way for the Future of Fitness” sponsored by Savvier and presented by Tricia Murphy-Madden as the keynote speaker. She was also noted as one of the most popular presenters. In a second Keynote Address, Bill McBride drew a crowd as he presented “Rebuilding Sandcastles: Post-Pandemic Renovation.”

“Live events are so full of energy! All of us are thrilled to once again be back to in-person MANIA conferences and I’m honored to help bring high quality education to fitness professionals in an inspiring environment,” exclaimed Tracey Carr, SCW Event Coordinator. “You too can join the team and sign up as a Staff Assistant. We have a blast!”

Active Aging workshops were highly attended as Keli Roberts, Ann Gilbert, and Jeff Howard packed the room with eager fitness professionals looking to soak up the latest research-based education for their 50+ clients. Among the other popular sessions, Functional Training Guru, Giovanni Roselli, treated his audience to “Bodyweight Warrior” and Ronnie Fulton, the 2019 FL SCW Fitness Idol winner, wowed the group with “Happy Hips & Backs.” Many attendees chowed down in the nutrition room, especially to the words of Melissa Layne, MEd, presenting “Stopping Inflammation Through Nutrition” and Amber Toole with “Nutrition Coaching for the General Population.”

“The presenters overall were energetic and engaging and I love the option to view sessions as a virtual attendee, but I truly enjoy being in person as in previous years,” said P. Turner, SCW Midwest MANIA Attendee. “I look forward to joining again in-person in the future.”

Midwest MANIA couldn’t take place without their generous sponsors. Sue Hitzmann, MS, CST, NMT, from MELT Method, attracted diverse populations for her “Why Fascia Matters Beyond Muscles” session. Newcomer to SCW, Carla Gilfry, MA, with Polga (Pole Yoga) had her underlings stretching and wrapping their bodies around 9-foot upright stainless-steel poles. BOSU also led the pack with their latest functional training workshop, “Body in Balance: Life Training for Active Aging.”

A post-convention survey revealed over 90% of the attendees, mostly group ex instructors and personal trainers, would recommend an SCW MANIA conference to others and return to future events. They loved the variety of sessions offered, receiving the latest education and techniques, and of course new choreography to take back to their classes and clients. Of the over 80% who had previously attended Midwest MANIA, they came back for the internationally recognized expert presenters, like Abbie Appel, Manuel Velazquez, and SGT Ken.

“Thank you, Sara, and SCW for being brave enough to take on a live conference! It was so needed, and I look forward to many more,” said C. S. Schultz. “I really appreciate all you do for this industry. You and your team are the best!”

New to SCW MANIA, to fulfill the needs of their consumers, a digital, recorded-sessions option was available. Attendees could either attend the event in-person and add on the 80 recorded sessions, for a fee, to watch at home for 40 days or for those that could attend in-person, they could purchase the sessions package for a flat price.

“Great experience-love the added video option-I’m going to attend sessions I missed because I couldn’t be in 2 places (or more) at once,” said D. Camin, SCW Midwest MANIA Attendee.

The SCW MANIA Fitness Convention line-up continues next month in Dallas, November 5-7 at the Fairmont Hotel and then in Boston, December 10-12 at the Westin Boston Waterfront. Registration begins at $99 as a Staff Assistant and for a full 3-day, all-inclusive MANIA, it’s only $259 (normally $359). For those unable to attend a virtual recorded session option is available for only $199 or as an add on to a full registration for $40. For more information about these upcoming conventions and others next year visit the SCW Fitness website.

About SCW Fitness Education

SCW is an internationally recognized educational organization that provides hands-on certifications, continuing education courses and conventions to fitness professionals in multiple disciplines nationwide. For the past 38 years, Personal Trainers, Group Exercise Instructors, Small Group Training Leaders, Aquatic Exercise Professionals, Cycling Instructors, Mind-Body Experts, Sport-Specific Training Educators, and many more have obtained their certifications through SCW. This outstanding Family of Leaders also supports Managers, Directors, and Owners of clubs and facilities nationwide with our Health & Fitness Business Summit. As the largest conference leader in the world, MANIA® offers seven Professional Training Conventions annually in Washington, D.C., California (San Francisco), Florida (Orlando), Atlanta, Dallas, Midwest (Chicago), and Boston - and now, online too! SCW serves over 8,000 health and wellness professionals at our events, and we reach more than 300,000 virtually through our SCW OnDemand program, Online Certifications and Continuing Education Credit (CEC) programming options. Watch for our FREE Webinars that continue to drive the business of fitness forward www.scwfit.com.