Remember what it was like coming into a bustling facility with happy, uninhibited members and a motivated team? What about community, positive energy, and predictable profitability? After playing defense for two years, it’s time to go on offense!
My session at IHRSA 2023 will address this topic—re-engaging and bringing back your former members. This article includes a few initial thoughts on tackling this challenge, but to get it all, register for IHRSA 2023 and attend my session on Wednesday, March 22, at the San Diego Convention Center.
Few industries were beaten up as badly as the fitness industry. IHRSA data from early 2022 shows that 25% of fitness facilities have permanently closed. Surviving these few years is a big win!
After more than two years of survival mode, it may not be easy to flip the switch. However, to fully take advantage of this opportunity, I believe we need to proactively evolve our thinking and cultures back to fun and growth.
Current Themes Detailing the Fitness Industry’s Future
I recently attended a few in-person industry events, facilitated roundtable discussions, networked, reconnected, met new friends, and learned a ton! I took away some consistent themes.