We typically honor our award recipients during IHRSA’s International Annual Convention & Trade Show. While this year’s event was sadly canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, we still want to recognize Richard Bilton for his many achievements.
Richard Bilton, owner and president of Companhia Athletica, has been recognized by IHRSA for his significant contribution to his community and the industry with the President's Award.
Bilton, who resides in São Paulo, Brazil, attended his first IHRSA International Convention and Trade Show in 1989 and has attended IHRSA’s premier annual event nearly every year since. He served on the IHRSA board of directors for eight years, first as a special international advisor, then as an elected director for a four-year term that was completed in June 2014.
Bilton was also instrumental in helping IHRSA launch the IHRSA / Fitness Brasil Latin American Conference & Trade Show in São Paulo in 2000. This annual event celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019. It is the region’s largest gathering for the commercial fitness industry. Bilton is a board director with ACAD Brazil, the Brazilian health and fitness association. Companhia Athletica is a founding member of ACAD, which began in 1999.
“It is an honor to receive this award from the most prestigious organization in our sector, especially having been part of the board and knowing of the competency of the thousands of other members,” said Bilton.
