IHRSA European Congress 2020 Postponed Amid COVID-19 Lockdowns

With countries across Europe going into another round of COVID-19 related lockdowns, IHRSA has made the difficult decision to postpone the upcoming IHRSA European Congress 2020: Virtual Edition to the spring of 2021.

After extensively consulting with many fitness industry leaders who have seen their health clubs in many countries close, IHRSA opted to push its virtual event to next spring.

Working in conjunction with Club Industry and SIBEC, IHRSA will share the latest industry research and support the Future of Fitness virtual event to be held 16-18 November. Register for free here.

“While we are disappointed that the new lockdowns in Europe has forced us to postpone the Congress, IHRSA is extremely appreciative of the tremendous amount of time and energy our members and partners have contributed, and the passion they have demonstrated towards helping us create a truly outstanding program,” says Jay Ablondi, IHRSA’s executive vice president of global products.

Their ideas and input will aid IHRSA in delivering needed information and resources to clubs and supplier companies facing the many challenges the pandemic has caused. IHRSA would like to recognize the follow industry leaders for their advice and assistance on developing the IHRSA European Congress: Virtual Edition.

IHRSA Board of Directors (European Members):

• Anastasia Yusina, Strata Fitness Holding in Moscow & FITSPACE Studios in the U.S.
• Alan Leach, West Wood Clubs in Dublin
• José Teixeira, Solinca Health & Fitness in Portugal (IHRSA Board Nominee)

IHRSA European Congress Advisory Group:

• Leila Timergaleeva, IHRSA Ambassador to Russia, Ukraine & CIS
• Henrik Gockel, PRIME TIME Fitness, Germany
• Maria Angeles de Santiago Restoy, Management Around Sports, Spain
• Christophe Andanson, FHRSA and Les Mills, France
• Anastasia Yusina, Strata Fitness Holding in Moscow & FITSPACE Studios in the U.S.
• Alan Leach, West Wood Clubs in Dublin
• José Teixeira, Solinca Health & Fitness in Portugal

IHRSA Europe Council

• Kilian Fisher, IHRSA International Public Policy Advisor, Ireland
• Paul Eigenmann, QualiCert, Switzerland
• John Harris, John Harris Fitness Group, Austria
• Theo Hendriks, Sports and Leisure Group, The Netherlands
• Gian Luca Scazzosi, GLS Consulting, Italy
• David Minton, Leisure Database Company, U.K.
• Douglas Miller, Sales Makers International, U.K.
• Anastasia Yusina, Strata Fitness Holding in Moscow & FITSPACE Studios in the U.S.
• Henrik Gockel, PRIME TIME Fitness, Germany
• Maria Angeles de Santiago Restoy, Management Around Sports, Spain
• Christophe Andanson, FHRSA and Les Mills, France

IHRSA will continue to monitor country closures and reopenings, and continue to provide the industry with the resources needed to prepare and survive during these unprecedented times. Visit our coronavirus resource page or contact ihrsaeurope@ihrsa.org for more information.

Keeping clubs open is IHRSA’s number one priority, and we continue to make the case that exercise is vital. Ever increasing research shows that health clubs are safe and essential towards helping people cope with the pandemic and improve their overall health and immunity.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities for the event will remain open in the meantime with a precise date for the 2021 Virtual Edition of the IHRSA European Congress to be shared in the coming weeks. Should you require a refund, please contact ihrsaeurope@ihrsa.org.