IHRSA’s Women’s Leadership Summit Heads to AB Show 2019

The IHRSA Women’s Leadership Summit, hosted by Athletic Business, will be held on November 14 at the three-day AB Show in Orlando, FL. IHRSA is partnering with Athletic Business for the event for the second year in a row.

“We are excited to bring the IHRSA Women’s Leadership Summit to the AB Show once again,” says Anita Horne Lawlor, IHRSA’s chief operating officer. “IHRSA is proud to offer valuable opportunities for women in the fitness industry to network, learn from other successful women, and grow professionally.”

Women’s Leadership Summit Keynote & Panel Presentations

Building on the success from last year’s summit at the AB Show in New Orleans, LA, this year will feature fresh faces and fitness industry insiders on the stage.

The one-day event will begin with Debbie Peterson, business coach, author, and speaker, with her keynote titled “Mindset Strategies for Career Growth.” During her presentation, Peterson will help attendees create clarity for their career and discover strategies to produce better business decisions, improve focus, accelerate results, and be more productive in ways that work with a demanding lifestyle.

Following the keynote and a Q&A with Peterson, a panel of fitness industry experts will discuss people, perspective, and purpose. Michele Melkerson-Granryd, IHRSA board member and general manager of Castle Hill Fitness 360 in Austin, TX, will moderate the panel discussion with three influential industry leaders:

• Lynne Brick is a co-founder of Brick Bodies in Greater Baltimore and is also co-owner of Planet Fitness Growth Partners, one of the largest franchisees of Planet Fitness. Brick is a former IHRSA board member who played a key role in creating the IHRSA Woman Leader Award to honor Julie Main and establishing the IHRSA Women’s Leadership Summit.

• Carol Nalevanko is president of DMB Sports Clubs which operates the Village Health Clubs and Spa. During her 40 years with the company, Nalevanko’s vision has shaped the character and culture at the upscale, four-facility chain based in Phoenix. Nalevanko served two terms as an IHRSA board member, and has been heavily involved in IHRSA’s leadership initiatives for women over the past 10 years.

• Greta Wagner, executive director/EVP at Chelsea Piers in Connecticut, is responsible for the leadership, development, and financial success of the 500,000-plus square foot Stamford facility. Wagner has more than 30 years of industry experience and is a current member of the IHRSA Board of Directors.

Women’s Leadership Summit Networking Opportunities

The event will conclude with a networking activity facilitated by Peterson, which will help attendees expand their network of colleagues, mentors, and sponsors, and a cocktail reception, which will provide attendees multiple opportunities to learn from and connect with industry colleagues.

Registration to the event includes the IHRSA Women's Leadership Summit, an AB Show Expo Pass, and access to Thursday night’s AB Show Welcome Reception. It costs $129 for IHRSA members and $159 for non-members. Registrants will be eligible to purchase a full-conference pass for AB Show 2019 at a special rate of $99. Registration is limited to facilities eligible for IHRSA membership.

The full schedule and registration details can be found on the Women’s Leadership Summit website.

The Athletic Business Show, which will be held November 13-16 in Orlando, is an educational event and trade show for athletic, fitness, and recreation professionals from around the world.