Back in April, we previewed Sibec Americas 2024, which was held at The Langham Huntington resort in Pasadena, California from May 19-22. Described as “business speed dating” by Robert Shannon, Jr., Global Director of Sibec Events, the event was slated to host more than 100 pre-qualified senior executives from the club industry (names like Active Wellness, Gold’s Gym, and Planet Fitness) and 100-plus industry suppliers—including ABC Fitness, Les Mills, Matrix, and more—to conduct a minimum of 15 one-to-one, 20-minute meetings over two-and-a-half days and three nights.
The meetings were set up in advance and during the event, the parties met at “suppliers tables.” Once the meetings started, the supplier and buyer had 20 minutes to get to know each other and ask the questions they needed answers to. When the meeting ended, the operators had five minutes to get to the next meeting on their agenda.
Along with the scheduled meetings, attendees had ample opportunity to network at receptions and educational presentations, ice-breaker events, and informal meet and greets. Sibec 2024 also featured a Supplier Showcase, during which buyers and suppliers got the chance to meet and exchange contact information and follow-up details.