Sibec: Operator-Supplier Events Purpose-Built for Business

For more than 25 years, Sibec has been hosting unique events designed to bring operators and suppliers together for bespoke, one-to-one meetings and networking opportunities in upscale, comfortable settings.

"At the time the founders launched Sibec, they saw a void in the market," says Robert Shannon, Jr., global director of Sibec Events. "There were plenty of conferences and trade shows, but not that many opportunities for operators and suppliers to have more in-depth, meaningful interactions. Through Sibec hosted buyer meeting forums, club executives and suppliers can conduct six months' worth of meetings without the hassle of multiple trips."

How It Works

Sibec 2024, being held in Pasadena, California from May 19-22, will host more than 100 pre-qualified senior executives from the club side of the aisle and another 100-plus industry suppliers to conduct a minimum of 15 one-to-one, 20-minute meetings over two-and-a-half days and three nights.

"Many refer to this as 'business speed dating,'" Shannon jokes. "Both the club executives and the suppliers access our meetings portal a few weeks in advance of the start of Sibec. Here, the delegate will read profiles and organization details and then decide if they would like to select a meeting with at least 25 people. Buyers and suppliers both make their respective selections and then prioritize them from one (most important) to 25. Based on this prioritization, our software algorithm creates the meeting schedules."

During the event, buyers meet suppliers at "suppliers tables." These tables are placed in alpha order, with no priority given to suppliers who have been attending longer or have higher-volume sales.

"We announce the start of each meeting, and the supplier and buyer then have 20 minutes to get to know each other and ask the questions they need answers to," explains Shannon. "At the end of the 20 minutes, we announce the meeting’s conclusion and let operators know they have five minutes to get to the next meeting on their agendas."

Where Deals Get Done

Sibec 2024 is clearly an atmosphere purpose-built for getting business done, even beyond the specific meetings.

"During the event, all attendees lodge, meet, dine, attend receptions and educational presentations, and participate in designed ice-breaker events to encourage networking," he says. "I have seen all sorts of business also conducted by the pool, in the lobby lounge, or just riding in an elevator at our host resort. And that makes sense. Sibec brings together only select fitness and wellness and supplier executives. It’s a truly exclusive group of decision-makers, with no middle people. From formal meetings to casual dining or game playing, we’re all together with ample time and opportunities to connect with one another."

In addition, Sibec features a Supplier Showcase, during which there are no scheduled meetings and buyers can visit with suppliers they haven't met to exchange contact information and follow-up details.

As far as attendees go, the roster of operators and suppliers reads like a who’s who of the fitness industry, like Active Wellness, Gold’s Gym, and Planet Fitness, on the club side, along with suppliers including ABC Fitness, Les Mills, and Matrix.

While Sibec 2024 is all business, the environment is designed to ensure that it all takes place in comfort. The setting is The Langham Huntington, an iconic resort in Pasadena, California. Just minutes from Los Angeles, The Langham offers a range of options for high-end dining, a fitness center, tennis courts, full spa amenities, and more. So, it’s almost all business.

"We think of Sibec as a perfect complement to Health & Fitness Association shows," Shannon says. "We're mutually supportive, well-respected health and wellness organizations with different styles and approaches. And both have proven to work for operators."

To learn more about Sibec 2024 or to register, visit their website. The next upcoming event is Sibec EMEA at the Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco, from November 4-7, 2024. Check out the website to learn more.