training programs for major companies , including 3M , GE , and Johnson & Johnson . In her speech , Bodell will propose that everyone , potentially , is a change agent , and will describe some simple , yet dynamic exercises to “ ignite ” innovation .
LISA is sponsored by MYZONE .
On Thursday March 22 , Leah Busque , who founded TaskRabbit , an ondemand service marketplace that was instrumental in launching the “ sharing economy ,” will speak on “ Making Ideas Happen .”
Busque started her career at IBM as a software engineer , working on Domino and Lotus Notes , but , then , in 2008 , launched Task Rabbit , pioneering the concept of “ service networking .” She raised $ 50 million in venture capital to grow the company , taking it international , and recently sold it to IKEA .
Leah is sponsored by Technogym .
Next , on Friday , March 23 , Josh Linkner , an author , serial entrepreneur , investor , and jazz musician , will tackle the topic of “ Harnessing Innovation : Turning Raw Ideas into Positive Results .”
A talented guitarist , Linker spikes business savvy with the improvisational nature of jazz to offer a fresh take on unleashing creativity . The best businesses , he reports , have developed a systematic process for transforming their team ’ s imaginative notions into viable products and services — something he discovered while founding and growing firms that sold , collectively , for more than $ 200 million .
Josh is sponsored by Matrix Fitness .
Finally , on Saturday , March 24 , Isaac Lidsky , an attorney , author , entrepreneur , consultant , and successful CEO , will deliver the final IHRSA keynote address , “ Eyes Wide Open .”
Though born with retinitis pigmentosa , a degenerative disease of the retina that eventually took his sight , Lidsky graduated with degrees in math and computer science from Harvard University at the age of 19 , and , subsequently , earned a law degree from Harvard . He cofounded an Internet startup , which sold for $ 230 million , and , most recently , transformed a money-losing $ 11-million concrete subcontracting business into a $ 150-million construction services firm .
Ironically , he explains , his blindness conferred a new “ eyes-wide-open ” perspective on life that he now shares with others .
Isaac is sponsored by Daxko .
Educational Excellence
While the four keynotes serve as the critical corners of the convention ’ s educational platform , there are also lectures , tutorials , roundtables , orientations , summits , receptions , forums , “ Fast Track ” continental breakfasts , and IGNITE !, a fast-paced format that gives presenters five minutes to make their case .
The 150-plus sessions encompass virtually every imaginable aspect of club operations , including Leadership ; Programming ; Exercise Classes ; Supplier
Seminars ; Management and Operations ; Membership Sales and Marketing ; Customer Service and Retention ; Research and Industry Trends ; Fitness and Personal Training ; Health Promotion and Wellness ; and Technology and Social Media .
The titles and contents of individual events bespeak IHRSA ’ s determination to provide current , accurate , and actionable information that operators — whether novices or veterans — can put to use . You have , for example , topics such as “ Building a Million-Dollar Training Business ;” “ The Technology of Connected Gym Experiences ;” “ The Importance of Data Collection in Today ’ s Successful Health Club ”— and that ’ s just a sampling of the offerings on Day One of the convention .
All keynote sessions and select education sessions will be translated into Portuguese , Russian , and Spanish . In addition , select keynote and education sessions will be translated into Chinese ( Sponsored by ChinaFit ) and Japanese .
The extensive trade show will take place on Thursday , March 22 , and Friday , March 23 . One of the world ’ s preeminent showcases for fitness products and services , the 2018 edition will feature the wares of more than 350 of the industry ’ s most respected and innovative manufacturers and suppliers . The venue not only provides an opportunity to examine and test-drive their latest offerings — many making their grand debut — but also to plumb the expertise of the firms ’ representatives : some of the most knowledgeable sources of intel on industry developments , trends , and future prospects .
To obtain more information or to register for IHRSA ’ s 37th Annual International Convention & Trade Show , log on to www . ihrsa . org .
ABOUT IHRSA
Founded in 1981 , IHRSA – International Health , Racquet & Sportsclub Association – is the industry ’ s global trade association , representing more than 10,000 health and fitness facilities and suppliers worldwide . Locate an IHRSA club at www . healthclubs . com . To learn how IHRSA can help your business thrive , visit www . ihrsa . org . John Holsinger , IHRSA ’ s Director , Asia Pacific , can be contacted at jwh @ ihrsa . org or on mobile 0437 393 369 .
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