The 2024 IHRSA Convention & Trade Show, held last week, wrapped with buzz about the organization’s new name and targeted mission “to be the global community for health and fitness leaders focused on advocacy, education and research.”

IHRSA 2024 welcomed over 300 exhibitors, 150 guest speakers, and 8,700 fitness professionals. The show organizers reported preliminary numbers show a double-digit increase in attendance from 2023’s venue.

The Association announced on March 7 that it rebranded to the Health & Fitness Association. For more SGB Media coverage on the name change, go here.

“The feedback we have received from around the world has been overwhelmingly positive, as we are The Health & Fitness Association,” said Liz Clark, president and chief executive officer. “People from nearly 80 countries attended the event, and many of them were in the packed first-day keynote address to hear this announcement in person.”

The Association said it arrived at the new name after consulting with members, supplier partners, consultants inside and outside the industry, and some of its founders.

“We were very deliberate in choosing our new name,” Clark said. “The name demonstrates the breadth of our reach and our industry’s impact—yes, we are fitness, but we are also health. We play a role in improving mental health and preventing chronic disease—we are part of the solution. Our new name not only provides clarity about who we are, but it also will help us gain greater respect from policymakers whose decisions impact our members on a daily basis.”

The rebrand rollout will continue for several months, with ongoing updates to the Association’s website, social media platforms, email addresses, signage, and contracts.

New Board Members
During the annual meeting, the Association elected five new board members whose terms will begin on July 1, including:

  • Deborah Fiorella, chief technology and digital officer, 24 Hour Fitness
  • Richard Idgar, COO, EoS
  • Ahmar Azam, founder and CEO, TriFit
  • Mel Kleist, CEO, East Bank Club
  • Matthew Stevens, president and CEO, Bay Club Company

The Association will elect a new chair and vice chair at its June board meeting.

Award Recipients
The Health & Fitness Association also honored three industry leaders:

  • Lynne Brick, co-founder of Brick Bodies and one of the largest franchisees of Planet Fitness, received the Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main,
  • Kevin McHugh, COO of The Atlantic Club, received the Jim Worthington Advocate of the Year Award, and
  • Alan Leach, CEO of The West Wood Clubs, received the John Holsinger Global Leadership Award.

The Health & Fitness Association’s 2025 Convention & Trade Show will be in Las Vegas, NV from March 12-14, 2025.

Image courtesy Pure Barre