I’ve just finished a whirlwind tour to LA and Southern California. My main focus of the trip was to participate in the first Succeed Boutique Fitness Convention and Expo, by AFSfitness.com. The event is targeted at new and existing gym operators of all disciplines in a 3-day conference.
During my trip, I visited composer and university friend Darius Sarrafi and his wife Anne. My trip included visits to Newport and Venice Beach.
Composer Darius Sarrafi at his art
With Darius Sarrafi
Venice Beach
Venice Beach
Out of this world Mexican food
The Conference
Todd Durkin, Success’ opening Keynote presenter and creator of the Mastermind programme, also led the first early morning workout.
Lesson No. 2 by Tood Durkin
Contagiasm
From Todd Durkin’s presentation
Early morning workout! Gloves together…
Early Morning Workout – Saturday
At the end of the Early Morning Workout
Augie’s Quest
The second keynote was help by Augie and Lynne Nieto, the Chief Inspirational Officers at Augie’s Quest. Augie Nieto, former CEO of Life Fitness, shaped the fitness world as one of the most influential innovators. After being diagnosed with ALS in 2005, he raised 50$M to date with the goal to cure ALS – it is one of the most well-known patient-led initiatives worldwide.
Hans with Augie and Lynne Nieto
Sessions
A total of 50 Breakout sessions were available to participants. Topics were wide spread and covered all elements that define today’s fitness industry: Including social media, PT management, growing revenue, team building, boutique best practices and tours. It was a great framework to learn valuable lessons and blueprints for success. All sessions were taped and available to members and non-members after the show finished.
Why Emotional Intelligence matters
Hans with Ramin Farengi of Zagros, Spain and Mo Hagan of GoodLife Clubs Canada
Mia Smith from Sweden presenting
Small Group PT
Success Takeaways
Chuck Leve’s final presentation
Club Visits
As usual, I like to keep up to date with the changing industry landscape, and California is one of the key hubs for the newest and latest in fitness. My trip included visits to Barry’s Boot Camp, Soul Cycle in Venice (LA), Hot Vibe Yoga, and Boxing Boutique in Costa Mesa.
Barrys Boot Camp LA
Soul Cycle
Vibes Hot Yoga
The Exhibition
The Expo consisted of around 50 exhibitors, showing the latest trends and technologies in the world of fitness. The expo included booths of Eleiko, Windforce and Vizpin. Further exhibitors even included a CBD dispenser provider and a Keytone-measuring gas analyser company (Levl).
Windforce Vizpin booths
The date oft he 2020 event was also announced: May 1-3, 2020, so mark your calendars. I tend to book my stays early on… this was my view in Irvine:
View from the top floor of Hotel Irvine
Till next time!
Hans