The 2011 Club Industry Show In Chicago - A Few Highlights

A lot went on at Club industry this year. Perhaps you read my prior post regarding the roundtable conducted by Michael Scott Scudder on what is happening in the fitness industry, if not check it out here. There were other interesting developments at the show so I thought I'd share a few highlights.

First, kudos to my friend and colleague David Wright for his MYZONE concept. MYZONE is a unique solution that I think a lot of club owners should check out. When I talk about the health club business needing to deliver member service both inside and outside the four walls and on a 24/7 basis, solutions like MYZONE represent what I am referring to. I was also glad to see Mike Leveque, who I was able to work with at Star Trac, involved with this company. Learn more about MYZONE here.

Second, it is always a delight to see someone you respect so much at a show like Club Industry and that certainly applies to my colleague Denise Lee Yohn. I follow her writing and views closely. Marketing and branding are changing for a lot of reasons, therefore I enjoyed seeing her presentation on how customer experience is marketing. Check out Denise's videos here to learn more. Operationalizing brands is an important concept more health clubs need to understand and embrace.

Third, Cary Wing's presentation on physician referral programs was a great one (to learn more visit Cary's web site ). Medically integrated fitness centers are an important and interesting trend and so are physician referrals . I also really enjoyed spending time with Star Trac owner Michael Bruno. Star Trac's turnaround is certainly underway and a slew of new customers and new products is moving that company forward ! We had a great dinner and I loved spending time with Michael, my friend Sal Pellegrino and others from the Star Trac team. Many thanks to all of you, including my partner and friend Robert Dyer, for making this years Club Industry a great one.

So tell me Bryan O'Rourke, were you able to attend Club Industry this year ? What do you think about it being relocated to Las Vegas in 2012 ? What things did you discover at Club Industry this year ? I look forward to hearing from you !

About the author Bryan O’Rourke:

Bryan O’Rourke is a health club industry expert, technologist, financier, shareholder and executive in several fitness and health club business service companies. He is also a partner in The Health Club For Women and Chairman of the Medical Fitness Association’s Education Committee. To learn more contact Bryan here today .