SFIA to Hold Flagship Event Virtually in November; Plans to Create New Regional, In-Person Industry Events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Alli Schulman
aschulman@sfia.org
301.495.6321
SILVER SPRING, MD (April 29, 2021) — The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) will hold its annual major industry event in a virtual format November 9–11, 2021. Entitled “SFIA Trends & Insights 2021,” the virtual event will feature top sports & fitness executives and high-profile subject matter experts addressing strategic issues and opportunities in a post-pandemic marketplace.
“We know our executives are intensely interested in learning insights and innovative strategies around taking advantage of a national economic recovery and increased physical activity,” said Tom Cove. President and CEO of SFIA. “After much consultation with our Board of Directors and member companies, we concluded that a virtual format is the most productive way to deliver valuable content this year. While we recognize many people are looking forward to in-person events, we heard clearly that restrictive travel policies and budget constraints in 2021 would likely limit attendance from many who would want to participate. Therefore, a virtual format was best for most members this year and we will return to an in-person SFIA Industry Leaders Summit next fall.”
SFIA Trends and Insights 2021 will be held from November 9–11, 2021 and will be free to all SFIA members. Sessions will include speakers, moderated panels and interactive industry discussions that touch upon today’s crucial concerns to the sports and fitness industry, including: changing consumer preferences; sports and fitness market analysis; return to youth sports trends; regaining momentum within the fitness club industry; organizational resiliency; supply chain developments; trade and tariffs in a Biden Administration; sustainability policy and practice; equity & inclusion; and more.
Non-SFIA members are invited to participate in all of the programs and interactive discussions for a fee. Registration is expected to open in May 2021.
In response to members’ desire for safe in-person gatherings, SFIA is planning to launch a series of regional events throughout the United States. Designed for groups of 50 attendees in a single afternoon, these regional events will provide attendees key educational content and networking, in a minimal-cost, highly accessible manner. SFIA envisions this opportunity to welcome younger industry colleagues as well as seasoned executives, further building on the goal to foster community and professional development.
“Our industry is stronger when our members can interact and feed off the energy of each other,” continued Cove. “Rather than ask our companies to come to us, we’re turning the model around and going to them.”
ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs and member services. For more information, please visit www.sfia.org.
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