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The 2018 Asia Fitness Conference, held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre in the Thai capital earlier this month, attracted the backing of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the 77 regional offices of the SAT, over 30 trade Associations, along with the extensive international support.

The 10th staging of the Conference saw the launch of the Thai Government’s Sport City program, a 20 billion Baht initiative to grow sport and fitness over the next year.

Among a number of Australian attendees, independent club owner Mel Tempest was impressed by the Conference.

In an account of her visit, Tempest, FITREC Global Ambassador and founder and host of the Gym Owners Business Podcast and Network explains “the Asia Fitness Conference was an eye opener , from the eighties themed opening transpired with industry legends such as Maureen ‘Mo’ Hagan and Helen Vanderberg dancing and prancing around on stage in retro leotards and hairstyles.

“For anyone who wasn’t alive back then actually watching Fabio Comana was just an experience!

“In a city that promotes futuristic opportunity through technology it was an interesting to see that education is desperately required in the fitness industry, and they certainly have all the tools to create incredible customer engagement and experience although they lack the foundations that create informed business.

“With leading fitness business experts presenting at the Conference, including New Zealander Dave Norman - formerly of Eye Fitness - who currently resides in Singapore heading up Virgin Active Health Clubs; educator Dan Henderson; entrepreneur Deb Goldberg and FitRec fitness registration leader Dennis Hosking, delegates were able to benefit from their background, knowledge and experience.

“Education workshops were small and informal with each session averaging 18 to 25 delegates in a small well fitted conference room. While the groups were small I found them more personalised with presenters creating a better connection experience. 

“Suppliers such as Zumba, Piloxing, Axle Workout, Myzone, NASM, were represented within the small exhibition area with some suppliers presenting demonstrations.

“Myzone was extremely popular with the Fitness First Thailand team utilising the belt with live demo’ of their own programs. At one stage I assisted a participant in putting his Myzone belt on the correct way, not upside down or over the top of her clothes!

“I participated in Zumba which was extremely popular with the males - including Dennis Hosking - and caught a glimpse of the new dance Piloxing program - certainly a program to keep an eye on if you’re a club owner looking.

“I caught up with Mo Hogan on all thing womens’ fitness business and I look forward to her plans to play a bigger role not just in the Asian market but also the Australian marketplace. As a board member of the Women In Fitness Association (WIFA) she will soon be playing an important role in the growth of WIFA in the region.

“New products were fierce with the team from Axle Workout demonstrating their new collapsible Olympic 5kg bar plus a new step that replaces the 

“Bosu ball promoting a more safer balanced workout. I found both pieces well suited for rehab, circuits, older adults and kids fitness. 

 

“The organisers did a magnificent job when it came to hospitality, I’ve never experienced such value for a delegate, morning and afternoon tea was prepared along with an incredibly buffet lunch containing over 20 dishes to select from. Saturday night saw the organisers present all delegates and attendees with a magnificent networking party - irrespective of status everybody was treated as one and everybody was invited, drinks, food and entertainment was supplied.

“People danced for hours and many awards were presented, people caught up, gossiped, laughed and just had a great time.” 

“What I experienced in Bangkok was a well adjusted and fair fitness industry where each person attending had the same common theme and that was education, community and culture. 

“There were no egos to be seen, fresh exciting speakers were heard, there were no bodybuilders or bikini clad persons, just an industry passionate about their role and wanting to encompass change and embrace the future.

“I even attended a Virgin Active club to witness the passion fitness professionals deliver.

“I also saw that, Bangkok, like Australia, seeks a stronger process for registration, accountability, transparency and ongoing education - it didn’t matter who you spoke to or if they came from one of the many countries represented, we are a global entity, the industry is a global product and we need a benchmark that is visible for fitness professionals who practice and those who employ. 

“We all want the same standards, opportunities and respect irrespective of where we come from, if we don’t cultivate these principals, we can’t deliver world class results for our clients, and without results we have no clients and no business.

“I would love to encourage the Australian fitness industry to replicate the Asia Fitness Conference, it’s what we want need and deserve.”

Click here for event information in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Images courtesy of Mel Tempest. Lower image shows Mo Hagen (left) with Mel Tempest.

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