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How can we meet the needs, wants and expectations of customers, clients and members that we don’t understand? People who don’t necessarily think like us? Who don’t speak our ‘language’? How can we build connection, rapport, understanding and trust with people who have different beliefs, expectations, communication styles, personalities and objectives? How can we produce great outcomes if we can’t navigate the inevitable psychological, physiological, sociological, cultural, behavioural and emotional differences that exist between people? The short answer is, we can’t. Not optimally, anyway. Shiny equipment isn’t enough. New tech isn’t enough. Awesome music isn’t enough. Fancy change rooms aren’t enough. They’re all great but in an industry dependent on connection, credibility, care, rapport, trust and happy customers, understanding the people we serve is paramount.
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Join Katherine Stewart, Senior Associate at Velocity Legal, for “Changing Workplace Laws – What Businesses Need to Know: Casuals, Contractors, and Right to Disconnect.” Delve into essential updates in employment law, from navigating the complexities of casual and contractor arrangements to understanding the evolving right to disconnect. Gain invaluable insights to ensure legal compliance and foster positive workplace relationships in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.
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Join Barrie, the dynamic CEO of AUSactive, as he delivers compelling industry insights and outlines the organisation’s future initiatives at the Ignite Business Event. This presentation will provide attendees with the latest data and trends impacting the exercise and fitness industry, offering a deep dive into current market dynamics and the strategic direction AUSactive is taking to foster growth and innovation for our sector.
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Explore the serious issues of workplace bullying, violence and harassment in “The Silent Killers.” This session uncovers the definitions and impacts of such behaviours on individuals and teams, providing essential insights into maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.
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Join us for an insightful keynote presentation focused on mastering the art of crafting engaging copy for email and text messaging to enhance your lead nurturing strategies. In this session, we’ll explore powerful strategies to connect with leads swiftly on an emotional level, igniting immediate engagement and skyrocketing response rates. Led by Benji Donhardt, attendees will uncover the secrets to driving conversions and amplifying revenue for their businesses through compelling communication. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to revolutionise your marketing approach and unlock unparalleled success in the digital realm!
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Join Edward Curtain, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of international business development experience, as he explores “The Future of ‘Authentic Wellness’ Business Models, Technology, and Opportunities.” Gain valuable insights into emerging trends and innovative strategies shaping the wellness industry, and discover how to leverage technology to create authentic wellness experiences that drive business growth.
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With 21 years of experience as a club owner who has extensively traveled the world searching for niche programming and products, Mel deeply understands the social community aspect of the business. From program selection to concepts, marketing, successes, and mistakes, you’ll likely have plenty of questions following her insightful presentation. Mel has not only presented as a group fitness expert in international locations such as Japan, Paris, South America, New Zealand, and Athens, but she has also been a speaker at major fitness business events in recent years. A five-time global award recipient, Mel is renowned for her straightforward and effective approach to the fitness industry.
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If you feel like you’re being crowded out of the marketplace by ‘influencers’ and new kids on the block shouting louder than you with their fancy content. And despite being a leader in your industry you just can’t seem to get your message out to the right people… then you need to become A Market Leader. In this session Richard Toutounji will show you the same strategy he has used to create hundreds of market leaders who not just stand out but are the go-to- authorities in their local areas.
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When you look at your business through a different lens you see multiple opportunities for sales, retention, staffing and creating wealth. In this presentation, I will share an example of a referral campaign that has driven more sales than you can imagine! You’ll learn the difference between retention and attrition and get a strategy to improve your retention number that will result in a huge ROI of your labour. Your team’s NPS will directly correlate to enhancing your staffing opportunities, so let’s boost that NPS! And finally how you can you turn profit into wealth. Your business is a treasure chest, you just need to know where to look.
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Media – social or traditional – is a vital part of the marketing mix, yet it’s an activity that the fitness industry, from the largest chains to the smallest studio, all-too-often overlooks.
Nigel will explain the most effective ways to tell the world and, most importantly your market, about the great things you do – generating attention, enhancing your reputation and enhance your business.
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Groundbreaking new research has revealed that Millennials and Gen Z now make up 80% of health club members. So what do they expect from a club experience and how do they like to work up a sweat? We crunch the numbers to uncover killer insights into the workout wants of ‘Generation Active’.
As the largest generation ever, Gen Z will have a bigger impact on the fitness market than any other group. And with 50% of them eager to start exercising, clubs face a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turbocharge their membership. So where should they start? We will review the 5 top tips for winning the untapped Gen Z market.
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Join Scott Hunt in his empowering session, “Enhancing Accessibility: Leveraging NDIS to Build a More Inclusive Business.” Learn practical strategies to broaden your service offerings for people with disabilities through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Discover how to transform your business practices to be more inclusive, ensuring that you not only comply with standards but also lead the way in creating a welcoming environment for all clients.
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Clubs and Studios increasingly utlise trials and low entry offers, letting prospects “try before they buy”. The challenge? Turning those trials into committed full members.
Learn how use the art of ‘Transition’ to confirm prospects want to join before presenting prices. Discover how to use the ‘BPP Journey’, that will ensure you create excitement and commitment to join.
Equip yourself with skills to:
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Learn how to create a steady flow of leads into your studio with the Five Funnel Marketing System. Discover the only five funnels you need in your marketing + walk away with an implementation, cheat sheets and plan for putting your marketing funnels to work.
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Join us for an engaging and interactive round table discussion on unlocking the power of the META business advertising platform. In this workshop, we will delve into the intricacies of setting up and optimising lead generation campaigns LIVE. Guided by Michael Friedman participants will gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge on navigating the META platform effectively to drive impactful business results. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your advertising skills and elevate your digital marketing strategies!
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In this session we will unpack the drivers of competitive advantage that result in more leads, higher yield and longer retention. We will unpack how fitness results & a sense of community are the 2 most important drivers of advantage, and how you can leverage them both to boost the bottom line.
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Explore the serious issues of workplace bullying, violence and harassment in “The Silent Killers.” This session uncovers the definitions and impacts of such behaviours on individuals and teams, providing essential insights into maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.
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In an industry brimming with competition, staying ahead means understanding the latest trends. This session explores how to strategically leverage emerging wellness movements to differentiate your offering and captivate your target audience. We’ll discuss how to identify which wellness practices align best with your business, and practical ways you can implement a wellness offering that supports your clients or members goals.
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Join Edward Curtain at the Women’s Health Summit as he explores “Opportunities for your Brand in Asia Pacific Women’s Health & Wellness industry.” Dive into the rapidly growing market of Asia Pacific Women’s health and wellness, uncovering untapped opportunities for brands to expand their reach and impact in this dynamic sector. Gain insights into consumer trends, cultural nuances, and strategic approaches to effectively penetrate and thrive in this evolving market landscape.
Craig Harper is one of Australia’s leading presenters, writers and educators in the areas of health, high-performance, resilience, self-management, leadership, corporate change, communication, personal transformation and more broadly, human behaviour. Craig has worked as an Exercise Scientist, Corporate Speaker and Consultant, University Lecturer, AFL Conditioning Coach, Radio Host, TV Presenter, Newspaper Columnist and successful Business Owner. He hosts a high-rating Podcast called ‘The You Project’, is the author of seven books and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology.
Katherine is passionate about employment law. She knows that a driving factor of a successful business is the capacity to build strong employment relationships and effectively manage disputes that arise.
Before becoming a lawyer, Katherine was engaged as a Workplace Relations Advisor at a professional association. This ‘on the ground’ experience helped to develop Katherine’s practical approach to resolving complex workplace problems.
As a legal practitioner, Katherine has worked extensively with HR managers, business owners and executives across a diverse range of industries from health to construction. She prides herself on her capacity to think laterally whilst maintaining a keen eye for legal detail.
Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne.
Barrie Elvish, CEO of AUSactive, is a seasoned leader in the Australian Fitness Industry. With a robust background, he has steered AUSactive to prominence. Barrie is recognized for his strategic vision and operational expertise, contributing to the company’s success in promoting physical activity and well-being. With extensive experience in fitness and sports management, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry landscape. Barrie is dedicated to fostering a healthier nation, and his leadership at AUSActive reflects a commitment to advancing fitness on a national scale. His dynamic approach and industry contributions underscore his influence and impact.
With over 30 years of expertise, is a health and high-performance expert specialising in the intersection of body, mind, and soul for individual and organisational benefit. As a nationally accredited mediator and negotiator, she focuses on communication, dispute resolution, and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Edwina offers wellness programs, dispute resolution, and communication training, as well as healing retreats, helping transform both personal lives and workplace cultures.
Edward Curtain is an accomplished leader with 30+ years of experience in international business development for health, wellness, fitness, sports, recreation, spa, and education. My expertise extends to growing super-brands such as Nike Sports Camps®, Anytime Fitness®, Technogym®, spearheading world-class Wellness projects such as Cooper®, Vitalake®, Octave®, and successfully overseeing B2B contracts for leading global brands including Tencent®, Midea® and Lenovo®.
Grant’s career as a transformative leader in the fitness and wellness industry is highlighted by some remarkable achievements, including spearheading a 15x revenue growth for a fitness franchise and building a $100m benchmark US wellness group. These accomplishments highlight his expertise in driving retention and fostering growth within the fitness and wellness sector. His innovative work includes a best selling leadership book, “The Affinity Principle” and the creation of the AI-driven AFFINITY OS platform. Grant’s approach is deeply rooted in the creation of strong, engaged communities within the fitness industry. As a featured speaker, Grant brings invaluable insights into the dynamics of customer and team engagement, proving that sustainable success is built on the foundation of meaningful relationships and strategic innovation.”
Mel stands as an indomitable force, a trailblazer igniting transformation within the fitness industry. Garnering five prestigious global awards, she’s a beacon of innovation and inspiration. In 2017, she shattered barriers as the first Australian to receive a scholarship from IHRSA, setting a precedent for excellence.
Recognised as a top influencer by the Association of Fitness Studios in consecutive years, 2019 and 2020, Mel’s leadership knows no bounds. Her ascent to the Top #5 Smart Company in 2017 underscores her relentless pursuit of excellence.
At the helm of Ignite Fitness Business Events and her acclaimed podcast, Mel orchestrates change with finesse. Her pioneering strategies in fitness consulting and club management champion unique market niches, seamless technology integration and unwavering operational standards.
Mel’s fervor for catalysing industry evolution transcends borders, epitomising global leadership. Her journey epitomises the power of personal transformation and success, irrespective of formal education. Recognised with the prestigious role of honour by AUSactive in 2022, Mel’s influence continues to soar.
In 2023, she assumed the mantle of board Director at AUSactive, further solidifying her commitment to shaping the industry’s future. Mel’s legacy is one of relentless innovation, inspiring generations to redefine possibilities and embrace change.
As the owner of Australia’s first Private Fitness Studio and founder of one of fastest growing corporate wellness companies, for 21 years, Richard Toutounji is known as the go-to-Authority in the fitness industry. Richard Toutounji along with his wife Joey Toutounji founded COM Marketing, educating health & fitness studios globally.
Their award winning COM Marketing Ninja Program has empowered thousands of Fitness Studios and have now been recognised by the governing bodies, partnering on marketing education with AUSactive, Exercise New Zealand, Pilates Alliance Australia & Yoga Australia.
Richard is a best selling Author and International Speaker. He is a serial entrepreneur and is obsessed with helping fitness business owners achieve impossibilities through his proven experiences and programs to create a healthier, happier world. Richard currently resides in Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia with his wife and 2 boys.
Daz Wrigley is the Partnerships Director for Australia at Les Mills Asia Pacific.
With 32+ years’ industry experience, as a specialist in Sales and Business Development with training in professional development, leadership and communication, Daz leads the Australian Business Team at Les Mills Asia Pacific. In this role, he helps his team support fitness facilities to achieve their short and long-term member acquisition, retention and business growth goals, by leveraging the world’s best group fitness workouts.
Like Les Mills Asia Pacific, Daz is for a fitter planet. His goal is simple: to help create healthy fitness businesses, so members fall in love with fitness.
Daz lives in Sydney with his partner Gayle and two young daughters, Charlotte and Monique.
Scott Hunt is the founder and CEO of Fit Your Ability, an NDIS registered Personal Training and disability support company servicing over 4,000 suburbs around Australia. Beginning in 1999 as Fitness Enhancement Personal Training, and franchising in 2014 to partner with other businesses in the fitness industry, Scott’s companies have always been about helping those who need to exercise with a fitness professional, but feel that gyms can’t cater to their ability.
As Australia’s largest and longest-running NDIS registered fitness company, Scott and his team advocate for a more inclusive fitness industry with the goal of the fitness industry being truly inclusive to all abilities.
Scott has a Bachelor in Business Majoring in Sports Management, a Certificate III and IV in Fitness and his multi-award-winning companies most recently won the 2022 AusActive Employer of Choice (for a brand with 10+ locations) and the 2023 AusActive Franchise Group of the Year.
Steve Jensen (Dr J) is a world-renowned expert in business sales and development, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. As an award-winning, presenter and sales coach, Steve has helped countless businesses around the globe double and triple their sales income by empowering sales teams with up-to-date tools, strategies, communication techniques, and skills. Steve is recognised as one of the best in the business, and everyone knows that if you get an opportunity to learn from him, you seize it.
Experienced and results orientated Lisa delivers exceptional customer service, reflecting her commitment to her clients’ success. She combines a warm, compassionate personality with steely determination and focus. Lisa’s early experience working in Media followed by her career in the Real Estate Industry that spans over 25 years is where she has honed her Sales, Marketing and Customer Service skills. Dedicated to her clients’ success shines through in her everyday approach and she is both passionate and proactive with a genuine knowledge and belief that Mystery Shopping can make a huge difference in your business. Lisa is an avid bibliophile, works as a writer and editor in her spare time and is a member of a Melbourne fitness centre where she trains most days.
With over 17 years of experience in the field which began at Coca-Cola, Michael has a proven track record of success in sales and marketing. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Deakin University, Michael’s academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in marketing principles and helped him develop a keen analytical mindset.
Oh, and he is a passionate long-distance trail runner & gym junkie too!
I’m Emmett a founding Partner in the global wearable technology brand Myzone – a hardware, cloud-ware, and software mix that drives exercise adherence for the end user, and customer engagement metrics for the network partner. Check it out at MYZONE.org
I moved from Australia to the USA in 2011 to manage Myzone through the developmental phase of its commercial existence. After 2 years of beta with the product, and 2 years of establishing product market fit through a significant amount of market interface, I was part of the senior team that led the company thru its ‘go to market’ phase in 2013/14, seeing the system now installed in over 7000 health clubs in 60+ different countries. The platform is currently attracting tens of thousands of new users every month, changing behaviour one exerciser at a time.
Reece has been in the fitness industry for more than 30 years including leadership roles as CEO of Les Mills and on the Board of Exercise New Zealand. Since leaving the corporate world, Reece has been sharing his wisdom to help club owners in Australia and New Zealand achieve their business goals. Along the way, he has learned a lot about what it takes to make a fitness business truly world class. In his experience, the secret of success starts with finding and keeping the right people. Reece is the man to talk to if you are looking for a way to find, train and retain trainers in your fitness business.
With over 30 years in the fitness industry, Tracy has evolved from a Group Fitness Teacher and Personal Trainer into a prominent advocate for women’s health, particularly in menopause education. Her extensive experience includes developing fitness teams and programs across Asia. Tracy’s personal journey with menopause, detailed in her book “My Menopause Memoir” and the “Sexy Ageing” podcast, underscores her commitment to empowering women through knowledge and community support.
