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Boston – November 3, 2008– The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) recently concluded the 8th Annual IHRSA European Congress on 23-26 October 2008, in Lisbon, Portugal. The event was held in conjunction with the launch of the 2008 IHRSA European Market Report - a strategic tool for researchers, banks, investors, governments, insurance companies, club owners, and suppliers, which provides a comprehensive profile on individual fitness markets and industry trends for each of the leading European countries. The Congress attracted over 400 attendees from 25 countries as well as 20 sponsors. Kell Ryan (co-founder of Ryanair), Adrian Furnham (Professor of Psychology at London University), as well as leading industry speakers from UK, Netherlands, and Russia shared their knowledge and insight at the 8th Annual Event. “The superb array of speakers provided valuable, strategic, and operational insights into growing in difficult times,” said Hans Muench, IHRSA Director, Europe. “Further, there was a strong consensus among attendees of the valuable role that the fitness industry plays in disease prevention and fighting the obesity epidemic. As more people adopt regular physical activity as part of their lifestyles, we will see the cost of healthcare decrease.” The prestigious IHRSA European Club Leadership Award was presented at the Congress to VivaFit´s Constance and Pedro Ruiz of Lisbon, Portugal. “The European Club Leadership Award is presented to the club leader who has done the most to advance their company and the industry through leadership and performance, and we are proud to honor two of Lisbon’s finest as our very deserving recipients this year,” said Joe Moore, IHRSA’s President and CEO. The importance of the European market to IHRSA was underscored by the attendance of the IHRSA Global Board of Directors, who held their official meeting in Lisbon during the event. Chairman of the Board Gene LaMott gave the closing presentation to a packed audience. “We are committed to supporting our European members and suppliers”, stated LaMott at the conclusion of the event. The 9th Annual IHRSA European Congress will be held in Dublin, Ireland, 22-25 October 2009. The 8th Annual IHRSA European Congress was sponsored by: Activio AB, American Council on Exercise, AGAP, CYBEX International, Deloitte, Forum ll Nuovo Club, gym80 International GmbH, Keiser, Les Mills International, Leisure Industry Week, MATRIX FITNESS SYSTEMS / Johnson Health Tech. Co. ltd, Metrick Moving Pictures, milon industries GmbH, Nautilus International SA, Polar Electro Oy., Precor Incorporated, QualiCert, SPRI, Star Trac, Technogym SpA, Trixter PLC and Vital People Group NV. The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. The association’s membership includes over 9,100 clubs in 78 countries, along with over 730 industry suppliers. |
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International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association |
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