#FILEX2017 Insights From Club Owner & Fitness Australia Chairman David Allan

I like to attend the whole event – from business summit through to the 3 day convention. It’s the one big annual fitness event that provides such value. From connecting with like minded individuals and old fitness friends through to the take away information that the presenters provide, it’s an event that I don’t miss.

I’ve been fortunate to travel to International events like IHRSA and IDEA in the US – and I have to say that I always see that the standard and quality of information delivered at Filex is world class.

As Australians, this event is something that we should all be proud of, and certainly maximise the opportunity when it’s on our own doorstep.

Even though I’m pretty old (!) and have been working in the industry for 25+ years – I always come away from Filex with ideas and motivation to get back to best practice. Sometimes it’s ideas and concepts that I haven’t heard of before, and others its things that I have, however are not implementing so its a kick up the rear to get back and plan to do it better.

I think that’s the key, you have to go in with an open mind and remember that there will be one or two concepts and ideas that will make a significant difference in how you run your business, and therefore the results and outcomes that you will get. This year there were a few key takeaways that I personally took

Michelle Segar’s session at the business summit.

Her thoughts on the language we use around results/outcomes verses how our clients should feel when they exercise really resonated with me. We do often set up our clients for failure by wanting to give them everything they desire so we can fall into the trap of telling them what they want to hear. Her session made me think that if we help them enjoy the process more, we should be successful in greater retention. At 38X Fitness, our boutique studio brand we’ll be really working this concept into our DNA.

Phil Noteworthy was awesome.

I found the business breakfast keynote fantastic – Phil certainly made me think around the future of the industry and how technology will continue to change how we deliver fitness. I appreciate being able to listen to thought leaders from both within, and as importantly from outside our industry. This aspect makes my investment in Filex so worthwhile.

Brad from Create PT Wealth.

I really valued the session on sales funnels and automation of message. This is pertinent to changes that we’re making in our business and provided some very practical thoughts as we evolve our business growth strategies.

Overall I find Filex an inspiring event – it also helps that we re-connect with fitness friends and colleagues at least once a year!

Active Management Note

David and his wife Paula are the owners of 38X Fitness a boutique studio in Sydney. Both of them have had a wonderful history in the industry, loads of experience at all levels, and are now creating a great impact in their community. ‘DA’ is also the current Chairman of Fitness Australia.