Agenda

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, June 9

 

06/09/2026 - 8:30am

06/09/2026 - 8:30am
06/09/2026 - 8:30am

PRE-CON: Functional Aging Specialist Workshop

The FAI Functional Aging Specialist is the complete certification program for the serious fitness professional who is ready to become an expert in functional aging and training of older adults.  You will receive in-depth training on functional training strategies and movements; how to conduct meaningful assessments of function; how to create and develop effective exercise programs; and critical skills to be an effective professional with this client base.

Dan Ritchie | Co-founder, Functional Aging Institute

06/09/2026 - 1:00pm

06/09/2026 - 1:00pm
06/09/2026 - 1:00pm

PRE-CON: Feet, Fascia & Functional Movement

This dynamic 4-hour workshop is designed for fitness professionals who want to better understand how the body moves from the ground up. This interactive session explores the critical connection between the feet, fascial system, and movement efficiency—and how these often-overlooked systems influence strength, mobility, balance, and performance.

Dr. Emily Splichal | Functional Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist, Founder of EBFA Global

 

 

Wednesday, June 10

 

06/10/2026 - 8:00am

06/10/2026 - 8:00am
06/10/2026 - 8:00am

Train Like the Best with EXOS

Led by EXOS performance expert Eric Dannenberg, this dynamic workout experience showcases the elite training methods trusted by professional athletes and top performers worldwide.

Eric Dannenberg | Performance Expert, EXOS

06/10/2026 - 9:15am

06/10/2026 - 9:15am
06/10/2026 - 9:15am

How to Train Older Adults: Using Evidence to Build Safer, More Effective Programs

This lecture examines the physiological and functional changes associated with aging and their impact on exercise performance. Participants will review current evidence-based guidelines for training older adults and learn practical strategies to improve strength, balance, mobility, and overall function while reducing injury risk.

Dianne McCaughney | Owner, Fitness Specialist & Master Trainer, ACE & FAI
06/10/2026 - 9:15am

The Future of Health: From Gyms to Health Hubs

The future of health is shifting toward a consumer-centric, digitally enabled model, where organizations like the YMCA play a pivotal role in addressing the 80% of health determinants that lie outside clinical care. 

Dr. Gloria Winters | Chief Health Officer, Sr. Vice President, Health Partnerships & Business Development , YMCA of the USA
06/10/2026 - 9:15am

Active Recovery for Client Wellness

In this hands-on workshop, discover the powerful combination of foam rolling and active recovery to help your clients improve their general wellness. This session is for personal trainers who want to enhance their clients' recovery routines by reducing muscle soreness and improving mobility and flexibility.

Marc Coronel | Owner, Energia Fitness LLC
06/10/2026 - 9:15am

Beyond the Game: Leadership, Culture and the Business of Women’s Sports

Attendees will gain insights into how today’s most successful organizations create meaningful connections with audiences, build resilient teams and turn mission into momentum.

Morgan Shaw Parker | President and Chief Operating Officer, Atlanta Dream

06/10/2026 - 10:00am

06/10/2026 - 10:00am
06/10/2026 - 10:00am

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Welcome to the ISSA Global Summit!

Josh Bryant | Strength Coach, Speaker & Author
Warren Heffelfinger | CEO, ISSA

06/10/2026 - 10:10am

06/10/2026 - 10:10am
06/10/2026 - 10:10am
  • Featured

KEYNOTE: Built, Not Born: Forging Greatness in Fitness and in Life

Whether you are a coach, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, manager or facility owner you will want to hear Corey's personal story.  Early struggles coming from humble beginnings in Louisiana to building his physique and then transforming others.

Corey Calliet | Transformational Fitness Coach & Celebrity Trainer, Global Brand Ambassador for ISSA
Alfred A. Edmond Jr. | Senior VP/Executive Editor, BLACK ENTERPRISE

06/10/2026 - 11:00am

06/10/2026 - 11:00am
06/10/2026 - 11:00am

3 Metrics that Matter: The Coaching Edge

We have more biometric data than ever before, now what? In this session, we will cover the three wearable metrics coaches should actually care about, how to interpret them, and the interventions that turn data into performance, recovery, and healthier humans.

Spencer Posey | Military and Human Performance Lead, Garmin

06/10/2026 - 11:15am

06/10/2026 - 11:15am
06/10/2026 - 11:15am

From Garage to Growth: Building a Performance Training Business Through Strategic Partnerships

Jawon Chisholm will discuss the challenges of starting from the ground up, building trust within the community, and identifying opportunities for collaboration that create long-term growth. Attendees will learn practical strategies for scaling a fitness business, developing meaningful partnerships, and turning limited resources into powerful opportunities.

Jawon Chisholm | Founder, Struggle To Succeed Fitness & Sports Performance
06/10/2026 - 11:15am

The Better Blueprint: Body Composition and Smarter Program Design

In this session, attendees will learn how body composition data can be used to create more targeted, individualized exercise and wellness programs based on a client’s actual physiological profile. Johnny August will break down how to move beyond surface-level metrics and use body composition insights to support goal setting, program adjustments, and more meaningful progress conversations.

Johnny August | Training & Development Manager, InBody USA
06/10/2026 - 11:15am

Panel Discussion: The Role of Fitness in Military Readiness & Transition

In this powerful conversation, veteran leaders, coaches, and fitness professionals share how fitness shaped their military readiness and became a foundation for personal growth, leadership, and career transition after service. From Special Operations and military recruiting to elite coaching and purpose-driven entrepreneurship, this panel explores how veterans can translate their experience into meaningful careers in health, fitness, and

Weston Faulkenberry | CEO, Find, Fix, Finish Health and Wellness
Earnest Tyson | Strength & Conditioning Coach, Team USA Kickboxing
Brian Ford | Co-founder , For Purpose Foundation
Colton Duran | Special Operations and Performance Manager, F45
Jordan Betz | Founder, Down Range Strength
06/10/2026 - 11:15am

Marketing and Selling to the Most Affluent Clientele, the Baby Boomer

We will discuss how to market and communicate your programs to those over 60,  look at various levels of affluence and buying power and how purchasing behavior changes, and learn how to sell longer more expensive programs from $4,000-$10,000 training programs.

Dan Ritchie | Co-founder, Functional Aging Institute

06/10/2026 - 1:00pm

06/10/2026 - 1:00pm
06/10/2026 - 1:00pm

Agility, Balance and Coordination for the Active Aging Client

(Grab a tennis ball!) This interactive workshop equips fitness professionals and caregivers with practical strategies to enhance agility, balance, and coordination in aging clients.

Roberto Melani | Regional Programming Manager, In-Shape Fitness
06/10/2026 - 1:00pm

Panel Discussion: How Women Are Redefining the Future of Fitness

In this dynamic conversation, industry leaders will explore the trends redefining fitness through the lens of women’s evolving needs and influence. From building stronger communities and more personalized coaching experiences to developing future leaders and creating sustainable wellness models, this panel will examine what the next era of fitness looks like, and what businesses and professionals must do now to stay relevant.

Pamela J. Brown | Vice President, Head of People & Culture, Crunch Fitness
Natalie Mayslich | Chief Operating Officer, ISSA
Sadie Lincoln | Co-founder & CEO, barre3
Erin Hennessy | Nutrition Scientist, Tufts University
06/10/2026 - 1:00pm

From In-Person Trainer to Online CEO

In this session, Hannah Eden breaks down the exact 3-step framework used to help trainers transition from in-person coaching to scalable online businesses—without needing a massive following or burning out in the process.

Hannah Eden | CEO, Hannah Eden Fitness
06/10/2026 - 1:00pm

Panel Discussion: Second Chances Through Strength: How Fitness Transforms Lives Beyond the Gym

This panel explores the often-overlooked community and correctional fitness opportunities available to trainers, highlighting the powerful role fitness professionals can play in rehabilitation, career development, and long-term impact.

Rodolfo Hernandez | Vocational Training Instructor, Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons
Michael Daniels | Owner & Founder, Round2Vision
Matt Billotti | Vocational Training Instructor , Federal Bureau of Prisons
Josh Liberatore | Executive Editor, Athletech News

06/10/2026 - 2:00pm

06/10/2026 - 2:00pm
06/10/2026 - 2:00pm

Ab Workouts for Exercisers Over 50

Offer your clients and classes high quality, effective, age-relevant ab exercises. Minimize crunches; maximize core engagement with the range of examples shown in this practical webinar. This session shares moves that align with the anatomical structure and function of the ab muscles. 

Kymberly Evans-Williams | Speaker, Presenter, Master Trainer, Workshop Leader
06/10/2026 - 2:00pm

Brain-Based Balance Training

The seemingly simple task of balancing on one leg or walking across the room is actually a complex, integrated, multi-sensory experience with stimulation coming from the eyes, ears, joints, and plantar foot. Join functional podiatrist and Naboso founder Dr. Emily for this exclusive opportunity to learn all you need to know to IMPROVE BALANCE!

Dr. Emily Splichal | Functional Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist, Founder of EBFA Global
06/10/2026 - 2:00pm

The New Competitive Advantage in Fitness

In this session, Khaled Elmasri breaks down six shifts shaping the future of fitness and what they mean for operators, leaders, and teams in the field. From onboarding and retention to leadership and personalization, this session is built to challenge the way we think and raise the standard for what great looks like.

Khaled Elmasri | Fitness Operations Manager, Excel Fitness
06/10/2026 - 2:00pm

GET MORE CLIENTS™: 3 systems to increase profits, get clients, and build a healthy team

You can't market high end services, with low-end budget gym marketing strategies. In this session, get the three systems you need to increase profits, get more clients, and build a healthy team.

Sean Greeley | CEO, NPE

06/10/2026 - 3:00pm

06/10/2026 - 3:00pm
06/10/2026 - 3:00pm

Fitness Career Roadblocks

This workshop is designed to help you navigate these challenges confidently. Combining cutting-edge research, insights from industry leaders, and real-world experiences, this workshop will provide strategies to avoid common pitfalls and turn obstacles into growth opportunities. You’ll learn to overcome setbacks, stay innovative, and drive career success despite hurdles.

Jessica Maurer | Fitness Business Strategist & Director of Education, Mental Wellbeing Association
06/10/2026 - 3:00pm

Monetize Your Passion: How to Find Content Market Fit on YouTube

This session is designed to help fitness professionals identify their value proposition, competitive advantage and target audience, in order to build a successful marketing and content strategy. The session will have an emphasis on YouTube and building multiple revenue streams on the platform.

David Sherman | Senior Product Marketing Lead, YouTube
06/10/2026 - 3:00pm

Developing Elite Performance: Training the World’s Best Athletes

Drawing from decades of experience working with world-class competitors, Yutaka will share insights on performance training, movement efficiency, recovery, and long-term athlete development. Attendees will gain practical takeaways they can apply with athletes and clients of all levels to improve performance, durability, and results.

Yutaka Nakamura | Founder, Nakamura Performance
06/10/2026 - 3:00pm

From Finish Line to Future: The Coach's Opportunity in the Global HYROX Sport

This session introduces HYROX as a rapidly growing global sport rather than a passing fitness trend. It explains the race format, its standardized structure, and the specific physiological and coaching demands required for athlete preparation.

Ralf Iwan | Head of HYROX365 Academy I Global, HYROX365 Academy

 

 

Thursday, June 11

 

06/11/2026 - 8:00am

06/11/2026 - 8:00am
06/11/2026 - 8:00am

Global Movement Lab

Ryan and Glen will take you on a 45-minute journey of different movement types including strength, athleticism, conditioning, mobility, and recovery. Showing how bodyweight training can develop complete fitness anywhere.

Ryan O’Reilly | Co-founder, Fettle Fitness Education
Glen Mccready | Co-founder, Fettle Fitness Education

06/11/2026 - 9:15am

06/11/2026 - 9:15am
06/11/2026 - 9:15am

Panel Discussion: From the Training Floor to the C-Suite: Women Redefining Fitness Leadership

In this candid conversation, top women leaders from some of the fastest-growing fitness brands in the industry share the pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and leadership strategies that shaped their careers. From scaling global operations and building high-performance teams to navigating change, growth, and industry disruption, this panel offers an inside look at what modern leadership in fitness truly requires.

Ashley Vazquez | Vice President of International, [solidcore]
Stacey Grotz | SVP of Marketing, ISSA
Julie Cartright | President, PVOLVE
06/11/2026 - 9:15am

Set the Standard: Building High-Impact Training Experiences That Keep People Coming Back

This session blends performance-based programming with proven coaching and group engagement strategies to explore how environment, communication, movement quality, energy, and team dynamics come together to create memorable training experiences that keep participants coming back.

Miguel Vargas | Senior Master Instructor and Training & Development Manager, TRX
06/11/2026 - 9:15am

Building the Future of Fitness Talent & Leadership

This conversation will explore what top fitness organizations are looking for in today’s professionals, how leadership is evolving across clubs and wellness brands, and the skills needed to build long-term success in an increasingly people-centered industry.

Kurt Mangum II | Vice President of Partnerships, ISSA
Efonda Sproles | Sr. Vice President of Scouting and Talent Strategy Acquisition, LifeTime Fitness

06/11/2026 - 10:10am

06/11/2026 - 10:10am
06/11/2026 - 10:10am
  • Featured

Keynote: From Grit to Growth

This keynote explores how intentional training—both physical and mental—builds the foundation for sustainable growth, resilience, and high performance in every area of life. Through raw storytelling and real-life experiences, Hannah Eden shares how fitness became more than just movement—it became a mirror. A tool for transformation. A way to develop discipline, confidence, and the ability to face discomfort head-on.

Hannah Eden | CEO, Hannah Eden Fitness

06/11/2026 - 11:15am

06/11/2026 - 11:15am
06/11/2026 - 11:15am

From Gym Floor to World-Class Coach: The Blueprint for Building Elite Athletes and a Legendary Coaching Career

The Blueprint for Building Elite Athletes and a Legendary Coaching Career tells the story of my journey from working nights in a hardcore gym at 16 to coaching elite strength athletes, professional competitors, and tactical operators. I’ll break down the principles behind building both high level athletes and a lasting coaching business by leveraging your strengths.

Josh Bryant | Strength Coach, Speaker & Author
06/11/2026 - 11:15am

True Fat Loss: Preserving Skeletal Muscle Mass in the GLP-1 Era

This session explores how fitness, health and wellness, and medical professionals can better identify true fat loss by looking beyond the scale and focusing on the protection of fat-free mass. Johnny August will break down why preserving muscle matters, how fat-free mass influences basal metabolic rate, and why body composition should play a central role in monitoring progress for GLP-1 users.

Johnny August | Training & Development Manager, InBody USA
06/11/2026 - 11:15am
  • Spanish

Mentalidad de Atleta Híbrido: De futbolista profesional a rendimiento funcional máximo

Los asistentes aprenderán la importancia de desarrollar un enfoque de entrenamiento funcional y sostenible para mejorar el rendimiento físico y mental tanto en el deporte como en la vida diaria.

Juan Herrera | Group Fitness Trainer/Personal Trainer, LifeTime Fitness
06/11/2026 - 11:15am

Train Local, Grow Big: Building a Thriving Fitness Business Through Community

We'll break down the community-first marketing playbook that's helped thousands of trainers scale beyond the four walls of a gym, including grassroots tactics you can put to work the moment you leave this room.

Jessie Richardson | President, Camp Gladiator

06/11/2026 - 1:00pm

06/11/2026 - 1:00pm
06/11/2026 - 1:00pm

Career Growth & Development

Career growth starts with your mindset — your results will only expand as much as your self-identity does. Building a strong personal brand, consistently showing up, and positioning yourself in high-level rooms creates real opportunity. Success comes from taking action, continuously developing your skills, and holding yourself to higher standards. At the end of the day, it’s not about being perfect — it’s about being consistent, confident, and committed to leveling up.

Melina Vlahos | Founder, The Melina Method
06/11/2026 - 1:00pm

Training the Moment That Matters: The 300 Millisecond Problem

This session explores the science behind that critical window, including how aging impacts reaction time, rate of force development, and the ability to respond under pressure. Attendees will learn why traditional strength training often falls short, and what it takes to train for the moments that truly determine independence.

Crystal Johnson | STEP Director and Older Adult Market Specialist , Keiser
06/11/2026 - 1:00pm

Unlocking Women’s Health: Hormones, Performance & Optimal Living

Join Alisa Vitti, founder of FLO Living and a leading voice in women’s hormonal health and functional medicine, for an educational fireside chat exploring the connection between hormones, fitness, recovery, energy, and long-term wellness.

Alisa Vitti | Integrative Nutritionist, Reproductive Endocrinology Author of WomanCode, and Founder of FLOliving.com, WomanCode & FLOliving.com
06/11/2026 - 1:00pm
  • Spanish

Las capas del coaching: de mover cuerpos a liderar transformación en clases grupales

En una industria donde la competencia crece y las opciones para el alumno se multiplican, saber dar una buena clase ya no es suficiente. Los instructores y coaches grupales que realmente destacan son aquellos que han desarrollado múltiples capas profesionales: técnica, comunicación, diseño de experiencia, conexión humana y criterio de carrera.

Andie Illanes | Fundadora, The Coach Upgrade® | Educadora Fitness y Consultora de Estudios Boutique

06/11/2026 - 2:00pm

06/11/2026 - 2:00pm
06/11/2026 - 2:00pm

Peak Mode: How Entrepreneurs Use Health, Mindset, and Identity to Perform at the Highest Level

It's a real conversation about mindset, health, and self-mastery; and the framework behind Peak Mode that is helping founders and executives build great companies without losing their health, their sense of self, or the life they're actually trying to build.

Giovanni Vaccaro | Co-Founder, Glamsquad
06/11/2026 - 2:00pm

Content Creation to Attract the 50+ Market

ISSA Master Trainer and Nutritionist Michael Wittig will guide you through marketing principles that will successfully help you reach and book more clients age 50+.

Michael Wittig | ISSA Trainer, Musician, Model & Writer, WittigWorks.com
06/11/2026 - 2:00pm
  • Spanish

Diseñando el Recorrido Antes de la Compra: De la Curiosidad a la Conversión (Designing the Pre-Purchase Journey: From Curiosity to Conversion)

La sesión estará enfocada en estrategias prácticas y aplicables que profesionales de la industria fitness podrán implementar para fortalecer la experiencia del cliente y mejorar la conversión desde el primer contacto.

Ernesto Medina | Business Coach and Pricing Strategist, Studio Grow
06/11/2026 - 2:00pm

The Future of Fitness: Global Trends, Data & Industry Innovation

Join global fitness and wellness leaders for a forward-looking conversation on the trends, technologies, and consumer behaviors shaping the future of the industry worldwide.

Crystal Wheeler | Managing Director, Industry Development (Americas), Beyond Active
Douglas Gremmen | Chief Growth Officer, HYROX

06/11/2026 - 3:00pm

06/11/2026 - 3:00pm
06/11/2026 - 3:00pm

The Revenue Ready Trainer

Most trainers enter the industry to change lives, yet many struggle with sales tactics that feel intrusive or "salesy." In this session, Dr. Darian Parker, 2023 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, shares a sophisticated, behavior-based framework for building a sustainable business through high-empathy human interaction.

Dr. Darian Parker | Owner, Parker Personal Training LLC
06/11/2026 - 3:00pm

The Future of Fitness: How Coaches, Brands, and Platforms Will Win the Next Decade

Attendees will walk away with a clear view of what winning brands will look like in 2029, how consumer expectations are changing right now, and what coaches, operators, and fitness professionals should do next to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting global market.

Mohammed Iqbal | Founder and Chairman, Sweatworks
06/11/2026 - 3:00pm

Panel Discussion: Going Pro in Fitness Careers

From networking and leadership to technology, communication, and career growth, attendees will gain real-world insights on navigating opportunities, standing out in a competitive industry, and creating long-term impact — whether working with elite athletes, general population clients, or anywhere in between.

Kiara Clark | Member Programs & Partnerships Manager, NFL Players Association
Jeff Kunowski | Founding Director, SPORTx at Arizona State University
Shaun Mayo | Chief People Officer , Arizona Cardinals
06/11/2026 - 3:00pm
  • Spanish

Wellness 4.0: Las 4 grandes escalones en la evolución de la industria del bienestar y cómo no quedarte atrás

En esta sesión entrego el framework completo desde mi doble experiencia: como ingeniero industrial 4.0 formado en Alemania y como Récord Guinness mundial entrenado bajo este sistema. Además, te muestro cómo diagnosticar tu práctica de wellness/fitness y saber en que nivel operas actualmente para dar los siguientes pasos.

Enrique Zapata | Founder, ELITE Legacy and co-founder of ATP App

 

 

 

 

Friday, June 12

 

Career Day Hiring Event! 9am - 1pm CST