This is a time of unprecedented change. Changing what we do, how we do it, and when we do it. If there is one thing we do know as fitness professionals, it is this – change is constant. This is most apparent in how we train everyday with our clients and members. Fitness professionals are among the most resilient and nimble professionals in the world and this has equipped us with the strength to go through and grow through the greatest challenge we have ever faced in our lives.
As fitness clubs and studios across Canada are getting the green light to re-open in the context of COVID-19, canfitpro, the national organization representing Canadian fitness professionals, has postponed the annual canfitpro 2020 health and fitness in-person conference to August 13-15, 2021 and while it has been their most difficult decision to make in 27-years, it is what is best for the safety, health and wellbeing of the community.
“The health, safety, and wellbeing of our associates, members, presenters, sponsors and exhibitors is our highest priority, so it was clear we needed to postpone our annual in-person event to 2021 and find a new way to connect and galvanize the fitness community. Although so many things are uncertain right now, one thing remains true…there’s a power in people connecting,” said Maureen (Mo) Hagan, chief operating officer of canfitpro.
That said, canfitpro is excited for the future as they move into the world of virtual and livestream education, training and events. By embracing this change canfitpro has the opportunity to serve even more fitness professionals, bringing more education and training opportunities to more people – all in the safety and comfort of their own home.
This year, organizers have been busy transforming this popular educational and networking event into the canfitpro 2020 Virtual Series, a 4-part series of online training events that will take place over two days August 14 and 15, with subsequent one-day online training events September 19, October 17 and November 14, 2020.
Hagan added this year’s canfitpro 2020 Virtual Series is designed to deliver the energy and excitement of in-person conferences. Attendees from across Canada and around the world will have access to live-streaming education from fitness experts, leaders, pioneers, and innovators from around the globe.
Well-known presenters will include:
- Mike Lipkin, international strategic coach and catalyst for high performance.
- Silken Laumann, Olympian, mental health advocate and founder of Unsinkable, an online forum celebrating stories of perseverance.
- Beto Perez, of Latin-dance inspired workout Zumba.
- Dr. Kelly Starrett, CrossFit trainer, physical therapist, speaker and author of Becoming a Supple Leopard and co-founder of MobilityWOD
- Sadie Nardini, renowned ultimate wellness and yoga expert
- Luka & Jenalyn, ballroom dancers and former contestants on NBC’s World of Dance
- Dr. Rumeet Billan, leadership coach and research lead on The Tallest Poppy, a study of how co-workers undermine their peers for succeeding in the workplace.
The virtual series will offer 15 educational tracks with 135 sessions in areas of specialization including business management success, boutique fitness, Women Who Influence, moving your business online, group fitness, personal training, strength training, recovery, mind & body, coaching, wellness and nutrition. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from this virtual Series will be donated to Unsinkable to support mental health awareness.
canfitpro delegates will have access to sessions to upgrade their fitness knowledge and skills, bolster their careers and re-invent them self but also to prepare for and adapt to industry changes during the pandemic recovery. Topics include Best Practices of Virtual Training, Start the Fitness Business of your Dreams During the Fitness Industry Recovery, Connecting to your Community on Camera and Rock your Social Media in 2020.
To register and find out more about the canfitpro 2020 Virtual Series, visit canfitpro2020.org.
