Shaping the Narrative: Member Focus Groups

Perhaps the most influential member perk is participation in the member focus group. These small, interactive sessions allow members to share with HFA staff the specific challenges they face on the ground and what they need from the association to run operations more effectively.

These lively discussions ensure that the association’s legislative, research, and educational priorities are driven by the most pressing needs of industry business owners. They give a voice to the everyday member that HFA leaders value when creating strategic goals.

For example, last year, members raised challenges with cold plunge regulations, and that feedback elevated the topic to a top state issue in the HFA Advocacy ROI Report. This year’s topics will be announced soon, and members will be invited based on appropriate fit.

Strengthening the Professional Community: Networking That Advances Careers

HFA hosts several smaller gatherings designed to facilitate direct connection and peer-level problem solving. These sessions move away from the "lecture" format and focus on creating a community where professionals can talk shop and trade strategies.

• New Member Reception: Sponsored by Life Fitness, this event is designed to welcome those who joined HFA within the past year. It offers a relaxed setting to meet the HFA executive team and board members, helping new members establish their professional network from the very start.

• “Making Connections” Orientation: This session is built specifically for first-timers to help them navigate the sheer scale of the conference. It provides the organizational tools and networking tips needed to ensure that the ideas captured in San Diego actually make it back home to their teams.

• One-on-One Meet-Ups/Mini Roundtables: These intimate sessions bring together professionals in similar roles—such as club managers, programmers, or trainers. They offer a dedicated time for peers to tackle shared operational challenges and to brainstorm solutions with people who truly understand their day-to-day reality.

“We want our members to leave San Diego not just with new leads but also with the specific tools, connections, and advocacy support that will drive their businesses forward for the rest of the year,” Johnson says.

Membership is open to owners, operators and partners committed to advancing the future of fitness.