Sesason 7: Inside the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo: A Historic Industry Collaboration

IDEAfit Pro Show — Season 7, Episode 1Episode Title: Inside the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo: A Historic Industry CollaborationEpisode SummaryOn the premiere episode of Season 7 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone-Thompson kicks off the season by spotlighting one of the most significant moments in IDEA’s history: the first-ever collaboration between IDEA Health & Fitness Association and NIRSA (National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association).Together, these two organizations are launching the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo, a powerful, unified event designed to bridge campus recreation, commercial fitness, wellness, and industry partners — all under one roof.In this episode, Amy is joined by three leaders from the NIRSA team who are shaping the combined event experience. They take listeners behind the scenes of the expo, education programming, career pathways, and immersive experiences that will define this landmark conference.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why the IDEA + NIRSA partnership is a game-changer for the fitness and recreation industriesWhat attendees can expect from the combined Expo Hall, including activations, education, and networkingHow paid attendees gain access to both IDEA and NIRSA education programsHow the expanded Career Fair connects students, emerging professionals, employers, and brandsWhy experiential events like golf, pickleball, and social activations play a vital role in professional growthWho this event is designed for — from students and instructors to executives and industry partnersFeatured GuestsNick ZumbrunLeads Expo and Sponsorship for the NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & ExpoNick shares how the combined expo experience creates unmatched energy, innovation, and business growth opportunities for brands and attendees alike.Brittany RegdaOversees Education Programming and the Career Fair for NIRSABrittany discusses the structure of the dual education programs, main stage speakers, career pathways, and why professional development is at the heart of this event.Becky SowersLeads Special Experiences for the NIRSA FoundationBecky highlights experiential networking opportunities including the golf tournament, pickleball championship, and fundraising initiatives that build connection beyond the classroom.About the Event2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & ExpoApril 2026National Harbor, MarylandThis groundbreaking event brings together:Campus recreation professionalsFitness and wellness leadersStudents and emerging professionalsCommercial fitness brands and suppliersCorporate and community wellness stakeholdersWith 20+ CECs available, dual education programs, immersive expo experiences, and expanded career opportunities, this event creates career-defining moments for professionals at every stage.What’s Ahead in Season 7Throughout Season 7, the IDEAfit Pro Show will feature conversations with 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World presenters, diving into their career journeys, session topics, and the ideas shaping the future of fitness, wellness, and recreation.Subscribe, share, and stay connected as we unpack everything leading up to the 2026 event.2026 NIRSA + IDEA WorldRegistration:Program: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2026-idea-world/sessions-overview/Mainstage Speakers: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2026-idea-world/mainstage-speakers/Socials & Activities: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2026-idea-world/socials-activities/Pre-Conference Workshops: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2026-idea-world/preconference-workshops/IDEAfit PRO SHOW is hosted by Amy Boone Thompson; executive produced by Kent Lejarso; engineered by Michael Hilding.About IDEA® Health & Fitness Association IDEA® Health & Fitness Association has served as the World’s leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals for over 44 years. We deliver world-class content and continuing education to fitness professionals, business owners and allied health professionals via our publications, including the award-winning IDEA Fitness Journal. We also power fit pros through our fitness, business and nutrition conferences, most notably our IDEA WORLD Convention and with hundreds of digital courses available on ideafit.com. We Inspire the World to Fitness® with the passion and dedication of IDEA Members in more than 80 countries.For further information contact:IDEA® Health & Fitness Associationwww.ideafit.comEmail: [email protected] you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. The IDEAfit PRO SHOW is part of the IDEA Podcast Network. A big thanks to our entire team at IDEA Health & Fitness Association. Copyright 2026 by IDEAfit, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.