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

  •  Season 7, Episode 1

Episode Summary

On 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 industries
  • What attendees can expect from the combined Expo Hall, including activations, education, and networking
  • How paid attendees gain access to both IDEA and NIRSA education programs
  • How the expanded Career Fair connects students, emerging professionals, employers, and brands
  • Why experiential events like golf, pickleball, and social activations play a vital role in professional growth
  • Who this event is designed for — from students and instructors to executives and industry partners

Featured Guests

  • Nick Zumbrun — Leads Expo and Sponsorship for the NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo
    Nick shares how the combined expo experience creates unmatched energy, innovation, and business growth opportunities for brands and attendees alike.
  • Brittany Regda — Oversees Education Programming and the Career Fair for NIRSA
    Brittany 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 Sowers — Leads Special Experiences for the NIRSA Foundation
    Becky highlights experiential networking opportunities including the golf tournament, pickleball championship, and fundraising initiatives that build connection beyond the classroom.

About the Event

2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo
April 2026 – National Harbor, Maryland

This groundbreaking event brings together:

  • Campus recreation professionals
  • Fitness and wellness leaders
  • Students and emerging professionals
  • Commercial fitness brands and suppliers
  • Corporate and community wellness stakeholders

With 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 7

Throughout 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 World

IDEAfit PRO SHOW is hosted by Amy Boone Thompson; executive produced by Kent Lejarso.

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.

IDAfit Pro Show - S7 ep1