NEWS RELEASE
SUCCEED! Announces Four Additional Expert Presenters
(OAKLAND, CA, September 24, 2018) – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced another four fitness industry experts have agreed to be presenters at SUCCEED! – the first-ever major Business Convention & Expo for current and aspiring studio/gym owners - April 12-14, 2019 at Hotel Irvine, in Irvine, CA.
The four newly confirmed speakers are community marketing specialist Karen Gilbert, social media guru Scott Rawcliffe, motivational behavior expert Kerri O’Brien, and 7-figure business owner Frank Nash. They join the ever-growing list of high-impact speakers making SUCCEED! unique among fitness industry educational events.
“Each of these speakers brings that ‘special something,” said Josh Leve, AFS founder and CEO. “These people are bona fide experts in the industry willing to share their experiences to enhance the businesses of all attendees. We are thrilled that they will be delivering powerful messaging to our audience.” 
Karen Gilbert
How to Partner to Create Grassroots, Community-Oriented Marketing Campaigns
Entrepreneur and personal trainer Karen Gilbert is the founder of O2 MAX, a nationwide fitness, and media company based in Santa Monica, CA. O2 MAX is a revolutionary fitness solution that combines online tools, social media, and real-world workouts to provide an adaptable and personalized fitness regimen for students and busy people.
Karen received her MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Southern California and has taught the NASM curriculum to aspiring personal trainers. Karen is a master trainer for NAFC, a BOSU ambassador and teaches pre/postnatal fitness to other new moms.
She is a member of the AFS Advisory Council and the recipient of the first IHRSA Emerging Female Leader Award. In 2007 IHRSA named her one of the 25 most influential young leaders in the fitness industry.
Scott Rawcliffe
Pre-Con: Leveraging Social Media for Acquisition & Retention
Roundtable Interactive Discussion: Social Media Marketing
Scott is an expert in social media marketing and lead generation, running a marketing agency and consulting firm dedicated to the health and fitness industry. Over the past seven years, Scott had spoken at some of the biggest conferences across the globe and has also become a sought-after speaker due to his ability to combine the most current trends and tactics with numerous laughs throughout his presentations.
Born and raised in Canada, now residing on the Gold Coast in Australia, Scott is dedicated to sharing his insights and knowledge with his fellow fitness professionals, as well as fitness enthusiasts. He strives to build a better- educated and informed industry without the dogma of the mass media.
Dr. Kerri O’Brien
The Top Motivational Behavior Techniques You Can Leverage to Drive a Lot More Revenue
Dr. Kerri O’Brien has nearly 30 years of experience in the fitness industry working in for-profit fitness and spa centers, non-profit YMCAs, trade associations, recreation centers, university and college settings, weight management clinics, corporate wellness, franchises and police, and fire services.
A well-known industry expert, Kerri often delivers seminars and workshops and writes articles worldwide on a variety of subjects such as population programming, data collection and use, facility design, all aspects of the fitness business, corporate wellness and motivational behavioral change.
Dr. O’Brien has comprehensive skills in operations, turn-around plans, start-ups and creating new revenue streams along with expertise in business structures, international and domestic market segments, and organizational development. She creates immediate improvements in cash flow, cost reductions, planning, reporting, and controls. She is a member of the AFS Advisory Council.
Frank Nash
How I Grew my Fitness Business that Now Charges $300/Month and Has a Waiting List
Best Selling Author and International Speaker/Personality, Frank Nash is one of the most in-demand and exciting coaches, writers, and presenters in the fitness industry. He currently spends his time lecturing, teaching, training, and writing and as the owner of Frank Nash Training Systems in Worcester, MA, Frank consults and works with gyms and clubs all over the globe
A personal trainer by education and passion, Frank created and managed a successful health club where he “pioneered” small group training (where customers share the time and cost of the trainer). Though included in Frank’s successes are countless collegiate and professional athletes, Frank’s true passion and focus is weight loss and lifestyle coaching. He calls this “life changing” training.
Frank’s passion for excellence has driven him to help thousands of individuals succeed and build what has been called “one of the most successful training clubs” in the nation. His leadership is recognized worldwide as he consults with many gyms on the “business of fitness.” He is a member of the AFS Advisory Council.
About SUCCEED!
SUCCEED! will be an event like none other in the fitness industry with 2.5 days of education solely dedicated to fitness businesses of all sizes, disciplines and tenure for entrepreneurs looking to take the next step in their career. The event will feature three pre-cons, over 50 sessions in six educational tracks, a 70-booth Expo highlighting new technologies and equipment, with networking and social events throughout.
About AFS
The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) is the only membership community dedicated solely to the business of fitness studios. AFS provides studio owners and developers a wide array of business-specific products, services, and benefits that enable them to more effectively manage and grow their businesses, building on the passion, compassion and courage they’ve already shown – including SUCCEED! - the first-ever major Business Convention & Expo for current and aspiring studio/gym owners.