Welcome to our recap of the Mariana Tek Summit 2024
Look, running a fitness studio? It’s not just about the workouts. It’s the early mornings, the late nights, the moments when you wonder if it’s all worth it. But then there are those days – a client reaches their goal, your team crushes it, you feel that connection to your community. Those are the days that make it all make sense.
The Mariana Tek Summit 2024 was one of those days. Held at FRANKIE in downtown LA, it was a jolt of energy for this whole fitness family. “Elevate Your Fitness Business” wasn’t just a theme; it was a promise. We packed the schedule with talks and workshops about conquering the latest fitness tech and growing your business.
Ready for the big takeaways? Here are 8 things we learned that’ll change how you run your studio:
1. Client Success = Your Studio Success
The summit highlighted how Mariana Tek drives results for all kinds of studios. Casey Cox from nooma shared how their team collaboration transformed her business. Even Anissa Seymour from What a Babe! Kids Studio, with her unique focus on kids’ activities, saw a major boost in customer engagement and a smoother operation after switching to Mariana Tek. Her enthusiasm was infectious: “All of our classes… are now booked with a waiting list!” The message is clear: Mariana Tek helps you deliver the kind of experiences that keep clients coming back, fueling your studio’s success no matter your niche.
2. Branding Isn’t Just a Cool Logo – It’s Your Growth Engine
Okay, when you think of branding, you probably picture logos and color schemes, right? Well, Andy Swansburg’s keynote blew that idea wide open. Since he’s Mariana Tek’s Chief Product Officer AND a fellow studio owner, his insights were pure gold. He broke down how branding isn’t just about looking good; it’s about unlocking serious growth potential. Think of your brand as the personality of your studio, the thing that makes people instantly connect and want to be a part of what you’re doing, which is crucial when expanding your fitness studio brand. A strong brand builds loyalty, attracts new clients, and makes your studio stand out in a crowded market.
3. Community is Everything
The atmosphere was electric from the moment people walked in! It was all about connecting, sharing success stories, and getting inspired to take things to the next level. James Reyes, General Manager and CRO for Fitness & Wellbeing at Xplor Technologies/Mariana Tek, gets the power of community:
“We’re all about helping you grow because this is a community where we grow together.”
Studio owners, partners, and industry leaders alike were ready to learn and push themselves further. Being part of a supportive community is everything – it fuels you and makes the whole journey so much better.
4. Technology is Your Studio’s Superpower
Andy’s keynote showcased the power of the right tech to transform your studio. Mariana Tek unveiled tools designed to streamline tasks, keep clients hooked, and make your life easier. Think revamped marketing, a better sales system, ways to celebrate milestones, and a messaging suite that’s “finally a sigh of relief on our team.” Mariana Tek gets it – tech should make running your studio EASIER so you can focus on delivering a remarkable client experience!
5. Feedback is Your (Not-So-Secret) Weapon
Okay, getting honest feedback can sometimes feel a little scary. But it’s the KEY to making your studio the best it can be! The summit highlighted the power of data and customer feedback. Andy made it clear that continuous feedback is vital for businesses to grow and adapt in a changing market. Treat feedback as your roadmap – it shows you what’s working, what isn’t, and helps you tailor your offerings to what clients truly want. Mariana Tek gets that staying ahead means truly listening to your clients. That’s why we are focused on integrating tools like NPS and CSAT surveys – to help you understand what your clients need and want.
6. Leadership and Well-being: Keys to True Success
This year’s summit went beyond just tech and strategy. Julius Thomas, founder of Mastery Development and former NFL athlete, shared a powerful reminder: it’s not just about achieving goals, it’s about taking care of ourselves along the way. His passion for clinical psychology and helping others highlights the importance of balance – nurturing our physical, mental, and emotional health to be the best leaders we can be. As he put it:
“Keep believing in yourself and what you’re doing for others.”
This message was a strong reminder that true well-being is essential for both personal and professional success.
7. “Growth at All Costs” is Over
The panel with Athletech News founder and CEO, Edward Hertzman, and Executive Editor, Josh Liberatore, was a wake-up call. Edward’s take on the industry’s funding changes was blunt:
“We went through a period where everyone was focused on growth at all costs, and now we’re at a point where businesses can’t just raise another funding round to make payroll.”
The emphasis is shifting from chasing unrealistic growth to building sustainable, profitable studios that can adapt and thrive, no matter the economic climate.
8. Think Beyond Fitness: It’s All About Holistic Wellness
The Athletech News panel, and the summit overall, highlighted a major shift in the industry. It’s not just about hitting the studio anymore; people are looking for solutions that address their overall well-being. Josh noted, “Connected fitness brands… are more popular than ever, it seems.” This focus on holistic health means thinking beyond just workouts – it’s about offering experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Studios that embrace this trend are the ones that will truly connect with clients on a deeper level.
Looking Ahead
The Mariana Tek Summit was a reminder of the incredible energy and potential within the fitness community. We covered so much ground – from the latest tech to the power of community itself. And this is just the beginning! We’re already gearing up for the next summit with even more innovations and insights to share. We couldn’t do it without you, so mark your calendars and let’s shape the future of fitness, together!
Want to be part of the next evolution in fitness tech? Discover how our software for fitness business can help you lead the way in holistic wellness and studio success. Book a demo today!
Read More
Ensure your studio is legally compliant by checking out Legal Essentials for Fitness Studio Owners for must-know information.
If you’re a new studio owner, explore Fitness Studio Management 101: A Beginner’s Guide for New Owners to set up your studio for long-term success.
by Xplor Mariana Tek
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First published: April 26 2024
Written by: Xplor Mariana Tek