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

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.

1. Why the IDEA + NIRSA partnership is a game-changer for the fitness and recreation industries
2. What attendees can expect from the combined Expo Hall, including activations, education, and networking
3. How paid attendees gain access to both IDEA and NIRSA education programs
4. How the expanded Career Fair connects students, emerging professionals, employers, and brands
5. Why experiential events like golf, pickleball, and social activations play a vital role in professional growth
6. Who this event is designed for — from students and instructors to executives and industry partners

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.

2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo

April 2026

National Harbor, Maryland

This groundbreaking event brings together:

1. Campus recreation professionals
2. Fitness and wellness leaders
3. Students and emerging professionals
4. Commercial fitness brands and suppliers
5. Corporate and community wellness stakeholders

With 20+...

As we close out Season 6 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, Amy Boone Thompson reflects on an unforgettable season packed with wisdom, connection, and purpose. From inspiring stories to actionable strategies, every episode has prepared us for the ultimate gathering of fitness professionals: IDEA World 2025. In this finale, Amy shares highlights from the season, how they align with IDEA World’s pillars of knowledge, community, and inspiration, and why this year’s convention in Sacramento promises to be a career-defining event.

• How Season 6’s conversations set the stage for IDEA World 2025
• The three pillars of IDEA World—knowledge, community, and inspiration—and how they come alive at the event
• Highlights of this year’s Golden Gala, including Denise Austin receiving the Jack and Elaine LaLanne Award
• What to expect at IDEA World: 175+ sessions, 22+ CECs, an expansive expo, and unmatched networking opportunities
• Why attending IDEA World is the best investment for fitness professionals at any career stage

• Register for IDEA World 2025: https://www.ideafit.com/world
• Learn about IDEA Health & Fitness: https://www.ideafit.com
• Follow IDEA on Instagram: https://instagram.com/ideafit
• Catch up on Season 6 episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Sign up for IDEA World 2025—register now at https://www.ideafit.com/world/

Download the Brochure

Connect with IDEA® Health & Fitness Association

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• IG: @ideafit
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• X/TW: @ideafit  
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IDEAfit PRO SHOW is hosted by Amy Boone Thompson; executive produced by Rominna Rufin; engineered by Michael Hilding.

About IDEA® Health & Fitness Association 

IDEA® Health & Fitness Association has served as the World’s leading organization of...

With over four decades of empowering millions to move, Denise Austin has redefined what it means to make fitness fun, accessible, and sustainable. In this special episode, Amy Boone Thompson talks with the iconic fitness expert and 2025 recipient of IDEA’s Jack and Elaine LaLanne Award. Denise reflects on her groundbreaking career, shares stories of her mentors Jack and Elaine LaLanne, and reveals how she continues to inspire generations to live healthier, happier lives.

• How Denise Austin launched her fitness career and became America’s favorite fitness expert
• Her lifelong mentorship connection with Jack and Elaine LaLanne
• Tips for staying relevant and inspiring in the ever-changing fitness industry
• Denise’s current focus on “Fit Over 50” and making wellness accessible for all
• What to expect when Denise is honored at IDEA World 2025’s Golden Gala

Sign up for IDEA World 2025—register now at https://www.ideafit.com/world/

Download the Brochure

Resources & Links:

• Denise Austin Website: https://deniseaustin.com
• Denise Austin Easy Spirit Shoe Collection: https://www.easyspirit.com/collections/denise-austin
• Follow Denise on Instagram: https://instagram.com/deniseaustin

Connect with IDEA® Health & Fitness Association

• FB: @ideafit
• IG: @ideafit
• LI: @ideafit
• X/TW: @ideafit  
• Threads: @ideafit
• YouTube: @ideafit
• TikTok: @ideafit

IDEAfit PRO SHOW is hosted by Amy Boone Thompson; executive produced by Rominna Rufin; 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 43 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