On August 1st, 2025, almost 200 fitness professionals gathered in the heart of Anaheim, California, for a magical day. We didn’t end up at Disney; instead, we shared, created, learned, and grew at the Convention Center at Career Lab LIVE by Coach360. The day began with an energizing workout and tons of swag, culminating in the awarding of three individuals with incredible prizes and recognition for their hard work and impact as coaches.

Between those events, we were enlightened by some of the greatest names in the industry. We had incredible opportunities to listen to their greatest insights about starting, growing, or shifting a fitness career. With opportunities to connect and network at such an intimate event, the Career Lab by Coach360 provided a unique platform for everyone to level up their career.

Career Lab by Coach360 provided a focused approach to professional development in the fitness space. The event brings together trainers, coaches, and industry leaders for intensive learning sessions designed to address real career challenges. Unlike massive conferences where attendees can feel lost in the crowd, Career Lab maintained an intimate atmosphere that encouraged meaningful connections and practical skill development.

The program structure balanced education with networking, combining expert-led sessions with hands-on workshops, and each person left with CECs from either ACE, ISSA, NASM, AFAA, or NCSF. Participants engaged with content that addressed common industry pain points while building relationships that attendees could take with them after the event concluded. This dual focus creates an environment where professional growth happens through formal learning and organic peer-to-peer exchange.

A Day Packed with Practical Wisdom and Career-Building Sessions

The Convention Center turned the event into a carefully curated learning environment that prioritized human connection. Tables accommodated no more than eight people each, creating natural conversation circles that encouraged networking and community building throughout the day. 

Colour-Addicts brightened the room with vibrant pillows, towels, and textiles that added energy and warmth to the space. The visual elements created an atmosphere that felt welcoming, setting the tone for open dialogue and collaboration. As one of the event sponsors, American Council on Exercise provided the Coach of the Year winners with free education opportunities, demonstrating their commitment to ongoing professional development. A highlight of the event was the Creator Spotlight, sponsored by True Coach, which allowed coaches to share their stories and get their photo taken. 

White Rabbit and Lemon Perfect kept attendees energized with delicious drinks throughout the day, while Vooray and Fabletics contributed swag bags that participants could use in and out of the gym. These partnerships enhanced the experience while providing practical value. The swag bags included protein by PERK protein powder, but PERK didn’t stop there. They also sponsored the breakfast to ensure participants were adequately fueled for a day of learning.

The day began with an energizing workout led by Maricris Lapaix and Lacee Green, immediately establishing the active, engaged tone that would carry through every session. They brought the best vibes, and three participants walked away with more than a workout. Lacee awarded two participants with Ryka shoes, and Kathleen gave away a Kineon MOVE+ to one lucky winner.

Following the workout, Coach360 CEO Kathleen Ferguson addressed the group about Career Lab’s purpose and the critical role coaches and trainers play in the industry. She highlighted the persistent challenge of high turnover rates, emphasizing that the best coaches often struggle due to a lack of better business and career skills, which hinder their professional advancement. Ferguson’s message resonated throughout the room: “There is no pill for lasting transformation; coaches are the catalysts for real change in the industry.”

Celebrity trainer Corey Calliet followed with insights from his journey from the streets to Hollywood, sharing practical wisdom about manifestation and professional development. “If you speak it into existence, it can actually happen,” he told the audience, before challenging them to examine their own readiness to serve others.

The morning continued with “Certified and Ready: Now Let’s Build Your Fitness Career!” moderated by Dr. Anthony Wall with panelists Jessica Maurer, Tricia Murphy Madden, and Christine Conti. This session guided newly certified professionals through the transition from certification to thriving career, covering how to become an ideal candidate for clubs and studios, find their unique niche, and market themselves effectively. The panel addressed what hiring managers look for and how to position yourself as an asset to fitness facilities.

Pete McCall delivered a focused session on “Periodization Programming for Client Retention,” diving deep into how structured progressive training plans keep clients engaged and motivated while preventing plateaus. McCall explored how varying intensity, volume, and recovery periods throughout the year can align with clients’ goals, ensuring they stay challenged and invested in their fitness journey. He emphasized how effective periodization builds long-term client loyalty by providing personalized, goal-oriented training that adapts to each client’s needs.

The lunch break turned into a networking opportunity, allowing attendees to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential employers while discussing career opportunities. This extended networking session provided valuable face-to-face time that many found instrumental in making meaningful professional connections.

Joey Thurman moderated “Define Your Lane: Building a Standout Fitness Brand Rooted in Purpose, Passion & Personal Identity” with panelists Lacee Green, Bree Mitchell, and David Christopher. This session explored how successful fitness professionals find their niche, align their business with their identity, and create brands that resonate. Participants learned to turn their background, values, and lived experiences into compelling brand stories, define and dominate their niche, and build with purpose while scaling without losing their voice or values.

Jessica Maurer presented “Fitness Industry Roadblocks: Mistakes To Avoid and Strategies For Growth,” combining cutting-edge research with insights from industry leaders and real-world experiences. The workshop provided strategies to avoid common pitfalls and turn obstacles into growth opportunities, helping participants navigate challenges confidently. Attendees received practical tools for enhancing resilience and achieving success while learning to identify and avoid industry pitfalls.

The afternoon featured “Real Connection, Real Growth: Cultivating In-Person Community to Build Fitness Careers in a Digital Age,” moderated by Maricris Lapaix with panelists Nate Hyland, Eloiza Tecson, and Marc Rodriguez. This session explored how authentic community building remains the cornerstone of long-term fitness industry success. As Nate noted, big events are always a great way to level up your career, but small, intimate events like Career Lab are where the real magic happens. Participants learned practical strategies to create inclusive, purpose-driven spaces that foster deep connection and naturally support career opportunities and client retention.

Todd Durkin closed the educational portion with his high-energy keynote “Coaching Greatness: Top ’10’ Traits of the Greatest Coaches of All-Time.” Drawing from 25 years of experience, Durkin unpacked proven strategies for scaling fitness businesses and increasing active and passive revenue. He delivered actionable insights on brand-building, marketing, and team growth while sharing methods for maximizing client results by selecting the right services, products, and offerings. Not to mention, he had the room laughing at his tactics to hold his clients accountable. 

The day concluded with Kathleen Ferguson presenting the Coach of the Year Award, recognizing an exceptional fitness professional who demonstrated leadership, growth, and impact in the industry. With Nicole Leasher winning the Rising Star category, Jerry Joseph taking home the Fitness Visionary award, and Alli Felsenthal winning the Holistic Hero award. Each winner received a Hyperice Hypervolt 2 and a Kineon Move+, and Jerry walked away with a $100 giftcard to Fabletics.

Final Thoughts

Trade shows offer quick handshakes and business card exchanges, but Career Lab provided an opportunity to slow down to build something deeper. The intimate setting allows conversations to move past surface-level introductions into genuine exploration of challenges, solutions, and shared experiences.

These connections matter because fitness careers are built on relationships that go beyond a single transaction or referral. The coach you sit with at lunch might become your accountability partner, the panelist who shares vulnerability about their struggles might inspire your next career pivot, and the person you meet during the networking break might open doors you never knew existed.

About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.