On January 14, fitness operators will have the opportunity to hear from global retention specialist Dr. Paul Bedford in a webinar focused on the critical first 12 weeks of the member journey and the operational strategies that shape long-term engagement. While January typically marks the industry’s busiest season, the session emphasizes that retention is built year-round through early habits, consistent experiences, and meaningful interactions between staff and members.

The webinar, Keys to Fitness Industry Retention & Growth Strategies for 2026, is designed for owners, operators, managers, membership teams, frontline staff, and coaches—reflecting the idea that retention is not the responsibility of one department but a shared culture across the organization.

Topics will include:

• Understanding the First 12 Weeks Framework and how early visit patterns predict long-term outcomes
• Identifying early behavioral indicators of at-risk members
• Effective onboarding strategies, including communication scripts and micro-commitments
• Supporting long-term members during high-traffic periods
• The role of everyday frontline interactions in shaping the member experience
• Operational and cultural practices that distinguish high-performing clubs