SFIA - Sports & Fitness Industry Association

*SFIA Member-Only Tariff Webinar in Two Days!* Join us THIS THURSDAY at 12 p.m. (12/12) for the FREE webinar, Beyond Our Borders: Navigating the Complexities of Global Tariffs, to discuss the tariff landscape and help you plan for what is to come. We will cover:   - Tariffs on imports from China   - Tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada   - Tariffs on imports from all other U.S. trading partners Click here to register today! https://lnkd.in/e3qVZ-V7 *This webinar is available to SFIA Members only*

🌟 COMING SOON 🌟 In-depth analysis of workout trends, participation habits, and purchasing behaviors for the fast-moving fitness industry! The 2024 Tracking the Fitness Report will be available THIS WEEK! Sneak peek: -- For the third straight year, data revealed that fitness participation increased from 205.8 to 208 million from 2023 to 2024 - the highest in five years! -- For the first time on record, health club membership has surpassed 70 million, growing 16.6 percent, or 10.4 million people in the last five years Run on over to sfia.org/research to see all our research offerings, and stay tuned to download the report - FREE for SFIA Members!

The International Longshoreman’s Association has walked away from the negotiating table for a second time in recent weeks over a dispute on the use of automation at ports. The threat of a repeat strike on January 15 looms due to the breakdown in negotiations SFIA joined more than 251 business organizations in a letter to the parties pushing for the resumption of contract talks and pressing for a new deal before the strike ‘suspension’ expires next month.  Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eeX8chxM

🗓️ SAVE THE DATE: 2025 Team Sports Conference 🗓️ SFIA, NFHS, and NCAA will host the 2025 Team Sports Conference on March 31-April 1, 2025, at the Alexander Hotel in Indianapolis, IN! This conference will bring together key organizations and governing bodies for a comprehensive event to understand the youth and school team sports arena. This event includes SFIA Council meetings, state of the industry updates, and sessions on equipment and rules, data and analytics, societal and cultural changes shaping team sports, and more. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Stay tuned for more details and agenda information soon! sfia.org/resources/tsc

SFIA is committed to seeking tariff relief to keep costs down and is currently pushing for the re-authorization of the popular Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) tariff relief program. GSP offers duty-free entry of products made in nearly 120 countries with developing economies. U.S. companies have paid an estimated $4 billion in tariffs since GSP lapsed in January 2021, and despite broad bi-partisan support in Congress, the GSP has still not been renewed. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eKVwh8Eb

With the support of the SFIA and partner organizations across youth sports, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced the Youth Sports Facilities Act (YSFA) in Congress yesterday. The YSFA would open a new funding source for youth sports facilities and recreational spaces using Economic Development Assistance (EDA) grants. EDAs are currently not eligible to be used for investments in youth sports infrastructure projects which is why the YSFA is so critical, as it would provide the financial support needed for communities currently lacking in facilities to receive the funding needed to develop new sports and recreation projects. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dDSWrryN

After less than a week of renewed negotiations on a new labor contract for dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast Ports, the International Longshoreman’s Association walked away from the bargaining table over the use of automation at the ports. The pause on the strike will lapse on January 15, 2025. SFIA is concerned about the potential for a resumption of a labor strike at East Coast Ports in January as union members are firmly behind the fight on automation. SFIA will continue to press for resolution of the outstanding contract issues, and government intervention if needed, to avoid an unnecessary disruption in supply chains. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eTBFRaGn

🥒 NEW PICKLEBALL RESEARCH 🥒 The 2024 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report, produced by SFIA and Pickleheads, IS NOW AVAILABLE! Get a more detailed and expansive overview of America's fastest-growing sport with in-depth analysis of participation, facilities, and courts! DOWNLOAD: https://loom.ly/S4KjoE0 SFIA Members: $150 | Non-Members: $350

As SFIA's new President & CEO Todd Smith takes the reins, he sat down with Terry Lefton at Sports Business Journal to talk about why he is prepared to take on this role and the opportunities for major growth in the next decade. Read here: https://lnkd.in/e2eQFDwb

Today, we reflect, honor, and remember all who have proudly worn the uniform. On behalf of SFIA, we salute our veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our freedom and thank all those who have served. Happy Veterans Day! ❤️ 💙