Welcome to Raise the Bar 2025: Elevate Yourself and Your Business
Are you ready to break through your limitations and elevate every aspect of your coaching and business? Raise the Bar 2025 is more than just a conference—it’s your catalyst for transformation. Join the industry’s best in Plano, Texas on February 21-22, 2025, for two days of immersive learning, connection, and growth designed to empower you to reach new heights.
This isn’t just about getting motivated—it’s about real, actionable change that will fuel your personal development and business success. Held at Break Free Academy, this event gives you the tools, strategies, and connections you need to build a successful fitness business and become the coach you’re destined to be.
FEB 21st-22nd, 2025 Location:
5308 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, Tx 75093 (Dallas Texas Suburb)
Why You Can’t Miss Raise the Bar 2025
Day 1: Raise the Bar for Yourself
True success begins with personal growth. On Day 1, we’ll focus on helping you build the internal skills necessary for long-term success. From mastering your mindset to improving your communication and emotional intelligence, you’ll learn to show up as your best self for your clients, your team, and your business.
Day 2: Raise the Bar for Your Business
It’s time to grow your business. Day 2 is dedicated to giving you practical, actionable business strategies. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, improve your marketing, or implement systems for growth, you’ll walk away with a clear plan to scale your business without burning out.
Exclusive Rotating Speaker Q&A Groups
Get unparalleled access to industry leaders through our exclusive Speaker Q&A Rotating Groups. This format allows you to connect directly with 5-6 expert speakers in small, intimate groups. You’ll get personal advice, ask specific questions, and learn strategies tailored to your unique challenges.
Small, Intimate Sessions: Connect face-to-face with top industry leaders.
Multiple Rotations: Engage with different speakers and gain insights from various perspectives.
Personalized Guidance: Get advice tailored to your personal and business growth.
Ticket Options: Choose Your Experience
General Admission (GA) -
$599 $449 For the First 50 Tickets Sold
(First 50% of tickets purchased in first month)
Full access to the 2-day event, where you’ll learn actionable strategies and connect with like-minded professionals.
General Admission seating ensures you won’t miss a moment of the sessions that will elevate your personal and professional life.
Lunch included on both days so you can stay energized and focused.
Access to Raise the Bar Conference recordings
Payment Plans Available
VIP Experience - $1199 $1049
All GA benefits PLUS:
VIP Dinner and VIP Social Event with speakers giving you exclusive access to in-depth conversations and behind-the-scenes insights.
Reserved VIP seating at the front for the best views, extra space and engagement.
VIP-exclusive apparel to commemorate your experience.
Complimentary ticket to next years Raise the Bar Conference 2026 (General Admission)
Payment Plans Available
Virtual Options: Attend from Anywhere
We’re excited to offer virtual access for those who can’t attend in person! You can still gain the same valuable insights, strategies, and community experience through our live stream options
Virtual Option 1 - $149 $99
Access to attend the event live via live stream on February 21-22, 2025..
Tune in from anywhere and experience all the sessions in real time!
Virtual Option 2 - $299 $199
Includes live stream access to attend the event live on February 21-22, 2025.
Plus, you’ll receive recordings of the entire event, so you can revisit key sessions and insights at your own pace.
Hotel Room Block Links:
Why This Event Will Transform You
Actionable Strategies: Leave with a step-by-step roadmap to grow your business and enhance your coaching practice immediately.
Valuable Connections: Build lifelong relationships with fellow attendees and industry leaders who share your passion for raising the standard in fitness.
Inspiration & Motivation: Feel empowered to break through your limitations and reach your full potential.
Exclusive Insights: Gain insider access to expert knowledge and unique perspectives through rotating speaker Q&As and VIP events.
Long-Term Value: Continue learning with access to conference recordings and post-event workshops that ensure you maximize the return on your investment.
What Makes RTB Different:
Raise the Bar was designed to deliver on the topics, conversations and growth that doesn’t get represented enough at other industry events. The areas that make the REAL difference in your success.
An unmatched energy: We give intention to create real energy in the room. When there’s a greater energy, everyone is more engaged & connected and gets much more out of the event
Community is the heart of RTB. From the quality of people in the room, the connections fostered and the opportunities created, we believe in Raising the Bar TOGETHER. “If you want to fast, go by yourself, if you want to go far, go together”
Opportunity: At Raise the Bar, we create the space for powerful networking and collaboration. Each and every year, an attendee from the previous event ends up speaking on stage as part of the event
Practical: From the tactical topics given by speakers to the round tables & spaces created to integrate what you learn, RTB aims to be the most practical event you attend. There will be no fluff
Don’t Miss Out – Limited Tickets Available!
Tickets are limited, and this event will sell out! Whether you choose General Admission or take advantage of the VIP Experience, you’ll leave Raise the Bar 2025 equipped with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to transform your coaching career and business.
Are you ready to take your coaching career to the next level? Raise the Bar 2025 is your chance to transform your business and yourself. Secure your spot today and ensure you don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to learn, connect, and elevate every aspect of your fitness career.
SPEAKER & PANELIST LINE-UP
Event Hosts:
Derek Mendoza
For more than 17 years, Derek Mendoza has worn many hats in the health and fitness world. With a background as a Division 1 college athlete and a master's degree in studying body movement (kinesiology), Derek knows firsthand what it takes to reach the top.
What sets Derek apart? Not only does he have the experience of working with professional athletes and teams like the Seattle Mariners and Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, but he’s also masterfully built a one-person business. This solo venture has granted him what he has always wanted: freedom and control over his time, a dream many aspire to but few achieve. But Derek's true calling? Helping fitness trainers and experts like him find success online.
Derek started 'Find Your Prime LLC.' and has put together events like the 'Find Your Prime Virtual Summit.' He also helped kick off the 'Raise the Bar Conference', aiming to set higher standards for health and fitness coaches everywhere.
In simple words, if you're looking to take your fitness business online, Derek Mendoza is the coach you need by your side. He's done it and wants to help you do the same.
Nick Lambe
Nick Lambe is a long time educator and coach in the industry who specializes in helping fitness professionals implement health first principles to improve impact. Nick is the creator of the sleep and recovery coaching certification course, the most comprehensive and practical sleep resource to date. He founded The New Healthcare Practitioner Project, a course and mentorship aimed at empowering coaches to expand their role within the healthcare system. Annually, Nick hosts one of the industry’s biggest virtual events in the Recovery & Sleep Summit which averages over 5,000 attendees and 50 speakers. Consulting & partnerships with Nick’s work includes: The US Marine Corps, US Army National Guard, Google, and numerous professional sports organizations
Collectively Nick & Derek bring over 25 years of experience as two educators dedicated to helping you improve your longevity in the industry. After 2 Raise the Bar events, they’re more motivated than ever to elevate the standard for coaches. Together, they are a true testament to the value of expanding your industry horizons and diversifying your business offerings to create the freedom and autonomy we all crave. At this year’s RTB, they’ll be sharing practical frameworks on how you can do the same.
Speakers:
More Guests To Be Announced Soon!
Vince Del Monte
Ali Gilbert
Ryan Stewman
Eve Guzman
Sean Pastuch
Luka Hocevar
Nathalia Melo
Andrew Coates
Nick Shaw
Marc Rodriguez
Akbar Sheikh
To Be Announced Soon
What Previous Attendees Have to Say:
Raise the Bar '25 Schedule/Itinerary of Events
Thursday February 20th, Morning-Afternoon: Fly Into Dallas (DFW or DAL)
Thursday February 20th, 730pm CST: Attendee Social (Location TBA)
Friday February 21st: 8am-6pm CST: Day 1 of RTB at Break Free Academy
Friday February 21st: 7:30pm CST: VIP/Speaker Dinner (Location TBA)
Saturday February 22nd: 8am-6pm CST: Day 2 of RTB at Break Free Academy
Sunday February 23rd: Fly Back Home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our most common questions are answered below, and we’ll continue to update this section as more arise. Have a specific question? Feel free to email us at [email protected] .
1. Where and when is the Raise the Bar Conference?
Raise the Bar 2025 will be held on February 21-22, 2025, at Break Free Academy, located at 5308 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093. This is a two-day event focused on personal development and business growth for fitness coaches, gym owners, and industry professionals.
2. Who is the Raise the Bar Fitness and Business Conference for?
The conference is designed for in-person coaches, gym owners, hybrid and online coaches, and anyone in the fitness industry who is committed to making an impact and building a profitable business that stands the test of time. You’ll learn from successful coaches and business owners who have been there and done it at the highest level, providing you with practical, actionable steps to implement right away.
3. Where should I stay during Raise the Bar?
We recommend staying at nearby hotels. There are several accommodations within a short distance of Break Free Academy in Plano, TX. We are working on securing a special room block at select hotels for our attendees—details will be provided below as we get them secured:
4. What’s the refund policy for the event?
We understand that plans change. Refund requests made 90 days in advance can be refunded up to 75% of the ticket purchase price. Requests made 60 days in advance can be refunded up to 50% of the ticket price. Unfortunately, any requests made within 60 days of the event cannot be accommodated due to event deposit schedules, but we will do our best to find a solution that works for you, such as transferring the ticket to another attendee.
5. Will I receive CEUs for attending Raise the Bar?
At this time, Raise the Bar does not offer CEUs. However, many attendees have successfully submitted their attendance for CEUs with their respective organizations in the past. We recommend checking with your certification body to confirm if they will accept this event for CEU credits.
6. Is lunch included with my ticket?
Yes! Lunch is included for both General Admission and VIP ticket holders on both days of the event. We’ll ensure you’re well-fed and ready to absorb all the valuable information.
7. What’s the difference between General Admission and VIP tickets?
General Admission tickets ($499) include access to the full 2-day event, general seating, and lunch on both days.
VIP tickets ($1197) include everything in General Admission, plus reserved VIP seating, a VIP dinner with speakers on Day 1, an exclusive VIP event with speakers on Day 2, access to an exclusive post-event workshop, and lifetime access to Raise the Bar Conference recordings from 2022, 2023, and 2024.
8. Can I upgrade my General Admission ticket to VIP later?
Yes, you can upgrade your General Admission ticket to a VIP ticket, provided VIP spots are still available. We recommend upgrading early, as VIP tickets are limited and tend to sell out quickly.
9. What is the Raise the Bar Social and how can I attend?
The Raise the Bar Social is a special networking event that takes place the evening before the main conference, on February 20th. Open to all attendees, this social event includes drinks and a light dinner, giving you the perfect opportunity to connect with other coaches and speakers in a relaxed environment. The cost and exact timing of the event are TBD.
This social has been a favorite among past attendees, offering a chance to make early connections and start building a community before the main event even begins!
10. What should I wear to the conference?
The dress code is business casual, but we encourage comfort since you’ll be engaging in dynamic learning and networking. Consider bringing layers, as conference room temperatures can vary.
11. Is there a virtual option for Raise the Bar 2025?
Currently, Raise the Bar 2025 is an in-person event only. We believe the immersive, hands-on nature of the event is best experienced live. However, VIP ticket holders will receive access to lifetime recordings from the event, so if you’re unable to attend, you can still benefit from the content.
12. What happens if I can’t attend? Can I transfer my ticket?
Yes, if you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person. Just reach out to us via email at least 14 days before the event to arrange the transfer.
13. How can I stay updated on event details?
We’ll keep you updated through regular emails, so make sure to provide a valid email address when you purchase your ticket. You can also follow us on social media for the latest announcements and updates.
If you have additional questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected].
