Participants learned new skills and/or finetuned skills during the three-day 2025 IDEA World held last month in Sacramento. Photo courtesy of  IDEA World

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - For the first time in about 40 years, the annual IDEA World fitness and wellness event from July 17 to July 19 was held in the capital city at the Sacramento Convention Center.

The recent 2025 IDEA World three-day fitness extravaganza brought thousands of health enthusiasts to Sacramento from throughout the U.S. and 80 other countries.

The enthusiasts participated in 175-plus health and fitness sessions and earned continuing education credits. The event’s expo featured 80-plus vendors sharing the latest research, nutrition, training, equipment, and exercise and wellness products and services.

The annual event is usually held in Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego or Las Vegas.

But this year, IDEA World moved to Sacramento.

Learning was fun at IDEA World, as evidenced by this participant’s smile during a fitness session using a weight relay. Photo courtesy of  IDEA World

“Up until 2025 we had been in contracts that were signed pre-pandemic,” said CEO Amy Boone Thompson of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, the membership organization for fitness and wellness professionals that owns and produces IDEA World. “This was our first chance to pick our own venue.”

And Sacramento was a smart choice, according to IDEA World organizers.

"Overall, the sentiment was very positive. We've been in giant convention centers in L.A. and Las Vegas and everyone loved the ease, accessibility and affordability of Sacramento,” Thompson said. “The food choices, the restaurants were so convenient. We felt special. Sometimes, an event of our size may get lost in big cities."

"Sacramento welcomed us with open arms and vibrant energy, setting the tone for an unforgettable IDEA World 2025,” Thompson added. “From inspiring sessions and magic moments to networking under the California sun, every experience was elevated by the city's charm.”

IDEA World participants checked out the scores of booths, learning about products and services that could help their workday and their own daily health and fitness needs. Photo by Seth Henderson

Attendees were also encouraged to take advantage of Sacramento-area fitness activities before and after the event, such as paddleboarding and biking, according to Thompson.

"There were thousands who attended. We exceeded our expectations; classrooms were packed, everyone who paid for the classes and sessions were engaged and the classrooms were great,” Thompson said. “The repeat exhibitors at the expo said this was the highest sales and the most engagement they've seen. Some of our repeat exhibitors walked away with bigger sales, more leads and everyone was excited about the new customers."

One of those vendors was MedPaid’s John Bowler. The company based in St. George, Utah sells more than 1,500 products, including vitamins, supplements and wellness equipment.

“The crowd was pretty good with lots of physical trainers. We’ll be back next year,” Bowler said. “We love Sacramento and all the trees and so much good food.”

Sabine Anderson, at her sixth IDEA World expo, promoted LaboFlex’s ArniPatch, a homeopathic topical patch that relieves muscle pain and stiffness, bruising, sprains and inflammation.

Many IDEA World vendors at the event’s expo said that they enjoyed having 2025 IDEA World in Sacramento this year and hope that it returns to Sacramento next year. Photo by Seth Henderson

“I like the expo being in Sacramento because I love Sacramento,” Anderson said. “People are fabulous and they’re very inquisitive. I gave out lots of samples.”

Just as the exhibitors were enjoying the new venue, so were the attendees enjoying the several rows of information booths offering consultations, samples and healthy swag.

“I have been to IDEA World since 1995,” said expo visitor Patricia Lee from nearby Placer County. “I love it. I used to go to Las Vegas, San Diego or L.A. It’s wonderful having it here. I didn’t have to drive. The classes are the best; you get new ideas. You exercise for so long and you can always use new ideas. You say, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’”

Another expo visitor, Ileana Rodriguez from Modesto, pointed out that the expo gives her information on how to deal with ailments and how to increase her energy.

“I get to try out exercise equipment and get nutrition samples,” Rodriguez said.

There's a possibility that IDEA World will return to Sacramento next summer, according to Thompson. Next year’s event is just in the beginning stages of planning and pricing quotes from the City of Sacramento will be requested, she said.

In the meantime, Thompson had high praise for all the health and fitness choices that the region offers, such as the trails, parks, river and farm-to-table restaurants.

"From the venues to the people, every detail created the perfect backdrop for connection, learning and celebration,” Thompson said. “Sacramento, you were the perfect stage for this incredible chapter of IDEA World.”

IDEA World participants listen and take notes during a workshop presentation at the Sacramento Convention Center on July 18. Photo by Seth Henderson