Clemson University’s Department of Campus Recreation is hosting nearly 600 fitness instructors on Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22 for the 2026 Southeast Collegiate Fitness Expo. The organization’s annual convention has been dubbed “Tigertown Throwdown” and welcomes students and staff representing 44 colleges and universities across the Southeast region.
FitExpo ’26 features a full schedule of events, demonstrations and breakout sessions taking place throughout the weekend in Campus Rec facilities: Swann Fitness Center at Fike, Douthit Hills Fitness Center and the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex. Campus Rec facilities will be follow normal hours of operation, however members should anticipate heavier foot traffic and closure of some spaces due to the expo.
“We’re excited to welcome such a large group of young professionals to campus for the expo,” says Robert Taylor, senior director of Campus Recreation and one of the host committee members for the event. “Most of the attendees are student staff, including a heavy concentration of undergraduates. The expo not only provides them with an opportunity to enhance their professional network, but also continuing education credits that are vital to maintaining group fitness and personal training certifications.”
Demar Jackson M ’18, a former graduate assistant with Campus Rec who now operates a fitness studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, is delivering the opening keynote on Feb. 21. Jackson will also lead morning and afternoon breakout sessions on Saturday.
Clemson staff and alumni will be present throughout the conference and leading several breakout sessions across a range fitness programs and disciplines. Professional Campus Rec staff who have been instrumental in the event’s success include: Anna Garban, Dave Frock, Robert Taylor, Kelly Bardusk, Ben Blodgett, Chris Cox, Lana Evans, Darius Hilliard, Victoria Perry, Ashley Schmidt, Lamon Simpson, Cain Stinnett, Nicole Taylor and Taylor Williams.
Staff who are leading sessions include Bill Dunn, assistant director of well-being; Jordan Gantt, assistant director of outdoor recreation; and Aaron Pobiak, assistant director of integrated fitness. Garban is serving as host coordinator for the expo. Additionally, a dozen student instructors will lead sessions.
Ariel Bailey, program manager for adaptive sports through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, is leading a couple of different breakout sessions — including one on wheelchair basketball.
For more information on the event, follow Southeast Fit Expo on Instagram.
