Run a Smarter Studio in 2025: Trends and New Tools

Shannon leads our global sales and marketing teams, and is responsible for serving boutique fitness studios with all of their Fit-Tech needs. With 14+ years’ experience in SaaS technology and fitness, Shannon is passionate about helping studios use technology to transform their business, elevate their brand, and deliver an exceptional consumer experience. Shannon joined Xplor Technologies as the first sales executive for Xplor Mariana Tek in 2017 and was instrumental in building the sales operation and winning key accounts, before Xplor Mariana Tek was acquired in 2019. Before joining Xplor Technologies, Shannon spent seven years at Flywheel Sports, as an early hire, launching 26 new locations across the U.S in her role as VP of Operations. Earlier in her career, Shannon managed the original SoulCycle studio in New York City. Shannon has a degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina and is now based in East Hampton, NY. Outside of work Shannon enjoys time with her family, especially with her two young daughters, Nora and Kira.

Rhys Kendall is the Sr. Business Insights Manager for Mariana Tek.

Alexa Cawley is the President and CEO of Forever Friday Consulting, a marketing consultancy focused on the health and wellness industry. She founded the company after spending 11 years working in marketing for major brands in the fitness and wellness space. Alexa’s career in the health and wellness industry began in 2013 when she joined lululemon right after college. She quickly progressed within the company, eventually becoming the community manager for their Flatiron Flagship store in New York City. Following her time at lululemon, Alexa moved to SoulCycle, where she worked as a Regional Marketing Manager. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the marketing efforts of 26 SoulCycle studios across the Northeast Region. After gaining extensive experience with large wellness brands, Alexa founded Forever Friday Consulting to bring her marketing expertise to smaller businesses in the health and wellness sector. The company’s mission is to help small business owners in the fitness and wellness industry transform their operations from “underbooked, chaotic, and stressed to automated, waitlisted, and calm” In addition to her consulting work, Alexa is the host of The Friday Society Podcast. This podcast serves as a resource for professionals in the health and fitness industry, featuring interviews with industry leaders and experts on topics related to scaling and growing wellness brands. Outside of her professional life, Alexa is a certified yoga instructor and enjoys using her Peloton. She resides in Brooklyn with her boyfriend and her dog.