BECOME AN XYL EVENT HOST
IMPACT | DETAILS | BENEFITS
Impact Your Community
Host an event that positively impacts your community, encourages friendly competition in a supportive environment, and actively engages local members
100% female events
Primary ages 20-70 with an average age of 34 years old
41% are 0-1 years lifting, 47% 1-3 years lifting
100% of door fees go directly to a local women’s charity
Enhance Gym Presence
This will enhance your gym’s visibility by attracting local potential clients and members to your facility as both participants and spectators. It’s an ideal way to showcase your gym.
30-50 female athletes/event
70+ spectators/event
Our team will do outreach to local athletes
Make a Profit
While your gym earns revenue through registrations, sponsors, and merch, all door fees are donated to a local women’s charity—creating meaningful impact alongside your financial return.
Receive 40% of all athlete registration revenue
Keep 30% of all sponsorship dollars, adding easy, high-margin revenue
Earn 10% of all XYL merch sold at your gym during the event—on top of 100% of your own gym merch sales
Media Exposure
Your gym will have media exposure across our platforms as well as receive content back including your gym's logo and athletes. We will also provide social posts and content for your event.
46k+ views on our Xpand Your Limits Instagram
9,000+ engaged followers on XYL and founder's social media
84.9% women follower's on XYL Instagram
HOSTING AN XYL LIFTING EVENT
WHAT IS IT
HOST AN XYL EVENT
IN YOUR CITY
Host a one-day, high-energy women’s event at your gym that brings your community together in a competitive and supportive environment
After your first event, unlock access to host additional women’s experiences like running events, HYROX PFTs, hybrid tests, and more.
Support a local women’s charity with 100% of door fees donated, creating meaningful impact right in your community.
Join the fastest-growing women’s strength movement in the country and align your gym with a powerful national mission
ALL-WOMEN's LIFTING EVENT
ALL AGES + LEVELS
Women of all ages and experience levels ranging from absolute novice all the way to professional, seasoned athletes
Athletes compete in our flagship strength format with three attempts each on squat, bench, and deadlift to hit their best lift
Competitors will be divided into flights depending upon their division selection & opening weight attempts
No weigh-ins: Self-selected classes based upon experience level
No federation/membership payment
High-quality photos, live scoring, and athlete bags elevate the entire competition experience.
HOW HOSTING WORKS
THE DETAILS
XYL Team will handle all the back-end registration, award and lifter bags, sponsorships and marketing for the event
Host gym will lead and run the XYL event, while the XYL team provides the Event Playbook, floor plan, judging standards, volunteer assignments, scripts, and everything you need
Host Gym receives a 1:1 onboarding call, four group prep calls, monthly check-ins, and direct access to a Host Coordinator so you’re supported every step of the way
Host gym is responsible for securing at minimum 20 athletes
Overall Projected time of 9a-3p
XYL EVENT HOST STEPS
01.
APPLY BELOW
Apply at our Host Interest form below
02.
BOOK A CALL
You will then be directly to book a call with our team after application submission.
03.
HOST AN EVENT!
Our team will discuss host process and steps to see if it's a fit for you and your community!
GYM HOST BENEFITS
FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY
Earn Through Multiple Revenue Streams: 60/40 athlete registration split, 70/30 sponsor split, and 90/10 merch split (XYL/Host)
Charity Alignment: 100% of door fees go directly to a local women’s charity your gym chooses.
Sell Your Own Gym Merch: Keep all revenue from your own apparel or products sold at the event
MARKETING & VISIBILITY
Featured Host Gym: Your gym is listed nationally on the XYL Host Map and promoted across XYL channels.
Marketing Visibility: Your gym logo appears on all event graphics, promo materials, social posts, and the custom event commercial
Local Lead Generation: Bring 20–50+ new women into your gym as athletes, 100-150 average spectator attendance and gain potential long-term members
FULL EVENT SUPPORT & OPERATIONS
Full Plug-and-Play Support: XYL handles registration, scoring, branding, athlete gifts, awards, graphics, and backend logistics.
Complete Event Kit Provided: Receive a full playbook including floor plan, judging standards, volunteer assignments, scripts, and everything needed for a smooth event.
Clear Host Requirements: Hosts simply secure a minimum of 20 registered athletes.
HOST COACHING & GUIDANCE
1:1 Onboarding Call: A personalized kickoff call ensures your gym is fully prepared from the start
Four Structured Prep Calls: Join group calls at key checkpoints—kickoff, one month out, one week out, and one week post-event.
Dedicated Host Coordinator: Get ongoing support, monthly check-ins, and access to your host dashboard for seamless communication.
ATHLETE, VOLUNTEER, & COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
Professional Athlete Experience: Athletes receive custom cards, hype intros, medals, live scoring, and a high-quality media package that elevates the entire event.
Volunteer System & Support: Volunteers get a clear playbook, branded shirts, and a fuel station with water, snacks, and food.
Long-Term Community Alignment: Support a local women’s charity, offer athletes a pathway to XYL Nationals, and unlock access to more women’s events after your first host.
Lastly, please book a call with the XYL Team to talk about hosting an XYL Event below!
If no times work please email us at [email protected] to find a better time
HOW HOSTING RUNS
GYM HOST & XYL RESPONSIBILITIES
XYL RESPONSIBILITIES:
LIFTERS / ATHLETE EXPERIENCE
Backend Event Systems: Providing full backend competition hosting and all supporting systems
Registration & Waivers: Creating and managing the entire registration process, including participant waivers, volunteer waivers, and data management.
Athlete Communication: Completing all primary athlete communication before, during, and after the event.
Awards & Athlete Gifts: Designing and providing all awards, medals, and athlete bags/gifts for each division.
Scoring Systems: Providing the scoring software and meet setup, ready 72 hours prior to the event.
Athlete Shirts: Designing, ordering, and covering the cost of all athlete shirts.
Athlete Community Support: Providing access to the Athlete Community Group and answering all lifter questions and backend support needs.
Division & Flight Assignments: Creating flight breakdowns and athlete divisions based on registration and opening attempts.
MEDIA & BRANDING
Digital Content Creation: Creating all digital marketing graphics, story posts, flyers, templates, and promotional materials.
Event Branding Assets: Providing professional platform backdrop banners and branded materials for the event.
Event Commercial: Creating a custom promotional video for your gym’s specific event to assist with athlete outreach.
Photo/Video Access: Providing all finalized photography and videography from the event to the host gym at no additional cost.
Signage Kit: Providing printed signage (division boards, check-in signage, division labels, etc.).
VOLUNTEER & HOST SUPPORT
Host Portal & Event Guide: Providing a complete Host Portal with event playbooks, timelines, floor plans, judging standards, scripts, and checklists.
Host Education & Coaching: Educating and preparing the host, judges, and volunteers for event-day operations.
Host Coaching Calls: 1:1 onboarding call + four structured group calls (kickoff, 1 month out, 1 week out, 1 week post-event).
Volunteer Shirts: Designing, ordering, and covering the cost of branded volunteer shirts.
Dedicated Host Coordinator: Providing continuous communication, monthly check-ins, and a direct point of contact.
SPONSORSHIPS
Primary Sponsor Acquisition: Securing national and product sponsors for the overall event structure.
Local Sponsor Support: Outreach to local sponsors and message templates/scripts for hosts
Sponsor Integration: Managing sponsor placement on graphics, signage, athlete bags, and event materials.
SOCIAL MEDIA & PROMOTION
Social Media Templates: Creating downloadable IG/FB templates for posts, stories, countdowns, and promotional graphics.
Event Promotion: Promoting the event on XYL social channels and providing copy templates for hosts to use.
National Recognitions: Listing your gym as an official XYL Host Gym on the national host map and sharing features/highlights.
GYM HOST RESPONSIBILITIES:
LIFTERS / ATHLETE EXPERIENCE
Provide a Clean, Organized Facility: Ensure the gym is clean and has all required equipment ready, with access to 1–2 clean on-site restrooms for athletes and spectators.
Execute Event-Day Operations: Oversee event flow, setup, athlete check-in, equipment transitions, and the awards ceremony according to XYL’s event-day checklist.
Sound System Setup: Provide a working speaker system and microphone for announcements and athlete introductions.
Follow the Approved Layout: Set up the floor plan, warm-up area, check-in table, volunteer zones, and platform area exactly as outlined in the event guide.
Maintain Judging Standards: Ensure all judges uphold XYL’s judging standards, rules, and safety protocols throughout the event.
MARKETING
Local Athlete Outreach: Market locally to fill the roster—promote to your members, partner gyms, local communities, and area athletes.
Ensure Minimum Roster Size: Host gyms must guarantee a minimum of 20 registered athletes for the event to run successfully.
VOLUNTEER & HOST TEAM
Provide On-Site Volunteers: Recruit and supply qualified volunteers for smooth event execution (XYL provides all training).
3 Judges
4 Plate Loaders/Spotters
Minimum 3 Additional Volunteers for check-in, scoring table, and announcing
Provide Basic Volunteer Hospitality: Offer simple snacks or refreshments for volunteers unless covered by a sponsor - XYL team will confirm a food sponsor that day for event volunteers
SPONSORSHIPS & CHARITY
Finalize a local charity to partner with that aligns with women empowerment. Must be checked in with our XYL team
Optional Local Sponsor Outreach: Hosts may reach out to local sponsors using XYL-provided scripts
SOCIAL MEDIA & PROMOTION
Promote the Event Locally: Share event details, hype, and updates on your social media platforms to support athlete recruitment.
HOST COORDINATION & COMMUNICATION
Attend Required Host Calls: Participate in the 1:1 onboarding call and four group coaching calls to ensure alignment and preparedness.
Host Point of Contact: Assign one staff member who is responsible for day-of decisions, communication, and coordination with the XYL team.
Stay Active on the Host Dashboard: Use the Host Portal and dashboard to track tasks, deadlines, and key event details
Gym Liability Coverage: Maintain standard gym liability insurance for hosting on-site events.
Emergency Readiness: Ensure access to a basic first-aid kit and awareness of local emergency contacts.
Member Communication: Notify gym members of schedule adjustments or space limitations during the event day.
EQUIPMENT NECESSARY
GYM EQUIPMENT
Facility
Clean gym environment with 1–2 accessible restrooms
Clear floor space for platform, warm-up area, and spectator seating
Functional HVAC or fans to maintain safe temperatures
Bars & Weights
1 Power Bar
1 Deadlift Bar
2 Clips/Collars
Standardized weight plates in pounds:
2 × 2.5 lb plates
2 × 5 lb plates
4 × 10 lb plates
2 × 25 lb plates
4 × 45 lb plates
2 × 10 lb bumper plates
Racks & Lifting Areas
Squat Rack
Bench Rack
Deadlift Platform or Deadlift Area
Non-slip mats (if needed for traction and safety)
Warm Up Area Requirement
(Most events run best with at least one dedicated warm-up station)
1 Squat Rack OR open barbell station
Warm-up plates (any mix sufficient for athlete prep)
Designated warm-up space clearly separated from platform area
OTHER ITEMS
Technology and Check-In Area
1 Computer for scoring and admin
1–2 TVs (preferred for live scoring visibility)
2 Tables (check-in + scoring table)
5+ Chairs (judges, volunteers, spectators)
HDMI Cord or Apple TV
Extension Cords / Power Strips
Safety & Cleaning
First Aid Kit and awareness of emergency contacts
Barbell brush or nylon brush for chalk cleanup
Disinfectant spray + towels (for bars, benches, equipment)
PREFERRED (Helps Event Flow & Athlete Experience)
2 additional 15 lb bumper plates
2 additional 25 lb bumper plates
Extra change plates
Chalk (loose or block)
Additional warm-up stations
Speaker and/or PA system for music/announcing
OPTIONAL (Boosts Event Quality)
Extra lifter belts for athlete use
Backup clips and/or backup barbell
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Gym that has a great sense community
Gym owner that works collaboratively with others
Gym or local groups that has women interested in competing and supporting one another
Mission-driven, passionate individuals that want to encourage and inspire women to step out of their comfort zone
OUR NUMBERS
1,391+
Women empowered through coaching, events, and membership
972+
Personal records smashed at events
100+
Average attendance at our events
UPCOMING 2026 HOSTING OPPORTUNITIES
All-Women's Lifting
March Dates Available
Locations TBA
All-Women's Lifting
April Dates Available
Locations TBA
If you needing a different date than listed above, please submit the form and click "prefer a different date"
We are so grateful to those that partner with us to make these events happen.
OUR SPONSORS
YOUR GYM. OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER.
Seek the edge of your comfort zone.
OUR XYL FAMILY
What Our Host & Athletes Say...
“Transformative & life changing"
"Yesterday I witnessed so many women stepped into their power as a STRONG female.
...myself included.More than a year ago I made a declaration to myself.. I was going to join a powerlifting meet.
I did it. AND I couldn't have picked a better event to make it MY FIRST. XYL & Kelsey Lensman THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
The entire day, every attempt, every moment of hype, all the support, all the love.. it was magical."
-Alyssa, Event Athlete
"XYL will always have a place in my heart."
"XYL will always have a place in my heart. Taking my “I think I can do it” to having the confidence to KNOW I can! It’s more than about just lifting weights. It’s about doing hard things and being so proud of yourself afterwards. The encouragement, the energy, the support I’ve received outside of competing has been amazing."
-Jess, Event Athlete
"The XYL Meet was life changing"
"The XYL Meet was life changing. When you do hard things and prove to yourself YOU Can Do Hard Things your confidence grows by leaps and bounds AND you inspire those around you without event knowing. SIGN UP. Best. Decision. Ever!"
-Jane, Event Athlete
"I'm so thankful you brought us in on this"
"Can't tell you enough how amazing today was! I'm so thankful you brought us in on this!"
-Erin, Event Host
A VIDEO IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
CHECK OUT OUR PREVIOUS EVENTS
All-Women's Lifting Event
All-Women's Lifting Event
All-Women's Lifting Event
All-Women's Lifting Event
All-Women's Lifting Event
All-Women's Lifting Event
All-Women's Lifting Event
All-Women's Lifting Event
Meet the Founder
Kelsey Lensman
Hey! I'm Kelsey Lensman and the founder of EmpowHER Fitness. Through my fitness journey of being a 5x bodybuilding competitor, 3x powerlifting competitor, and competing in a bunch of other events I've realized that I'm capable of so much more than I ever imagined. It's my goal to create experiences for women to do the same.
Last year I finished a national campaign I created called Mission48 where I competed in 48 different fitness competitions in 48 states in 48 days to inspire women to push their limits, do hard things, and build self-confidence. I partnered with a ROX, Ruling Our Experiences, a 501c(3) organization that develops confident girls who can control their own relationships, experiences, decisions, and futures. We were able to fund over 130 girls for their program.
It's our mission through our events to show women that they are capable of so muhc more than they would have thought. I appreciate you supporting our #buildingstrongwomen movement.
JOIN US
READY TO EMPOWER WOMEN?