AROUND THE WORLD WITH HFA

Why the 2026 HFA European Congress Will Launch a New Era of Unity

Under the ‘One Vision. One Voice.’ theme, the event in London will showcase a global industry working together to help create a healthier world.

If you’ve been following developments in the agenda of the 2026 HFA European Congress, to be held on September 24-26, you know that leaders across the continent are taking the event’s theme, “One Vision. One Voice.” to heart.

Scheduled to take place at London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the European Congress will feature some of the industry’s top thought leaders, executives, and researchers, who will share exclusive insights and data that will help operators gain an advantage in the marketplace. Along with the prime networking opportunities, this event is a must for anyone who wants to take their business to the next level.

The European Congress will also center a discussion around the unique position the global industry is in to play a more integral role in the global healthcare system. This matters in every nation, no matter the health system or political structure of the country. By coordinating action on such subjects as supporting GLP-1 patients, the industry can increase its collective influence by working together.

Helping to drive this conversation about unity and healthcare infrastructure is this session:

Beyond the Prescription: GLP-1, Exercise, and Obesity Care

Mike Goscinski, Chief of Staff, Health & Fitness Association (Moderator)

Angie Jackson-Morris, Director of Program Development and Strategy, World Obesity Federation

Emma Zwiebler, CEO, World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry

Ken Griffin, CEO, AUSactive

Cameron Saunders, CEO, ukactive

This discussion will dig deep into the implications of HFA’s white paper on GLP-1 treatments, From Weight Loss to Lasting Value: Structured Exercise and the Economics of GLP-1 Therapy. This research stresses the importance of structured exercise for those undergoing treatment with GLP-1 drugs to create improved health outcomes. This research is a game changer for the global industry, and this session will provide takeaways that will help operators create a plan to put the paper’s conclusions into practical action.

The session will also bring together voices from outside the industry, including representatives from the World Obesity Federation and the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, to highlight the shared approach to messaging and implementation.

Goscinski

Zweibler

Saunders

Jackson-Morris

Griffin

Another highlight will be the session “Annual Release of the HFA Global Report,” hosted by Barry Walsh, founder and CEO of Iconic Health Clubs and an HFA board member. He'll present exclusive research from the 2026 HFA Global Report, the industry’s most comprehensive analysis of the commercial fitness market worldwide.

Covering over 30 countries, the report combines hard data and local market insight to examine facility counts, membership, revenue, penetration rates, consumer trends, and industry outlooks. This session will highlight key findings and global rankings of the world’s leading fitness brands, offering attendees a data-driven view of the trends shaping the future of fitness.

UK: A Tradition of Innovation and Industry Leadership

The UK is well known for being an incubator for some of the most forward-thinking concepts in the global industry, and nobody knows the landscape better than event host David Minton, founder of EVOLVE, and the team at ukactive, which is partnering with HFA on the event.

Minton and ukactive Chair David Stalker will open the event in a “shared welcome” with HFA Interim President and CEO Greta Wagner to provide a strategic roadmap to a long-term collaborative effort to grow the industry in Europe and beyond. This is a message Wagner shared at recent events in Asia, and this discussion will expand on the lessons learned in other global markets that can help European operators.

Further insights will be shared in the session “UK Market Spotlight: Research, Policy, and Industry Trends,” presented by Cameron Saunders, CEO of ukactive, and Glen Thurgood, chief strategy officer of EVOLVE. These two organizations represent the gold standard of thought leadership and industry research in the country.

The discussion will explore the latest market trends, consumer insights, and policy developments shaping the sector, including the growing role of physical activity in supporting both physical and mental health through government collaboration.

Walsh

Minton

Stalker

Wagner

Saunders

Thurgood

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf

Third Space Canary Wharf

Anytime Fitness Isle of Dogs

Fitness First Cottons Building

Nuffield Health City

Pure Gym London Monument

Club Tours: Ideas Into Action

Seeing some of the best local fitness facilities in action is a great way to see why the UK is a global leader in the fitness industry. As is tradition, the European Congress hosts club tours to conclude the event at an add-on price during registration. This year, attendees will have a “choose your own adventure” experience, as HFA offers two tour options:

OPTION 1: CANARY WHARF

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf Newfoundland Place, Canary Wharf Estate, London E14 4HD Website | Google Maps

Barry’s London Canary Wharf Cabot Square, Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf E14 5AR Website | Google Maps

Third Space Canary Wharf 16-19 Canada Square, London E14 5ER Website | Google Maps

Anytime Fitness Isle of Dogs Stratus Point, 9 Harbour Wy., London E14 9YN Website | Google Maps

OPTION 2: LONDON CITY

Foundry Gym – Moorgate 7 Moorgate, London EC2R 6AF Website | Google Maps

Fitness First Cottons Building Tooley St, London SE1 2QN Website | Google Maps

Nuffield Health City 4 Cousin Ln, London EC4R 3XJ Website | Google Maps

Pure Gym London Monument 68 King William St, London EC4N 7HR Website | Google Maps

Keep in mind, all of this is in addition to keynote speakers Ian Mullane, founder and CEO of Keepme.ai, and Alistair Brownlee, Olympic gold medal winner and entrepreneur, plus a packed schedule of other sessions and networking get-togethers. Registration is still open, so make your plans now!

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Health & Fitness Business (HFB) is the leading health and fitness industry publication. Published monthly by the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) and distributed free to the industry, HFB offers analysis of the opportunities, challenges, issues, and news that impact the industry.

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