The HFA Show 2026:

A Sneak Peek

The conference and trade show, scheduled for March 16-18, is still coming together, but it’s already generating buzz.

It will be here before you know it. The HFA Show 2026, March 16-18 in San Diego, is taking shape with the first round of keynotes, sessions, and panelists signed. While there’s more to do before the final schedule is released, we’re bringing you a glimpse of what to expect in sunny Southern California in March.

With the show’s theme, Stronger Together, the convention and trade show promises a lot of networking and events that will bring people together to share information, contacts, and great vibes.

First, two of the most well-attended panels will be coming back:

• 29th Annual Financial Panel—A hallmark of the convention, this long-running event was created by the late Rick Caro, who hosted it for 28 years. This year, Discover Strength CEO and HFA Board Chair Luke Carlson will lead the panel of financial experts to explore the current economic climate for the health and fitness industry.

• Women’s Leadership Summit—A popular event that explores issues resonant to women, this discussion will cover how investment, science, and fitness are converging to shape a more inclusive and impactful future for women’s health and longevity.

While these panels are well-established, The HFA Show has launched a new annual must-attend event: the HFA Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This year’s event will take place at 7 p.m. on March 15 at the Omni San Diego Hotel, the day before the official start of The HFA Show 2026 at the San Diego Convention Center. (See a list of inductees.)

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today. Every ticket supports the HFA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to promoting health through movement—so it’s not just a celebration, it’s a cause worth backing.

Register Today

Keynote Speakers

At press time, two keynoters had been announced.

Jesse Itzler

A successful serial entrepreneur, Itzler has a storied history in business. He sold Marquis Jet to Warren Buffet in 2010, was part of the sale of Zico Coconut Water to Coca-Cola in 2013, and sold his endurance hiking company 29029 Everesting to iFit in 2022.

A former rapper, he became the manager of hip hop group Run-DMC and wrote the anthem for the New York Knicks. He teaches his principles and best practices through his online course and coaching program. He is an author of two books: “Living With a Seal” and “Living With Monks.” His current venture is All Day Running Co. He has a passion for endurance challenges including the Ultraman.

Sponsored by Matix

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Apolo Ohno

The most decorated US Winter Olympian in history—a title he still holds—Ohno earned eight Olympic medals in short-track speed skating across the 2002, 2006, and 2010 Winter Games. He remains deeply involved in the Olympic movement, serving as an NBC sports analyst for multiple Games and holding roles as a global ambassador for the Special Olympics and Winter Olympic Games.

Ohno’s most recent work centers on the concept of reinvention—an undertaking in which he has demonstrated mastery. Ohno came up with a framework of Five Golden Principles. When he has taught these principles to others, he has seen how well they work. That’s why Ohno used these principles as the foundation for his new book: “Hard Pivot: Embrace Change. Find Purpose. Show Up Fully.”

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Panels and Sessions

While the schedule is still being assembled, here are a few panels, sessions, and speakers that have been announced.

Back to Basics: Strengthening the Sales Process for Gyms and Studios

This panel takes a back-to-basics approach to building a consistent, repeatable sales process that everyone in your organization can follow.

The Data-Driven Operator: Turning Metrics Into Momentum

This session breaks down how to interpret data that matters, eliminate vanity metrics, and make smarter, faster decisions that boost engagement, retention, and ROI.

Exercise Oncology: Evidence, Innovation, and Impact

This session examines the science behind exercise in cancer care and explores how workforce education, patient engagement, and strategic partnerships can help integrate exercise into the continuum of cancer survivorship.

From Reach to Resonance: The Future of Creator Marketing

Master the art of making diverse and resonant content that connects your brands to people on Meta’s platforms.

Where Biohacking, Functional Medicine, and Fitness Converge

This session explores how data-driven tools—ranging from biomarker testing and genetics to wearable insights—are enabling a more precise, prescriptive approach to fitness and longevity.

Integrating GLP-1s Into Sustainable Fitness Strategies

This panel brings together industry experts to explore how training and programming are being adapted to support users of these metabolic drugs.

Future-Proof Fitness: Engaging Gen Z and Gen Alpha With Purpose, Platforms, and Personalization

This workshop dives into the unique motivations, behaviors, and communication preferences of these digitally native generations.

The HFA Show 2026

March 16-18

San Diego, California

Register Today

Speakers

While the schedule is still being assembled, here are a few speakers that have been announced.

Chris Appiah, Founder & CEO, The Sales Arms

Lou Atkinson, Chief Science Officer, The Collective

Annie Batista, Executive Vice President, The Bay Club Company

Tracy Chadwell, Managing Founder, 1843 Capital

Kissa Fernandez, Creative Strategist, Meta

Ann Gilbert, Owner, Fit-Her Health & Fitness For Women

Hal Hargrave, President & CEO, The Perfect Step

Dr. Betul Sekendiz, Chairperson, Health & Fitness Industry Standards Council

Dr. Nicole Stout, Senior Director for Survivorship & Wellness, American Cancer Society

Jeff Zwiefel, Executive Director, Miora Longevity & Performance

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