Industry Partners Play Key Role in Our Growth

These are exciting times to be in our industry. Even with the disruptions of AI, tariffs, and economic warning signs, the global wellness and fitness economy has grown to an estimated value of $7.4 trillion.

Our industry partners have played a crucial role in this continued growth, not only by supplying essential equipment, technology, services, and other resources to our member clubs but also by sponsoring key events and supporting our advocacy efforts.

The HFA Show 2025, which attracted nearly 10,000 attendees to Las Vegas in March, would not have been successful without our 363 exhibitors and 50 sponsors. The theme of The HFA Show 2026—set for March 16-18 in sunny San Diego—is Stronger Together, which reflects a call to action, reminding us that progress in our industry depends on unity and collective effort.

In May, leaders from several industry partners joined HFA representatives in Washington, DC, at the 2025 Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. They met with policymakers and with White House staff to amplify our voice, ensuring that lawmakers understand our industry’s needs and its crucial position in the healthcare continuum.

The 2026 Fly-In and Advocacy Summit, on May 4-6, will once again unite our sponsoring partners and HFA representatives to champion our advocacy goals.

In October, the 22nd HFA European Congress welcomed more than 300 industry leaders from around the globe to Amsterdam for two days of education, inspiration, and networking. The energy and spirit of collaboration were palpable, and I was proud to witness leaders from more than 30 countries come together to share transformative ideas. The 2026 European Congress will be held in September in historic London.

HFA’s educational initiatives extend beyond our in-person events. Our podcast series, Shorts With Liz Clark, just reached 25 episodes. Through my conversations with leaders in fitness, business, finance, and the association world, I have gained so much insight into the opportunities that lie ahead of all of us.

We also published several research reports, which are pivotal to understanding and advancing global fitness. These include the 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report; Reversing the Physical Inactivity Crisis: Fitness Affordability as Strategic Policy; the 2025 HFA Global Report; and more.

We’re grateful to our industry partners for their generosity, their commitment to excellence, and their goal of making the world healthier for all. Special thanks to the 12 leaders who serve on our Industry Partner Advisory Council (IPAC). They provide a needed perspective that has proven valuable to the association’s mission.

As we begin another exciting year, I hope you will make plans to join us in March in San Diego at The HFA Show 2026 to celebrate how far we’ve come and to shape the journey ahead.