The 2026 HFA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit wrapped up this week, but the momentum it generated will continue long after attendees returned home.

Over three days in Washington, DC, health and fitness leaders from across the country and around the world came together to advocate for our industry, strengthen relationships with policymakers, and demonstrate why physical activity must be at the center of conversations about prevention, public health, and long-term health outcomes.

What became clear throughout the week is that our industry is increasingly being recognized not simply as a collection of businesses, but as an essential partner in building a healthier, stronger, and more active America. Senior leaders from government, healthcare, and policy circles chose to engage with our members, a clear signal that the Health and Fitness Association is now viewed as a credible partner in advancing healthier communities.

That progress belongs to our members. It belongs to every operator who stepped away from their business to participate, every supplier who invested their time and expertise, and every industry leader who traveled to Washington to share firsthand stories about the people and communities they serve.

Throughout the week, attendees engaged policymakers on priorities ranging from physical activity as prevention and military readiness to digital health and the future of healthcare. The message remained consistent: physical activity is not simply recreation. It is a critical tool for improving health outcomes and helping people live longer, healthier lives.

That shift in perception represents a tremendous opportunity, and it is one our Government Affairs team is committed to sustaining well beyond Washington. Building on the relationships established at the federal level, they pivot directly to state level advocacy, working alongside members to engage governors, state legislators, and local officials on issues that affect day-to-day business operations. The battles that shape your business are often won or lost in state capitals, not just on Capitol Hill.

Staying connected to legislators at every level matters. When policymakers know your name, understand your business, and see you as a trusted resource, they are far more likely to consider our industry’s perspective when drafting legislation, allocating funding, or setting public health priorities. That sustained presence translates directly into better outcomes for your business and your members.

The spirit of One Vision. One Voice. carries forward to the 2026 HFA European Congress in London this September, where industry leaders from around the world will gather to share ideas and strengthen our collective voice across borders.