canfitpro Global 2026 Brings the Fitness Industry Together in Toronto

Thousands of fitness professionals, industry leaders, and exhibitors gathered in Toronto and online for the 2026 canfitpro GLOBAL Conference and Trade Show, held August 14-15. The event featured 168 speakers and an extensive lineup of education sessions, workouts, networking, and trade show exhibits.

The event’s theme, “UNITE: The Power of Us,” was explored in the GLOBAL Business, Innovation & Leadership Summit, where HFA Interim President and CEO Greta Wagner participated in “UNITE the Leaders: A Global Fitness Fireside.”

Wagner joined GoodLife Group founder and Chairman David “Patch” Patchell-Evans; TG The Gym co-founder George Jackson; and Wexer CEO Paul Bowman. COO of canfitpro Maureen “Mo” Hagan and canfitpro Director of Business Growth Robert Robinson moderated the discussion.

The group tackled the decisions that changed their businesses, how organizations can endure beyond their founders, and how leadership survives—and remains essential—in a rapidly changing technological environment.

The discussion also reflected a broader theme running through the conference: Technology may transform how fitness businesses operate, but it doesn’t eliminate the importance of human relationships.

Those issues were explored elsewhere during other panels and roundtables in the Business Innovation & Leadership Summit that examined AI, software, longevity, hybrid race competitions, and the challenge of turning emerging trends into sustainable revenue streams. Pilates also had a prominent presence throughout the event, reflecting the modality’s continuing momentum in clubs and studios.

This was the 33rd canfitpro GLOBAL Conference and Trade Show. The event was started by Patchell-Evans, founder of Canada’s largest fitness brand, GoodLife Group, which operates more than 400 facilities under its main brand, Goodlife Fitness, and sister brands Fit4Less and ÉconoFitness/Énergie Cardio (Quebec).