Schedule at a Glance

Thursday, 2 October

7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Registration Open

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10:00 am - 10:30 am
Welcome

Liz Clark, CEO & President, HFA
Theo Hendriks, HFA Europe Council Member & Local Host

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10:30 am - 11:15 am
Global Wellness Report & Special Reports in Collaboration With LeisureDB

Join us for the annual unveiling of the HFA Global Wellness Report, a comprehensive look at the state of the wellness, sports, and leisure industries worldwide. This session will reveal some key findings and highlight the trends shaping the future of these industries. From evolving wellness paradigms to changes in consumer behavior and emerging technologies, the report provides a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. This year, the HFA partnered with LeisureDB to conduct specific research for the European Congress audience.

Anton Severin, VP Research, HFA
David Minton, Founder, LeisureDB

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11:15 am - 11:30 am
Break & Sponsor Marketplace

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11:30 am - 12:30 pm
The Power of Reinvention: How Les Mills Shaped Group Exercise for Generations

Visionary founder of Les Mills International delivers an inspiring keynote on the evolution of group fitness. From his early days in the 1980s when he introduced exercise to music and transformed a small Auckland, New Zealand, gym into a leading fitness chain, to revolutionizing the fitness industry with the creation of Bodypump in 1990, Mills has led a global movement. In this keynote, he’ll explore the power of reinvention and how Les Mills set the standard for group exercise. Discover how the brand continues to evolve, empowering millions worldwide through cutting-edge fitness solutions both in gyms and online.

Phillip Mills, Co-founder, Les Mills

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12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Harnessing the Power of Gen Z’s & Alpha’s Interest in Fitness

This session will explore how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are driving a shift in fitness and wellness spending with a growing focus on healthy practices. We’ll delve into the rise of the sober curious movement, where young consumers are prioritizing wellness over traditional party cultures. Learn how fitness brands can tap into this trend, engaging these generations by aligning with their values of mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Select Panelists to Be Announced

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1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Lunch & Sponsor Marketplace

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2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Financial Panel - M&A Trends & Future Opportunities

Join industry leaders for an in-depth discussion on the biggest mergers, acquisitions, and investments shaping the future of the health and wellness sector. Focused on high-growth areas such as women’s health, mental wellness, longevity, rest and recovery, digital health, and personalized optimization programs, this panel will explore where private equity firms and venture capitalists are placing their bets. Gain insights into the current investment landscape, emerging trends, and predictions on where the next big opportunities lie in this rapidly evolving market.

Select Panelists to Be Announced

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3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Break & Sponsor Marketplace

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4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
The Power of Partnerships

Never underestimate the power of collaboration. This session explores the transformative impact of strategic partnerships for brand building. Attendees will learn how to leverage collaborations in philanthropic efforts, forge PR relationships, and dive into ways to give back to the community—both on a small and large scale—while strategically partnering with like-minded businesses to elevate the brand and mission. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how partnerships can amplify your reach, foster community engagement, and drive positive change in the wellness industry.

Select Panelists to Be Announced

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4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Exercise as Medicine: The Expanding Role of Fitness in the Healthcare Continuum

As science reinforces that exercise is medicine, fitness professionals are gaining recognition within healthcare. This session explores their growing role in clinical and preventative care, the science behind movement as a therapeutic tool, and how collaboration between fitness and medical professionals is transforming health outcomes across the continuum of care.

Select Panelists to Be Announced

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4:45 pm - 5:30 pm
Managing Teams in a Modern Era

As organizations face rapid change, the role of human resources has become increasingly pivotal. From managing the future of work to fostering inclusive, resilient cultures, HR is driving transformation across industries. This panel will explore how these leaders are adapting to digital disruption, shifting workforce expectations, and economic uncertainty while aligning HR strategies with broader business goals. Experts will discuss how HR is redefining organizational culture, advancing employee well-being, and promoting diverse workforces. They will also share insights on managing talent through change and ensuring that HR remains a strategic partner in driving long-term success.

Select Panelists to Be Announced

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4:45 pm - 5:30 pm
The Global Advocacy Summit

This session will explore the key role national federations play in advancing global physical activity initiatives. Discover how federations can leverage the HFA 30-By-30 framework regionally and the policy initiatives needed to drive global fitness participation. We’ll discuss how the fitness industry can align with government and public health efforts, and the strategic partnerships that can position fitness facilities as primary solutions. Learn how global sporting events can raise awareness and increase access to fitness, and explore the research needed to push for greater access incentives with governments, ultimately promoting widespread physical activity.

Select Panelists to Be Announced

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5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Going Staffless: Where and How It’s Working

This session explores the growing trend of staffless facilities, particularly within the European market, where automation and AI are transforming traditional operations. We’ll examine certain models that have eliminated front desk staff, streamlined member check-ins, and integrated AI-driven systems to reduce labor costs. Participants will learn about the benefits and challenges of this model, including cost savings, operational efficiency, and the impact on customer satisfaction. The session will also dive into the technology behind automation, the evolving role of staff in these environments, and what the future holds for staffless models in other industries.

Select Panelists to Be Announced

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5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Workplace Well-Being: Current Status of Corporate Wellness

There is dynamic growth taking place within the corporate wellness sector. With Wellhub now serving 34,500 corporate clients and 83,000 holistic well-being partners, the company is strengthening its position in Europe and preparing for a potential IPO. Experts will discuss how Wellhub's holistic wellness approach, aimed at combating employee burnout, contrasts with EGYM’s AI-driven fitness ecosystem. As both companies scale, this session will examine their strategies, the growing demand for comprehensive wellness solutions, and what the future holds for fitness-led corporate wellness.

Select Panelists to Be Announced

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6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Welcome Reception

Saturday, 4 October

 

Morning
Tours of Four Health Clubs in Amsterdam