Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know
When is The HFA Show 2026?
The event will take place Monday, March 16 through Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in San Diego, California, US. The Trade Show will be open Tuesday, March 17 through Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The HFA Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 15.
Where will The HFA Show be located?
All education sessions, exercise classes, and the trade show will be located at:
San Diego Convention Center
111 Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101 USA
Which airport should I fly into?
The San Diego International Airport (SAN) is your best option for direct air travel to The HFA Show.
What are the official The HFA Show hotel partners?
HFA has a variety of discounted guest room blocks available at nearby hotels. Group discount rates will be available through February 14, 2026, or until they sell out. Book Now.
Will translation be provided?
Yes, we will once again use Wordly, an AI-powered platform that easily integrates with your computer and mobile phone for real-time translation and transcription services, using your headphones. Wordly supports over 60 languages, enabling you to access captions or translated audio in your preferred language.
What is the weather like in March in San Diego?
San Diego in March typically offers mild, pleasant weather with average daytime highs around 66–70°F (19–21°C) and cooler evenings in the mid-50s°F (12–14°C).
What are the onsite attendee registration hours?
Sunday, March 15 | 2 - 6 p.m.
Monday, March 16 | 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17 | 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18 | 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
What are the trade show hours?
Tuesday, March 17 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Early morning workouts occur on the trade show floor on Wednesday, March 18 from 7 - 8:30 a.m.
Will food be available at the event?
The San Diego Convention Center offers a variety of convenient options for coffee, snacks and light meals. Just steps away, the Gaslamp District features a wide selection of great restaurants. Select special events at The HFA Show will also provide small bites.
What is the dress code?
Typical event attire is casual to business casual. Meeting rooms are often colder, so we recommend you bring a sweater or light jacket. We suggest you wear comfortable sneakers or shoes to walk the trade show floor and participate in exercise classes. For safety reasons, sandals are discouraged on the trade show floor.
Will continuing education credits/units be offered at The HFA Show 2026?
HFA will offer select sessions for continuing education in coordination with a variety of certifying agencies to be announced soon. Agencies we’ve worked with in the past have included:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Council on Strength Fitness (NCSF)
- National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Are kids allowed to attend the trade show?
The HFA Trade Show is a business-to-business event designed exclusively for professionals in the health, fitness, and wellness industry. To maintain a professional environment and ensure the safety of all participants, all attendees, exhibitors, and participants must be 18 years of age or older. Minors under 18 are not permitted on the trade show floor at any time, including during move-in, show hours, or move-out. This policy also applies to all event areas, including keynotes, educational sessions, networking functions, and any official HFA activities.
Does HFA accept event volunteers?
HFA is seeking a small number of event volunteers to help in various roles, from event preparation to session room monitors or writers! This opportunity is available to health club and studio professionals or college students. If you are interested in volunteering fill out this form. HFA will evaluate submissions and place accepted volunteers. If you are eligible to volunteer, HFA will contact you with next steps by January 23, 2026.
How do I obtain a letter of invitation to travel to the United States if I am not a citizen?
You may obtain a letter of invitation during the event registration process. However, according to the US Department of State, “Visa applicants must qualify based on the applicant's residence and ties abroad rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support isn’t needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.”
What is The HFA Show cancellation policy?
If you won’t be able to attend The HFA Show 2026 and need to cancel your paid registration, please submit your request in writing to register@healthandfitness.org by February 9, 2026. Refund requests received by this deadline will be processed with a USD $100 fee, or you may transfer your registration in full to The HFA Show 2027. No refunds will be made after February 9, 2026, or for no-shows. Substitutions are welcome at any time. Please note that trade show-only registrations are non-refundable.
What if I need special assistance?
Persons with disabilities or who require special assistance during the event should contact HFA at events@healthandfitness.org.
Is there an event hashtag or graphics I can use on social media posts to promote that I will be attending The HFA Show 2026?
Use the hashtag: #TheHFAShow
Follow HFA's social networks to get involved before, during, and after the event, and tag us so we can share your posts and stories:
Is there internet access at the San Diego Convention Center?
The San Diego Convention Center offers complimentary Wi-Fi in all lobby spaces, meeting rooms, and ballrooms, with the option to upgrade for a higher speed.
Is parking available at the San Diego Convention Center?
For parking information and options, please visit visitsandiego.com/parking.
What is your policy regarding audio and video recording at the event?
Attendees - including exhibitor personnel - are not permitted to audio or video record any aspect of the event for any reason without prior written permission from HFA.
What are your attendee Event Policies & Code of Conduct?
See our attendee Event Policies & Code of Conduct.