A New Era of Global Wellness

The 2025 US Health & Fitness Consumer Report and HFA’s 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report together provide the most comprehensive view of today’s fitness landscape. This session reveals how Americans engage with gyms, studios, and multipurpose facilities, including activity preferences, equipment usage, and demographic trends, while connecting these insights to financial and operational benchmarks across the industry. Attendees will gain actionable intelligence on attendance patterns, membership retention, revenue growth, and program design, equipping operators with the data needed to optimize engagement, profitability, and strategic planning in a rapidly evolving market.

Global tariff changes, economic pressures, and evolving trade policies are transforming the business of fitness—from equipment sourcing to club operations. In this panel, industry leaders and supply chain experts break down how these shifts are impacting pricing, procurement, and long-term planning across the health and wellness ecosystem. Hear how the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is advocating for fair trade policies, supporting members through supply chain disruptions, and helping businesses build resilience in an increasingly complex global market. Attendees will gain actionable insights to navigate volatility, strengthen partnerships, and protect profitability in 2026 and beyond.

High-volume, low-price gyms are leading a fitness renaissance—posting visitation rates 22% above pre-pandemic levels and reshaping consumer expectations across the industry. This panel unpacks what the explosive growth of the HVLP segment means for operators, investors, and suppliers alike. Drawing on insights from HFA’s FIT Tracker and other benchmarking data, industry leaders will explore the forces driving this shift—accessibility, affordability, and convenience—and how mid-market and premium operators can adapt to stay competitive. Attendees will walk away with a data-informed understanding of where the momentum is heading and how value-driven models are influencing pricing, product design, and the future of member engagement.

This program features two expert panels and an open forum exploring how physical activity drives both public health and economic growth. Global leaders, federations, and NGOs will discuss cross-sector collaboration, policy alignment, and the role of fitness associations in shaping preventive health and workforce well-being worldwide.

More than 18 million Americans are living with or beyond cancer, and research confirms that exercise is not only safe but can significantly reduce treatment-related side effects such as fatigue, pain, and anxiety. Despite strong evidence and clear prescription guidelines, few professionals are trained in exercise oncology, and limited programs exist within fitness centers. This session examines the science behind exercise in cancer care, highlights innovative models expanding access, and explores how workforce education, patient engagement, and strategic partnerships can help integrate exercise into the continuum of cancer survivorship.

The U.S. POINTER clinical trial examined whether multidomain lifestyle interventions can help preserve cognitive function in adults ages 60–79 who are at increased risk for cognitive decline. More than 2,100 participants—including individuals from historically underrepresented communities—engaged in programs emphasizing physical activity, nutrition, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and regular health monitoring. Findings showed that both self-guided and structured interventions improved cognition, with the structured program delivering the greatest benefits. Attendees will learn the evidence-based “brain health recipe” and practical strategies to support cognitive health through lifestyle practices.

As cities evolve, the intersection of urban planning, fitness, and public health is creating powerful opportunities for community transformation. This session explores how local fitness councils, developers, and civic leaders are reimagining downtown spaces to promote movement, access, and well-being. Using San Antonio’s forward-thinking initiatives as a case study, panelists will examine how expanding walkability, activating parks with fitness programming, and integrating fresh food access into urban environments can drive both health and economic vitality. Attendees will gain practical insights into how cross-sector collaboration—between city planners, fitness advocates, and real estate developers—can turn neighborhoods into thriving, health-centered ecosystems.

Select Panelists to be Announced