Elevate 2026

As Elevate marks ten years since its launch in 2016, the 2026 edition is both a celebration and a statement of intent for the future of physical activity

What began as an ambition to bring together the fitness, sport, physical activity and therapy sectors has grown into the UK’s flagship industry event – a trusted meeting place for leaders, innovators and practitioners committed to improving the nation’s health and wellbeing. A decade on, our world looks very different. Collaboration is stronger, standards are higher, and the connection between physical activity and overall wellbeing has never been more central to how we live. From community-based prevention pathways to rehabilitation programs, our role in shaping healthier, happier communities is clearer and more influential than ever.

EVENT PREVIEW

Elevate remains the standout event for education & professional development in our sector

Elevate 2026 will honour this progress through dedicated Legacy Sessions that will revisit key themes and speakers from our 2016 programme, reflecting on how far we’ve come and what lies ahead. We will also be showcasing a 10-Year Exhibitor Trail recognising the brands that have exhibited every single year, alongside the many returning partners and first timers.

This anniversary isn’t just about reflecting, it’s about accelerating what comes next. Together we will define the next decade of physical activity.

FUTURE FIT EXTENDS EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP THROUGH TO 2027 Future Fit will continue in its official capacity as Elevate’s Education Partner. First formalised in 2022, the partnership has developed into an impactful collaboration in the sector, playing a key role in advancing the quality and relevance of industry education across the UK.

What began for Future Fit in 2019 as a small exhibition presence has since matured into a long- term strategic relationship, underpinned by a shared focus on developing the workforce and championing professional learning. Through the disruption of the

A look at the four curated Elevate theatres and the topics they will cover over the two days

DEBATE The headline stage features only horizon topics; the discussions transcending public and private sector, operator and supplier. Topics will explore everything from AI and systems leadership to active aging and the future of fi tness education. Future Trends is back - and even better - and will see the return of Routes to the C-Suite, looking at the career journeys of senior fi tness execs.

GENERATE The people, passion and products driving the business of physical activity

DAY 1 AM Building strong foundations: Exploring brand and identity, customer experience metrics and how to get your gym start-up right.

DAY 1 PM Exploring emerging opportunities: How to identify and monetise new opportunities - exploring everything from the padel boom to the impact of weight-loss jabs.

DAY 2 AM People and purpose: Looking at workforce evolution and skills, corporate wellness and new metrics for examining consumer feedback.

DAY 2 PM Pricing and process: Identifying best pricing strategies, efficient membership journeys and what it takes to become a B-Corp operation.

ACCELERATE Science-backed insights into living a healthier life

DAY 1 AM Enhancing performance: Exploring mindset and motivation, what we can learn from elite performers and snapshot insights on creatine, breathing and biomechanics.

DAY 1 PM Promoting recovery: What’s the next big thing in recovery, how wearables and AI are changing the recovery landscape and snapshot insights on sleep, nutrition and red-light therapy.

DAY 2 AM Lifecycle fi tness: Understanding how hormonal fl uctuations and life stage transitions impact exercise response, recovery, and long-term health outcomes

DAY 2 PM Introducing the Beyond Reps movement: Moving beyond performance and building a human-centred wellbeing industry, these sessions consider what it takes to flourish as a human.

COLLABORATE A showcase for partnership, inclusion, and innovation in engagement

DAY 1 AM Moving more: Insights into collaborative approaches to driving greater participation and engagement in physical activity.

DAY 1 PM Moving together: Innovation and sharing of best practice in effective partnership work.

DAY 2 AM The Power of Place: Exploring the impact of environment on participation and accessibility.

DAY 2 PM The Power of Tech: Examining how AI, digital tech and VR are reshaping engagement and reaching new audiences.

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pandemic and beyond, Future Fit demonstrated its long-term commitment to the event, becoming Elevate’s inaugural Education Partner in 2022 and contributing consistently to its evolution.

Future Fit will once again lead on content across all four of Elevate’s core education theatres, take part in broader industry conversations, and retain a strong on-site presence throughout the show. This year, Future Fit will host a large lounge area where speakers and VIPS are invited to relax, prepare for meetings and presentations, whilst enjoying refreshments and the company of the Future Fit team.

Rob Johnson, Founder and CEO of Future Fit, comments: “Elevate remains the standout event for education and professional development in our sector. We’re incredibly proud to be part of its 10th anniversary and to continue working with the Elevate team on a partnership built around shared values, high standards and meaningful learning experiences for fitness professionals.”

ELEVATE CURATED THEATRES

Central to Elevate’s commitment to championing innovation and raising standards across the sector, the 2026 programme will once again be free to attend and will give delegates access to more than 200 speakers in a full agenda of expert-led sessions across four curated theatres: Debate, Generate, Accelerate and Collaborate.

New for 2026, each of the four curated theatres will be hosted by an industry specialist, adding their insight to content, introducing panels, posing questions and encouraging audience engagement. Hosts will be named nearer to the event.

LEGACY PARTNERS Several brands have supported the event consistently for the past 10 years. They are:

● Active IQ ● CIMSPA ● DFC - now Xplor ● Gantner ● Inbody ● Jordan ● JPL ● Myzone ● Origin ● Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) ● STA ● The Hygiene Company

“I’ve been attending Elevate for the last 10 years and have loved being able to contribute to discussions and the programme, as well as showcasing our services and sponsoring various elements of the show. I’m sure the next 10 years will be even more successful than the last, as the show builds on what has been created by Lucy and the team.”

Sarah Watts, CEO, Alliance Leisure

EVENT PREVIEW

Also new for 2026, the education programme will be peppered with thought-provoking Legacy Sessions – a reappraisal of topics first tackled in the inaugural 2016 event – some featuring the same speakers who addressed the audiences 10 years ago. A real chance to reflect on how far the industry has come in the past decade – and to share views on where the next 10 years will take it. Delegates will also see some of the event’s most popular speakers return to the stage, including Sarah Watts (CEO, Alliance Leisure), Tara Dillon (CEO, CIMSPA), David Stalker (Chair, ukactive), Davina Deniszczyc (Medical Director, Nuffield Health) and Katherine Knight (Director, Intelligent Health). These experts will be delivering content on a wide range of topics designed to spark conversation, share best practice and explore the ideas and trends influencing the future of physical activity.

EXTERNAL CONTRIBUTORS Elevate will welcome back three external education partners, each returning with enhanced content programmes and renewed momentum for this year’s event.

Active Aquatics will once again take centre stage with a dedicated theatre, curated in partnership with STA, RLSS and Swim England. The programme will deliver a blend of strategic perspective and hands-on learning, designed to support the development, safety and long- term sustainability of aquatic activity across the UK.

Now in its fifth year at Elevate, the Third Space Academy will continue to provide high-impact, practical education aimed at developing personal trainers and coaches at every stage of their professional journey.

“We’re proud to have been part of Elevate for 10 years. It’s always a great chance to meet new and existing customers, deliver meaningful workshops, and showcase our services. It’s the key moment each year to connect with the whole sector and network with leading suppliers and providers.”

Jo Talbot, Commercial Director, RLSS UK

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Returning for a third consecutive year, Technogym will share its latest expertise through a series of expert-led sessions hosted directly from its stand, highlighting innovation across movement, health and performance.

Together, these partner-led theatres will play a key role in strengthening Elevate’s industry- leading education offering, working alongside the four Curated Theatres to create a comprehensive learning programme across both days of the event

GET ACTIVE AT ELEVATE

This year, Elevate will be working with a team of partners to deliver strategically placed mindfulness and movement breaks between education sessions. We all know it’s not healthy to sit for long periods so this year we will be encouraging people to take time out between sessions to focus on their physical and mental wellbeing. Obviously, another great way to get some steps in is to walk the large exhibition floor!

NETWORKING

Connection sits at the heart of Elevate. Bringing together friends, colleagues and new contacts to exchange ideas, spark conversation and build meaningful partnerships is a core part of the event experience. To actively encourage collaboration, Elevate provides two spacious networking lounges designed for informal meetings, presentations or simply a moment to recharge after exploring the expansive exhibition floor. These dedicated spaces create a relaxed environment where conversations turn into opportunities.

The Networking Hub will be hosted by sponsors Myzone, Alliance Leisure, Inspace, Wattbike, Active IQ, Xn Leisure, Love Recruitment, Orbit4 and ProInsight. There is also a more casual catering space where all attendees can grab a coffee and catch up!

VENUE: DATE: OPEN TIMES: Wednesday 9.30am – 5.30pm Excel London (Halls S1 - S3) June 17-18, 2026 Thursday 9.30am – 4.30pm