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Elevate 2026
Welcome to Elevate 2026
Published in Health Club Management 2026 issue 4
More from HCM 2026 issue 4
Education sessions, demonstrations and launches are part of the mix / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
What is Elevate?
Elevate is the UK trade event for physical activity, fitness and sports therapy. Spanning two days, the show attracts 6,000 senior professionals from gyms, studios, sports clubs, universities, schools, health services and more, all driven by a shared mission to get more people moving and healthier.
At the core of Elevate 2026 is an exhibition of 200 suppliers, presenting the latest equipment, technology and services shaping the future of physical activity and performance.
Beyond the show floor, Elevate delivers a programme of education, with 200+ expert speakers sharing insight across multiple content theatres. Supported by 50 industry bodies, media partners and NGOs, Elevate remains an essential annual meeting place for professionals who want to network, stay informed and help shape the direction of the sector.
Elevate and Future Fit extend Education Partnership through to 2027
Future Fit has been Elevate’s Education Partner since 2022 and will again lead on content across Elevate’s education theatres. This year, Future Fit will host a lounge where speakers and VIPS will be invited to relax and prepare for meetings and presentations. Rob Johnson, founder and CEO of Future Fit, comments: “We’re 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
The 2026 education programme will once again be free to attend and will give delegates access to 200 speakers in expert-led sessions across four curated theatres: Debate, Generate, Accelerate and Collaborate
New for 2026, the education programme will be peppered with Legacy Sessions – a reappraisal of topics first tackled in the first Elevate in 2016 – some featuring the same speakers who addressed our audiences ten years ago, giving a chance to reflect on how far we’re come in the past decade and to share views on where the next ten years will take us.
The 2026 education programme will once again be free to attend and will give delegates access to 200 speakers in expert-led sessions
Speakers will include Sarah Watts (CEO, Alliance Leisure), Tara Dillon (CEO, CIMSPA), David Stalker (Chair, UK Active), 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.
The four Elevate theatres
1. The DEBATE Theatre
This headline stage features horizon topics; the discussions transcending public and private sector, operator and supplier. This year we explore everything from AI and systems leadership to active aging and the future of fitness education.Future Trends is back – and even better – and we also see the return of Routes to the C-Suite, looking at the career journeys of senior fitness execs.
2. The GENERATE Theatre
Day 1 morning
Building strong foundations
Exploring brand and identity, customer experience metrics and how to get your gym start-up right.
Day 1 afternoon
Exploring emerging opportunities
How to identify and monetise new opportunities, exploring everything from the padel boom to the impact of weight-loss medication.
Day 2 morning
People and purpose
Looking at workforce evolution and skills, corporate wellness and new metrics for examining consumer feedback.
Day 2 afternoon
Pricing and process
Identifying best pricing strategies, efficient membership journeys and what it takes to become a B-Corp.
3. The ACCELERATE Theatre
Day 1 morning
Enhancing performance
Exploring mindset and motivation, what we can learn from elite performers and snapshot insights on creatine, breathing and biomechanics.
Day 1 afternoon
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 morning
Lifecycle fitness
Understanding how hormonal fluctuations and life stage transitions impact exercise response, recovery and long-term health outcomes
Day 2 afternoon
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.
4. The COLLABORATE Theatre
Day 1 morning
Moving more
Insights into collaborative approaches to driving greater participation and engagement in physical activity.
Day 1 afternoon
Moving together
Innovation and sharing of best practice in effective partnership work.
Day 2 morning
The Power of Place
Exploring the impact of environment on participation and accessibility.
Day 2 afternoon
The Power of Tech
Examining how AI, digital tech and VR are reshaping engagement and reaching new audiences.
Elevate 2026 education partners
1. Active Aquatics
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.
2. Third Space Academy
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.
3. Technogym
Returning for a third consecutive year, Technogym will share its expertise through a series of expert-led sessions hosted directly from its stand, highlighting innovation across movement, health and performance.
Lucy Findlay-Beale / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
Welcome to 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 a trusted meeting place for leaders, innovators and practitioners committed to improving the nation’s health and wellbeing.
A decade on, our sector looks very different. Collaboration is stronger, standards are higher, and the connection between physical activity and healthcare has never been more embedded. From community-based prevention pathways to rehabilitation programmes, our role in shaping healthier communities is clearer and more influential than ever.
Together we’ll define the next decade of physical activity
Elevate 2026 will honour this progress through dedicated Legacy Sessions that revisit key themes and speakers from our 2016 programme, reflecting on how far we’ve come and what lies ahead. We’ll also be showcasing a 10-Year Exhibitor Trail recognising brands that have exhibited every year, alongside 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.
Lucy Findlay-Beale, show director, Elevate
10-year legacy partners
▪︎ Active IQ
▪︎ CIMSPA
▪︎ DFC – now Xplor
▪︎ Gantner
▪︎ HCM Magazine
▪︎ Inbody
▪︎ Jordan
▪︎ JPL
▪︎ Myzone
▪︎ Origin
▪︎ RLSS
▪︎ STA
▪︎ The Hygiene Company
New exhibitors for 2026
▪︎ Ambohr
▪︎ BRP Systems
▪︎ Poolpod
▪︎ DK Way Sports
▪︎ Everyreformer
▪︎ Formlens
▪︎ Hengchangsports
▪︎ Marsden Weighing
▪︎ Nutrable
▪︎ Refreshment Systems
▪︎ Repfitness
▪︎ S&C Slatter
▪︎ SofSurfaces Europe
▪︎ Summit Medical and Scientific
▪︎ Swimasaurus.com
▪︎ Swimsure
▪︎ The Leisure Experts
▪︎ Watson Gym Equipment
Get Active at Elevate
Elevate will work with a team of partners to deliver mindfulness and movement breaks between education sessions. We all know it’s not healthy to sit for long periods so we’ll be encouraging people to take time out between sessions to focus on their physical and mental health.
/ ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS
A full list of exhibitors can be found at www.elevatearena.com
■ Active IQ
An Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation for the physical activity sector, Active IQ offers 100 accredited qualifications from entry-level to Level 5.
Within the apprenticeship sector, it offers End-point Assessments across the leisure, education, facilities management and community sectors. Experienced assessors and a knowledgeable apprenticeship team support apprentices, employers and training delivery teams to achieve the best outcomes.
■ Alliance Leisure
Alliance Leisure is a UK-based leisure development specialist. Working in partnership with local authorities and leisure operators, it creates engaging, place-based active environments that cater for everyone.
Over the last 25 years, Alliance Leisure has delivered more than 300 projects, from multi-site regeneration schemes and new builds to outdoor spaces, 3G pitches and leisure centre modernisations. These projects represent an investment value of £530 million.
■ Balanced Body
Balanced Body delivers group reformer Pilates equipment and instructor training, supporting studios, universities and premium fitness operators to deliver scalable reformer programmes.
In the UK, key accounts include Third Space, University of Nottingham and Ten Reformer.
Grounded in Joseph Pilates’ original principles, the company designs precision-engineered apparatus that enhances performance for both teachers and clients, while delivering comprehensive education programmes and certifications.
https://balancedbodypilates.co.uk
■ CET CryoSpas
The CryoSpa Serena ice bath will launch at Elevate 2026.
Designed for the leisure and wellness market, it pairs patented jet technology for deeper, more penetrating cold with hydrostatic pressure depth, a stainless-steel interior and a wood exterior.
Alongside Serena, CET will show the Glacier Ice, its most popular ice bath for the sector. Featuring a stainless-steel interior, cedar cladding and a marble-style top, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
Both systems have a chiller that provides consistent cold-water immersion down to 1°C.
■ CFM
Creative Fitness Marketing (CFM) is a specialist marketing agency dedicated to the health and fitness sector, with 36 years in business and experience supporting thousands of health clubs worldwide.
It helps clubs attract more members, improve retention and grow revenue through data-driven campaigns, creative services and measurable strategy.
CFM also handles the selling process without charging upfront service fees.
▪︎ CIMSPA
CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) is the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector workforce.
The organisation is committed to supporting, developing and enabling professionals and organisations to succeed.
Its ambition is to inspire a more active nation and shape a vibrant UK-wide sport and physical activity sector with the highest standards of service delivery — one that everyone can be part of.
The recent launch of professional status, a defining moment for the sector, serves to equip CIMSPA members with a formal title, a digital accreditation credential and post-nominals, to allow them to demonstrate and showcase their status to employers, the public and professionals in other sectors.
▪︎ EGYM Hussle
EGYM Hussle partners with employers and private medical insurers to improve employee, customer and policyholder health by providing access to fitness and health facilities.
Founded in 2011 as a B2C business, Hussle pivoted post-COVID to focus on B2B markets, and has since been acquired by EGYM to form the UK arm of global corporate fitness specialists, EGYM Wellpass.
EGYM Hussle sends new members to clubs that wouldn’t otherwise visit, delivering true incremental value for operators.
▪︎ Gantner
From parking the car, entering the premises and putting gear in the locker, to booking classes and paying for a well-deserved treat afterwards. All parts of the customer journey are covered with Gantner – the hardware, software and access specialist.
▪︎ Matrix Fitness
Matrix Fitness is known for delivering innovative, high-performance solutions to health clubs, corporate gyms, hospitality, education and public sector facilities.
Offering facility design support, connected technology, training and education to enhance the member experience and maximise ROI, the team aims to be a trusted advisor.
Matrix will be showcasing a range of solution-based products, including for strength training, cardio, fitness racing, recovery and Reformer Pilates.
▪︎ Merrithew
Merrithew, the supplier of Pilates equipment and creator of education programmes such as Stott Pilates, Zenga, Total Barre and Halo Training, has acquired Align-Pilates, supplier of Pilates equipment and accessories for professional studio and home use.
Merrithew Connect, a video streaming platform features Pilates, fitness and mind-body workouts.
▪︎ Myzone
Myzone is the creator of Motivation Technology (MoTech), a new and dedicated category of FitTech that fuses technology with behavioural science to keep people moving for life.
Its heart rate-based effort-tracking platform – now enhanced by Myzone Go – builds lasting habits by rewarding effort and encouraging active communities both inside and outside the gym.
▪︎ Ojmar
The Ojmar OTS 40 Batteryless is the first battery-free smart locker lock designed for fitness and wellness spaces, delivering seamless access without the burden of batteries, hard-wiring or ongoing maintenance.
Powered by Ojmar’s patented Push Power Technology, it generates kinetic energy, activating the lock and enabling operation online or offline.
Built for high-traffic locker rooms, it supports RFID and NFC credentials, from wristbands and fobs to smartphones, making it easy to evolve from wearables to app-based journeys.
With maintenance-free operation, operators eliminate routine battery changes and associated costs.
Managers can access the cloud for centralised control, real-time monitoring and access history.
▪︎ Physical Co
Over a period of 30 years, Physical has evolved from a family-run business supplying hand weights and mats to become one of the best-known suppliers of high-quality gym equipment in the UK.
Its catalogue contains 1,900 products, ranging from its growing Physical range of commercial gym equipment – which is designed in-house to meet the ever-evolving needs of the sector – to cherry-picked items from strategic partners.
▪︎ Seca UK
Matrix Fitness and Seca have announced a partnership to develop an integrated solution that translates medical-grade body composition data into intelligent, guided training experiences.
Combining Seca’s measurement technology with Matrix’s AI-driven programming and connected fitness ecosystem, the collaboration aims to turn health insights into actionable directions on the gym floor.
As personalisation becomes an industry expectation, some operators and coaches struggle to apply complex data. This partnership addresses that gap by pairing measurement with adaptive training programmes, supporting consistent, outcome-focused experiences without adding operational burden.
▪︎ Speedflex
Pioneers of ‘HIIT Without The Hurt’ training – meaning no joint pressure or pain during the workout, and minimal DOMS after it – Speedflex is one of the most inclusive workouts in the world.
It offers safe and effective, high-intensity, low impact HIIT training in a variety of formats, from connected fitness on the gym floor to full studio solutions.
With personalised resistance, the workout is suitable for every level of fitness.
▪︎ STA
This year marks by the launch of STA’s newly regulated Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification.
Developed in line with CIMSPA’s updated Professional Standard, the qualification sets a clear, future-ready benchmark for swimming teacher training, shaped around how today’s workforce wants to learn.
With blended study and a focus on practical, work-ready skill development, it supports swimming teachers, tutors and managers to build connections with modern learners and strengthen long-term workforce development.
Visitors to Elevate will also see how STA has modernised its delivery model with updated resources and digital tools, including AI-supported marking, providing simpler delivery, greater flexibility and reduced administration for training centres and tutors.
▪︎ Swim England
Swim England was the only governing body of swimming in the world when it was formed in 1869.
It evolved into a national association as clubs from across England became members with responsibility for the development and regulation of swimming as a sport and now helps people learn how to swim, enjoy the water safely, and compete in all aquatic sports.
▪︎ Tanita
Elevate will give a UK-first look at Tanita’s next step in body composition: the MC-800.
Designed for premium clubs and studios, it helps move beyond weight and towards more meaningful measures of progress. Built to integrate seamlessly into assessment and coaching workflows, the MC-800 delivers easy-to-read insights that support member conversations and retention, without adding friction.
▪︎ Technogym
Technogym will introduce the RUNX World Treadmill Championship and share insights through a series of expert-led education sessions, highlighting innovation across the industry.
▪︎ TVS Group
TVS installs rubber, polyurethane, timber and vinyl surfaces for sporting and physical activities. This includes Sportec gym flooring, along with Euroflex impact protection flooring and playground accessories.
The company is also an exclusive supplier of Robbins Sports Surfaces, enabling it to offer elite-level hardwood sports flooring systems.
TVS Group includes TVS Sports Surfaces, TVS Gym Flooring, TVS Play Surfaces and TVS Acoustics.
▪︎ The Wellness Tree
The Wellness Tree is a specialist recovery suite partner, helping gyms integrate proven recovery technologies into one offering.
The company combines tech, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IHHT, red light therapy, infrared sauna, contrast therapy and targeted recovery tools to deliver fully-supported, revenue-generating recovery spaces.
At Elevate 2026, we’re showcasing how recovery can improve member retention and increasing secondary spend.
www.thewellnesstreegroup.co.uk
▪︎ Wattbike
At Elevate 2026, Wattbike will be showcasing how performance data can have real business impact.
Visitors will experience live VO₂ benchmarking with Healthspan alongside the Max Power Test, demonstrating measurable improvements in key health and longevity markers. On the stand, visitors will be able to ride both the Air-Pro and the new AtomX with PTS2 monitor, showing how Wattbike helps operators increase PT revenue, boost retention and evidence member progress.
▪︎ WellnessSpace Brands
WellnessSpace Brands provides self-guided recovery solutions that help facilities deliver wellness experiences without adding staff or operational complexity.
With more than 36 years’ of innovation and 400 million sessions delivered worldwide, the portfolio includes HydroMassage, CryoLounge+, RelaxSpace and the newest additions, RedZone Sauna and PolarWave Dry Plunge.
RedZone Sauna combines infrared heat and full-body red light therapy to provide relief from everyday aches and stiffness. PolarWave Dry Plunge delivers cold exposure to support post-workout recovery.
With clients in 50+ countries, customers include David Lloyd, Pure Gym, Everyone Active, Gym Box and Anytime Fitness.
▪︎ Xplor
Today’s fitness and leisure brands need technology that powers standout fitness experiences and keeps pace with changing member expectations.
From independents to global franchises and chains, Xplor software is the operational backbone behind the member journey, making it easier to deliver seamless experiences, build lasting loyalty, and grow with intention.
The company’s main products are ClubReady, Clubware, Deciplus, Exerp, Legend, Mariana Tek, Membr, Momence, myFitApp, Resamania, TrueCoach and Xplor Gym.
EGYM Hussle will be at Elevate 2026 / ELEVATE / EGYM
Balanced Body will return to Elevate with its Pilates equipment and training / ELEVATE / BALANCED BODY
Technogym will show its equipment and tech / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
Gantner is showcasing its access and customer journey tech / ELEVATE / GANTNER
David Lennard (L). JP Lennard is a ten-year legacy exhibitor / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
Operators, fitness professionals and suppliers converge on ExCel / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
Filming at Elevate captures exhibitor and delegate feedback / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
/ ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
ELEVATE
Dates:
17-18 June 2026
Venue:
Excel, London, halls S1-S3
Opening times:
Wednesday
9.30am - 5.30pm
Thursday
9.30am - 4.30pm
Address:
Excel London
Royal Victoria Dock,
One Western Gateway,
London E16 1XL
Register for free:
www.elevatearena.com
Read more from this issue of HCM magazine
View contents of HCM 2026 issue 4
-
Editor's letter: Intensity model
New insights show the health and fitness market growing strongly across Europe, says Liz Terry -
HCM People: Phillip Mills
The CEO of Les Mills talks about partnering with Hyrox and the possibilities this ‘mass participation sport’ opens up for the industry -
HCM People: Deena Gillan
Kath Hudson talks to the new chair of UK Active’s Independent Council -
Interview: Harry Konstantinou
Viva Leisure’s CEO on global growth and redefining revenue generation -
Sponsored: Progress that counts
EGYM has opened a new HQ in Paternoster Square, London and revealed a range of new launches -
Talking point: Everyone's talking about ... market penetration
As UK market penetration hits 18 per cent, how much higher could it go? -
Supplier Showcase: Future-proofing
Everlast Gyms+ in Chiswick is working with Core Health and Fitness to raise the bar for fitness in London -
Research: Record highs
A report by Deloitte and EuropeActive reveals a reshaping of the fitness sector -
Insight: Class of 2035
How can clubs best serve Gen Alpha? Vicci Wells shares insights from the Youth Sport Trust study -
Show preview: Elevate 2026
All the news from the show, as it gets set to mark its 10th anniversary -
Insight: Value and identity
Record UK market penetration reveals a deeper shift in consumer engagement, a new report finds -
Specifier: Strong foundations
We look at the latest club flooring upgrades, as suppliers give their advice -
Specifier: Making space
How can clubs best ease bottlenecks at peak times? We look at the latest kit and inspiring case studies -
Research: Brain power
A new study shows that the brain is able to programme endurance capacity
Editor's letter
Intensity model
HCM People
Phillip Mills
HCM People
Deena Gillan
Interview
Harry Konstantinou
Sponsored
Progress that counts
Talking point
Everyone's talking about ... market penetration
Supplier Showcase
Future-proofing
Research
Record highs
Insight
Class of 2035
Show preview
Elevate 2026
Current article
Insight
Value and identity
Specifier
Strong foundations
Specifier
Making space
Research
Brain power
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/ ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
David Stalker, chair of UK Active, will take to the stage / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
200 speakers will share their expertise at the 2026 event / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
Sarah Watts, CEO of Alliance Leisure, will speak at Elevate / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
Nuffield’s Davina Deniszczyc will keynote at the 2026 event / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
A VIP lounge will be supported by Elevate partners / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
The trade show and networking areas give industry professionals the opportunity to do business / ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
/ ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
/ ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
/ ELEVATE / Sean McGarry
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