10 Fitness Conferences You Don't Want To Miss in 2020
By Ty Davidson
EDITOR'S NOTE: Many of the events in this post have been canceled, postponed, or gone virtual.
As a fitness business owner, it’s hard to imagine being able to leave your studio or gym and venture out into the wide world.
But once the holidays come to an end and the New Year rush is over, traveling and letting your business run itself for a while becomes a possibility. Sure, it would be great to take some time for much-needed rest and relaxation, but what if you could combine work and play?
Conferences are the perfect middle ground—especially if they are geared towards your industry. They are a great way to gain new skills, grow your business, and network with fellow business owners.
There’s no replacement for the connections made in-person at trade shows and conventions. The knowledge and relationships will last far beyond your time on the expo floor.
Here are 10 must-see fitness conferences taking place in 2020 (in order by date):
1. ukactive: Sweat
When: February 2020
Where: London, UK
Created just for boutique fitness businesses, Sweat connects studio owners to the knowledge and partners that they need. Over the course of a full day, attendees at the largest UK B2B fitness conference will meet with industry insiders and fellow business owners to help them stay ahead of curve.
Why you should attend:
- Connect with up-and-coming startups, brands, influencers, and investors in boutique fitness
- Learn about the developing future of boutique fitness
- Stay on top of upcoming brands and trends
2. IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show
When: March 18-21, 2020
Where: San Diego, CA
Held in sunny San Diego, the IHRSA Convention and Trade Show is a great way for health club owners and operators to learn about the industry and collaborate with fellow industry members. With a variety of speakers, workshops, and exercise classes, IHRSA offers loads of quality education for multilocation and franchise businesses.
Why you should attend:
- Learn business strategies from leaders in the health club field at education sessions
- Discover new trends and methods for improving your use of technology at IHRSA TechX
- Connect with other industry members and share knowledge at networking roundtables
3. FIBO
When: October 1-4, 2020 (new date!)
Where: Cologne, Germany
Visitors from all over the world meet in Germany to attend FIBO to learn about the future of fitness in a variety of industries. With over 1000 exhibitors, consultants, and classes, guests should be ready to take their knowledge to new heights.
Why you should attend:
- Explore new opportunities for your business with FIBO Campus
- Discover new services to expand your studio’s offerings
- Take guided tours of special exhibition areas to discover cutting edge products
4. FitSummit
When: April 15-16, 2020
Where: Singapore
With their keynote speakers, networking events, and large exhibition hall, FitSummit features some of the best education on the growth of the fitness industry in Asia.
Why you should attend:
- Learn how the consumer fitness industry is developing in Asia
- Attend the special summit on boutique businesses growth in the region
- Network with other business owners at the Fit Awards of Excellence dinner
5. FILEX
When: May 1-3, 2020
Where: Sydney, Australia
Described as “Australiasia’s leading fitness convention,” FILEX is an annual opportunity for fitness industry members to learn from other business owners in the APAC region. Held in beautiful Sydney, the convention balances work and play with both hundreds of educational classes and networking and social events.
Why you should attend:
- Share in the experiences at the Women of Influence Forum
- Discover what’s on the horizon with emerging industry technology
- Meet business owners from all over the globe
6. Elevate Physical Activity Trade Show
When: June 17-18, 2020
Where: London, UK
Attended by thousands of members of Europe’s fitness and wellness industry, Elevate is a great way to explore upcoming products and learn new skills.
Why you should attend:
- Learn from senior members of the fitness industry about global health trends
- Discover new skills, techniques, and products to elevate your studio’s offerings
- Receive CPD points for spending time at the event
7. IDEA World
When: July 8-12 2020
Where: Anaheim, CA
With education sessions that offer continuing education credits and an expo floor that features hundreds of brands, IDEA World is a great fitness conference to grow both your career and your business.
Why you should attend:
- Learn how to advance your business at the IDEA Success Academy
- Gain new skills from certification sessions led by expert instructors
- Explore new products, services, and equipment at the expo hall
8. canfitpro
When: August 12-16, 2020
Where: Toronto, Canada
Events by canfitpro are great ways for fitness businesses to continue their education and learn new skills. With reputable teachers, hands-on training, and credit-earning opportunities, canfitpro is the perfect place to take your training career to the next level.
Why you should attend:
- Continue your education with CEC sessions or intensives
- Sample some of the newest industry products at the trade show
- Meet veteran presenters and benefits from their expert knowledge
9. Club Industry Show (CIS)
When: October 14-16, 2020
Where: St. Louis, MO
Designed specifically for the health clubs, CIS is a great place to learn how to build your client base, develop your team, and revolutionize your business. With their focus on technology, leadership, and programming, this fitness conference offers attendees everything they need to make a difference at their club.
Why you should attend:
- Take classes on specialized tracks to increase your knowledge
- Discover future partnerships with the healthcare industry
- Explore new products, services, and innovations from a wide range of exhibitors
10. The BOLD Conference
When: August 31–September 2, 2021
Where: San Diego, CA
Taking place in sunny San Diego in 2021, BOLD is Mindbody’s annual conference for the fitness, beauty, and wellness worlds. Over three days, visitors meet and mingle with industry professionals, explore the latest trends, learn what’s next, and discover how to grow their business.
Why you should attend:
- Be inspired to make a difference by speeches from incredible keynote speakers
- Get advice from experts in breakout sessions and informative panels
- Celebrate with other business owners at the BOLD Bash party
