2025 HFA European Congress Draws Fitness Leaders from 30 Countries

WASHINGTON, DC-October 8, 2025-The 22nd Annual HFA European Congress brought together more than 300 fitness industry leaders from 30 countries for deep learning, dynamic networking, and global collaboration. Held October 2-4 at the historic Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, the Congress marked a return to one of Europe's most iconic venues and delivered a powerful experience under the theme Shaping the Future: Uniting Fitness, Health, and Wellness.

The Congress is put on annually by the Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA). Theo Hendriks, CEO of Sports and Leisure Group, served as this year's local host.

With 18 sessions, two keynotes, and language-specific breakouts, the Congress offered a rich platform for top leaders in the industry to exchange knowledge on a wide spectrum of industry concerns. Attendees heard from experts on topics such as investment trends, GLP-1s, franchising, the status of corporate wellness, how philanthropy powers businesses, harnessing AI to increase your impact, breakthrough technologies in the industry, and more.

Conference highlights included:

• A keynote from Phillip Mills, legendary group exercise innovator, who energized the crowd on day one.
• A second-day keynote by futurist Christian Kromme, who spoke about staying human in a digital era.
• A fireside chat with PureGym CEO Clive Chesser about his company's growth story and what others can learn from it.
• Exclusive insights from HFA Vice President of Research Anton Severin, unveiling data from nearly 30 countries from the 2025 HFA Global Report.
• The inaugural Global Advocacy Summit, featuring thought leaders from the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, Ireland Active, ukactive, Business at OECD, Royal Dutch Football Association, and HFA.
• Insights on the state of the boutique studio space from Alina Cooper and Heather Garrick of Studio Grow.
• Expert-led language breakout discussions.

Attendees also explored new products and services from 11 sponsors in the Sponsor Marketplace.

Early arrivals enjoyed a walking tour of five local clubs, setting the tone for a Congress that blended inspiration with real-world connection.About 40 attendees stayed through October 4 for a bus tour of four additional clubs.

"The energy and spirit of collaboration at this year's Congress were palpable," said HFA President and CEO Liz Clark. "I was inspired to witness leaders from more than 30 countries come together to share transformative ideas and expand their view of the industry's potential to shape the future of global health. I am excited about the prospect of building upon this executive-level event next year."

The HFA European Congress continues to be the premier gathering for fitness professionals committed to shaping a healthier, more connected world.

Next year's event will be held in September in London.

HFA thanks the sponsors for the 2025 event: Freemotion and Virtuagym (Platinum Sponsors); Matrix (Gold Sponsor); Fitual, Gantner, PelviX, TaylorMade Designs, and Your Reformer (Silver Sponsors); and ClubPlanner, Funxtion, and Geometrik Target (Bronze Sponsors).

Downloadable images from the event are available here on Flickr. Please credit as follows: Photos by Fred Guerdin for HFA.

About the Health & Fitness Association

The Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA), a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health.

Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.

Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Business, and operates The HFA Show, the European Congress, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. It also operates partnerships with ChinaFit, Fitness Brasil, and MEFIT Summit. Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.