F I B O    F U T U R E   T A L K S



16th of April 2025
10:00 - 16:00
​📍Future Forum, Confex Hall

FIBO Future Talks is an exclusive event organised by FIBO and EuropeActive which delves into the fusion of fitness, technology, and digital transformation. 

Our aim is to accelerate the adoption of tech and digitalisation within the sector, raise awareness about ongoing progress, showcase available innovations, and foster the sharing of best practices to overcome common challenges. 

Agenda

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Session 1: New Revenue Frontiers with Digital Fitness

10:00 Keynote – The Future of Fitness: From Trends to Revenue Streams

Speaker: Mohammed Iqbal, Chief Strategy Officer - ABC Fitness

Explore how the latest digital fitness trends are shaping the industry and creating new revenue opportunities. This keynote will guide you through emerging technologies, consumer behaviours, and business models that are defining the future of fitness. 

 11:00 Panel Discussion - Revenue Redefined – Digital Solutions for Future-proof Business Success 

Panellists: 

  • Aimee Barry, Chief Operations Officer - Les Mills International 
  • Emily Smith, Senior Director, Global Partner Marketing - Wellhub 
  • Ernst de Neef, Chief Executive Officer - FunXtion International 
  • Nad Myan, Vice President, Innovation & Corporate Growth - Good Life Fitness  

Moderator: Peter Croft  - Sport Alliance 

This panel explores how fitness businesses can generate value in a hybrid digital economy, blending physical, digital, and virtual offerings. Experts will discuss innovative monetisation strategies, including subscription layering, microtransactions, and crossover opportunities with healthcare and corporate wellness. Insights will also cover how Gen Alpha’s digital-first, community-driven expectations are shaping the future of fitness engagement.

Session 1: New Revenue Frontiers with Digital Fitness

Session 2: Scaling Consumer Community Experience with Technology

12:00 Keynote – The First Sport of the Digital Era: Scaling to 100M Athletes Through Gyms

Speakers: Douglas Gremmen, Chief Growth Officer - HYROX & Ian McCaig, Chief Executive Officer & Founder - OneFiit   

Scaling fitness concepts globally requires more than demand; it requires automation, data-driven systems, and digital infrastructure. This keynote explores how HYROX uses technology-enabled processes, data, and standardisation to scale a global fitness community efficiently, consistently, and sustainably.

13:00 Panel Discussion - Intelligent Fitness: AI and Automation in Action 

Panellists: 

  • Karl Foster, Head of AI - Sport Alliance 
  • Khal Rai, President - ABC Fitness
  • Leah Seacrest, Vice President of Franchising - Regymen Fitness

Moderator: Peter Croft  - Sport Alliance 

As AI and automation become increasingly central to operational and member-focused strategies, this panel explores how these technologies are reshaping the fitness landscape. Industry experts will discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating intelligent systems, highlighting how AI-driven personalisation and adaptive training can enhance engagement, while predictive retention models and lifecycle automation optimise long-term member value. The conversation will also examine the scalability of AI solutions for operators of different sizes and the delicate balance between human guidance and automated coaching, offering insights for designing smarter, more efficient, and engaging fitness experiences. 

Session 2: Scaling Consumer Community Experience with Technology

Session 3: Data, Wearables, AI and Personalisation to create Immersive Experiences

14:00 Keynote – From Data to Decisions: How Wearables Are Powering Health-Connected Fitness Experiences 

Speaker: Jörn Watzke, Senior Director Garmin Health B2B - Garmin Health

The keynote explores how wearable technology is moving beyond activity tracking to enable health-connected fitness experiences. Garmin will highlight how high-quality physiological data can support personalised coaching, preventive health approaches, and immersive digital experiences, and what this evolution means for the future of fitness and health collaboration.  

15:00 Panel Discussion - Personalisation for growth: The Role of Smart Fitness Equipment and Wearables 

Panellists: 

  • Jay Worthy, Chief Executive Officer - Myzone
  • Lucy Day, Vice President, International - Purpose Brands 
  • Matt McConley, Sr. Technology Product Manager - Matrix
  • Tino Tsolakis, VP Global Alliances & Partner Strategy - EGYM 

Moderator: Peter Croft  - Sport Alliance 

As the fitness sector evolves, personalisation is emerging as a key driver of engagement and long-term member retention. This panel explores how connected equipment, wearable technology, and data-driven insights are transforming the fitness experience — from tailoring workouts and tracking progress to fostering ongoing motivation and loyalty. The discussion will also address the rise of hyperpersonalization, where advanced data analytics and AI deliver increasingly precise and adaptive fitness experiences. While these developments offer exciting opportunities for engagement, they also raise important questions about data collection, privacy, and maintaining a human touch in an increasingly automated environment. 

Session 3: Data, Wearables, AI and Personalisation to create Immersive Experiences
​Opening Keynote ​Opening Keynote ​Opening Keynote ​Opening Keynote Session 1: Developing New Revenue Streams with Digital Solutions Session 1: Developing New Revenue Streams with Digital Solutions Session 1: Developing New Revenue Streams with Digital Solutions Session 1: Developing New Revenue Streams with Digital Solutions Session 2: Automating Efficiency, Volume and Quality Session 2: Automating Efficiency, Volume and Quality Session 2: Automating Efficiency, Volume and Quality Session 2: Automating Efficiency, Volume and Quality Session 3: Embracing Personal Activity Data with Wearables and Experiences Session 3: Embracing Personal Activity Data with Wearables and Experiences Session 3: Embracing Personal Activity Data with Wearables and Experiences Session 3: Embracing Personal Activity Data with Wearables and Experiences ​Closing Session ​Closing Session ​Closing Session ​Closing Session 

​Opening Keynote 

Peter Croft & Emilia Happel  

Industry Strategy 

    • Setting the stage: trends, challenges, and opportunities in the fitness and physical activity industry. 
    • Laying out the agenda 


Session 1: Developing New Revenue Streams with Digital Solutions 


  • 10:00 Keynote – An outsider's view of digital revenue generation 

​Speaker: TBD (Deloitte) 

Description:  This keynote offers a fresh perspective on digital revenue generation from outside the fitness and wellness industries. Exploring innovative approaches and lessons from other sectors, it will highlight how businesses can leverage digital strategies to unlock new revenue streams, enhance customer engagement, and future-proof their operations in an evolving market. 

  • 11:00 Panel Discussion - Revenue Redefined – Digital Solutions for Future-proof Business Success 

Panellists: 

    • Les Mills (Country Manager Les Mills Germany - Jens Schultze),   
    • Funxtion (CEO – Ernst De Neef) 
    • Enhance (CEO - Tarek Mounir) 
    • GoodLife Group (VP of Innovation & Corporate Growth - Nad Myan)  

Description:  Digital innovation is transforming the fitness and wellness industries, creating new revenue opportunities and reshaping business models. This panel explores how businesses can adapt by understanding Gen Z’s expectations, leveraging microtransactions for virtual workouts and exclusive content, and integrating fitness with healthcare. Panelists will also discuss new revenue streams from digitally supported programming and immersive digital experiences. Join us for insights into the strategies shaping the future of the industry. 

  • Themes to be discussed:  
    • Understanding Gen Z: What Do They Want? 
    • Microtransactions in Gyms: Exploring virtual workouts, personal training, and exclusive content 
    • Examples of healthcare crossovers. 
    • New revenue streams from digitally supported programming 
    • New revenue streams from digital experiences 

Session 2: Automating Efficiency, Volume and Quality 

 

  • 12:00 Keynote – A blueprint to automation  

Speaker: Alex Peacock, Founder at LeisureLabs 

Description: This keynote presents a strategic blueprint for integrating automation in fitness businesses to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve the member experience. Exploring real-world applications and best practices, it will provide actionable insights on leveraging automation to build a more scalable and future-proof business. 

  • 13:00 Panel Discussion - Simplify to Amplify – Leveraging Automation for Operational Excellence 

 Panellists:  

    • Gymnation (CTO – Karl Foster),  
    • Egym (Senior Product Manager - Daniel Kraus) 
    • Orbit4 (CEO – Daniel Jones)  
    • Urban Sports Club (Vice President Partner Management - Patrick Soxhlet) 

Description:  Automation is transforming the fitness industry, streamlining operations while enhancing member experiences. This panel explores how fitness facilities can integrate automation to improve efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and optimize customer journeys. Panelists will discuss strategies for automating traditional gym operations, using technology to personalize and enhance member engagement, and building scalable business models suited for both small and large operators. Join us for insights into how automation can simplify operations and drive long-term growth. 

  • Themes to be discussed:  
    • Automating the traditional fitness facility  
    • Optimising Member Experiences Through Automation & Enhancing the Customer Journey. 
    • Building Scalable Fitness Businesses: Comparing approaches for small versus large operators. 

Session 3: Embracing Personal Activity Data with Wearables and Experiences 

 

  • 14:00 Keynote – From Wearable data to Insights: Unlocking Personal Data for AI-Powered Coaching 

Speaker: Garmin Health (Senior Business Development Manager - Daniel Sollner) & UPTIVO (CEO - Fabrizio Colciago)

Description: Explore how wearable technology and personal data can be harnessed to create an innovative AI-powered coach. We'll dive into the value hidden within personal health and activity data, showcasing how AI can transform such information into actionable insights—helping users optimise performance, well-being, and daily habits. Get ready to see the future of personalised coaching driven by data, intelligence, and innovation! 

  • 15:00 Panel Discussion - Wearables and Experiences – The power of personal data & Turning Data into Action

 Panellists:  

    • Polar (Head of Sports Partnerships & Advocacy - Ville Uronen) 
    • Cyclops Marine (CEO – Ian Howarth)  
    • Technogym  
    • Myzone  (CDO – Leon Rudge)  

Description:  As personal data becomes increasingly central to the fitness and wellness industries, businesses must learn how to harness its potential to enhance experiences and drive engagement. This panel will explore the evolving ecosystem of personal data, from how it fuels immersive consumer experiences to its role in healthcare crossovers. Experts will discuss the impact of gamification in boosting motivation, the growing demand for personalised health solutions, and the future of data standards. Join us for an in-depth discussion on leveraging data to create meaningful, consumer-driven well-being solutions. 

  • Themes to be discussed:  
    • What does the transformational ecosystem of personal data look like 
    • Data feeds experience 
    • Healthcare Crossover personal data needs   
    • Gamification: Engaging consumers through playful incentives. 
    • Consumer-Driven Wellbeing: Adapting to the demand for personalised health solutions. 
    • Data Standards: Exploring the future of data and its implications for consumers. 

​Closing Session 

 Peter Croft & Emilia Happel 

Knowledge Recap: Key Takeaways 

  • Reflecting on insights gained throughout the event. 
  • Identifying actionable strategies for industry growth and innovation. 

Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.

#Throwback


📍Cologne Exhibition Centre

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