Taking place at ExCeL London on 10–11 May, Elevate will explore the ways in which physical activity, health and performance connect. We look at what’s in store at the show
This year’s event will host more than 200 speakers and 150 exhibitor stands
The UK’s largest cross-sector event focused on tackling inactivity, Elevate brings together experts from a wide range of backgrounds.
This year’s attendees will hear from over 200 speakers from the physical activity sector, academia, healthcare, government, commercial industry, local authorities and human performance. Speakers will share perspectives, ideas and the latest innovations to help people get more active.
In addition to the free presentations and workshops running throughout the two days, attendees can also visit the expanded exhibition space, which will include nine feature areas, three attractions, a dedicated stage and over 150 stands – all with a focus on physical activity, health and performance.
Explaining the need for a conference such as Elevate, Dr Justin Varney of Public Health England – a speaker at this year’s event – says: “If it were as simple as a single barrier, or even just a couple of barriers, we might have tackled physical inactivity years ago. However, much like obesity, inactivity is a complex problem that requires action across the whole system to change the environments in which we live, as well as the cultural norms relating to physical activity.”
The business of activity Alongside the existing three seminar streams – Future Performance; Inclusivity: Creating an Active Nation; and Physical Activity for Health and Wellbeing – this year’s event sees the launch of a new seminar stream: The Business of Physical Activity. The wide range of seminars in this stream will consider how marketing, finance, policy, digital and facilities management are transforming the physical activity business to meet the needs of the consumer.
Opening this seminar stream will be a roundtable discussion entitled ‘The changing shape of the industry’, which will consider how the fitness sector is evolving and segmenting. With contributions from companies such as Tough Mudder, David Lloyd Leisure, Heartcore, activbod and Fitbug, it will look at the new competition, what this means for traditional operators, and how the sector can evolve and adapt.
Meanwhile Nick Perchard, head of communities at the Premier League, will join a session looking at the relationships between big brands and physical activity promotion. Perchard says: “As an industry, sport has so much to offer, but can do more to engage with health professionals in particular. To do that, we need to learn to communicate using their language. At the Premier League, we really focus on making sure activity is enjoyable first and foremost. There’s a tendency to forget that if it’s not fun, young people in particular will simply choose to do other things.”
Activity for health Physical activity for health is another key element of the event and Dr Benjamin Ellis, senior clinical policy advisor at Arthritis Research UK, says anyone interested in learning about the benefits of physical activity for the millions of people suffering with arthritis should attend his session.
“I’ll be discussing how we can collectively support people with arthritis to become physically active, so they can enjoy the benefits of reduced pain and disability. Working with the Department of Health, Public Health England and NHS England, Arthritis Research UK has developed a tiered framework for what should be provided to deliver this support. We’d like to discuss how physical activity and fitness communities can support making this widely available.”
Asked how we can best promote physical activity in the UK, Dr Joe Piggin – programme director at Loughborough University and another of the event’s speakers – says: “For me, an important aspect to develop are opportunities for older adults. Sport and physical activities often focus on young people. Of course, young people are important, but this emphasis on youth can leave older adults marginalised from marketing, facilities, services and funding.”
Meanwhile, with her experience of working at Greater Manchester Leisure and Cultural Trust, with its workforce of over 4,000, Sarah Broad will join a panel on how to create more productive, sustainable and responsive workforces. She says: “Nurturing our workforce is the most important asset we have in tackling inactivity.”
Explore the floor With more exhibition space available than ever before at this year’s new venue, Elevate 2017 will feature several new attractions.
The Stage will host a programme of demonstrations that focus a range of topics, including group exercise, active ageing, inclusivity and functional training.
The Tech Lab will include a variety of presentations on a wide range of fitness, sports and health promotion technology.
The Evidence Base will return for 2017 to consider the latest research to support the health benefits of physical activity.
Max Quittenton, director of Elevate, says: “As activity continues its bold ascent up all manner of social, political and commercial agendas, we’re delighted to announce that Elevate will grow by 65 per cent in 2017.
“Remaining completely free to attend and now moving to ExCeL; Elevate 2017 will host more brilliant exhibitors and expert speakers, who’ll be presenting a huge variety of carefully selected content, alongside the very latest innovations designed to get people moving more.’’
Taking place at ExCeL London on 10–11 May, Elevate will explore the ways in which physical activity, health and performance connect. We look at what’s in store at the show
This year’s event will host more than 200 speakers and 150 exhibitor stands
The UK’s largest cross-sector event focused on tackling inactivity, Elevate brings together experts from a wide range of backgrounds.
This year’s attendees will hear from over 200 speakers from the physical activity sector, academia, healthcare, government, commercial industry, local authorities and human performance. Speakers will share perspectives, ideas and the latest innovations to help people get more active.
In addition to the free presentations and workshops running throughout the two days, attendees can also visit the expanded exhibition space, which will include nine feature areas, three attractions, a dedicated stage and over 150 stands – all with a focus on physical activity, health and performance.
Explaining the need for a conference such as Elevate, Dr Justin Varney of Public Health England – a speaker at this year’s event – says: “If it were as simple as a single barrier, or even just a couple of barriers, we might have tackled physical inactivity years ago. However, much like obesity, inactivity is a complex problem that requires action across the whole system to change the environments in which we live, as well as the cultural norms relating to physical activity.”
The business of activity Alongside the existing three seminar streams – Future Performance; Inclusivity: Creating an Active Nation; and Physical Activity for Health and Wellbeing – this year’s event sees the launch of a new seminar stream: The Business of Physical Activity. The wide range of seminars in this stream will consider how marketing, finance, policy, digital and facilities management are transforming the physical activity business to meet the needs of the consumer.
Opening this seminar stream will be a roundtable discussion entitled ‘The changing shape of the industry’, which will consider how the fitness sector is evolving and segmenting. With contributions from companies such as Tough Mudder, David Lloyd Leisure, Heartcore, activbod and Fitbug, it will look at the new competition, what this means for traditional operators, and how the sector can evolve and adapt.
Meanwhile Nick Perchard, head of communities at the Premier League, will join a session looking at the relationships between big brands and physical activity promotion. Perchard says: “As an industry, sport has so much to offer, but can do more to engage with health professionals in particular. To do that, we need to learn to communicate using their language. At the Premier League, we really focus on making sure activity is enjoyable first and foremost. There’s a tendency to forget that if it’s not fun, young people in particular will simply choose to do other things.”
Activity for health Physical activity for health is another key element of the event and Dr Benjamin Ellis, senior clinical policy advisor at Arthritis Research UK, says anyone interested in learning about the benefits of physical activity for the millions of people suffering with arthritis should attend his session.
“I’ll be discussing how we can collectively support people with arthritis to become physically active, so they can enjoy the benefits of reduced pain and disability. Working with the Department of Health, Public Health England and NHS England, Arthritis Research UK has developed a tiered framework for what should be provided to deliver this support. We’d like to discuss how physical activity and fitness communities can support making this widely available.”
Asked how we can best promote physical activity in the UK, Dr Joe Piggin – programme director at Loughborough University and another of the event’s speakers – says: “For me, an important aspect to develop are opportunities for older adults. Sport and physical activities often focus on young people. Of course, young people are important, but this emphasis on youth can leave older adults marginalised from marketing, facilities, services and funding.”
Meanwhile, with her experience of working at Greater Manchester Leisure and Cultural Trust, with its workforce of over 4,000, Sarah Broad will join a panel on how to create more productive, sustainable and responsive workforces. She says: “Nurturing our workforce is the most important asset we have in tackling inactivity.”
Explore the floor With more exhibition space available than ever before at this year’s new venue, Elevate 2017 will feature several new attractions.
The Stage will host a programme of demonstrations that focus a range of topics, including group exercise, active ageing, inclusivity and functional training.
The Tech Lab will include a variety of presentations on a wide range of fitness, sports and health promotion technology.
The Evidence Base will return for 2017 to consider the latest research to support the health benefits of physical activity.
Max Quittenton, director of Elevate, says: “As activity continues its bold ascent up all manner of social, political and commercial agendas, we’re delighted to announce that Elevate will grow by 65 per cent in 2017.
“Remaining completely free to attend and now moving to ExCeL; Elevate 2017 will host more brilliant exhibitors and expert speakers, who’ll be presenting a huge variety of carefully selected content, alongside the very latest innovations designed to get people moving more.’’
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
