FIBO 2026 / FIBO / Jannik Hammes
A strong signal: from 10 to 13 April 2025 FIBO in Cologne demonstrated just how powerful, innovative and future-ready the health and fitness industry is – and how significant it is for society and economy. Boasting over 1,200 exhibitors and partners as well as 154,748 visitors from 129 countries FIBO celebrated new records for its 40th anniversary.
“The strategic repositioning of FIBO was a tremendous success. Over the four days we have set new standards with this trade show inspiring healthy and active living,” says Silke Frank, Event Director of FIBO.
A Booming Multi-Billion MarketCurrent figures speak for themselves: the fitness and health sector is booming. According to DSSV and Deloitte, the sector registered an increase to 11.71 million health club members in Germany alone, posting total sales worth EUR 5.82 billion. Across Europe membership rose to 71.6 million and a market volume of EUR 36 billion. This makes it perfectly clear: the fitness industry is a relevant economic factor and a central lever for social health.
This power also became visible at the trade show: “FIBO has become an indispensable business platform that impressively visualises the enormous dynamism and innovative power of international health and fitness markets. I am firmly convinced that FIBO will also play a pivotal role in future for decisively driving the growth and further development of these forward-looking sectors,” says Michael Köhler, Managing Director at RX Deutschland, the organiser of FIBO.
The driving force behind this growth, as Prof. Dr Thomas Wessinghage, Chairman of DSSV, explains, is: “Health awareness among the population is growing, people have understood that fitness makes you healthy. Especially for younger people fitness forms an integral part of life and we achieve an almost one-third market penetration among people up to the age of 30.”
Bridging Fitness and Politics“I am particularly happy to note that FIBO also serves as a point of contact for international policy-makers, who actively use this trade show to address key future topics,” remarks Silke Frank, Event Director at FIBO. The trade show was opened by amongst others Antoaneta Angelova-Krasteva, Director for Innovation, Digital Education and International Cooperation at the European Commission: “At FIBO sports meet with the latest technology trends and innovations. Here, operators, political decision-makers and the industry get together to network, learn from each other and swop different perspectives.”
Angelova-Krasteva also emphasised the industry’s enormous relevance for people’s health but also for business: “Under the current European Commission sports have increased even further in importance. In addition, sports play a decisive role in promoting the competitiveness of the European Union, by boosting economic growth, creating jobs and driving innovation through digital technologies.”
Business, Trends & Innovations: FIBO as the marketplace of the industryFIBO 2025 impressively reflected this growth. Larger exhibition areas, international brands and a markedly extended offering made the trade show a genuine marketplace for the industry.
“For both club operators and end users FIBO is a fantastic opportunity to experience the world of fitness with all its facets hands on – from exercise to business. We welcomed many visitors from the club sector, hospitality but also from the home-fitness segment – so both B2B and B2C target groups,” says Andrej Murnik, Managing Director Technogym Germany.
Calzedonia celebrated a debut at the trade show. Verdict: “We are super happy with the trade show. We would not have expected such large crowds. People are not only keen on challenges and getting to know the brand, but they actually also spend money. Our feedback is super positive,” delights Elena Göcke, Head of Communication Calzedonia Group Germany.
Digital offerings and Artificial Intelligence revolutionise the fitness and health ranges and drive personalisation, efficiency and innovation. Be it smart strength training equipment, AI-controlled personal health tools or personalised nutrition concepts – here the trends were set and business deals concluded right on site. Companies such as Technogym, EGYM and Milon, DRAX or Life Fitness demonstrated impressively how digitalisation, AI and personalisation are shaping the future of health.
According to Bernhard-Stefan Müller, CEO of milon industries GmbH, there is growing focus on such concepts as instructor-less gyms or operations with reduced staff deployment. To be able to efficiently run these, he says, digital solutions are needed – especially data-based exercise.
Longevity as a Growth DriverLongevity was a standout theme at FIBO 2025, deeply integrated into the offerings and encapsulated in the new Hall 1. The focus ranged from Longevity Suites in hotels to Pilates workouts and cryotherapy. Industry leaders, including tourism and hospitality figures, explored the commercial potential of longevity.
To Nina Ruge, longevity expert and CEO of staYoung Media GmbH, this is an exciting trend: “This gives FIBO another, medically based image, which can also be integrated in people’s lives. While health and wellness always were an important topic, it is new and exciting to now extend this to include really healthy longevity with its medical basis.”
Alongside the high-calibre ranges on offer and the Talks at the Meeting Point Spa & Wellness, the Longevity & Hospitality Summit on Day 1 proved especially compelling with its keynotes and networking opportunities on C-Level. The sponsor of this Summit and exhibitor in Hall 1, Landsberg First Class Aesthetic, draws a positive conclusion after its FIBO debut: “We have lived and breathed the longevity theme for many years now. So we are of course happy to note that others are now also honing in on this topic and look back at positive experiences with existing, potential customers and interested parties,” sums up Martin Kunath, CMO at Landsberg First Class Aesthetic.
Community, Challenges & Champions InspireBeyond being a trade fair, FIBO is the heartbeat of a passionate community. Over 500 influencers, creators, and 12,000 athletes turned the exhibition halls into an electrifying hub of global fitness enthusiasts.
The energy was palpable across various events and challenges, from HYROX races and ESN, More Nutrition & Oace, to live streams by stars like Knossi and Montana Black. The return of the FIBO Championships, with an epic finale at Tanzbrunnen, drew significant excitement. Fans also queued for meet-and-greet sessions with legends like Jay Cutler and Derek Lunsford, finding inspiration in personal interactions.
“Especially in sports we have a great responsibility for the next generation. Every a short encounter with a child can change a life. If we all shared this understanding in the world, we would also welcome more people to gyms, clubs and among active sports enthusiasts,” said Patrick Esume, Commissioner ELF, NFL expert and TV presenter during the FIBO opening.
Fitness Is the FutureFIBO 2025 powerfully illustrated the interconnectedness of health, economy, and societal progress. Positioned as a central platform, FIBO actively supports and shapes these advancements.
Mark your calendars for the next FIBO, taking place in Cologne from
16th to 19th April 2026.
