Elevate’s 10th anniversary education programme to draw on learnings from the past to inform the future
Elevate, the UK’s largest trade show, dedicated to physical activity, fitness, health and performance, is preparing to mark its 10th anniversary in 2026 with an education programme focused on reflection and innovation.
Returning in an official capacity as Education Partner, The Future Fit Group is working with the Elevate team to shape the 2026 10th anniversary programme. The partnership will ensure the 2026 agenda explores progress to date whilst also reflecting the needs and ambitions of a sector evolving at pace.
“Elevate has become so much more than a trade show. It’s education offer brings together some of the most experienced leaders, influencers and futurists in the sector, creating a diverse, free to access learning opportunity that caters for the entire physical activity workforce.
As a leading educator to the sector for more than 30 years, we are perfectly placed to help the Elevate team shape content that not only educates but also encourages people to think outside of the box, driving innovative thought that will shape the future of the sector.”
In keeping with this milestone year, a special series of legacy sessions will revisit some of the most influential themes and discussions from the show’s launch in 2016. Whilst the event will focus on the current opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the sector, these legacy sessions will give an official nod to the past, revisiting some of the themes and discussion points from previous events to highlight impact and progress.
The education programme will once again span two full days of free-to-access content delivered across the four flagship theatres: Debate, Generate, Accelerate and Collaborate, supported by an expanded range of partner-led sessions. Rather than scaling up in physical footprint, the programme broadens its perspective, drawing on experienced thought leaders and new voices to explore the issues shaping the industry’s future.
The Debate theatre will set the tone for the 2026 event, hosting a number of high-profile discussions, including a Future Fit Group session asking a timely question: ‘Does the fitness sector have an image problem?’ This conversation will examine the tension between the industry’s ambition to engage the inactive majority and the persistent dominance of ‘fit person’ imagery, language and culture. In a year where so much of the programme centres on equity, participation and reaching those least active, this session will challenge the sector to reflect honestly on whether its inclusive ambitions genuinely align with its business models and communication norms.
Other early confirmed content includes the return of Women in Sport with a powerful panel chaired by Communications Lead Julia George. Joined by former England Rugby international Brian Moore, Sport England’s Rowell Gordon and Places Leisure Managing Director Belinda Stewart, the group will explore gender equity, anti-misogyny and the shared role men and women must play in driving positive cultural change across sport and fitness. Workforce development and professional identity will also continue to feature prominently, with sessions considering how industry career pathways increasingly intersect with health, wellbeing and clinical services, while also reflecting on the sector’s roots as a skilled community inspiring people to move.
With partner content advancing quickly and more speaker confirmations expected early in the new year, anticipation is building for what promises to be the most wide-reaching and thought-provoking programme Elevate has delivered in its ten-year history - one designed not only to reflect the breadth of the sector today but to help shape the direction of the decade ahead.
“Our 10th anniversary is more than a milestone, it’s a chance to reflect and reinvent. Elevate has always championed the conversations that matter, and in 2026 we’re broadening the lens even further. What’s emerging is our most diverse, thought-provoking and collaborative programme yet, shaped by partners who understand where the opportunities for future growth really lie.”
Elevate is free to attend, ensuring the full education programme remains accessible to everyone, at all levels of the workforce. Tickets for Elevate 2026 will be available from January 2026, with further announcements on speakers and sessions to follow at elevatearena.com.
To keep up to date with al event developments, visit: elevatearena.com