ELEVATING EXPERIENCES

Elevate, one of the UK’s largest physical activity events, is returning to London’s Excel for the eighth time in June. SportsNation spoke to Event Director, Lucy Findlay-Beale, about this year’s show

What is Elevate?

Since launching in 2016, Elevate has grown into the UK's flagship event for uniting the sports, physical activity, fitness and sports therapy sectors around a shared vision: improving national health and wellbeing. Taking place over two days, the event brings together more than 6,000 decision-makers from sports clubs, universities, gyms and beyond – all united by a shared commitment to improving the nation’s health through movement.

At the heart of Elevate 2025 is the exhibition floor, featuring more than 200 suppliers showcasing the latest innovations in equipment, technology and physical activity solutions.

Alongside the exhibition, attendees gain access to an unrivalled programme of education and insight, with over 200 expert speakers delivering sessions across multiple theatres. With the backing of 50+ industry associations, media partners and national governing organisations, Elevate serves as an annual meeting point for professionals looking to connect, learn and lead the way forward.

Importantly, Elevate remains free to attend, ensuring accessibility for all professionals committed to driving meaningful change.

How is this year’s event shaping up?

This year, the sector’s momentum is unmistakable. We're seeing increased collaboration, rising standards, and a deeper alignment with the health agenda. From non-referral pathways to hospital-based movement programmes, it’s clear that physical activity is becoming a vital part of the wider health conversation. The sector is evolving– more connected, more ambitious, and more impactful than ever. The momentum is reflected at Elevate 2025, mainly because the event is built by and for the industry. We are once again incredibly grateful to our sponsors, partners, exhibitors, and speakers, whose insights and commitment shape every part of the event.

What can you tell readers about the educational programme?

The 2025 programme features more than 200 expert-led sessions across four newly curated theatres: Debate, Generate, Accelerate and Collaborate. Each theatre delivers unique content streams tailored to different areas of the sector, designed to provoke discussion, share best practice and explore the ideas and trends shaping the industry’s future.

DEBATE – SPONSORED BY SPEEDFLEX Elevate’s main stage theatre, which hosts high-level discussions on the most pressing issues in the industry. This year’s topics include a deep dive into whether the sector’s data adds up, discussions on GLP-1s and the increasing overlap between the fitness and health sectors.

GENERATE – SPONSORED BY HIREBOB The Generate theatre focuses on the business of physical activity, providing insights into market trends, innovation and commercial success. A particular strand will look at both workforce and staff – including how to attract people to a business, what makes them tick and how to keep them.

ACCELERATE

A theatre dedicated to supporting the wellbeing and performance of the already active, delivering expert-led discussions on fitness, health, and rehabilitation. Topics will cover everything from bio-hacking and breathing techniques to sleep strategies and peri-natal training.

COLLABORATE

The Collaborate stage brings together expert voices to explore public sector and community initiatives aimed at improving the health of the nation through accessible physical activity programmes, effective use of data and joined-up, place-based leadership. Strategic insight, community case-studies and inspiration combined.

Event preview

Elevate will also host FitPro LIVE – what is it?

FitPro LIVE is designed with fitness instructors across the UK in mind, offering trainers an education and networking experience packed with inspiration, insight and innovation.

This year’s FitPro LIVE will be bigger and bolder than ever before, with an immersive, hands-on learning experience. It will offer a mix of practical workshops, expert-led sessions and trend-focused talks delivered by a stellar line-up of global educators and industry influencers – including Rachel Holmes, Cherry Baker, Faye Edwards, Helen Carpenter-Waters and Adam Daniel.

The programme will be split across three spaces: Skill Lab, for live demonstrations and technique-driven classes; Insight Arena, featuring deep dives into research, coaching and industry insight; and Showcase Space, spotlighting innovative concepts reshaping group exercise.

Aquatics will also be taking a centre stage?

Yes, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), Swim England and the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) are joining forces for the second, successive year to ensure aquatics are firmly at the heart of Elevate 2025. Together, they are sponsoring the Active Aquatics theatre area – an essential hub within the Elevate exhibition highlighting aquatics’ vital role in health and wellbeing and encouraging aquatics enjoyment in communities across leisure and fitness centres nationwide.

Located at the rear of the exhibition and surrounded by top aquatic suppliers, this year’s expanded area will feature two dedicated theatres, creating a dynamic space for learning, discussion and networking. The theatres’ programmes will address industry challenges, provide innovative solutions from leading experts and operators, as well as deliver a wide range of strategic and operational sessions relevant to aquatic professionals. Topics will range from apprenticeships, technology and new industry guidance to advice on how to maximise movement in swimming lessons for neurodiverse learners.

ELEVATE 2025 DATES: 18-19 June 2025 VENUE: Halls S7 - S8, Excel London OPEN TIMES: Wednesday 9.30am – 5.30pm Thursday 9.30am – 4.30pm Register for free – [elevatearena.com](https://elevatearena.com/)