Elevate 2026

The 2026 edition of Elevate will mark both the event’s 10th anniversary and the return of the Active Aquatics Stage for the third year

Rob Johnson, Founder and CEO of Future Fit

What began as an ambition to bring together fitness, sport and physical activity has grown into the UK’s flagship industry event – a meeting place for leaders, innovators and practitioners committed to improving the nation’s health and wellbeing A decade on, the sector looks very different Collaboration is stronger, standards are higher, and the connection between physical activity and overall wellbeing has never been more central to how we live From community-based prevention pathways to rehabilitation programmes, physical activity’s role in shaping healthier, happier communities is clearer and more influential than ever

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Elevate remains the standout event for education & professional development in our sector

Rob Johnson, Founder and CEO of Future Fit

Elevate 2026 will honour this progress through dedicated Legacy Sessions that will revisit key themes and speakers from the 2016 programme, reflecting on how far the industry has come and what lies ahead.

AQUATICS AT THE HEART

This year will also mark the third year that the event will host The Active Aquatics Stage, bringing together two days of dedicated aquatics content designed to inspire, educate and connect the sector. Created in partnership with Swim England, STA and RLSS UK, the programme will explore the latest opportunities, challenges and innovations across aquatics, swimming and water safety. From the impact of AI on aquatics, the future of swimming teacher training and latest innovations in pool technology to using swimming in healthcare pathways, the programme features topics for all areas of the sector.

Highlights include a Leadership in Aquatics panel session, which will offer delegates the opportunity to learn about the Swimming Alliance and its work. The panel will feature Simmy Akthar, CEO of RLSS UK; Andy Salmon, CEO of Swim England; Dave Candler, CEO of STA and Andrew Clark Vice Chair of Swimming Alliance and Head of Sports & Aquatics at GLL.

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“I’ve been attending Elevate for the last 10 years and have loved being able to contribute to discussions and the programme, as well as showcasing our services and sponsoring various elements of the show. I’m sure the next 10 years will be even more successful than the last, as the show builds on what has been created by Lucy and the team.” Sarah Watts, CEO, Alliance Leisure

Other topics and sessions include: ● Shaping Futures: AI and the Next Generation of Swim Teacher Training ● Community pools as extensions of healthcare pathways ● The Aquatics Workforce: Pathways, Governance and Growth ● Inclusion in Practice: How Specialist Training Transforms Teachers and Learners

Whether you are looking to integrate AI into your teacher training or position your pools as vital healthcare hubs, these two days offer the evidence-led strategies needed to ensure your facility thrives. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with over 6,500 peers and set the standard for the next decade of aquatic excellence.

ELEVATE CURATED THEATRES

Central to Elevate’s wider commitment to championing innovation and raising standards across the physical activity sector, the 2026 programme will once again be free to attend and will give delegates access to more than 200 speakers in a full agenda of expert-led sessions across four curated theatres: Debate, Generate, Accelerate and Collaborate.

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New for 2026, each of the four curated theatres will be hosted by an industry specialist, adding their insight to content, introducing panels, posing questions and encouraging audience engagement. Hosts will be named nearer to the event.

Also new for 2026, the education programme will be peppered with thought-provoking Legacy Sessions – a reappraisal of topics first tackled in the inaugural 2016 event – some featuring the same speakers who addressed the audiences 10 years ago. A real chance to reflect on how far the industry has come in the past decade – and to share views on where the next 10 years will take it. Delegates will also see some of the event’s most popular speakers return to the stage, including Sarah Watts (CEO, Alliance Leisure), Tara Dillon (CEO, CIMSPA), David Stalker (Chair, ukactive), Davina Deniszczyc (Medical Director, Nuffield Health) and Katherine Knight (Director, Intelligent Health). These experts will be delivering content on a wide range of topics designed to spark conversation, share best practice and explore the ideas and trends influencing the future of physical activity.

“We’re proud to have been part of Elevate for 10 years. It’s always a great chance to meet new and existing customers, deliver meaningful workshops, and showcase our services. It’s the key moment each year to connect with the whole sector and network with leading suppliers and providers.” Jo Talbot, Commercial Director, RLSS UK

Excel London (Halls S1 - S3)

June 17-18, 2026

Wednesday 9.30am – 5.30pm

Thursday 9.30am – 4.30pm

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