Past Event — The HFA Show 2026 took place 16–18 March 2026. This page is preserved for reference.
HFA Show 2026 16–18 March 2026 San Diego Convention Center Stronger Together

The HFA Show 2026
Global Fitness Industry Gathers in San Diego

The Health & Fitness Association's flagship annual event — formerly the IHRSA Convention — bringing together over 10,000 fitness professionals, operators, brands, and investors from more than 80 countries.

10,000+Attendees
380Exhibitors
80+Countries
100+Sessions
3Days
HFA Show 2026 — Official Theme
Stronger Together
The HFA Show 2026 theme, "Stronger Together," reflects a call to action — reminding the global fitness industry that progress depends on unity and collective effort. The event brings together operators, brands, educators, and policymakers to share knowledge, build commercial partnerships, and shape the future direction of health and fitness worldwide.
Event Overview
Dates
16–18 March 2026
Location
San Diego Convention Center, California, USA
Organiser
Health & Fitness Association (HFA)
Format
Trade show + conference + education
Audience
Gym owners, operators, executives, trainers

The HFA Show is the successor to the IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show — for decades the most important gathering in the global fitness industry. Rebranded following the organisation's name change from IHRSA to the Health & Fitness Association, the 2026 edition in San Diego drew more than 10,000 registered attendees from over 80 countries, 380 exhibitors, and 150 expert speakers across 100+ educational sessions.

The event operates across three pillars: a trade exhibition showcasing equipment, technology, and services; a professional education conference with tracks covering operations, marketing, digital transformation, and personal training; and a leadership and keynote programme addressing the macro forces shaping the industry. The 2026 keynote lineup included entrepreneur Jesse Itzler, Olympic medallist Apolo Ohno, and teamwork expert Erica Dhawan — whose session directly addressed building trust and collaboration in the age of AI.

The show also hosted the HFA Hall of Fame ceremony, which raised over $200,000 for the HFA Foundation, and a special tribute to fitness industry pioneer Elaine LaLanne on her 100th birthday.

Education Tracks & Focus Areas
Business Operations
Gym management, member retention, staffing, pricing strategy, and club performance benchmarks
Digital Transformation & AI
Technology adoption, AI-powered tools, data analytics, and digital revenue models for fitness operators
Fitness Professional Education
Personal training, group exercise, coaching methodology, and continuing education for fitness practitioners
Leadership & Culture
Senior executive development, team building, diversity and inclusion, and organisational strategy
Marketing & Growth
Member acquisition, brand building, social media, community programmes, and partnership strategies
Keynote Programme
Main stage addresses on macro industry themes, consumer behaviour, and the future of health and fitness
Key Themes — HFA Show 2026
Collective Industry Progress
The "Stronger Together" theme frames fitness industry growth as a shared endeavour — operators, brands, and educators building momentum collaboratively
AI in the Age of Fitness
From operational AI tools to keynote discussions on building trust and collaboration in AI-augmented workplaces
Member Retention & Community
Retaining members through belonging, community programming, and personalised fitness experiences
Global Market Expansion
International operators, cross-border franchise models, and the globalisation of fitness brands
Health Outcomes & Prevention
Fitness as healthcare — positioning gyms and health clubs at the intersection of preventive medicine and public health policy
Longevity & Healthy Ageing
Programming and facilities designed for older adults and the growing longevity-focused consumer segment

Why This Event Matters for Fitness & Wellbeing Operators