CHFS Agenda | Kisaco Research
Agenda Days: 
  • Feb 18: Pre-Day: Wednesday, 18 Feb, 2026
    Workout Class
    Registration
    2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
    Workshops
    3:00 PM - 5:15 PM

    WORKSHOP: Securing Your Base in a Volatile Market: How Retention Data Drives Acquisition and Growth

    With tighter wallets and a shifting economy, brands need more innovative strategies to grow. In this workshop, discover how to harness machine learning and payments data to optimize every stage of your funnel - boosting acquisition, increasing LTV, and keeping customers happy.

    Session Topics: 
    Scaling
    AI
    Digitalization
    Sponsor(s): 
    Butter Payments
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Charles Rosenblatt

    Chief Commercial Officer
    Butter Payments

    Charles Rosenblatt

    Chief Commercial Officer
    Butter Payments
    Time: 
    3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Session Type: 
    General Session (Presentation)

    WORKSHOP: Location Is (Still) Everything: How to Choose, Negotiate, and Scale Physical Spaces

    Site selection is strategy, especially when you're scaling. This session unpacks how top fitness brands are using real estate analytics to choose winning locations, negotiate smarter leases, and decide between foot traffic hubs and destination spaces. Walk away with proven tactics to optimise rent, minimise risk, and expand with confidence, whether you're opening your second location or your twentieth. 

    Session Topics: 
    Scaling
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    John Klein

    Chief Executive Officer
    Pause Studio

    As the SVP of Real Estate for Equinox, from 2002 to 2018, John led the expansion for both Equinox and Soulcycle.

    As Co-founder of Pause, John is focused on business vision and strategy, growth, real estate development, and financing for the company. 

    John Klein

    Chief Executive Officer
    Pause Studio

    As the SVP of Real Estate for Equinox, from 2002 to 2018, John led the expansion for both Equinox and Soulcycle.

    As Co-founder of Pause, John is focused on business vision and strategy, growth, real estate development, and financing for the company. 

    Time: 
    4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
    Session Type: 
    General Session (Presentation)
    Welcome Drinks
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Feb 19: Day One: Thursday, 19 Feb, 2026
    Registration & Welcome Refreshments
    8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
    Welcome
    Chairperson's Opening Address
    8:50 AM - 9:00 AM
    Morning Sessions

    Designing Desire: The Next Evolution of Prestige in Fitness

    Luxury fitness is entering a new phase defined by biometric optimization, AI-curated longevity programs, and ultra-personalized, high-touch ecosystems that extend far beyond the gym floor. We'll unpack how forward-thinking brands are building premium revenue streams through medical-grade recovery, hormone and metabolic diagnostics, and exclusive community tiers that drive lifetime value. Walk away with key intel on how to prioritize high-margin innovation, future-proof your offering, and outpace competitors in the next evolution of luxury fitness. 

    Session Topics: 
    Scaling
    AI
    Digitalization
    Revenue Diversification
    Data
    Science-Backed Trends
    Longevity
    Preventative Health
    Consumer Behaviour
    Member Experience
    Women's Health
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    John Penny

    Managing Director
    Third Space

    John Penny

    Managing Director
    Third Space
    Time: 
    9:00 AM - 9:20 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 1
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    Maximizing ROI Across HVLP Models

    HVLP is doubling down on efficiency, scale, and most importantly, experience. We’ll break down how leaders are leveraging automation, lean staffing, dynamic pricing, and high-value digital and wellness add-ons to grow market share, deepen unit economics and build loyalty. Walk away with clarity on where to invest, what to streamline, and how to unlock even greater profitability in this rapidly scaling segment.

    Session Topics: 
    Scaling
    Revenue Diversification
    Data
    AI
    Digitalization
    Science-Backed Trends
    Longevity
    Preventative Health
    Consumer Behaviour
    Member Experience
    Women's Health
    Time: 
    9:20 AM - 9:40 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 1
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    What’s Fueling the Next Wave of Boutique Growth?

    Boutique fitness in 2026 is defined by precision: AI-personalized programming, integrated recovery, and new loyalty models that reward frequency, not just attendance. We’ll explore how leading concepts are shifting to performance-meets-wellness models, embedding diagnostics, and extending beyond the four walls through tech-enabled coaching and digital upsells. Walk away with the strategies to evolve your offering, deepen retention, and drive premium revenue in this next phase of boutique growth.

    Session Topics: 
    Scaling
    Revenue Diversification
    Data
    AI
    Digitalization
    Science-Backed Trends
    Longevity
    Preventative Health
    Consumer Behaviour
    Member Experience
    Women's Health
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    JJ Creegan

    Chief Operating Officer
    OrangeTheory Fitness

    J.J. Creegan has been part of the Orangetheory team since 2020 and has been in the industry for +20 years. In his role as COO he oversees the strategy for the performance, support, & quality of all global studios.

    Before joining Orangetheory, J.J. was a key member of the founding team and served as Chief Operating Officer at Youfit Health Clubs. In this role, he spearheaded operations, strategy, marketing, and culture, driving the brand’s rapid expansion from concept to over 120 owned and operated locations in under eight years. His leadership was instrumental in transforming Youfit into a prominent player in the fitness industry.

    J.J. Is also a board member for the Health & Fitness association (formally IHRSA) advocating for our industry and representing OTF. His career in the industry began as a teenager stacking weights at an early Planet Fitness location. 

    J.J. is a true power walker who always prefers to start on the floor. His favorite benchmark is absolutely the 200m row. He and his wife Megan are happy parents to eight-year-old twins Jolene & J.J. IV.

    JJ Creegan

    Chief Operating Officer
    OrangeTheory Fitness

    J.J. Creegan has been part of the Orangetheory team since 2020 and has been in the industry for +20 years. In his role as COO he oversees the strategy for the performance, support, & quality of all global studios.

    Before joining Orangetheory, J.J. was a key member of the founding team and served as Chief Operating Officer at Youfit Health Clubs. In this role, he spearheaded operations, strategy, marketing, and culture, driving the brand’s rapid expansion from concept to over 120 owned and operated locations in under eight years. His leadership was instrumental in transforming Youfit into a prominent player in the fitness industry.

    J.J. Is also a board member for the Health & Fitness association (formally IHRSA) advocating for our industry and representing OTF. His career in the industry began as a teenager stacking weights at an early Planet Fitness location. 

    J.J. is a true power walker who always prefers to start on the floor. His favorite benchmark is absolutely the 200m row. He and his wife Megan are happy parents to eight-year-old twins Jolene & J.J. IV.

    Author:

    John Meloun

    Chief Financial Officer
    Xponential

    John Meloun

    Chief Financial Officer
    Xponential
    Time: 
    9:40 AM - 10:00 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 1
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    Adapting Your Offerings for the GLP Era: The Latest in Science and Strategy

    GLP-1 medications are reshaping why people walk through your doors, and what they expect when they do. We’ll explore how gyms, studios and clubs are responding with medical partnerships, habit coaching, adaptive programming that complements pharmacological weight loss and more. Walk away with actionable strategies to stay relevant, retain members, and create new revenue streams in this fast-evolving health landscape.

    Session Topics: 
    Revenue Diversification
    Science-Backed Trends
    Preventative Health
    Women's Health
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Tracy J Sims

    Executive Director of Corporate Affairs - Diabetes and Obesity Care
    Eli Lilly

    Tracy J Sims

    Executive Director of Corporate Affairs - Diabetes and Obesity Care
    Eli Lilly
    Time: 
    10:00 AM - 10:40 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 1
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 
    Morning Break & Networking
    10:40 AM - 11:20 AM
    Morning Sessions

    Turning Insurance into a Fitness Ally Doesn't Have to Be Difficult

    Insurers are emerging as powerful distribution partners fueling engagement through fitness incentives, reimbursement programs, and digital health integrations. We’ll explore how leading operators are tapping into this ecosystem to attract new members, boost retention, and streamline backend operations. Walk away with a blueprint for building scalable, low-friction partnerships that turn insurance into a growth engine.

    Session Topics: 
    Revenue Diversification
    Preventative Health
    Time: 
    11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 1
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    A Deep Dive into Women’s Health Capital Flows

    This session will break down market growth, spotlight key players driving capital into the space, and explore where investors like Next Ventures are placing their bets. Walk away with a sharper understanding of where the money is going and why the smartest investors are already there.

    Session Topics: 
    Women's Health
    Science-Backed Trends
    Longevity
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Melanie Strong

    Founding Partner
    Next Ventures

    Melanie Strong

    Founding Partner
    Next Ventures
    Time: 
    11:20 AM - 11:40 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 6
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    Cracking Corporate Wellness: How to Win, Scale, and Deliver ROI

    Corporate wellness is evolving from a nice-to-have to a strategic investment in workforce health, equity, and retention. We’ll unpack how fitness and wellness brands are aligning with HR goals, navigating procurement, and building scalable programs for remote and hybrid teams. Walk away with a framework to win corporate deals, prove ROI, and activate partnerships that drive sustained revenue and brand visibility.

    Session Topics: 
    Revenue Diversification
    Longevity
    Member Experience
    Consumer Behaviour
    Women's Health
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Bill Bourque

    Chief Operating Officer
    EXOS

    Bill Bourque

    Chief Operating Officer
    EXOS

    Author:

    Andrew Matthews

    Health + Performance Service Delivery Lead
    Google

    Andrew Matthews

    Health + Performance Service Delivery Lead
    Google

    Author:

    Doug Leonard

    Vice President of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives
    SoulCycle

    Doug Leonard

    Vice President of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives
    SoulCycle

    Author:

    Dr. William Ajayi

    Global Head of Wellbeing
    Netflix

    Dr. William Ajayi

    Global Head of Wellbeing
    Netflix
    Time: 
    12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 1
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    Latest in Female Physiology - The Science that Will Define 2026

    The future of women’s wellness is being shaped by science, not trends. This session dives deep into the latest research on hormone-responsive training and nutrition, sarcopenia resistance training, and stress resiliance, revealing how female physiology is finally taking center stage. Walk away with a data-backed understanding of what’s changing, what’s clinically validated, and what will define the next generation of fitness solutions for women.

    Session Topics: 
    Women's Health
    Science-Backed Trends
    Longevity
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Amber Taylor

    Chief Digital Product Officer
    Les Mills

    Amber Taylor

    Chief Digital Product Officer
    Les Mills

    Author:

    Jinger Gottschall

    Director of Sports Research
    New Balance

    Jinger Gottschall

    Director of Sports Research
    New Balance
    Time: 
    11:40 AM - 12:10 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 6
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    How to Design for HER Based on Science-Backed Trends

    Turning science into strategy is the next step and fitness operators are rethinking programming, coaching, and environments to meet women’s evolving needs. This session explores how to operationalize hormone-informed training, recovery protocols for perimenopause, and stress-responsive formats in real-world studio and gym settings. 

    Session Topics: 
    Women's Health
    Science-Backed Trends
    Longevity
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Sadie Lincoln

    Chief Executive Officer
    Barre3

    Sadie Lincoln

    Chief Executive Officer
    Barre3

    Author:

    Seane Marie Faulkner

    Senior Vice President of Product & Innovation
    The Well NYC

    Seane Marie Faulkner

    Senior Vice President of Product & Innovation
    The Well NYC
    Time: 
    12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 6
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 
    Lunch Break & Networking
    12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
    Afternoon Sessions

    Unleashing Data & AI to Drive Results

    This fireside chat will explore how F45’s engineering team has unlocked data and AI to power real business results. We’ll dig into how they’ve modernized their wearable biometrics platform (Lionheart), unlocked rich marketing insights, and leveraged cutting edge analytics and AI in their mobile app. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what becomes possible when the right technology accelerates the work that matters most.

    Session Topics: 
    Data
    AI
    Digitalization
    Sponsor(s): 
    fiveonefour
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Greg Solak

    Head of Engineering
    F45

    Greg Solak is a seasoned tech leader in the Fitness space. He is the Head of Engineering at F45 Training - a global fitness company. Prior to joining F45, he was the Tech Lead at Flywheel Sports, a boutique indoor cycling company.

    His latest focus is LionHeart: F45 Training’s heart rate tracker. He’s championing a system that is not only more intuitive, but also allows members to adjust their resting and max heart rates for better workout results. Greg is passionate about using his technical skills to drive innovation in the connected fitness space and enhancing the workout experience.

    Greg Solak

    Head of Engineering
    F45

    Greg Solak is a seasoned tech leader in the Fitness space. He is the Head of Engineering at F45 Training - a global fitness company. Prior to joining F45, he was the Tech Lead at Flywheel Sports, a boutique indoor cycling company.

    His latest focus is LionHeart: F45 Training’s heart rate tracker. He’s championing a system that is not only more intuitive, but also allows members to adjust their resting and max heart rates for better workout results. Greg is passionate about using his technical skills to drive innovation in the connected fitness space and enhancing the workout experience.

    Author:

    Chris Crane

    Co-Founder & CPO
    Fiveonefour

    Chris Crane is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Fiveonefour, dedicated to transforming the data and analytics stack with cutting-edge developer experiences. His career has spanned leadership roles at startups through Fortune 100 companies across the sport and technology sectors. At Nike, he led product teams driving cutting-edge innovations in data tech and e-commerce platforms. Earlier in his career, he worked at Bain & Co, and Bain Capital Ventures, before playing pivotal roles in scaling Sysdig into a multi-billion-dollar tech startup unicorn, and Datalogue into a leader in the data engineering and data pipelining space.

    Chris Crane

    Co-Founder & CPO
    Fiveonefour

    Chris Crane is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Fiveonefour, dedicated to transforming the data and analytics stack with cutting-edge developer experiences. His career has spanned leadership roles at startups through Fortune 100 companies across the sport and technology sectors. At Nike, he led product teams driving cutting-edge innovations in data tech and e-commerce platforms. Earlier in his career, he worked at Bain & Co, and Bain Capital Ventures, before playing pivotal roles in scaling Sysdig into a multi-billion-dollar tech startup unicorn, and Datalogue into a leader in the data engineering and data pipelining space.

    Author:

    Tim Delisle

    Co-Founder & CEO
    Fiveonefour

    Tim Delisle is the Co-Founder and CEO of Fiveonefour, where he leads efforts to transform data and analytics for developers. Previously, he co-founded and sold Datalogue to Nike, where he served as VP of Engineering for Enterprise Data, overseeing global software and data engineering 

    teams.

    At Fiveonefour, Tim spearheads the development of Moose, an open-source framework; Boreal, a hosting platform; and Aurora, an AI-powered Data Engineer. These tools empower industries, including connected fitness, to optimize data workflows and scale effectively. A seasoned entrepreneur, Tim is passionate about driving innovation and helping businesses unlock the full potential of their data.

     

    Tim Delisle

    Co-Founder & CEO
    Fiveonefour

    Tim Delisle is the Co-Founder and CEO of Fiveonefour, where he leads efforts to transform data and analytics for developers. Previously, he co-founded and sold Datalogue to Nike, where he served as VP of Engineering for Enterprise Data, overseeing global software and data engineering 

    teams.

    At Fiveonefour, Tim spearheads the development of Moose, an open-source framework; Boreal, a hosting platform; and Aurora, an AI-powered Data Engineer. These tools empower industries, including connected fitness, to optimize data workflows and scale effectively. A seasoned entrepreneur, Tim is passionate about driving innovation and helping businesses unlock the full potential of their data.

     

    Time: 
    2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 1
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    Elite Edge: What Everyday Fitness Can Learn from Pro Athletes

    What happens when Olympic-level performance science filters into everyday fitness? We’ll explore how recovery tech, nervous system training, and mindset tools from elite athletics are being adapted for broader wellness markets and where the line should be drawn. Walk away with insights on what drives results, what’s scalable, and how to differentiate your brand using tactics once reserved for the top 1%.

    Session Topics: 
    Women's Health
    Science-Backed Trends
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Amanda Phillips

    Chief Performance Innovation Officer
    EXOS

    Amanda Phillips

    Chief Performance Innovation Officer
    EXOS
    Time: 
    2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 2
    Session Type: 
    Track

    Reducing Churn: How Machine Learning Can Boost Your Collections

    Discover how fitness operators can use AI and machine learning to prevent failed payments, reduce involuntary churn, and boost recurring revenue.

    Session Topics: 
    Data
    AI
    Digitalization
    Consumer Behaviour
    Sponsor(s): 
    Butter Payments
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Vijay Menon

    Founder
    Butter Payments

    Vijay Menon

    Founder
    Butter Payments
    Time: 
    2:30 PM - 3:10 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 1
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    From Gyms to Health Hubs: Fitness as the New Preventative Health Frontier

    Fitness spaces are evolving into full-service health hubs, blending movement, recovery, diagnostics, and mental wellness under one roof. This session explores how forward-thinking operators are integrating with healthcare, insurers, and digital health platforms to deliver measurable outcomes and extend healthspan. Walk away with the strategy to reposition your offering as essential infrastructure in the new well-care economy.

    Session Topics: 
    Preventative Health
    Longevity
    Science-Backed Trends
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Dr. Jessica Ruff

    Section Head, Center for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine
    Cleveland Clinic

    Dr. Jessica Ruff

    Section Head, Center for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine
    Cleveland Clinic

    Author:

    Dr. Gloria Winters

    Chief Health Officer, VP Partnerships
    YMCA

    Dr. Gloria Winters

    Chief Health Officer, VP Partnerships
    YMCA
    Time: 
    2:30 PM - 3:10 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 2
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Afternoon Break & Networking
    3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
    Afternoon Break
    Afternoon Sessions

    Not Leveraging HSA/FSA? It's an Easy Win, You're Losing Out

    HSA and FSA dollars are sitting idle. Make it effortless for your members to spend them with you. We’ll show how top gyms are integrating these accounts into billing, staying ahead of policy shifts, and positioning fitness as a health-aligned, reimbursable service. Walk away with a plug-and-play strategy to unlock new revenue, boost retention, and remove friction from the payment process.

    Session Topics: 
    Revenue Diversification
    Time: 
    3:50 PM - 4:10 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 1
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    Turning the Newest Longevity Science into Member Value

    Longevity science is going mainstream and members want access to more than just workouts. We’ll explore how fitness brands are commercializing lab-backed tools like VO2 max testing, biological age tracking, hormone and metabolic panels, hyper-personalized recovery, and functional movement diagnostics to deliver on healthspan promises. Walk away with the playbook to package, price, and position these offerings for long-term loyalty and premium revenue.

    Session Topics: 
    Preventative Health
    Longevity
    Science-Backed Trends
    Revenue Diversification
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Jeff Zwiefel

    Executive Director
    Life Time MIORA Longevity & Performance

    Jeff Zwiefel

    Executive Director
    Life Time MIORA Longevity & Performance

    Author:

    Dr. Mark Kovacs

    (former) Vice President of Health & Performance
    Canyon Ranch

    Dr. Mark Kovacs

    (former) Vice President of Health & Performance
    Canyon Ranch

    Author:

    Vanessa M Chu

    Advisor and Chief Operation Officer
    Extension Health

    Vanessa M Chu

    Advisor and Chief Operation Officer
    Extension Health
    Time: 
    3:50 PM - 4:30 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 2
    Session Type: 
    Track

    Smart Scaling: How to Meet Your Expansion Goals for 2026 with Ease

    4:10pm - 4:30 pm: One Brand, Many Locations: Creating Franchise Consistency at Scale with RockBox Fitness Franchise/beem Light Sauna and YogaSix

    4:30pm - 4:50 pm: Fast, Secure and Lean: Strategies for Cost-Efficient Market Domination with Crunch Fitness and Chuze Fitness.

    4:50pm - 5:10 pm: Human Touchpoints: The Role of Talent in Turning Leads into Members with 1Rebel and Purpose Brands.

    Session Topics: 
    Scaling
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Roger Martin

    Co-Founder, CEO - RockBox Fitness Franchise
    Co-Founder - beem Light Sauna

    Roger Martin

    Co-Founder, CEO - RockBox Fitness Franchise
    Co-Founder - beem Light Sauna

    Author:

    Scott Morris

    VP of Operations
    Crunch Fitness

    Scott Morris

    VP of Operations
    Crunch Fitness

    Author:

    Jeremy Brummel

    Director of IT Infrastructure and Security
    Chuze Fitness

    Jeremy Brummel

    Director of IT Infrastructure and Security
    Chuze Fitness

    Author:

    James Balfour

    Chief Executive Officer
    1Rebel

    James Balfour

    Chief Executive Officer
    1Rebel

    Author:

    Jarett Perelmutter

    Senior Vice President Business Development
    Purpose Brands

    Jarett Perelmutter

    Senior Vice President Business Development
    Purpose Brands
    Time: 
    4:10 PM- 5:10 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 1
    Summary: 
    3 x 20 Min Fireside Chats
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    Designing the Ultimate Holistic Health Membership: From Science to Strategy

    Roundtable 1: Neuro-Fitness: Training the Brain Through Movement and Mindfulness

    Roundtable 2: Precision Fuel: Biomarkers, AI & the Future of Nutrition Programming

    Roundtable 3: Sleep as Strategy: Turning Sleep Data Into Fitness Results

    Roundtable 4: Exercise Physiology: A Doctors Perspective on Strength vs Cardio with Mayo Clinic

    Roundtable 5: The 2026 Blueprint: Future-Proofing Your Fitness Services for Higher Retention & Revenue



    Session Topics: 
    Preventative Health
    Longevity
    Science-Backed Trends
    Revenue Diversification
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Dr. Ed Laskowski

    Professor, Department of PM&R and Division of Sports Medicine
    Mayo Clinic

    Dr. Ed Laskowski

    Professor, Department of PM&R and Division of Sports Medicine
    Mayo Clinic

    Author:

    Mike Fantigrassi

    Head of Product
    National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

    Mike Fantigrassi, MS, MBA, NASM-CPT, CES, PES, CNC, NSCA-CSCS, is a seasoned professional with over 30 years in the health and fitness industry. Throughout his extensive career, Mike has navigated roles ranging from personal trainer and fitness manager to pivotal leadership positions at the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Since 2010, he has dedicated his expertise to NASM, currently serving as the Head of Product.

    Mike is recognized as a subject matter expert in fitness, wellness, and nutrition, and his insights have found their way into books, magazines, and various media outlets. Under his guidance, NASM has introduced numerous initiatives, including courses in wellness, nutrition, and physique enhancement. Mike holds a B.S. in Food and Nutrition from Florida State University and an M.S. in Exercise Science from PennWest University.

    Mike Fantigrassi

    Head of Product
    National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

    Mike Fantigrassi, MS, MBA, NASM-CPT, CES, PES, CNC, NSCA-CSCS, is a seasoned professional with over 30 years in the health and fitness industry. Throughout his extensive career, Mike has navigated roles ranging from personal trainer and fitness manager to pivotal leadership positions at the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Since 2010, he has dedicated his expertise to NASM, currently serving as the Head of Product.

    Mike is recognized as a subject matter expert in fitness, wellness, and nutrition, and his insights have found their way into books, magazines, and various media outlets. Under his guidance, NASM has introduced numerous initiatives, including courses in wellness, nutrition, and physique enhancement. Mike holds a B.S. in Food and Nutrition from Florida State University and an M.S. in Exercise Science from PennWest University.

    Time: 
    4:30 PM - 5:10 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 2
    Summary: 
    Concurrent Roundtables - Please Choose One
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Chairperson’s Closing Address
    5:10 PM - 5:15 PM
    Cocktail Reception
    5:15 PM - 5:45 PM
    Connected: Health & Fitness Awards
    5:45 PM - 6:30 PM
    VIP Dinners (invite only)
    7:00 PM
  • Feb 20: Day Two: Friday, 20 Feb, 2026
    Registration & Welcome Refreshments
    8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
    Welcome
    Chairperson’s Opening Address
    8:50 AM - 9:00 AM
    Morning Sessions

    Health 3.0 – Bringing the Data Together

    From siloed data streams to seamless integration, Health 3.0 is here and it’s reshaping how fitness, clinical, and lifestyle data come together to drive healthier living. We’ll explore how unified platforms and AI are generating predictive insights, enabling real-time coaching, and empowering members with visibility and ownership of their health journey. Walk away with a blueprint to turn fragmented data into personalized experiences, stronger outcomes, and scalable business value.

    Session Topics: 
    Data
    AI
    Digitalization
    Consumer Behaviour
    Women's Health
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    James LaValle

    Chief Science Officer
    Life Time

    James LaValle

    Chief Science Officer
    Life Time

    Author:

    Jarett Smith

    Vice President Digital, Data & Retail
    24 Hour Fitness

    Jarett Smith

    Vice President Digital, Data & Retail
    24 Hour Fitness

    Author:

    Mark Williams

    Digital Director
    David Lloyd Clubs

    Mark Williams

    Digital Director
    David Lloyd Clubs
    Time: 
    9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 3
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    Inside the 78%: The Data-Backed Path to Conversion

    Ready to hear some actual stats? We’ll dive into which overlooked demographics show the strongest potential and how brands can desig low-friction, lifestyle-first experiences to meet them where they are. Walk away with a roadmap to unlock new revenue streams, expand market reach, and grow membership beyond the usual suspects.

    Session Topics: 
    Consumer Behaviour
    Data
    Revenue Diversification
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Eloiza Tecson

    Managing Partner
    EY Ventures Group

    Eloiza Tecson is the Managing Partner of EY Ventures Group, an investment, advisory, and impact vehicle operating in the health, sports, and technology sectors. As an innovative, driven, and visionary leader, Eloiza's experiences have resulted in a proven record of generating and building Fortune 500 relationships, managing multimillion-dollar projects from concept to completion, designing brand and educational strategies, developing new initiatives to promote positive ROI, and coaching senior leadership to success. Passionate about the health, wellness, and sports industries, Eloiza focuses on working with brands whose vision lies in developing innovative offerings that enhance consumers' lifestyles through healthy behavior coaching. Leveraging her collective expertise in this space, Eloiza looks to find products, technologies and services that help both elite and every day athletes perform better and lead healthier lives.

    Eloiza Tecson

    Managing Partner
    EY Ventures Group

    Eloiza Tecson is the Managing Partner of EY Ventures Group, an investment, advisory, and impact vehicle operating in the health, sports, and technology sectors. As an innovative, driven, and visionary leader, Eloiza's experiences have resulted in a proven record of generating and building Fortune 500 relationships, managing multimillion-dollar projects from concept to completion, designing brand and educational strategies, developing new initiatives to promote positive ROI, and coaching senior leadership to success. Passionate about the health, wellness, and sports industries, Eloiza focuses on working with brands whose vision lies in developing innovative offerings that enhance consumers' lifestyles through healthy behavior coaching. Leveraging her collective expertise in this space, Eloiza looks to find products, technologies and services that help both elite and every day athletes perform better and lead healthier lives.

    Author:

    Bryan Myers

    CEO
    [solidcore]

    Bryan Myers

    CEO
    [solidcore]
    Time: 
    9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 4
    Session Type: 
    Track

    Generational Spotlights: What Drives Fitness Decisions Across Age Groups

    Community and identity for Gen Z, efficiency and results for Millennials, invest in health that lasts for Gen X.  In this series of sharp, generation-specific case studies, we’ll break down what drives wellness decisions across age groups, from digital habits to loyalty levers. Walk away with clear strategies to segment, engage, and retain members with precision, not assumptions.

    Session Topics: 
    Consumer Behaviour
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Amanda Freeman

    Chief Executive Officer
    SLT

    Amanda Freeman

    Chief Executive Officer
    SLT
    Time: 
    9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 4
    Summary: 
    3 x 10 Minute Case Studies
    Session Type: 
    Track

    Incorporating Medical Grade Technology into the Fitness Environment

    Gyms and studios are becoming frontline health hubs, powered by diagnostics, biometric sensors, and remote monitoring tools once reserved for clinics. This session explores how fitness environments are integrating healthcare technology to deliver personalized, preventive care that drives better outcomes and long-term member value.

    Session Topics: 
    Preventative Health
    Revenue Diversification
    Scaling
    Longevity
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Hal Hargrave

    Founder
    The Perfect Step

    Hal Hargrave

    Founder
    The Perfect Step
    Time: 
    9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 3
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    A Seamlessly Connected Ecosystem: Omnichannel for Member Experience

    Today’s member expects one brand and one experience whether they’re in a studio, on an app, or interacting with a partner platform. This session unpacks how leading fitness and wellness brands are building truly omnichannel ecosystems through shared data, unified UX, and seamless integration.

    Session Topics: 
    Member Experience
    Data
    AI
    Digitalization
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Amber Burke

    Chief Operating Officer
    Burn Boot Camp

    Amber Burke

    Chief Operating Officer
    Burn Boot Camp

    Author:

    Joshua Rider

    Chief Operations Officer
    YouFit

    Joshua Rider

    Chief Operations Officer
    YouFit
    Time: 
    10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 4
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Morning Break & Networking
    10:30 AM - 11:20 AM
    Morning Sessions

    Innovation Showcase: Fitness, Wellness & Health Tech Start-Up Pitches

    We’re on the hunt for the next big disruptor in fitness and health. In this fast-paced, high-energy session, five visionary early-stage start-ups will take the stage to pitch their game-changing solutions in front of our expert judges and live audience. This is your front-row seat to the future of fitness, health, and wellness tech.

    Selection Committee

    • Eloiza Tecson, Founder & Managing Partner, EY Ventures Group
    • Jim Crowell, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, The SageHouse
    • Eric Bormel, Director of Consumer Healthtech, Solomon Partners

    Time: 
    11:20 AM - 12:20 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 3
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Session Stage: 

    The Community Catalyst: How Connection Drives Retention, Revenue & Reach

    In an era of digital everything, one timeless driver still outperforms: community. We’ll explore how top brands engineer connection through in-person rituals, digital micro-groups, and values-based programming to deepen retention, boost referrals, and expand reach. You'll walk away with strategies to operationalize belonging and turn it into a measurable growth engine.

    Session Topics: 
    Member Experience
    AI
    Consumer Behaviour
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Lucy Levy

    Chief Consumer Officer
    Zumba

    Lucy Levy

    Chief Consumer Officer
    Zumba

    Author:

    Yael Dornbusch

    Chief Subscription Officer
    Zumba

    Yael Dornbusch

    Chief Subscription Officer
    Zumba

    Author:

    Jenna Hauca

    Chief Marketing Officer
    CrossFIt

    Jenna Hauca

    Chief Marketing Officer
    CrossFIt
    Time: 
    11:20 AM - 11:50 AM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 4
    Session Type: 
    Track

    Race-Ready: How Fitness Competitions Are Reshaping Member Motivation

    Fitness racing is exploding, from Hyrox to Matrix, as consumers seek challenge, purpose, and community beyond traditional gym routines. We’ll explore how clubs and studios are tapping into this momentum by hosting events, adapting programming, and creating pathways from training to competition. Walk away with strategies to boost engagement, build loyalty, and turn performance into a powerful retention engine.

    Session Topics: 
    Member Experience
    Revenue Diversification
    Consumer Behaviour
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Toby Spooner

    Co-Founder
    Matrix Events

    Toby Spooner

    Co-Founder
    Matrix Events

    Author:

    Jacob Tilly

    Chief Operating Officer
    HYROX

    Jacob Tilly

    Chief Operating Officer
    HYROX
    Time: 
    11:50 PM - 12:20 PM
    Agenda Track No.: 
    Track 4
    Session Type: 
    Track
    Lunch Break & Networking
    12:20 PM - 1:50 PM
    Private Function - CEO Founders Forum
    1:10 PM - 1:40 PM
    AI Symposium - Case Studies
    1:50 PM - 3:10 PM

    AI-Powered Hyper-Personalization at Scale

    How boutique studios and gym chains can apply AI to create tiered pricing, personalized membership experiences, and recommendation engines for classes, recovery, and product upsells.

    Session Topics: 
    Data
    AI
    Digitalization
    Member Experience
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Tom Dievart

    Chief Marketing Officer
    World Gym International

    Tom Dievart

    Chief Marketing Officer
    World Gym International
    Time: 
    1:50 PM - 2:10 PM
    Session Type: 
    General Session (Presentation)

    Conversational AI as Your 24/7 Assistant

    Discover how fitness operators can adopt conversational AI assistants to streamline member services: automating scheduling, onboarding, progress check-ins, and delivering personalized coaching across mobile, web, and in-studio experiences.

    Session Topics: 
    Data
    AI
    Digitalization
    Member Experience
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Andy Hall

    AI Initiative Chair
    Global Wellness Institute

    Andy Hall

    AI Initiative Chair
    Global Wellness Institute
    Time: 
    2:10 PM - 2:30 PM
    Session Type: 
    General Session (Presentation)

    Building Digital Twins for Predictive, Personalized Coaching

    How fitness brands can create real-time digital models of members using biometric and behavioral data to enable adaptive training, injury prevention, and evolving AI coaching.

    Session Topics: 
    Data
    AI
    Digitalization
    Member Experience
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Omeed Shams

    Chief Executive Officer
    Lumin Fitness

    Omeed Shams

    Chief Executive Officer
    Lumin Fitness
    Time: 
    2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
    Session Type: 
    General Session (Presentation)

    How AI Decodes the Language of Breath

    For over a decade, Sleep Cycle has pioneered AI that listens while you rest. Learn how breath as a primary signal is transforming wellness. Completely contactless. All while you sleep.

    Session Topics: 
    Data
    AI
    Digitalization
    Member Experience
    Sponsor(s): 
    Sleep Cycle
    Speaker(s): 

    Author:

    Mikael Kågebäck

    Chief Technology Officer
    Sleep Cycle

    Mikael Kågebäck

    Chief Technology Officer
    Sleep Cycle
    Time: 
    2:50 PM - 3:10 PM
    Session Type: 
    General Session (Presentation)
    Innovation Showcase Winner Announcement
    3:10 PM - 3:20 PM
    Chairperson’s Closing Address
    3:20 PM - 3:30 PM
    End of Connected: Health & Fitness 2026
    3:30 PM
Agenda Tracks: 
Track Title: 
Growth & Strategy Studio
Track Color: 
#44bcff
Track Title: 
Health & Longevity Studio
Track Color: 
#29ffe3
Track Title: 
Data & Tech Studio
Track Color: 
#44bcff
Track Title: 
Community & Member Experience Studio
Track Color: 
#29ffe3
Track Title: 
Networking
Track Color: 
#bebebe
Track Title: 
Women's Health Symposium
Track Color: 
#af13ff
Track Title: 
Wellness Corner
Track Color: 
#faad38
Event Reference: 
Connected: Health & Fitness Summit 2026