Event review: Elevate

EVENT REVIEW:

ELEVATE 2022

Elevate is one of the physical activity sector’s largest trade shows, featuring a programme of keynote talks and seminars supported by a trade fl oor with 250 exhibitors

After three years of pandemic interruption, the Elevate trade show opened its doors to thousands of professionals working in sport, physical activity, health and fitness. Held at London’s ExCeL Centre on 15 and 16 June, this year’s event featured more than 250 exhibitors, showcasing a wealth of new products and innovations.

The overriding mood on the showfloor was that the industry was glad to be back conducting face-to-face events. “In a world of Zoom calls and computer screens, getting hands on with the products is what it’s all about,” said Peter Ferris, CEO of fitness training concept Speedflex.

Lucy Findlay, Elevate’s event director, added: “Face-to-face interactions are fundamental to business relationships, development and innovation. That’s what Elevate did this year – it helped reconnect, celebrate resilience, and create opportunities.”

The exhibition floor featured a wide range of products and services across health, fitness and sport

The event was held at the ExCel Centre in London

Insights

Elevate’s five seminar theatres and five workshops hosted 200 speakers, who shared their insights on physical activity, fitness and sports therapy. The keynote opening address was given by Sport England CEO, Tim Hollingsworth.

“When it comes to getting people physically active, we should talk more about what we SHOULD be doing. Rather than simply what we could do,” he said. “Now, more than ever, we need to help people get physically active and find sport. We can help build more connected communities - but only if we work together as a sector.”

Other highlights included a session entitled “how to truly unlock the power of innovation within your business”, featuring a panel with Steve Ward, digital and technology director at GLL; Carl McCartney, Customer Experience Director for Les Mills UK; and Phil Coxon, MD of Mindbody.

NOW, MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED TO HELP PEOPLE GET PHYSICALLY ACTIVE AND FIND SPORT

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England, CEO

Looking ahead

Elevate is supported by more than 50 industry associations and media partners, including SportsNation magazine, Sport England, ukactive, The Institute of Sport Exercise & Health (ISEH), CIMSPA, Community Leisure UK, London Sport and Independent Gyms.

Plans are now being put in place to make Elevate 2023 even bigger. Taking place 14-15 June, the event has already seen a number of companies sign up, ranging from leading global suppliers to independent start-ups.

ELEVATE 2023 SAVE THE DATE 14-15 JUNE 2023