The Fitness Technology Summit
Agenda
Detailed Schedule
2026 Agenda
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FTS Kick-Off
October 12, 2026 -
Day One
October 13, 2026 -
Day Two
October 14, 2026
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Annual FTS Reception
Join fellow attendees for an evening of networking, conversation, and connection at the FTS DC Welcome + Reception. Reconnect with industry peers, meet new colleagues, and kick off the event in a relaxed setting while enjoying great food, drinks, and company before a full agenda of learning and collaboration.
7:00 am - 8:15 am
Breakfast + Networking
Start the summit with a delicious breakfast while meeting the other C-suite summit attendees.
8:15 am - 8:30 am
Welcome Note
Join us as we officially open the Fitness Technology Summit with a warm welcome from hosts Al Noshirvani and Tara Levitt. They'll unveil this year’s theme, walk you through the day’s agenda at a brisk but friendly pace, and set the tone for a high-energy, insight-packed event.
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Opening Keynote | Location, Location, Location: From Physical Places to Digital Spaces
Fitness experiences today are available everywhere: inside clubs, within apps, within communities, and in the daily lives of members. The 2026 Fitness Technology Summit explores how technology, data, and design are transforming both the physical environments we operate and the digital journeys that shape the modern member experience
9:30 am - 10:00 am
Energize & Engage Networking Break
Take a well-earned pause to refuel and connect with fellow attendees over a cup of coffee and a tempting spread of snacks.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Fireside Chat | Future of Fitness Tech: Operators Ask, Daxko Answers. No Script.
Where is fitness technology actually going — and what do operators need to do now to be ready? Two fitness operators sit down with Daxko’s CEO Jeff VanDixhorn and Chief Product Officer Wes Gillette to get real answers to the questions that matter most. What does AI-first software actually change about how a facility runs day to day? What should operators be thinking about that most aren’t yet? And what does Daxko see across 9 billion transactions and 20 million members that can help leaders make better decisions right now? The operators set the agenda. The conversation goes where it needs to go. Come ready to walk away with something you can act on.
11:00 am - 11:45 am
Startup Spotlight
Four startups. Four bold visions. One winner chosen by the judges. Back by popular demand, the Startup Spotlight puts the industry’s most promising young companies center stage for a rapid-fire pitch session you won’t want to miss. Each founder will have just a few minutes to showcase how their innovative solution is poised to transform the fitness and wellness landscape — from cutting-edge tech to disruptive business models. Then our panel of industry judges steps in Shark Tank-style to weigh in, push back, and ultimately crown a winner. This high-energy session is your front-row seat to what’s next — and a chance to witness the future of our industry take shape in real time.
11:45 am - 12:45 pm
Lunch
Take a well-deserved midday pause and enjoy a delicious lunch while catching up with fellow attendees. Whether you’re diving into the day’s biggest insights or just in search of a solid sandwich and a friendly chat, this is your moment to refuel and refresh.
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
The Brand Imperative: Where Identity and Revenue Strategy Converge
The strongest fitness brands aren’t just recognized — they’re profitable. This panel brings together leaders who have mastered the art of building brand identity across physical locations, digital platforms, and social communities, while diversifying the revenue models that sustain it. From influencer strategy and cultural storytelling to premium tiers, partnerships, and data-driven upsells, this session explores how the most forward-thinking operators are turning brand equity into a measurable growth engine in an increasingly fragmented market.
1:45 pm - 2:45 pm
AI in the Club: From Hype to Practical Playbook
Artificial intelligence is everywhere — but how much of it is actually working in fitness? This session cuts through the noise and gets practical. Leaders who have deployed AI across marketing, member engagement, operations, and coaching share what’s delivering real results, what fell flat, and what’s coming next. Walk away with a clear-eyed view of where AI fits in your business today — and how to build toward tomorrow
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
Energize & Engage Networking Break
Take a well-earned pause to refuel and connect with fellow attendees over a cup of coffee and a tempting spread of snacks.
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Fireside Chat | To be Announced
Stay Tuned for more information!
4:15 pm - 5:15 pm
Designing the Hybrid Fitness Experience
Today’s members expect flexibility: to sweat in the gym, connect online, and train anywhere. This panel brings together innovators who are building seamless hybrid ecosystems — combining physical training spaces, digital coaching, and connected devices. We’ll uncover how the best brands are blending location and technology to meet members wherever they are.
5:15 pm - 5:30 pm
Tech Summit Outro
To conclude our first full day, our hosts will provide final updates and reminders before we make our way to dinner.
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Dinner
After a full day of learning and discussion, join fellow attendees for Dinner. Unwind, connect with industry peers, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting while enjoying great food, drinks, and networking opportunities.
7:00 am - 8:15 am
Breakfast & Networking
Start the summit with a delicious breakfast while meeting the other C-suite summit attendees.
8:15 am - 8:30 am
Welcome Note
Our hosts, Al Noshivani and Tara Levitt will welcome you into Day 2! Expect important information about the day's agenda, which includes a diverse lineup of speakers, panel discussions, and workshops covering the latest in fitness technology.
8:30 am - 9:15 am
A New Global Benchmark: HFA & Dr. Paul Bedford Present the Global Retention Study
Retention is the industry’s most discussed challenge — and its least standardized metric. In this session, the Health & Fitness Association and Dr. Paul Bedford, supported by the Fitness Technology Summit, AltaDX, eGym, and Zenoti, present the results of a major new global research initiative. Analyzing anonymized CMS data across North America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand, the study delivers the most comprehensive comparative retention dataset the fitness industry has seen — benchmarking retention duration, attrition rates, and member lifetime value across business models and markets, and offering operators actionable insight into one of the industry’s most persistent challenges
9:15 am - 10:15 am
Smarter Operations: Using Technology to Run Leaner and Grow Faster
Technology isn’t just a member-facing tool — it’s a behind-the-scenes engine for operational efficiency. From AI- powered staffing and scheduling to predictive maintenance and real-time floor analytics, this session explores how operators are deploying technology to cut costs, reduce friction, and scale intelligently. If you run clubs, you can’t afford to miss this one
10:15 am - 10:30 am
Energize & Engage Networking Break
This energizing intermission is your chance to refuel your body and recharge your connections. Grab a tasty treat and mingle with fellow fitness enthusiasts, tech innovators, and industry leaders. It's the perfect opportunity to share ideas, exchange business cards, and forge new partnerships while satisfying your taste buds.
10:30 am - 11:15 am
Interactive Education Session: Intro to Building an AI Workforce
AI isn’t coming for your team — it’s coming for the tasks slowing your team down. This hands-on workshop is designed for fitness leaders who want to move beyond the theory and start building. Participants will work through real-world use cases for deploying AI agents and automation tools across operations, member communications, and staff workflows. No technical background required — just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and leave with a practical starting point for building an AI-assisted workforce in your organization. Format: Interactive workshop. Bring your laptop. Limited capacity.
10:30 am - 11:15 am
Breakout Session | Location Intelligence: Opening Smarter, Scaling Faster
Site selection used to rely on instinct and foot traffic counts. Today, it’s a data science. This session dives deep into how demographic analytics, geospatial data, and competitive mapping are transforming real estate strategy for fitness operators. Learn how to identify high-potential markets, avoid costly mistakes, and use location intelligence to build a smarter expansion playbook
11:20 am - 12:05 pm
Breakout Session | Designing for Performance: The Gym Environment as a Competitive Advantage
The best-performing gyms aren’t just functional — they’re intentional. This session brings together architects, interior designers, and operators to explore how space design — from lighting and acoustics to flow and material selection — directly impacts member motivation, retention, and brand perception. Whether you’re building new or retrofitting existing locations, this session gives you the design principles that drive results.
11:20 am - 12:05 pm
Breakout Session | Hospitality Meets Fitness: Designing an Employee Experience Worth Staying For
The fitness industry has a staff retention problem — and the hospitality industry has spent decades solving it. This session draws direct lessons from hotel and resort operators who have built employee cultures that consistently outperform on tenure, service quality, and team morale. Fitness operators and HR leaders explore how to apply those principles to the gym floor: from onboarding and career pathing to recognition programs and leadership development. Because the member experience will never outpace the employee experience that delivers it
12:10 pm - 12:55 pm
Breakout Session | Beyond the Scale: What GLP-1 Member Data Is Telling Us About Retention, Engagement, and the Future of Fitness
GLP-1 medications are reshaping who walks through the door — and how long they stay. While most conversations in the industry have focused on clinical context and program response, this session goes deeper: into the data. Operators and analytics partners share what behavioral patterns are actually emerging among GLP-1 users — from visit frequency and class selection to retention curves and lifetime value. What does the evidence tell us about how this cohort engages with fitness differently? And what does it mean for how operators design programs, train staff, and build for the next generation of members?
12:10 pm - 12:55 pm
Breakout Session | Investing in Fitness: Where Capital Is Flowing and Why It Matters
Investors are watching the fitness industry closely — and their bets reveal a lot about where the market is heading. This session brings together investors, founders, and operators to discuss where capital is being deployed, what business models are attracting funding, and how fitness brands can position themselves for investment, acquisition, or long-term independence. A must-attend for any leader thinking about the financial future of their business.