The event marked an important milestone for EGYM’s growing UK network. Set across a beautifully designed three-storey, multifunctional space created to host meetings, demonstrations and industry events, the new HQ provided the perfect backdrop for a day focused on innovation, insight and collaboration. 

More than just a gathering of industry leaders, the Congress represented a shared commitment to redefining the role of physical activity in society - shifting the narrative from repair to prevention through data-driven interventions that prescribe, progress and record health outcomes resulting from physical activity. 

The UK Congress was part of a coordinated global moment for the EGYM community. On the same day, EGYM also hosted Congress events in Cologne, Germany, Lyon, France and Valencia, Spain, accommodating more than 1,600 invited guests. Together, these events united EGYM’s global network of partners and operators in a shared ambition: to exchange ideas, explore innovation and accelerate the industry’s transition toward preventative health and longevity. 

Delegates in London were welcomed via a video message from Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer, CEO and Co-Founder of EGYM, who reflected on the company’s journey and its expanding ambition. 

Setting the scene: Opportunity for the physical activity sector 

The day opened with remarks from Steve Barton, Country Director of EGYM UK, who welcomed delegates and introduced the agenda. He then handed over to Rob Barker, entrepreneur, adviser and investor, who has recently joined EGYM as a shareholder and Special Projects Leader to support growth and innovation across the EMEA region. In his address, Barker emphasised the significant opportunity for the physical activity sector to play a meaningful role in improving population health. 

The EGYM Ecosystem is the operating system for fitness and wellbeing, and with it, operators have the capabilities to move beyond traditional fitness provision and demonstrate a measurable and scalable impact on health. 

Barker’s message set the tone for the day: the sector has both the responsibility and the opportunity to help address some of society’s most pressing health challenges. 

AI, innovation and the future of operations 

Next, futurist and author Henry Coutinho-Mason delivered a fast-paced, interactive session exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. In just ten minutes, he demonstrated how simple AI tools can help operators capture ideas from team members across multiple locations, analyse them rapidly and present them as professional, visually compelling reports.

 The session illustrated a powerful theme: when used effectively, technology can unlock creativity, simplify collaboration and drive efficiencies at scale, enabling organisations to focus more energy on delivering meaningful experiences for members and communities. 

Revealing the next generation of EGYM innovation 

Following a networking break, Jordan Douthwaite, EGYM Success Manager, unveiled EGYM’s latest product innovations, including the launch of EGYM’s Strength Series 3. With its matte black finish, integrated ambient LED elements, improved ergonomics, refined kinetics, NFC-enabled access and larger central screen, the new Smart Strength line sets a benchmark in connected strength training: designed to last, evolve, and deliver measurable impact for members and businesses alike. 

New Software Packs have also been introduced to unite smart training hardware with powerful digital solutions, giving operators even greater access to actionable insights and programme management tools. 

New programming capabilities also reflect emerging global trends, with the introduction of the new Longevity Programme enhancing opportunities to support members, at scale, with tailored movement pathways that deliver measurable progress.

Delegates were invited to experience the full EGYM Ecosystem in the new integrated showroom, where they could see first-hand how automation, intelligent workflows, and connected data reduce manual effort across training, coaching, and operations. 

The role of the sector in delivering national health ambitions 

The Congress concluded with a panel discussion exploring how the physical activity sector can contribute to the government’s broader healthcare ambitions. The session was hosted by LeisureDB’s Chief Strategy Officer, Glen Thurgood, and featured insights from Tanya Hall, UK Strategic Partnership & Tender Manager at EGYM; Marianne Boyle, Director of Membership and Sector Development at ukactive; and Mark Braithwaite, CEO of KORE (formerly Sandwell Leisure Trust). The discussion centred on how data, technology, and collaboration enable the sector to move beyond improving fitness to demonstrating a tangible impact on healthspan, longevity, and health inequalities. 

A clear message emerged: community leisure facilities have the potential to become central components in the government's prevention rather than repair healthcare strategy, supporting individuals across the population and enabling targeted, data-led interventions for those who stand to benefit most. 

A platform for collaboration and shared ambition 

Throughout the day, delegates had multiple opportunities to connect, exchange insights and strengthen partnerships. From informal networking moments to hands-on product exploration, the Congress created space for operators and supplier partners to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore future opportunities. 

The setting itself reflected the ambition of the day. The new EGYM UK headquarters is more than a workspace; it is a hub for collaboration, designed to bring together the industry and showcase what connected fitness can achieve. 

Looking ahead 

The inaugural EGYM UK Congress was ultimately about more than product launches or industry insight. It was about a shift in mindset. Across the global EGYM network, there is a growing recognition that the fitness and physical activity sector can play a far greater role in society. 

With the right technology, data and partnerships, operators can move from simply supporting fitness goals to actively contributing to the preventative healthcare agenda, improving healthspan and longevity whilst tackling inequalities. 

By bringing together partners, operators and thought leaders, the Congress highlighted what becomes possible when the industry aligns around a shared purpose. As EGYM continues to expand its integrated ecosystem worldwide, one thing is clear: the ambition has moved beyond getting people more active to becoming a major player in improving population health.

 Reflecting on the event, Steve Barton says: “It was fantastic to bring the community together to share our ambitions for the future. Hosting the Congress at our new HQ also gave us a chance to showcase the space to our network and reiterate the fact that it is intended as a resource for our whole community to use and enjoy, creating an ideal space for meetings and events. 

"EGYM has always valued collaboration and partnerships. Having a dedicated environment where we can explore and nurture professional relationships is only going to help to accelerate our shared ambition for growth and development. It was great to see everybody at Congress, and we look forward to picking up conversations soon.”