BOSTON, 4 June, 2025—The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) has signed an agreement with Hans Muench, former Europe director for HFA, to serve as ambassador for the 2025 HFA European Congress, which will occur 2-4 October in Amsterdam.
Muench will use his connections with health club operators and suppliers gained during the past 30 years in the fitness industry to help secure sponsorships and attendees to the Congress, particularly from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Muench has been involved with HFA since 1981 when it was known as IRSA. He joined as a member in 1982, and the association co-sponsored his MBA internship, during which he studied the European market for eight months and visited 270 clubs.
He served as the association’s European liaison from 1985-1993 and as the first director of international development from 1994-1999.
“I have always cherished my time with HFA and take immense pride in not only attending 50 HFA events but also in helping bring thousands of Europeans to experience these gatherings firsthand through group study trips,” Muench said. “Witnessing the industry evolve, forging lasting connections, and contributing to the international exchange of ideas has been incredibly rewarding. HFA has been more than an organization to me—it’s been like a family and a driving force in uniting fitness professionals across borders and shaping the industry’s growth.”
His time as HFA director of Europe spanned from 2007 to 2016. He has written articles about The HFA Show and the HFA European Congress for various trade publications. He has also spoken at various industry events, including moderating the international franchise panel at last year’s Congress in Barcelona.
“I have worked with Hans for many years, and his enthusiasm for the industry and HFA makes him a model ambassador for the HFA European Congress,” said HFA Associate Vice President International Development & Operations Alison Giannaras. “His decades of dedication, unparalleled network, and ability to connect industry leaders across borders will undoubtedly elevate this event, bringing invaluable insights and engagement from key markets in Europe and adding to our existing efforts in that area.”
About the Health & Fitness Association
The Health & Fitness Association, a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health.
Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.
Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Business, and operates The HFA Show, the HFA European Congress, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
