Global Industry Leaders Gather in Amsterdam for the 2025 HFA European Congress

The theme of the event was Shaping the Future: Uniting Fitness, Health, and Wellness.

Each year, the HFA European Congress (formerly the IHRSA European Congress) brings together some of the best minds in the fitness industry to deliver bold ideas and groundbreaking insights.

Held October 2-4, 2025 at the historic Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, this year's event marked a return to one of Europe's most iconic venues. More than 300 attendees from some 30 countries were immersed in two days of education, inspiration, and networking—plus tours of nine local clubs.

"The energy and spirit of collaboration at this year’s Congress were palpable," said HFA President and CEO Liz Clark. "I was inspired to witness leaders from more than 30 countries come together to share transformative ideas and expand their view of the industry's potential to shape the future of global health. I am excited about the prospect of building upon this executive-level event next year."

Below are some of our favorite photos. A complete album is availble on Flickr.

HFA President and CEO Liz Clark welcomes attendees to Amsterdam.

During his keynote "Humanification - Go Digital, Stay Human," futurist Christian Kromme explains how AI is humanizing technology, why a human-centered mindset is key to staying competitive, and how to anticipate disruption before it happens—turning it into an opportunity to thrive, not just survive.

Phillip Mills, the visionary founder of Les Mills International, delivers an inspiring keynote on the evolution of group fitness.

PureGym CEO Clive Chesser discusses the brand’s mission to make fitness inclusive and accessible through its high-value, low-price model.

The event included language breakout groups for discussions among the attendees. Some 30 countries were represented at the 2025 HFA European Congress.

HFA thanks the sponsors for the 2025 event: Freemotion and Virtuagym (Platinum Sponsors); Matrix (Gold Sponsor); Fitual, Gantner, PelviX, TaylorMade Designs, and Your Reformer (Silver Sponsors); and ClubPlanner, Funxtion, and Geometrik Target (Bronze Sponsors).

Attendees explored products and services from 11 sponsors in the Sponsor Marketplace.

Caroline Brooks, head of physical activity for WFSGI, addresses attendees at the Global Advocacy Summit, which brought together global federation leaders to advance physical activity as a core component of public health.

Karle Dunne, CEO of Ireland Active, (center) speaks at the Global Advocacy Summit. The session also included Huwe Edwards, CEO of ukactive, (left) and Mike Goscinski, HFA chief of staff (right).

Bus tours brought attendees to four Amsterdam clubs, including Club Sportive (pictured here), David Lloyd, Lijfkracht, and Upclub.

The 2026 HFA European Congress will be held in London!