The 23rd HFA European Congress will bring global fitness leaders together at the historic London Stadium.

Washington, DC–January 13, 2026–The Health & Fitness Association’s annual HFA European Congress will take place September 24–26, 2026, at the London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The venue, originally built for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has since become home to West Ham United and UK Athletics and is widely recognized for hosting major global sporting and entertainment events. 

Programming for the Congress will take place September 24–25, followed by exclusive club and studio tours on September 26, giving delegates a behind-the-scenes look at London’s most innovative fitness concepts.

With nearly 75% of attendees at the executive level, the HFA European Congress serves as a premier gathering where top leaders can share ideas, learn from experts, and build meaningful connections. It is also a valuable platform for companies wanting to enter or expand in the European market to learn about opportunities, challenges, and trends in the industry. Attendees hail from more than 35 countries and five continents, and thanks to Wordly’s real-time translation in 60+ languages, the event is accessible to participants across the globe.

David Minton, founder of Leisure DB, will serve as the official local host for the 2026 Congress.

“I am so pleased to welcome the HFA European Congress back to London,” Minton said. “The city, with its iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, red buses, black cabs, and the former Olympic stadium, will be ready to host fitness leaders once again in September 2026. Delegates can look forward to a top-notch learning and networking opportunity with other industry leaders and exploring some of the most stunning fitness and wellness venues from boutique studios to biohacking concepts. London will provide an inspiring backdrop for the HFA community.

The HFA European Congress was last hosted in London in 2017, and its return marks an exciting opportunity to once again gather the industry in one of the world’s most dynamic fitness markets.

Over the past decade, the London Stadium has welcomed the Rugby World Cup, international Rugby Union competitions, The Race of Champions, the RFL Four Nations, and Europe’s first Major League Baseball games, underscoring its status as a truly world-class stage for major global gatherings.

“The London Stadium has been home to some of the world’s most memorable sporting moments, and we are thrilled to add the European Congress to that legacy,” said HFA President and CEO Liz Clark. “The growth, creativity, and leadership we’re seeing across Europe make this one of the most exciting regions in our global community. I can’t wait to welcome attendees for three days of connection, insight, and inspiration.”

The European Congress has a rich legacy of uniting fitness industry executives, thought leaders, and partners from across the world to collaborate, share insights, and strengthen the global health and fitness community. Individuals interested in attending can sign up here to be notified when registration opens.

About the Health & Fitness Association

The Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA), 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. It also operates partnerships with ChinaFit, Fitness Brasil, and MEFIT Summit. Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.