Shanghai, [08.27], 2025 – As China’s fitness industry transitions from "traffic competition" to "refined operations," and as digital transformation collides with evolving consumer demands to unlock new opportunities, a top-tier industry event centered on "practical problem-solving, resource collaboration, and innovative growth" is set to launch. The 2026 China Fitness Management & Operation Forum (hereafter referred to as the "Forum") officially announces its dates: November 16-18, 2026, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. With the core mission of "addressing operational pain points, connecting global resources, and igniting innovation," the Forum will gather over 3,000 fitness industry decision-makers, practitioners, and innovators for a "solution-driven" strategic summit, injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the sector.

From "Trend-Sharing" to "Problem-Solving": Why the Forum Is a "Must-Attend" After 20+ Years of Industry Dedication

"Over the past 11 editions, we have witnessed every critical turning point of China’s fitness industry – from rapid expansion to standardized development. The inaugural 2011 Forum injected management expertise into the industry during a downturn; the 2021 edition focused on post-pandemic recovery paths; and the 2024 edition set a new record with 85,000 square meters of exhibition space and over 40,000 attendees," said the Secretary-General of the China Fitness Industry Development and Promotion Association at the Forum’s preparation meeting. "In 2026, we aim to be more than just ‘trend transmitters’ – we want to be ‘problem solvers’."

Breaking free from the one-way information flow of traditional summits, this year’s Forum restructures its content around "problem-oriented" logic:

• Targeting "survival anxiety" of small and medium-sized fitness venues: A "Single Venue Profitability Workshop" will be held, where operation directors from leading brands such as Lefit and Supermonkey will decode practical solutions like "how to increase member retention by 30%" and "how to double personal trainer renewal rates." A "cost-control calculation toolkit" will be provided on-site, allowing attendees to bring their own venue data for "customized consultations."

• Addressing "digital transformation implementation challenges": An "Interactive Digital Practice Zone" will be set up, where brands like Life Fitness and Technogym will demonstrate on-site applications such as "member data dashboard construction" and "AI intelligent class scheduling systems." Technical experts from Alibaba Cloud will also offer hands-on guidance on "how small and medium-sized venues can achieve digital transformation at low costs."

• Exploring "growth points in emerging markets": For the first time, a parallel forum on "Silver Fitness and Youth Physical Fitness" will be added. Experts from the National Health Commission will interpret "senior fitness consumption potential data," while leading youth sports brands will share "profit models for gyms expanding into youth physical training," opening up new track perspectives for industry practitioners.

More Than a "Meeting": Six Immersive Experiences for Tangible Gains

Unlike traditional exhibitions focused solely on "visiting and listening," this year’s Forum creates an "immersive industry service ecosystem," enabling attendees to not only "learn methods" but also "connect resources, secure deals, and build networks":

1. 1-on-1 Business Matching: Precision Collaboration to Avoid "Meaningless Networking"

The organizing committee will open "supply-demand registration" three months in advance. Exhibitors can upload product advantages (e.g., "intelligent treadmill suppliers," "fitness course developers"), while attendees can submit procurement needs (e.g., "equipment updates for 10 stores," "personal trainer course system upgrades"). The AI-powered system will match "highly compatible partners" and reserve exclusive negotiation booths during the Forum. At the 2024 Forum, this model facilitated over 300 intended collaborations – one regional chain brand even finalized partnerships with two equipment suppliers in one go, reducing costs by 18%.

2. Practical Case Study Halls: Come with Questions, Leave with Solutions

Ten "Case Study Halls" will be set up on-site, each focusing on one core pain point (e.g., "membership card sales slumps," "personal trainer team turnover," "off-season customer flow decline"). Successful enterprise representatives from previous editions will share real stories of "turning losses into profits" – for example, the owner of a third-tier city gym will review "how to acquire 50 new monthly members through ‘community fitness groups’." Attendees can ask questions in real time, request operation manuals, and even book post-Forum "1-on-1 consultations."

3. Global New Product Launch Show: Get a First Look at the Industry’s "Future"

As Asia’s premier platform for fitness equipment innovation, the Forum will host the "2026 Global Launch of New Products" by brands like Ntaifitness and DHZfitness. Ntaifitness will unveil intelligent strength equipment equipped with "AI action-correction cameras," while Technogym will showcase the latest upgraded version of its "smart home fitness mirror." Attendees can experience products on-site and place advance orders to seize the "new product dividend period."

4. Industry Talent Recruitment Fair: Solving the "Talent Shortage and Retention Dilemma"

To address the industry’s "high talent gap and low retention rate," a "Fitness Industry Talent Recruitment Fair" will run concurrently. Over 200 leading enterprises, including Will’s Fitness and Goodlife Fitness, will recruit for positions such as operation directors, personal trainer supervisors, and course developers. The Association will also release the 2026 Fitness Industry Salary Report to provide references for enterprise salary setting and talent job hunting. A "school-enterprise cooperation signing ceremony" will further bridge the "training-employment" gap.

5. Scientific Fitness Experience Zone: Making "Professionalism" Visible and Tangible

To promote the concept of "scientific fitness," a "Public Experience Zone" will be open to the public for free. Fitness trainers will demonstrate "home-based fragmented workout routines," nutritionists will offer "personalized sports supplement plans," and rehabilitation experts will provide free "sports injury risk assessments." This not only gives exhibitors opportunities for brand exposure but also allows ordinary consumers to feel the "professional warmth" of the fitness industry.

6. Late-Night CEO Roundtable: Closed-Door Discussions for "Authentic Insights"

A special "Closed-Door CEO Roundtable" will gather 50 leading brand founders and investors to discuss in-depth topics such as "breaking the industry’s cut-throat competition" and "choosing capitalization paths." With no fixed agenda or recordings, the roundtable aims to create a "no-holds-barred idea exchange platform." Attendees can participate via "application and review" to gain "first-hand industry insights."

Early Bird Registration Now Open: Why Register Now?

The Forum’s Early Bird Registration Channel is now officially live. Register by December 31, 2025, to enjoy exclusive benefits:

• General Attendees: Free pre-registration; the first 1,000 registrants will receive the 2025 Fitness Venue Operation Troubleshooting Handbook (including over 100 practical cases such as "member complaint handling" and "equipment maintenance emergencies").

• Exhibitors: 10% discount on booth fees; Diamond Sponsors will receive additional benefits such as "Forum main visual logo placement" and "one exclusive new product launch event."

• Industry Practitioners: 20% discount on "practical workshops"; groups of 3+ attendees qualify for one free registration.

"We look forward to this Forum every year – not for ‘crowd 热闹’ (excitement), but for real solutions to operational problems," said Mr. Li, an operation director of a chain fitness brand who has attended five consecutive editions. "The ‘personal trainer small-group class model’ I learned at the 2024 Forum increased our venue’s personal training revenue by 40%. I will definitely attend in 2026 to explore new opportunities."

On November 16-18, 2026, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, the 2026 China Fitness Management & Operation Forum invites you to: break free from "cut-throat competition" to find "breakthroughs," connect resources to build "collaborative ecosystems," and embrace innovation to explore "new opportunities" – together, we will write a new chapter for the high-quality development of China’s fitness industry!

Register/Consult Now

Official Registration Portal: https://www.58fit.cn/exhibition-booking

Exhibition/Sponsorship Inquiries: Ms. Zhang (010-87182661); Mr. Wang (010-87182606)

Official Email: info@58fit.cn

Official WeChat Account: China Fitness Management & Operation Forum (Scan to follow for early bird discount reminders)

Organizer

China Fitness Industry Development and Promotion Association