5 things you will learn at AusFitness Industry this year if you run a fitness business

The AusFitness Industry 2025 is the largest trade event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and what happens at this event will shape the next 12 months of the Australian fitness and wellness landscape.

The event brings together the industry’s sharpest minds, most innovative brands, and biggest opportunities to learn, grow, and lead. It’s where the industry’s decision-makers gather to discover what’s next, connect with top-tier suppliers and spark collaborations that drive real business growth. You will hear from the likes of:

• Harry Konstantinou: Viva Leisure

• Dave Aitchinson: BFT

• Penny Evans: Belgravia Leisure

• Daniel Pollard: Les Mills

• Tahnee Donkin: Genesis Fitness

• Ben Woolford: REVL Training

• Diana Williams: Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs

• Roger Westerman: World Gym Australia

• Simon Thompson: Anytime Fitness

• Sam Wiltshire: Lift Brands

• Jen Dugard: MumSafe. Just to name a few.

Here are five things you will learn if you are running a fitness business this year

Recovery and Wellness are becoming super popular. Should you add the offering for your members?

The recovery market is becoming a key pillar of modern fitness. Members are actively seeking out services such as breath work, mobility training, red light therapy, contrast therapy, cryotherapy, and ice baths to support their training and overall well-being. Some operators are recognising how important this is and are integrating these offerings into their core service to keep members engaged. They are finding that they are fast becoming essential components of a well-rounded fitness experience, rather than just an add-on. This year’s sessions will explore how to strategically adapt recovery tools without overcomplicating operations. From cultural integration to pricing models, you’ll discover what works, what your members will pay for and how to lead in this rapidly growing category.

Modernising Sales and Strategic Partnerships

Sales in fitness have fundamentally changed, and your approach needs to evolve with it. Cold calls and outdated scripts no longer cut it. In today’s digital-first world, success lies in authentic conversations, effective digital funnels, and highly trained teams that know how to close with value.

This summit will dive into how to motivate and coach sales teams for modern conditions. You’ll also learn how to build meaningful strategic partnerships with clinics, allied health professionals and local businesses that go beyond logo swaps to generate real leads and long-term value.

Building a Scalable, Sellable Fitness Brand

Turning your solo fitness brand into a scalable business takes more than passion; it requires a process. This year, learn from those who’ve done it with a proven five-phase blueprint that transforms coaches into CEOs. Sessions will explore how to manage systems operations, leverage AI and automation, grow your team and build real enterprise value.

Whether you’re dreaming of an eventual exit or you just want more freedom day-to-day, you’ll get practical tools to grow a business that runs without you, while staying true to your original vision.

Community is the secret to long-term retention

You can attract members with a great workout, but you’ll only keep them with a great community. In 2025, connection is currency. Fitness businesses that invest in creating a sense of belonging will enjoy stronger retention, more referrals and a more resilient member base.

Learn how to personalise member journeys, turn feedback into action, re-engage at-risk members and use authentic storytelling to strengthen your brand. This session gives you actionable strategies to build a truly sticky community that keeps members coming back.

Smart Marketing, Authentic Branding and Future Proof Tech

Marketing today isn’t about copying trends, it’s about knowing your voice, your audience and your goals. In a series of panels and workshops, industry leaders will explore the full marketing mix, from influencer strategies to SEO to brand storytelling that breaks down barriers like “gymtimidation”.

You will hear how inclusive branding and representation can unlock new market opportunities and build emotional loyalty with diverse communities.

Finally, with the fitness app and tech space exploding, it’s crucial to know what is worth your investment. Learn how to vet tools, avoid common mistakes and use technology to streamline operations, personalise experiences and drive business growth.

AusFitness Industry is on September 19-20 in Sydney.

Head to https://ausfitnessexpo.com.au/industry to get your tickets. If you book in advance, they will be free. Otherwise, they are $50 at the door. With an industry ticket, you will also be granted free access to the AusFitness Expo next door. 

Source: by Shaun Krenz, co-founder of AusFitness Industry