Middle East Fitness Business Summit - CEO Forum
Chaired by: Nicki Bedford, Founder & Host, She Leads the Way
25 October 2024
10:15AM
Welcoming Note
10:15AM | Welcoming Note
Nicki Bedford
10:20AM
Opening Keynote by Dubai Fitness Challenge
10:20AM | Opening Keynote by Dubai Fitness Challenge
Ahmed Al Khaja
10:30AM
Fitness and its Crucial Role on Economy, Community Development and Destination Competitiveness
10:30AM | Fitness and its Crucial Role on Economy, Community Development and Destination Competitiveness
This exciting panel explores the significant impact that fitness and wellness initiatives have on economic growth, societal well-being, and national competitiveness.
Panelists
Steven Gillespie
Dr. Dimitri Koutsoubakis
Ahmed Al Khaja
Moderated by
Cedric Betis
11:00AM
It's never been a better time to invest in fitness, health & wellness franchising
11:00AM | It's never been a better time to invest in fitness, health & wellness franchising
We're experiencing a marked shift in trends and attitudes beyond fitness and beyond traditional medical care. Consumers are having more serious conversations and taking stronger action than ever before in pursuit of holistic, preventative health care – doing whatever we can to ensure longevity and steer clear of sick/triage medical care. Fitness is the key to management and sustainability of health risk factors, a proven element for long-term success of new weight-loss medications, and a core factor in the holistic wellness services mix – functional health, strength, movement, nutrition, beauty care, mental health services and more. This is terrific news for those who are already invested and operating fitness and wellness franchising businesses – and it’s an attractive reason for those interested in small business ownership and franchising to invest today.
Presented by
Sander Van Den Born
11:30AM
Fitness Business Investment Dialogue: Real Conversation Between Investor, Founder and Executor
11:30AM | Fitness Business Investment Dialogue: Real Conversation Between Investor, Founder and Executor
This session deep-dives into the dynamic interactions and strategies between investors, founders, and operational leaders in the fitness industry. This dialogue aims to uncover investment opportunities, discuss business growth strategies, and address execution challenges. The collaboration seeks to align financial goals with innovative fitness solutions for sustainable success.
Panelists
Loren Holland
Manoj Asnani
Said Murad
Chaired by
Tarek Mounir
12:00PM
Sustainable Success: Developing People, Profits and Plant-Friendly Practices
12:00PM | Sustainable Success: Developing People, Profits and Plant-Friendly Practices
Discover how to achieve sustainable success in the fitness industry by developing people, driving profits, fostering innovation and implementing planet-friendly practices. Learn how to balance growth with environmental responsibility for long-term impact.
Speaker
Jenny Patrickson
Moderated by
Gavin Baxter
12:20PM
Bridge the gap between Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Connection.
12:20PM | Bridge the gap between Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Connection.
In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries and daily life, the challenge of fostering genuine emotional connections through technology becomes increasingly pertinent.
Fitness industry is a people business and a service business.
Let’s learn how to highlight the potential for AI to not only perform tasks efficiently but also to engage with users on a deeper, more personal level, ultimately bridging the gap between technological capability and emotional intelligence.
Speaker
Fabrizio Cecchinelli
12:40PM
VIP Lunch and Networking
12:40PM | VIP Lunch and Networking
2:00PM
The Gym Group Story – its Growth Journey and Next Chapter
2:00PM | The Gym Group Story – its Growth Journey and Next Chapter
This session will share lessons from the growth of The Gym Group, and the strategies taking it from humble beginnings to a successful publicly listed fitness business. This insightful session will cover its business model, membership retention and expansion plans, as well as a Q&A with John Treharne.
Presented by
John Treharne
2:45PM
From Predictions to Performance: Leveraging AI in the Fitness Industry
2:45PM | From Predictions to Performance: Leveraging AI in the Fitness Industry
This session will discuss how AI is revolutionising the fitness industry by offering personalised training plans, enhancing customer experience, and optimising fitness equipment. Discover how AI-powered wearables and smart gym equipment track progress and vital signs, providing real-time feedback and adjustments, leading to more effective workouts, greater engagement, and improved overall performance.
Panelists
Marcin Obel
Karl Foster
Peter Croft
Moderated by
Dan Duran
3:15PM
Unlocking Regional Success: Key Strategies for Expanding Beyond the UAE
3:15PM | Unlocking Regional Success: Key Strategies for Expanding Beyond the UAE
This session outlines essential tactics for businesses to thrive in neighbouring markets, emphasising the importance of market research, tailored marketing, strategic partnerships, legal compliance, technological innovation, local talent investment, financial planning, cultural sensitivity, customer-centric approaches, and sustainability.
Panelists
Muhammed Saley
Tom Foley
Wajdan Gul
Rachel Young
Moderated by
Suzelle Snowden
3:45PM
From Concept to Global Phenomenon: The HYROX Story
3:45PM | From Concept to Global Phenomenon: The HYROX Story
Explore the journey of creating and scaling HYROX, from its initial vision to becoming a global fitness leader. Christian Toetzke, Co-founder and CEO of HYROX, will delve into the foundational goals, the challenges encountered along the way, and the strategic approaches used to drive international growth. Key highlights will include innovative methods for engaging participants, leveraging data to enhance events, and outlining future objectives for ongoing development and innovation in the competitive fitness industry.
Speaker
Christian Toetzke
Moderated by
Hamza Gherara
4:30PM
Outlook Report: Future of Fitness and Wellness
4:30PM | Outlook Report: Future of Fitness and Wellness
The first of its kind in the industry, showcasing real data from both fitness and wellness business performance and trends, researched and shared by renowned Colliers International and SPA Connectors.
Speaker
Nicolas Nasra
Moderated by
Kathryn Moore
4:55PM
End of Forum
4:55PM | End of Forum
*Agendas are subject to change
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