TO GET FROM 40 TO 80 MILLION CONSUMERS BY 2020

27-06-2011

EHFA 4^th EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP FORUM DISCUSSES NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO GET FROM 40 TO 80 MILLION CONSUMERS BY 2020  

Forty leaders representing health and fitness facilities, as well as the suppliers’ side of the sector, came together for a two day conference to learn, discuss, and share best practices.  This year’s Forum focused on Social Media, the Future of Fitness, and Merger and Acquisitions in the European fitness market.

EHFA’s fourth Executive Leadership Forum took place at the IESE Business School in Barcelona on 8 /9 June 2011. 

‘The Rise of the Social Web: Looking Beyond the Hype” interactive session was conducted by Prof Evgeny Kaganer, IESE Business School, and discussed the pros-and-cons of social media platforms in the business environment and their use in business strategies. 

Ray Algar presented his recent “European Health Club Industry Web & Social Media Report” on the use of social media in the fitness sector, and concluded that “the industry needs to leverage the social web to take its life-enriching work beyond health clubs walls”.

Frank Napolitano, regarded as one of the USA’s top executives in the sector, gave his “One Man’s view on the Future of Fitness” by analysing the past, and pointing out the opportunities offered by new technologies to promote physical fitness. 

Stefan Ludwig of Deloitte Germany presented an overview of the merger & acquisitions activities in the European health & fitness market and provided an insight into the growing German market.

During the technology workshop session, the participants were informed about the latest developments offered by Biotonix, Technogym, and Twid.

Herman Rutgers, Executive Director of EHFA, and moderator of the Forum, said: “EHFA Leadership Forums are designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of executives and their organisations through interactive events, where individuals are engaged in experiences that foster professional, intellectual and personal development. The networking element is, of course, also very important. He further commented: “... innovation plays a critical role in any firm's success, including fitness companies. To create long-term value for our customers by launching new products and services, or rethinking established processes for getting work done – that is our objective and path to grow to 80 million consumers by 2020”.