Following a triumphant return in 2022 and even more successful 2023, Elevate is back at ExCel London on 12 and 13 June 2024. Elevate is the must-attend tradeshow for leisure operators of all shapes and sizes. To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to Elevate for leisure operators.

About Elevate

Elevate, www.elevatearena.com, is back for the 7^th time in 2024. The Elevate fitness show is held annually in London. And it’s the largest tradeshow dedicated to the business of fitness, sport, and physical activity in the UK.

Each year, Elevate welcomes thousands of decision makers and thought leaders from leisure centres, universities, higher education institutions, sports clubs, gyms and more. These attendees flock to the tradeshow for 2-days of learning, networking, and to see the latest products and solutions from over 250 exhibitors.

Whether you are a leisure trust, leisure management company, local authority, university, or private operator, Elevate is a must-attend event. It boasts:

• 1,000s industry decision makers
• 250+ exhibitors
• 10 theatres with free education
• 200+ speakers
• 1,000+ products live in action

Elevate takes place annually and was last held on 14 & 15 June 2023, as well as 15 & 16 June 2022.

Elevate 2024 takes place on 12 & 13 June

The 7^th edition of the Elevate fitness show will take place on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 June 2024. Exact open hours are to be announced, in 2023 these were the opening times:

• Wednesday 14 June 2023 – 9.30am to 5.30pm
• Thursday 15 June 2023 – 9.30am to 4.30pm

Elevate is usually held at ExCel London

We expect Elevate 2024 will be held at ExCel London. As one of the largest exhibition and convention centres in the UK, ExCel London is a fantastic venue for a tradeshow like Elevate. It has plenty of amenities – including various cloakrooms where you can leave luggage, bags, and coats.

Getting to Elevate ExCel London

This is the address you’ll need:

Halls N1-N2 (TBC), Royal Victoria Dock, One Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL, UK

If you use the what3words app, you can also find it with these 3 words: ///sticky.thing.senses

Arriving by public transport? There are plenty of options available. We’d recommend the Emirates Airline Cable Car for the stunning views on offer that you can take in during the ride (fingers-crossed for good weather!).

• The Elizabeth Line – alight at Custom House station (2 minutes’ walk)
• Docklands Light Railway – alight at Custom House station (2 minutes’ walk)
• Emirates Airline Cable Car – this is the UK’s first urban cable car, and it connects ExCel London to The O2 and North Greenwich tube station. If you show your pass for Elevate you can get a single fare for £3. Sit back and enjoy the Thames views during your ride
• Uber Boat by Thames Clipper – alight at Royal Wharf Pier (it takes 20 minutes to walk through Britannia Village and over the Royal Victoria dock footbridge to ExCel London)

Driving? There are 2,000 parking spaces available at Elevate ExCel London. It costs around £25 for up to 24 hours. Use the postcode E16 1FR for satellite navigation (or ///expect.likes.eager via the what3words app). For Elevate, use event hall entrance N1-N2.

Cycling? This eco-friendly choice is ideal if you are based nearby. ExCel London has 60 bike racks available. These are located near the east entrance under the stairs that connect Level 0 to Level 1.

Attending Elevate 2023 was free for operators

Tickets for Elevate 2023 were free for operators and decision makers from multi-site and independent leisure centres, fitness centres, gyms, health clubs, ands sports clubs. We expect this will be the same for 2024.

In 2023, free visitor tickets let you:

• Try out the latest products, equipment, tech, and services
• Learn with CPD-accredited education sessions from industry leaders
• Network with 1,000s of leisure industry peers and establish lasting connections
• See 250+ suppliers face-to-face in one place – a cost-effective way to see new products and services

Accommodation near ExCel London

With a jam-packed 2-day schedule of educational and leadership sessions, plus so many suppliers to see and peers to connect with, it makes sense to stay close to Elevate.

In 2023 when booking 10+ rooms for a group of people, you could access special group rates via the Elevate website.

There are lots of hotels near to Elevate ExCel London to suit different budgets. All with easy access to the tradeshow. Options include:

• Aloft London ExCel, a Marriott
• Doubletree by Hilton Hotel London ExCel
• Good Hotel London
• Holiday Inn Express London ExCel
• Ibis London ExCel Docklands
• Moxy London ExCel
• Novotel London ExCel
• Premier Inn London Docklands
• Travelodge London ExCel

Eating & drinking during Elevate 2024

ExCel London offers plenty of food and drink options. Whether you want a coffee to kickstart your day or wish to sit back and enjoy a business lunch, there’s something to suit all tastes and appetites. Step out of the halls where Elevate is taking place and head along the concourse to see what takes your fancy.

Last year, the Elevate Hub also offered fantastic coffee and snacks with the opportunity to network while you enjoy your refreshments.

Treat your team or catch up with industry friends for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Head over the river to The O2 for a wide selection of big-name options or to Canary Wharf for plenty of choices. Some highly rated options include:

• Boisdale Canary Wharf
• Gaucho Canary Wharf
• Plateau
• The Ivy Canary Wharf

Highlights for leisure operators & higher education institutions

Every year, the Elevate organisers out do themselves with an even better programme of education. Sessions are CPD-accredited so it’s a great chance for you and your team to top up your learning hours in a cost-effective setting.

Contributed to by 1,000s of the leading thinkers in the industry, the programme is usually completely free to public and private operators.

In 2023, the educational sessions were delivered in 10 streams, including:

• Thought leaders conference – this discussed the most pressing challenges and opportunities for the leisure sector. Big topics were the impact that the cost of living, energy, and climate crises continued to have on the leisure industry
• The business of physical activity – this looked at how your organisation can operate more efficiently and effectively. Sessions explored the latest trends, technology, marketing, workforce management, facility design, and more
• Activating the nation – this explored how the leisure industry can get more people who are currently classified as inactive to be more active. Topics covered included active aging, youth participation, the impact of inequality on physical activity, and how we can support the healthcare system
• Future performance & wellbeing – this delved into cutting edge developments in performance and wellbeing. Experts explored what is meant by wellbeing. Plus, there were sessions covering gut health, goal-focused training, strength, nutrition, sleep and more
• Moving well – Rehab and Prehab – this presented the latest innovations, techniques and research from sports therapists, physiotherapists, and osteopaths

The schedule in 2023 was full of must-attend sessions and with so much to see at Elevate, these our top picks for leisure operators:

Opening address – More people, more active, more often

When? 10-10.20am on Wednesday 14 June 2023

Where? Thought Leaders Conference

Elevate 2023 will start with an opening address from Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive. The address has taken the title of ukactive’s mission and tag line – to get More People, More Active, More Often. And we’re sure it will set the tone for the rest of the Elevate Fitness Show.

As CEO of ukactive, Huw has been instrumental in shaping ukactive’s strategy and business plan. And has led the organisation’s engagement with the government and key stakeholders. We’re sure this session is one that you’ll want to be a part of.

Breaking the Mould: Innovative approaches to engaging young people in physical activity…

When? 11-11.40am on Wednesday 14 June 2023

Where? Activating The Nation

Want to broaden your offerings to engage more people within your local community? Join this session to find out how novel and innovative ideas can be used to appeal to families, teens and younger people to widen your engagement and build livelong members.

This session is being led by Chris Sharman, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Topodium Group. Chris has had an impressive career in the leisure industry holding high profile national roles at public and private leisure operators. With a focus on children’s activities, sport and fitness, Chris co-founded Topodium Group in 2020 to transform the sports, health, and wellbeing industries.

Chris will be joined by Vicky Fitzgerald from Nuffield and Rob Christie from Airquee.

Winning the war on attrition

When? 14.55-15.35pm on Wednesday 14 June 2023

Where? The Business Of Physical Activity

Attrition is a challenge for operators of all sizes. Yet to achieve lasting growth, and ultimately get more people active in a sustainable way, solving the attrition challenge is essential.

In an exclusive for Elevate attendees, you’ll get a preview of Xplor’s soon to be released attrition research in this panel session led by Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive. Huw will be joined by experts including Guy Griffiths from GGFit, Julie Allen from Leisure-net, Martin Perry from Technogym UK, and Dave Alstead from Legend by Xplor.

As well as discussing key findings, the panel will share practical ways to conquer member engagement and motivation to reduce attrition. And unlock lasting growth at the same time.

Leveraging technology to deliver deeply tailored member experiences

When? 12.30-13.00pm on Thursday 15 June 2023

Where? Technogym Education

Digital technology is central to creating tailored member experiences that increase engagement and retention. In this session, Dave Alstead from Xplor will join Martin Perry from Technogym UK to share insights, learnings, and examples of how technology is being used to deliver highly customised member experiences. And how operational efficiencies are being achieved at the same time.

This session will also take place on Wednesday at 11.30am to 12pm.

Inclusivity – how education is the key

When? 2.35-3.15pm on Thursday 15 June 2023

Where? Thought Leaders Conference

Join this session to learn how the education of trainers and coaches can be improved to help them work safely and effectively with those with impairments. Promoting confidence in the sector and increasing engagement.

With Jaina Mistry a leading nutrition and weight management consultant, the inspirational Ali Jawad a Paralympian and founder of Accessorise, Carl Richards from Future Fit, and Rebecca Gibson from Sport Structures.

Other highlights for leisure operators in 2023 include:

• Longevity, preventative health, and the silver economy with Niri Patel (Fit20), Edwina Brocklesby (Silverfit), Steve Powell (Power Plate), Lou Atkinson (EXI), and Muir Gray (The Optimal Aging Programme) (10.05-10.45am on Wednesday 14 June 2023 in the Activating The Nation theatre)
• GM Active: A case study in the pivot to active wellbeing With Andy King (GM Active / MCR Active), Jon Keating (GM Active), Hayley Lever, and John Oxley (ActiveXchange / Life Leisure) ( (12.20-12.55pm on Wednesday 14 June 2023 in the Thought Leaders conference)
• Health and fitness is NOT fit for purpose?  With Jon Hymus (Innerva), Tamara Bailey (TA6), Helen Bull (Serco Leisure), Eric Kihlstrom (Wave Active), and Naseem Akhtar (Saheli Hub) (13.50-14.20pm on Wednesday 14 June 2023 in the Business Of Physical Activity theatre)
• What is the industry doing to create modern and flexible workplaces and dynamic career pathways? With Tara Dillon (CIMSPA), Colin Huffen (CIMSPA), Abhi Lakhina (Love Recruitment) and Warren Smyth (Abbeycroft Leisure) (12.20-13.00pm on Thursday 15 June 2023 in the Thought Leaders Conference theatre)
• How old is old anyway? Why we need to reframe working with older adults with Helen Tite (iCareiMove) (14.20-14.45pm on Thursday 15 June 2023 in the Activating The Nation theatre)

We’ll post up recommendations for Elevate 2024 as soon as the schedule is announced. In the meantime, here our our Key Learnings From Elevate 2023.

Visit the Legend team at Elevate 2024

Visit Legend at Elevate 2024 to see why leading leisure trusts, universities, and other operators, rely on Legend’s all-in-one leisure management software.

Contact us to book a meeting during Elevate 2024.