Record numbers at Australian fitness industry's largest annual event

Having featured fitness celebrities, Olympians, competitions that tested strength and endurance and the release of the latest fitness equipment and exercise classes, the 2013 Australian Fitness & Health Expo at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre wrapped up with record attendances.

Maintaining its status as the industry's number one event, the three day event (held from 19th to 21st April) attracted more than 33,967 visitors, up 16.8% on the 2012 attendance figures.

Overall, in the last three years, the visitor numbers have increased 229% (starting at 14,777 in 2009).

The Expo was the largest in history with over 300 exhibitors from 12 countries across 20,000 metres2, incorporating a range of exciting new additions driven by industry trends and consumer concerns, including a new Healthy Living stage providing information about nutrition and healthy eating from celebrity healthy chefs and other experts.

The Strength & Conditioning Zone, now into its second year, showcased five feature areas Natural Bodybuilding, Cross Fit, Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing and Strong Man competitions and proved to be one of the biggest attractions at the Expo this year.

Within the Strength & Conditioning Zone, this year's Expo hosted a Men's Fitness Fit Bloke and a Shape Fit Chick Challenge in the Cross Fit arena, where the physical strength and mental tenacity of 100 men and 30 women was tested during three grueling days. The winner of the men's competition was Ben Garard from Mittagong and the female winner was Justine Beath.

Fitness celebrities and some of Australia's top athletes also passed through the Expo doors and featured on exhibitor stands, participated in physical challenges and shared their stories and advice on the three stages within the Expo. Big names included Michelle Bridges, Shannon Ponton, Danny Green, Mr Olympia Phil Heath, Michael Klim and Anthony Mundine.

Product releases from commercial gym equipment to new styles of group exercise classes and the latest accessories, were launched at the Expo, with highlights including a new class called Cage Fitness, modeled on an MMA bout and MyRide Plus by Matrix Fitness, which turns cycle classes into a cinematic experience.

Australian Fitness & Health Expo Director Jon Perry believes that the results from this year's show was like nothing he'd ever seen, stating "this truly is the number one event in Australia for fitness professionals.

"It's grown into a platform that offers so much for industry professionals and also consumers.

"For the industry, it's the place to network, negotiate deals and see the latest products and classes that are about the hit Australian shores.

"For consumers, all of the top fitness brands are here under one roof along with the new players in the field who will help push the industry into the future with new technology and new approaches.

"The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre was bursting at the seams with thousands of very passionate professionals who are excited about what new developments the fitness industry will see over the coming 12 months.

"We look forward to heading to some exciting shows still to come. This Expo just keeps getting bigger and bigger."

Building on the success of the 2013 expo, Diversified Exhibitions will launch The Fitness Show for consumers and fitness professionals in Perth in October.

Dates for 2013

Fitness Show WA, 5th and 6th October, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

Dates for 2014

Australian Fitness & Health Expo, 4th to 6th April, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Fitness Show NSW, 18th and 19th October, Sydney Olympic Park Homebush
Fitness Show WA, 15th and 16th November, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

For more information go to www.fitnessexpo.com.au

5th December 2012 - AUSTRALIAN FITNESS & HEALTH EXPO RETURNS IN 2013