Reed Exhibitions expands FIBO with first ever USA event

FIBO - the world’s largest interactive showcase of fitness, health and wellness innovation - is to make its United States debut at the Orange County Convention Center in Florida between 6th and 8th December this year.

Backed by the long-running success of FIBO Global events in Germany, China, and South Africa, FIBO USA is part of a strategy by event owner Reed Exhibition to expand FIBO’s global activities and establish a direct presence in the world’s leading fitness markets.

Aimed at fitness professionals and enthusiasts, the four-day event will feature fitness demonstrations and classes, hands-on technology and equipment exhibits, nutrition and apparel, education sessions, and instructor certification and trainings.

It has already secured backing from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Women in Fitness Association (WIFA), Spartan and Zumba®.

Explaining the expansion, Reed Exhibitions Germany Chief Executive, Hans-Joachim Erbel advised “with 57.2 million members in 36,540 gyms and sales of approximately US$27.6 billion, the US is the largest fitness market worldwide.

“Numerous leading fitness industry manufacturers and suppliers are located here and many of the new concepts and global trends originate here.

“The goal is for FIBO USA to become the new ‘must-attend event’ in the US, the place where providers of fitness equipment and concepts meet with health, fitness and wellness professionals from the private and public sectors.”

While the main concept of FIBO - combining a large exhibition floor with a conference featuring seminars and keynote speeches - will be consistent with its other events, the US version will be adapted to cater for the American market.

Reed Exhibitions America President, Hervé Sedky advised “around 50% of the sales of exercise equipment and concepts in the US are generated at country clubs and public institutions such as universities.

“Accordingly, FIBO USA is specifically targeted at trade visitors from fitness studios and health and wellness facilities, trainers and instructors, country clubs and hotels as well as at buyers from public-sector institutions such as schools, universities, the military and large retail buyers.”

The conference will include a stage and educational program, planned in cooperation with the International FIBO Ambassador, Herman Rutgers. Called The American Health and Fitness Forum, it will be marketed as a ‘high-calibre congress agenda’, modelled after the EHFF in Cologne, Germany.

With the event likely to conflict with the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)’s annual convention held in March each year, IHRSA has not issued a comment on the new event.

With Reed also owning Australia’s Fitness Show brand there is also speculation that these events may be branded as FIBO in the future.

Amid considerable Australasian interest in FIBO USA, entrepreneur Mel Tempest will be working alongside the FIBO USA team interviewing guests on the The Gym Owners Business Podcast and Network.

Tempest advises “my focus is to educate as many fitness professionals as possible and connect you the club owner with those who will guide and coach you to grow your business.”

Click here for details of FIBO USA in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Images (from top): FIBO in Germany, new concepts at FIBO, FIBO China and the Orange County Convention Center from Universal Boulevarde.