We came, we networked, and we left with a wealth of knowledge and connections! The 2024 Filex Business Summit and Expo was an incredible two-day experience, filled with thought-provoking sessions, inspiring speakers, and valuable opportunities to connect with fellow fitness professionals. As always, the event did not disappoint, offering something for everyone in the fitness industry, from seasoned veterans to those just starting out.
If you missed out on this year’s event, don’t worry—we’ve put together a comprehensive wrap-up to ensure you’re up to speed on the key takeaways that can help drive your gym’s success.
Day 1 Highlights
#1 The Consumer of Tomorrow with Amanda Stevens
The day kicked off with an engaging keynote from Amanda Stevens, who provided a deep dive into the future of consumer behaviour. Amanda shared fascinating insights into how tomorrow’s consumers will make purchasing decisions and how businesses can adapt to stay ahead of the curve. Her session emphasised the importance of understanding evolving customer expectations and leveraging this knowledge to create powerful strategies for connecting with your members.
#2 Navigating the Four Stages of Business with Amelia Phillips
Amelia Phillips delivered an invaluable session on the four critical stages of business growth, from start-up to sale. Whether you’re just beginning your business journey or planning for future growth, Amelia’s insights into market testing, growth management, and team building were spot-on. She highlighted the importance of strategic planning and investment at every stage, offering actionable strategies to help elevate your gym to new heights.
#3 Swipe Right on Your Brand with Jay Baikie
Jay Baikie brought a refreshing and entertaining perspective on digital media strategy, likening it to the world of digital dating. He emphasised the importance of crafting a compelling brand story and investing in your brand’s personality to attract and retain the right audience. Jay’s session was packed with practical tips and trends to help gym owners take control of their digital media strategy and create lasting impressions.
Day 2 Highlights
#4 The Future of Fitness Panel
Day 2 kicked off with an insightful panel discussion on the future of fitness, featuring industry leaders like Lyndsey Stokes, Leah Simmons, Justin McDonell, Travis Young, and Elaine Jobson. The panelists shared their predictions on the evolving landscape of fitness, touching on topics such as the integration of wellness into mainstream fitness, the impact of technology, and the importance of personalised member experiences. Their collective wisdom provided a clear roadmap for staying competitive in the years ahead.
#5 The Millionaire Mindset with Jackson Milan
Jackson Milan’s session on creating financial freedom was a standout for those looking to build wealth while managing their fitness business. He challenged attendees to reflect on what’s holding them back and provided a roadmap for achieving financial goals in 10 years or less. Jackson’s high-energy presentation left everyone feeling motivated and ready to take control of their financial future.
#6 Personalised Experiences, Lasting Loyalty with Michelle Furniss
Our very own Michelle Furniss delivered a powerful session on the importance of personalisation in the fitness industry. She provided a blueprint for building deeper connections with members, highlighting how personalised experiences can lead to lasting member loyalty and sustainable gym growth. Michelle’s insights were particularly relevant in today’s competitive market, where standing out requires more than just offering great workouts—it’s about creating meaningful, personalised experiences for every member.
#7 Networking and Mastermind Sessions
Throughout the event, attendees had ample opportunities to network with peers and industry leaders. The mastermind sessions, facilitated by Dan Henderson, were a highlight, allowing gym owners and operators to share challenges and solutions in a collaborative environment. These sessions underscored the importance of community and knowledge-sharing in driving the industry forward.
Our Key Takeaways
- Networking: We connected with some awesome Xplor Gym prospects and Clubware customers, including our friends from World Gym. We also had the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with partners and industry connections including ARMA Group, Ezypay, AusActive and Fuel Summit.
- Staffing Struggles: The fitness industry continues to face significant obstacles in hiring and retaining qualified professionals. There’s a clear need for the industry to step up its efforts by prioritising strategies that not only attract top talent but also foster a strong, committed workforce. Supporting growth in this area is essential for the industry’s future success.
- Government Advocacy: Barrie Elvish from AusActive shared the impressive progress being made with government initiatives to recognise exercise as a preventative health measure. This represents a significant and positive development for the future of the fitness industry.
Thank You for Visiting Our Stand!
A massive thank you to everyone who stopped by and visited our stand at the expo! We loved chatting with everyone and sharing our gym management software, Xplor Gym with you, and, of course, handing out some awesome swag.
Wrap Up
Wow! So much to absorb and put into action. Whether you’re looking to refine your business strategy, improve member engagement, or simply stay ahead of industry trends, Filex 2024 provided a wealth of knowledge to take your gym to the next level. We’re already looking forward to what Filex 2025 has in store!
Until then, keep pushing forward, stay inspired, and remember—we’re all in this together.
See you next year!
by Xplor Gym
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First published: 27 August 2024
Written by: Xplor Gym