Following an incredibly successful 2024, PerformX Live returns on 26 & 27 February 2025. Here’s our guide to this high-energy, inspiring fitness industry event.
Can’t wait for PerformX Live 2025? No problem! Get 9 sizzling hot takes for gym owners & operators from PerformX Live 2024.
What is PerformX Live?
PerformX Live, www.performxlive.com, is the event for fitness professionals who are serious about the business of fitness. PerformX delivers educational sessions from inspirational industry leaders. Hosts high-energy workshops and masterclasses. And showcases the latest tech, experiences, and innovations.
It’s a must-attend event that also offers incredible networking opportunities. Meet like-minded people facing the same challenges as you and create lasting connections.
Over 6,000 fitness industry professionals and enthusiasts attend PerformX Live – including:
- 500+ industry decision makers
- 1,000+ gym owners & managers
- 4,500+ PTs, coaches & practitioners
It’s held each year – usually in March. In 2022 it took place on 18/19 March. In 2023 it took place on 17/18 March. And in 2024 it took place on 21/22 March. 2025 will be a little different both in terms of timing and location…
When is PerformX Live 2025?
Taking place over 2-days, PerformX Live 2025 is happening on Wednesday 26 February and Thursday 27 February 2025.
PerformX Live 2024 was highly anticipated and promised to be even bigger than 2023. It exceeded all expectations. So, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for PerformX Live 2025! While we don’t know opening hours for 2025 yet, we do have details from 2024.
The opening hours for 2024 were:
- Thursday 21 March 2024 – 9am to 5pm
- Friday 22 March 2024 – 9am to 5pm
The PerformX Live After Show Party took place from 4.30pm to 9pm on Thursday 21 March 2024. This must-attend evening provided valuable networking opportunities. All accompanied by music and with street food and drinks on sale.
Where Is PerformX Live taking place?
PerformX Live 2025 is taking place at NEC Birmingham. Previously, PerformX has been held in London at Tobacco Dock. And this change of venue for PerformX 2025 comes after the event became part of the NEC Group’s organising arm, Pendigo Events.
The NEC Birmingham is a popular exhibition centre and one of the largest in the UK. The move looks set to see the event evolve with:
- A state-of-the-art auditorium for ‘world-class’ education
- A ‘gym of the future’ show case with cutting-edge tech
- A premium VIP suite for ‘elite’ networking
Getting to NEC Birmingham
The venue address is:
Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
The exact location within the NEC is still to be announced.
Arriving by public transport?
The NEC is located a 5 minute walk away from Birmingham International Railway Station. Direct trains run to Birmingham International from London, Bournemouth, Northampton, Manchester, and Coventry.
If you’re travelling from further afield, Birmingham Airport is located nearby. To get to the NEC from Birmingham airport, there’s an air-rail link from the airport to the train station. This is located at the upper level of Terminal 1. Trains run every 2 minutes and the transfer takes 90 seconds.
Driving?
The NEC is clearly signposted from all motorways and major routes including the M42, M40, and M6. The postcode for your sat nav is B40 1NT.
When you get close, follow the digital screens to get to the car park. There are 16,500 parking spaces available. And there’s a free shuttle bus from the car park, or you can choose to walk. You can pre-pay for parking before PerformX Live 2025 starts and save around £5.
How to attend PerformX Live 2025 – tickets
Want to attend PerformX Live? Tickets have not yet been released for 2025. But, when they are, you’ll want to get a ticket fast and in advance of the event. Tickets are normally provided via Eventbrite.
These are the ticket options and prices that were on offer as of 1 March 2024 for PerformX Live 2024:
- 1 day pass for Thursday 21 March 2024 – £64.99
- 1 day pass for Friday 22 March 2024 – £64.99
- 2 day pass for 21 and 22 March 2024 – £99.00
- Basic supplier ticket for 21 and 22 March 2024 – £499.99
Prices increased regularly as we got closer to the 2023 event. As of 13 March 2023, these ticket options were available:
- 1 day pass for Friday – £99.99
- 1 day pass for Saturday – £99.98
- 2-day pass for both Friday & Saturday – £169.99
- 1 day pass for Friday for groups of 5 to 24 people – £53.98 per person
- 1 day pass for Saturday for groups of 5 to 24 people – £53.98 per person
- 2-day pass for Friday & Saturday for groups of 5 to 24 people – £93.98 per person
Prices increased regularly as we got closer to the 2024 event.
Tickets are normally digital. So, have your ticket confirmation code ready to scan on the door to go straight in when you arrive. You’ll be given a printed badge that’ll get you around the event.
Accommodation for PerformX Live
If PerformX Live 2025 is anything like 2024 (and we know it’ll be even bigger and better), you need to be there to enjoy both days. So, you can make the most of the learning and networking opportunities on offer! And that means you’ll need to stay nearby.
In 2024, the PerformX team partnered with EventBeds by NuBreed Hotels. As part of this partnership, they offered exclusive rates, with up to 30% off, at selected hotels near to the venue. Spaces were limited and there are details about offer on the PerformX Live website. It remains to be seen if there will be a similar offer for PerformX 2025
There are a variety of hotels to suit different budgets within a short drive or walk of the NEC including:
- ibis Styles Birmingham NEC and Airport (6-mins walk)
- Holiday Inn Express Birmingham NEC (6-mins walk)
- Hilton Birmingham Metropole (7-mins walk)
- The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club (5-mins drive)
- Best Western Plus Birmingham NEC Meriden Manor Hotel (7-mins drive)
- Ansty Hall (18-mins drive)
Food & drink during PerformX Live
There were loads of delicious options on offer at PerformX Live 2024 that kept attendees well fuelled and refreshed! The PerformX team lined up London’s premier street food collective to serve up tasty treats at the 2024 event.
Of course, there were healthy options available and some indulgent treats too. Something for everyone in one place – in short the event featured the best of London’s vibrant street food scene.
We await to here if we’ll get a similar taste of Birmingham’s culinary offerings for PerformX Live 2025. And we do know that the NEC is home to food and drinks retailers like Subway, Starbucks, and the Bagel Factory.
For 2024, there was an After Show Party held at Tobacco Dock from 4.30pm to 9pm on Thursday 21 March. It was an epic evening full of networking and social opportunities. There was more street food to enjoy, refreshing beers, and even cocktails to sip on! Again, we’re awaiting details of if there will be similar for 2025.
For those who were seeking dinner (or even a working lunch!) near to the NEC, popular restaurants include
- Brightsmith On The Water, Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1PP
- Las Iguanas, Resorts World Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Birmingham, B40 1PU
- Sky Bar & Restaurant, Resorts World Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Birmingham, B40 1PU
- The World Bar, Resorts World Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Birmingham, B40 1PU
- Cheal’s Restaurant & Bar, 1630 High Street Knowle, Solihull, B93 0JU
- Eros Restaurant, 1608 High Street, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0JU
Highlights for fitness club owners and operators
PerformX Live always offers a strong line up of education. Sessions are handpicked by an advisory board of fitness and wellbeing industry heavy hitters. Past speakers include:
- 2022 – Ben Francis, Jay Alderton, Phil Graham, Lucy Davis, Sonny Webster, Ollie Marchon, Gaby Noble, Jordan Shallow, and Dave Wright
- 2023 – Steven Bartlett, Dave Wright, Laura Hoggins, Guy Griffiths, Joanna Sheldon, Ollie Marchon, George Heaton, Charlie Horton, and David Stalker
- 2024 – Dr Jonathan Leary, Harry Jameson, Michaela Hurst, Emlyn Brown, Jaclyn Hughes, Dave Wright, Rory McEntee, Colin Waggett, Emma Barry, and Evgenia Koroleva
And of course, many more industry authorities and leading operators. Check out our 9 sizzling hot takes for gym owners & operators from PerformX Live 2024 article for a taste of 2024 event.
We’re sure 2025 will be the same! So, we’re keeping a close eye on the line up to find the sessions that gym and club owners (and prospective owners) shouldn’t miss.
And while we wait for the 2025 schedule to be announced, take a look at our top picks for the 2024 event:
From Bar To Barbell: Lessons From Hospitality On Building Customer Experience
When? Thursday 21 March 2024 at 10am
Where? Main Stage
The fitness industry is shifting and becoming more about experience, entertainment, and lifestyle. So, it’s helpful to learn from other industries. Industries where creating entertaining, memorable experiences is top priority.
And the hospitality industry offers so many learnings for gym owners and operators. This panel session featured hospitality leaders who’ve created lifestyle brands. The impressive line-up of panellists included:
- Harry Jameson, CEO & Co-Founder of Pillar Wellbeing
- Emlyn Brown, Senior Vice President of Wellbeing at Accor Hotels
- Michaela Hurst, UK Head of Health & Wellness at Soho House
- Jaclyn Hughes, Board Member of The UK Spa Association
This session was a must-attend if you want to deliver better member experiences and become a lifestyle choice for members.
Disruptive Marketing The Gymbox Way
When? Thursday 21 March 2024 at 11.15am
Where? PerformX Stage
When it comes to gym marketing and advertising, it’s fair to say that Gymbox has run some pretty legendary campaigns. And a lot of that is thanks to Gymbox Brand & Marketing Director, Rory McEntee.
So, this session with Rory is one that you couldn’t afford to miss if you want to cut through and disrupt on a budget.
In this growth masterclass, Rory shared guerrilla marketing insights, and details of the tactics used by Gymbox. As well as how to consistently think disruptively in a ‘samey’ market. Plus, owners found out how to appeal to people who don’t typically buy into gym messaging
How To Resonate With The 85%
When? Thursday 21 March 2024 at 11.15am
Where? Main Stage
The State Of The UK Fitness Industry Report 2023 found that 15.1% of the UK population now holds a gym membership. And while the number of people with a membership is growing, there’s still room to grow and reach more of the 85% without a gym membership.
It’s an exciting opportunity for gyms and fitness clubs to grow and help more people see the benefits of membership. And that’s why this CEO panel was a highlight of PerformX.
The panel promised to offer a ‘juicy and insightful’ debate. It covered everything from solutions to real customer feedback. And gave a chance to hear from a legendary group of panellists including
- Colin Waggett, CEO of Third Space
- Sarah Watts, Chief Executive of Alliance Leisure
- Marc Diaper, CEO of Gymbox
- David Stalker, President of EuropeActive & CEO of Myzone
AI – Friend Or Foe?
When? Thursday 21 March 2024 at 1.15pm
Where? PerformX Stage
As we heard at the recent ukactive SPG event, emerging tech is being embraced by big name gym operators. And it’s now something gym businesses of all sizes should pay attention to.
So, this innovation masterclass was essential for gym and fitness clubs to attend. The insightful Ian Mullane, Founder & CEO of Keepme spoke about all things AI. Ian explored how you can use AI to deliver superior customer service and member experiences.
Curious about how AI could help your business? Want to extend your use of the tech? This session provided a broad understanding of AI and helped show how it could be used in your fitness business. Get key takeaways here
Gym Owner Roadmap To £500k
When? Friday 22 March 2024 at 10.15am
Where? PerformX Stage
Want to master strategy, leadership, and high performance to grow your gym business?
Of course you do! And so did owners who attended this strategy masterclass with Ollie Marchon and Jenz Robinson from the Gym Owner Network. The inspirational pair deep dived into how they help gym owners increase profitability, build high-performing teams, and more.
Gym Sales Expertise
When? Friday 22 March 2024 at 3pm
Where? PerformX Stage
Selling can be tough. How can you successfully sell memberships and other services at your club without feeling pushy or awkward?
That’s the question which Luke Robinson and Charlie Horton from Fitness Marketing Agency (FMA) answered in this growth masterclass. Both have delivered sales coaching for many gyms and fitness clubs.
So, it was a must-attend session for owners and operators looking to increase sales and sign ups. The pair shared proven techniques to help you overcome common objections, sell high value services, and attract people to your business.
Other stand out sessions for gym owners and operators:
- The Future Of Health & Wellness with Dr Jonathan Leary (CEO & Founder of Remedy Place) – Thursday 21 March 2024 at 2.30pm, Main Stage
- Building Empires: Transformative Insight From Fitness Industry Titans, with Dr Jonathan Leary (Remedy Place), Lara Morgan (Kitbrix), and Dave Wright (Myzone) – Thursday 21 March 2024 at 3.45pm, Main Stage
- Decoding The Next Wave Of Fitness From The USA with Emma Barry (CEO & Founder of Trouble Global) – Friday 22 March 2024 at 10.15am, Main Stage
- 4 Non-Negotiables for Gym Marketing with George Branford (Hamper) – Friday 22 March 2024 1pm, PerformX Gym
- Building Bulletproof Systems To Sustain Growth gym owner panel with Rez Barad (BOXR), Gavin Denning (GWD Performance), Ross Colquhoun (The Training Club), Evgenia Koroleva (ONE LDN), Charlie Watts (The Manor), Dan Aguilera (Fitness Business Profits) and Abbi Hutchinson (Studio6) – Friday 22 March 2024 2pm, PerformX Stage
- How To Engage Gen Z Talent, with Emily Spiers (Grenade), Harry Portch (HM Staffing), & Dom Joyce – Friday 22 March 2024 at 3pm, Main Stage
For the first time in 2024, PerformX partnered with our friends at Technogym to create an epic run club. Attendees could join the crew at 7.00am on Friday 22 March 2024 for a run set against the city’s stunning scenery. And it made the perfect warm up for day 2!
See Xplor Gym in action at PerformX Live
Get in touch with our team to find out why innovative gyms and fitness clubs are switching to gym management software from Xplor Gym.
Contact us to arrange a meeting.
We can’t wait to see you at PerformX Live 2025!
Power up your business & stay in the know
by Xplor Gym
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First published: 19 August 2024
Written by: Xplor Gym