Following an incredibly successful 2025, PerformX Live will return on 25 & 26 February 2026. Here’s our guide to this high-energy, inspiring fitness industry event.
Can’t wait for PerformX Live 2026? No problem! Get 8 sizzling hot takes for gym owners & operators from PerformX Live 2025.
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 – in 2022, 2023 and 2024 it was held in March. In 2025 it took place on 26 and 27 February 2025. 2026 will follow its lead…
When is PerformX Live 2026?
Taking place over 2-days, PerformX Live 2026 is happening on Wednesday 25 February and Thursday 26 February 2026.
PerformX Live 2026 is highly anticipated and promises to be even bigger than 2025. You’re going to want to make the most of every minute at next year’s edition of PerformX.
Opening hours for PerformX 2026 are:
- Day 1 – Wednesday 25 February 2026– 9am to 5pm
- Day 2 – Thursday 26 February 2026 – 9am to 5pm
The PerformX Live After Show Party will take place from 5pm on Wednesday 25 February in the VIP area.
Where Is PerformX Live taking place?
PerformX Live 2026 is taking place at NEC Birmingham in Hall 9.
Previously, PerformX has been held in London at Tobacco Dock. The venue changed to the NEC Birmingham in 2025.
The NEC Birmingham is a popular exhibition centre and one of the largest in the UK. For 2025, the venue allowed PerformX Live to deliver
- A TED Talk style main stage auditorium to host ‘world-leading’ talent
- A ‘gym of the future’ centre-piece with cutting-edge tech
- A PerformX VIP lounge for c-suite and buyers from ambitious operators
For 2026, it will deliver much of the same!
Getting to NEC Birmingham
The venue address is:
Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
PerformX Live 2026 will take place in Hall 9.
Arriving by public transport?
The NEC is located a 5- to 10-minute walk away from Birmingham International Railway Station (allow extra time for walking once you reach The NEC though!). 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 may be able to save on parking costs if you pre-book.
How to attend PerformX Live 2026 – tickets
Want to attend PerformX Live? Tickets are now available for PerformX Live 2026.
Good news! To make the event more accessible for the whole fitness industry, tickets are available for FREE right now.
You’ll want to get a ticket fast and in advance of the event. We’re sure they’ll run out fast.
While we understand tickets for 2026 will be free, for 2025, tickets were sold via AXS. And as of 25 February 2025, you could purchase a ticket for both days for
- £52.40, plus a £2.50 transaction fee
Prices had increased on 10 February 2025 – so early birds could grab a bargain! This year it looks like everyone can grab a bargain!
Accommodation for PerformX Live
If PerformX Live 2026 is anything like 2025 (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.
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)
- Moxy Birmingham NEC (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
The NEC is home to food and drink retailers like Subway, Starbucks, and the Bagel Factory.
We wait to see exactly which food and drink outlets will be available to PerformX Live 2026 delegates. For 2025, the event was close to both Subway and Starbucks.
There will once again be an After Show Party for all ticketholders on the first day. It will take place in the VIP area from 5pm on Wednesday 25 February.
If it’s anything like last year’s, the After Show Party will include live music, a relaxed vibe, and conversations that could help you find new opportunities to grow your business.
For those who’re 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
- Miller & Carter Steakhouse, 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
- 2025 – Kristen Holmes, Jeff Zwiefel, Ian Rushbury, Rebecca Passmore, Colin Waggett, Marc Diaper, Sophie Lawler, Jack Thomas, JC Vacassin, and Dan Summerson
And of course, many more industry authorities and leading operators. Check out our 8 hottest takeaways from PerformX Live 2025 article for a taste of the 2025 event.
2026 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.
Speakers are still being announcement for PerformX Live 2026. These are our top must-sees for PerformX 2026 so far – keep checking back for our latest picks:
Gym leaders panel: Reviewing 2025 & predicting 2026
When? Wednesday 25 February 2026, time TBC
Where? Main stage
In what we’re sure will be a lively panel discussion, this session will bring together leaders from across the industry:
- John Penny, Managing Director at Third Space – With 25+ years of industry experience, John has led the ultra-luxury London health club chain since 2014
- Neil Randall, CEO of Urban Gym Group – Having worked across many big-name gym brands including Virgin Active, LA Fitness & Anytime Fitness, Neil now leads Urban Gym Group’s business including London gym chain, Gymbox
- “JC” Jean-Claude Vacassin, Founder & CEO of Foundry – Fitness entrepreneur, JC currently runs the London and South East chain Foundry, as well as chairing ukactive’s Independent Operators Council
Fitness trends & shifts
When? Wednesday 25 February 2026, time TBC
Where? Main stage
Consumers are more educated, selective, and willing to walk away than ever before. This presents an opportunity for proactive gym operators.
In this main stage session, Adrienne Adhami will:
- Explore the key fitness trends and shifts shaping the industry today
- Explain why consumers are now steering the market and how gym operators can respond meaningfully
- Run through how to build products, services, and experiences with real demand in mind
Co-founder of strategic consultancy, Part Two Agency, author and podcast host, Adrienne knows where strategy meets reality. Trust Adrienne to help your business understand what’s trending, why it’s trending, and how to build appealing products and services.
How AI has reshaped how clubs operate, and what’s coming next
When? Wednesday 25 February 2026, Time TBC
Where? Main stage
AI continues to make waves in the fitness industry. In this must-attend session, Steffie Bryant, President of gym AI leaders Keepme, will take to the stage to talk all things AI.
Whether you’re an advanced AI user, exploring it, or yet to delve in, we’re sure you’ll come away from this session with a better understanding of how others are taking advantage of AI. And how AI is about to further propel the industry forward.
Fireside chat with Jonny Wilkinson
When? Thursday 26 February 2026, Time TBC
Where? Main stage
Former England rugby player, Jonny Wilkinson will take to the PerformX Live 2026 main stage to share his story of discipline without ego.
As the founder of functional drinks business One Living Drinks, Jonny works at the intersection of performance, presence, and purpose. In this headline session, he’ll share lessons on resilience, identity, leadership and standards that you can apply straight away.
Fitness racing: Harnessing the boom
When? Thursday 26 February 2026, Time TBC
Where? PerformX Stage
Fitness events and racing have exploded in popularity over the past few years. And there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved as a gym operator.
In this session, leaders from HYROX, ATHX, Deka/Spartan, & GymSync will explore how you can cater to gymgoer demand by tapping into fitness races.
Exact line up TBA, so watch this space!
Other stand out sessions for gym owners and operators:
- Stop playing it safe: A serious wake-up call for fitness marketing with Rory McEntee (GymNation) – Wednesday 25 February 2025 at time TBC on the PerformX Stage
- GLP1 – The fitness industry Playbook with Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi – Thursday 26 February 2026 at time TBC on the Main Stage
- Longevity & training – is your programming aging your clients with Dr Nichola Conlon (Nuchido) – Thursday 26 February 2026 at time TBC on the PerformX Stage
- Death by a thousand discounts: Why your sales strategy is a race to the bottom with Jaclyn Hughes (Ultimate Training Solutions) – Thursday 26 February 2026 at time TBC on the PerformX Stage
Meet with Xplor Gym at PerformX Live 2026
We’re pumped up to be back at PerformX Live 2026! Book a meeting with our team to see why heavy-hitting gym operators across the UK are levelling up with gym management software from Xplor Gym.
Find us at stand C25 – get in touch with our sales team to pre-book at meeting with us:
While you’re with us, have a go at our arcade-style boxing machine game. We’ll have prizes available for the strongest punches. Plus, special giveaways for taking part.
We can’t wait to see you at PerformX Live 2026!
Power up your business & stay in the know
by Xplor Gym
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First published: 26 January 2026
Written by: Xplor Gym