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.
Exact opening hours are still to be announced. In 2025, the opening hours were:
- Day 1 – Wednesday 26 February 2025 – 9am to 5pm
- Day 2 – Thursday 27 February 2025 – 9am to 5pm
We’re still waiting to hear if there will be an afterparty for PerformX Live 2026 attendees. For 2025, the PerformX Live After Show Party took place from 5pm on Wednesday 26 February in the VIP area.
Where Is PerformX Live taking place?
Where Is PerformX Live taking place?
PerformX Live 2026 is taking place at NEC Birmingham. We’re still waiting to hear which hall – in 2025 it was in Hall 9.
Previously, PerformX has been held in London at Tobacco Dock. The venue changed to the NEC Birmingham in 2025 when 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. 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
Getting to NEC Birmingham
The venue address is:
Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
PerformX Live 2025 took place in Hall 9. Watch this space as that might change for 2026.
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 may be able to save on parking costs if you pre-boo.
How to attend PerformX Live 2026– tickets
Want to attend PerformX Live? Tickets are not yet available for PerformX Live 2026.
We expect they’ll be released in late-2025 or early-2026. Whichever way, you’ll want to get a ticket fast and in advance of the event. We’re sure they’ll run out fast.
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 – so early birds could grab a bargain!
There was a free exhibition-only ticket option available via the PerformX Live website.
Tickets were digital e-tickets. They arrived by email from noreply@boxoffice.axs.co.uk. Attendees needed to save the attached e-ticket(s) to their mobile device. And have the ticket(s) ready to present for scanning when arriving
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)
- 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.
We’re also waiting to see if there will once again be an After Show Party for all ticketholders on the first day. Last year it took place in the VIP area from 5pm.
The After Show Party included 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.
We’re sure 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 haven’t been announced for PerformX Live 2026, in the meantime here are our top picks from the 2025 event:
Digitalisation in the fitness industry
When? Wednesday 26 February 2025, 2-2.45pm
Where? Main stage
Consumers today have more access than ever to wearable, digital tech that captures a wealth of health and fitness data. As a gym operator, how do you embrace this data at scale for your members?
In this headline masterclass, there were insights on this from a leading authority on wearable technology – Kristen Holmes, Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist for WHOOP.
Through her impressive work at the wearables pioneer, Kristen is driving the conversation around just how fitness leaders can help consumers get the most from their tech and fitness investments.
This is one session many people wanted to be in the room for!
Premiumisation & the rise of the $40k a year membership
When? Wednesday 26 February 2025, 3.15-4pm
Where? Main stage
Increasingly, gymgoers are viewing their membership as an investment. An investment in their health and wellbeing now and into the future.
And many are willing to splash more cash than ever before on a membership. To help you understand how to capitalise on this trend towards premiumisation, Jeff Zwiefel took to the stage.
Jeff has over 25 years of experience leading US gym chain Life Time. Most recently, he has led the brand’s MIORA Longevity & Performance division, pioneering a truly integrated approach to health and wellness. And taking premium to the next level.
More members without paid ads
When? Wednesday 26 February 2025, 12.15-1.00pm
Where? PerformX Stage
Growing gym membership sales is a goal for most gyms and fitness clubs. And that made this session a must attend for owners and operators.
Paid ads are an effective way of attracting new members. But costs can quickly stack up. So, if you can master organic sales, you’ll be able to reliably grow with less reliance on paid ads.
In this session, Lisa Palmer Director at Gas Station Fitness & Nutrition and Business Mentor at Two-Brain Business shared how her business has tripled. And gave details of the simple actionable steps taken to achieve this success.
Lessons from industry leaders
When? Wednesday 26 February 2025, 10-10.45am
Where? Main Stage
Attendees were able to join leaders from some of the UK’s biggest gym operators for this panel that was packed full of insights and learnings. It gave the inside track on what to expect for the year ahead too.
The session was hosted by Ian Rushbury (Life Fitness) who brought a wealth of experience at major operators and supplier side too. Ian was joined by an inspirational line up including Rebecca Passmore (PureGym), Colin Waggett (Third Space), Sophie Lawler (Total Fitness), and Marc Diaper (ex-Gymbox).
The psychology of persuasion
When? Thursday 27 February 2025, 12.15-1pm
Where? PerformX Stage
In 2025, member experience matters more than ever. Every visit (and interaction) with your club needs to meet and even exceed expectations.
To help you achieve this, the PerformX team brought in Jaclyn Hughes. Jaclyn is the founder of Ultimate Training Solutions and an expert in the psychology of persuasion.
Attendees benefited from powerful insights to help build lasting loyalty from members.
Hospitality in fitness: Be in the top 1% of gyms
When? Thursday 27 February 2025, 12.45-1.30pm
Where? Main Stage
Want to stand out with a member experience that demands loyalty? This panel helped attendees do just that! It explored how you can create a 5-star member experience and place your gym amongst the best of the best.
It was a must attend for many gym owners and operators with a strong panel line up – Jack Thomas (The Fit Guide), JC Vacassin (Foundry), and Rez Barad (Boxr & House Of Fitness).
Other stand out sessions for gym owners and operators:
- Growth by subtraction with Matt Connolly (Gym Owners Network) – Wednesday 26 February 2025 at 9-9.45am on the PerformX Stage
- AI: 2025 & beyond with Ian Mallane (Keepme) – Wednesday 26 February 2025 at 11.15am-12.00pm on the Main Stage
- The future of the mid market with Dan Summerson (Everlast Gyms) – Thursday 27 February 2025 at 2-2.45pm on the Main Stage
- The 100K growth blue print with Dan Aguilera (Fitness Business Profits) – Thursday 27 February 2025 at 4.15-5pm on the PerformX Stage
Meet with Xplor Gym at PerformX Live 2026
We’re fired up to be back at PerformX Live 2026! Book a meeting with our team to see why the UK’s hottest gyms are turning up the heat with gym management software from Xplor Gym.
Alternatively, we’d love to catch up before the event:
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: 14 March 2025
Written by: Xplor Gym