The second W3FIT event took place in Croatia recently, drawing buyers and suppliers together from across the EMEA region for three days of meetings, networking and educational sessions at the Le Méridien Lav in Split.

Organised by wellness event outfit We Work Well, the W3FIT event – and sister event, W3Spa – are distinctive due to their wellness ethos which sees delegates rising early for workouts, beach yoga and sea swims, followed by healthy meal choices and team activities.

Walking and standing meetings, are encouraged, casual attire is mandatory and venues are indoor/outdoor, enabling delegates to enjoy fresh air rather than air conditioned surroundings.

This year’s educational element at W3Fit was delivered by EuropeActive president, Dave Stalker, who took the floor to challenge delegates to raise the bar in driving the sector forward, leading a debate called ‘Spark the fitness revolution: unleashing innovative ideas to ignite the industry,' which saw delegates contributing their insights and viewpoints.

“We were pleased to involve our audience and create an event-long discussion on how we can revolutionise the future of the industry,” said David Zarb-Jenkins, co-founder of W3Fit EMEA.

A scribe recorded proceedings to share with the wider industry.

Present at W3FIT were representatives from major health club operators such as Virgin Active, Lift Brands, Everlast Gyms and Bannatyne.

Suppliers included Technogym, Skillcourt, Woodway, Reaxing and Les Mills.

A schedule of 20 minute face to face meetings gave buyers the opportunity to hear the latest updates from suppliers, while networking time saw multiple deals being done.

On the final evening, attendees competed in teams in a fasat-paced and competitive networking treasure hunt around Split, which concluded with a lively dinner.

Zarb-Jenkins said: “As 200 fitness industry professionals landed in Split for W3Fit, we set out on a mission to ‘ignite’ the fitness industry, both in terms of the event experience and the education and content.

“This was typified by activities such as the first 'Burn and Build Welcome Workout' (burn energy, build connections) led by global wellness director of We Work Well, Cameron Close, and the debate, led by Stalker.

Event dates for W3Fit 2024 have been set at September 8-11, for North America at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa, California and October 8-11, 2024, for W3Fit EMEA at the Chia Laguna, Sardinia, Italy.