Retention expert Dr Paul Bedford is to hold an extended Retention Convention in the UK next year, focusing on improving customer experiences in the increasingly competitive gym market.

Following on from last year’s inaugural event, the international speaker and author of the world’s largest retention study will bring together a number of world renowned experts to help operators unlock the secrets of retaining members longer.

The two-day event will be held at Austen Court, the home of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in Central Birmingham, on 19 and 20 May 2016. It will cover a range of advice and approaches on how to increase retention, reduce attrition and improve member loyalty across all sectors of the health and fitness market.

“I was overwhelmed by the positive response to last year’s convention and so have decided to run another event this year with a slightly different theme,” said Bedford.

“The two-day format will enable us to focus on the customer experience; hearing from retention experts across the globe, as well as operators that have put fantastic measures in place to increase retention and boost revenue, and technology experts; who will demonstrate the wide applications technology can play within the leisure industry.

A core of speakers have already confirmed their attendance, including Dr Melvyn Hillsdon, who will be returning for the second year. Bedford is now looking for operators and suppliers to speak at the event and showcase how they are winning the retention battle.