FIBO, the world's largest trade show for fitness, wellness and health, kicks off this morning (6 April) with the European Health & Fitness Forum (EHFF), bringing together hundreds of physical activity sector thought leaders to explore the future direction of the fitness sector.

EHFF is the annual curtain raiser for FIBO – which runs from 7-10 April at the Cologne Exhibition Centre and is this year expected to attract 138,000 visitors, plus more than 725 exhibitors from 40 countries.

Now in its third year, EHFF will shine a light on the current state of the European fitness industry, which now boasts some 48,000 facilities, 50 million members and 400,000 employees. The day will also explore how the industry can harness innovation to reach event organiser EuropeActive’s ambitious goal of growing the sector to reach 80 million members by 2025.

Building on his star turn at last year’s event, Deloitte partner Karsten Hollasch will present the latest market research conducted by EuropeActive and Deloitte, outlining key facts and figures for the European fitness market.

Meanwhile, Dr Carl C Rohde will be speaking on the topic of “Future Forecasting & Fitness Innovations". An internationally recognised trend watcher and cultural sociologist, Dr Rohde aims to make students and teachers more sensitive to trends and innovations.

The third keynote will be delivered by Professor Antonio Dávila, on the topic “Making Innovation Work: How to Manage It, Measure It, and Profit from It”. Dávila is professor of entrepreneurship and professor of accounting and control at the IESE Business School Barcelona and teaches innovation management, entrepreneurship, management accounting and control, as well as sports management, at universities worldwide.

The Forum will also see the official launch of the new industry outlook study Growing the Fitness Sector Through Innovation. The publication will be presented to the EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics.

Health Club Management is on hand throughout EHFF 2016 and FIBO, live reporting on the latest developments from the events and posting them straight to the Health Club Management website. Head of news Jak Phillips is also live-tweeting from the event, follow him on Twitter by clicking here.