ukactive’s chief executive Steven Ward has urged fitness industry leaders to unite and harness their collective potential to ensure the sector continues to thrive and creates a “healthier, wealthier, happier future for all.”

The call came as this year’s annual Flame Conference got off to a start this morning (28 June) at the International Conference Centre in Telford.

While increasing connectivity and growth was the message from Ward, disruption and innovation is also on the agenda of the education and networking event, with six-time Olympic Gold medallist Jason Kenny set to deliver the headline speech on this topic.

Additional keynote speeches will be given by Thought Expansion Network founder Jonathan MacDonald, who will encourage sector leaders to challenge their mind-set in order to increase engagement with the inactive; IESE Business School Professor Luis Huete, who will share his sector expertise on improving customer experience; and Former Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Maxine de Brunner, who will discuss the importance of diversity within the physical activity industry.

Breakout sessions on customer experience and making meaningful connections will also take place, with social media trainer and man behind the launch of digital radio station BBC 1Xtra Andrew Davis delivering a session on the evolution of social media and the opportunities digital technologies can offer companies in the physical activity sector.

The conference will conclude with the Flame Awards nights – a glitzy black-tie event at which the sector’s finest will go head to head for highly-coveted titles, including Leisure Operator of the Year.

Keep up to date with all the latest from the Flame Conference here on the Health Club Management website and also on Twitter (@healthclubmag) as we’ll be live tweeting throughout the day.