More than 500 health and fitness industry professionals from across the globe are expected to gather in the Netherlands later this month as the 14th IHRSA European Congress kicks off in Amsterdam.

The event, taking place from 16-19 October at the Beurs van Berlage, will give professionals the chance to network, exchange ideas and learn from innovative keynote speakers.

Seeking to further relationships and foster progression in the industry, the congress will feature presentations providing commentary on trends in the sector, as well as those developing outside of the fitness world.

Alongside presentations, professionals will get the chance to network through special events, focus groups and lunch and dinner receptions encouraging the building of relationships.

This year the event will see keynote speeches from Jonas Kjellberg, one of the creators of Skype, as well as from financial columnist and Russian media company co-founder Annemarie van Gaal.

Known for helping professionals to develop and exchange ideas on strategic, tactical and operational plans, IHRSA’s annual event is viewed as a beneficial experience by a number of health and fitness business owners.

“The Congress itself, the networking opportunities and the club tours were invaluable, and will without a doubt have a significant impact on shaping the future of Fitness First UK,” said Martin Seibold, Fitness First UK MD, after attending a previous IHRSA European Congress.

Away from the speeches and networking opportunities, attendees will be offered walk-around tours of the city’s leading health club facilities, while there will also be seminars on topics such as retention, leadership, virtual classes, membership sales and the prominent question of wearable technology and its future role in the sector.

A preview of the event can be found in the latest edition of HCM magazine here on pp.26-27.