Bodypower, the new owner of Leisure Industry Week (LIW), has pledged to unite ‘disparate sectors’ under the leisure umbrella as it prepares to launch the event into a new era.

The 27th annual LIW kicks off at the NEC in Birmingham this morning (22 September) and marks the first since Bodypower - which also runs the successful Bodypower Expo - acquired the event from UBM earlier this year. The new owner is eager to bring fresh ideas to LIW and chief executive Nick Orton has trumpeted a ‘one team’ message to bring together sectors such as wet leisure, play, attractions, sport, physical activity, public health and fitness around the event.

“We are enthusiastic, motivated and passionate about taking on LIW – exhibitors, sponsors, partners and visitors can expect to see some interesting developments and we’ve got genuinely exciting plans for LIW 2016,” said Orton.

“I’m delighted with the response and support we’ve had from industry professionals and I think these figures show that people are connecting to LIW in a way that hasn’t been seen in a number of years.”

More than 12,000 people are expected to attend this year’s two-day event. As well as the traditional trade show, LIW 2015 will feature a raft of educational sessions and keynote speeches from names such as former footballer Stuart Pearce, boxing promoter Kellie Maloney and fitness industry analyst Ray Algar.

Leisure Opportunities and Health Club Management will be on hand throughout LIW 2015, live reporting on the latest developments throughout the conference and posting them straight to our websites. Head of news Jak Phillips will also be live-tweeting from the event, follow him on Twitter by clicking here.