It's the event where fitness executives talk about wearables, AI, and GLP-1s while eating croissants at a five-star hotel. And honestly? It's worth every calorie. The Connected Health & Fitness Summit brings together the sharpest minds in fitness technology, wellness innovation, and health-tech for three days of strategy, networking, and the occasional existential crisis about whether your gym's app is good enough. (Spoiler: it probably needs work.)
This article covers what to expect at CHFS 2026, plus helpful tips, pricing details, and how to survive three days of back-to-back panels without your brain turning into oatmeal. See you in Los Angeles, February 18 to 20.
What Is the Connected Health & Fitness Summit?
The Connected Health & Fitness Summit (CHFS) is where the business side of fitness gets serious. Organized by Kisaco Research, this isn't your typical trade show with booth babes handing out protein samples. It's an executive-level gathering of 450+ senior leaders from brands like HYROX, Xponential, Google, Netflix, 24 Hour Fitness, Cleveland Clinic, Orangetheory, and CrossFit.
Returning for its 7th year, CHFS has evolved from a niche conference into the industry's premier gathering for fitness, wellness, and health technology leaders. If The HFA Show is where the entire fitness industry convenes, CHFS is where the C-suite meets to discuss what's actually going to happen next.
The event is built around four core themes:
- Growth & Strategy - How to actually make money (revolutionary, we know)
- Health & Longevity - Because "wellness" now includes living to 120
- Data & Tech - Wearables, AI, and why your members' sleep scores matter
- Community & Member Experience - Keeping people from canceling in February
For gyms and fitness studios trying to stay ahead of the curve, this is where you find out what curve you should even be on. And if you're running multi-location recreation facilities, the operational insights alone are worth the trip.
Quick Facts
When is CHFS 2026?Wednesday, February 18 to Friday, February 20, 2026Where is it?Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles, CaliforniaWho attends?450+ senior executives from fitness, wellness, and health-techHow many speakers?Approximately 56 industry leadersWhat should I wear?Business casual. You're at a luxury hotel in LA, not a CrossFit box.Do I need to book early?Yes. Early bird pricing saves up to $800. Your CFO will thank you.
Going to CHFS 2026? Stop by and say hello to the Replify team. We'll show you how AI-powered sales automation is helping fitness operators convert more leads while their competitors are still checking voicemail. Or just book a demo now and skip the small talk.
The Venue: Fairmont Century Plaza
Let's talk about the upgrade. CHFS 2026 is happening at the Fairmont Century Plaza, and if you've never been, prepare yourself. This isn't a conference hotel. This is where Ronald Reagan hosted state dinners. This is where the Emmy Awards happen. This is where you'll wonder why your gym's locker room doesn't have Le Labo amenities.
Located in Century City, the Fairmont offers:
- Nearly 24,000 square feet of meeting and event space
- The Los Angeles Ballroom - the largest ballroom in West Los Angeles
- A Forbes Five-Star rated spa (perfect for recovering from day two's networking happy hour)
- A rooftop pool (in case you need to practice what you preach)
- Lumière Brasserie - French cuisine with a California twist, because this is LA
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Westfield Century City, steps from Beverly Hills, and about 30 minutes from LAX. Translation: you can fly in, absorb three days of industry insights, and still have time to Instagram yourself on Rodeo Drive before your flight home.
Check out the venue details and 2026 floorplan to plan your navigation strategy.
The vibe is professional but never stuffy. Think "we're here to do deals" meets "is that a celebrity at the bar?" Welcome to Los Angeles.
Why CHFS Matters in 2026
The fitness industry isn't just growing, it's transforming. According to William Blair's July 2025 industry report:
- 24.9% of Americans now belong to a fitness club (up 600+ basis points in a decade)
- Membership grew nearly 6% in both 2023 and 2024
- Millennials and Gen Z account for 65% of fitness club members
- The 75% of Americans who don't belong to a gym represent the biggest growth opportunity
But here's the thing: growth isn't just about more locations. It's about smarter operations, better technology, and new revenue streams. The HFA's 2025 Benchmarking Report shows high-profit operators achieving 35%+ EBITDA margins compared to the 23.6% median. What separates them? Often, it's technology, including AI-powered customer service that ensures no lead goes unanswered.
CHFS is where you learn what technology actually moves the needle, not from vendors pitching you, but from operators who've already deployed it. Check out our case studies to see how operators are already using AI to drive results before you even get to LA.
The 2026 Agenda: What You'll Actually Learn
The CHFS 2026 agenda is built around sessions that go beyond buzzwords. Download the overview brochure for the full picture, but here's what's on the menu:
GLP-1 Medications and the Fitness Industry
This is the elephant in the room, and CHFS isn't ignoring it. With 55+ million GLP-1 prescriptions filled in 2023 (triple 2020 levels) and 8-10% of Americans already taking them, fitness operators need a strategy.
Sessions will cover:
- Designing programs that complement GLP-1s (muscle preservation, nutrition)
- Partnering with healthcare providers
- Positioning fitness as essential, not optional, for medication users
Your members on Ozempic still need your gym. CHFS will show you how to make sure they know that. And if you're wondering how to reach those members proactively, Replify's AI Growth Engine can help you stay in touch without burning out your staff. Our outbound AI capabilities mean you can check in with at-risk members before they cancel.
AI and Personalization at Scale
According to CHFS research, clubs applying AI personalization saw renewals climb by ~18%. That's not a rounding error. Sessions will explore:
- Personalized coaching at scale using wearable data
- Predictive maintenance to prevent equipment downtime
- Forecasting class attendance and staffing needs
- AI-powered lead conversion that works 24/7
For operators still relying on "Hi, thanks for calling, please hold," the AI sessions will be a wake-up call. A friendly one, but still. Check out how Replify works to see what modern lead handling looks like. You can also read our blog for AI strategies specific to fitness businesses.
Wearables, Data, and Integration
The numbers are staggering: 40% of U.S. adults use health apps, 35% use wearables, and 61% wear devices daily. Members are generating data constantly. The question is whether you're doing anything with it.
CHFS sessions will show how to:
- Link management systems with wearable data
- Validate data accuracy (because garbage in, garbage out)
- Turn analytics into decisions that actually improve retention
Speaking of integrations, Replify connects with the gym management software you're already using. No rip-and-replace required.
Longevity and the $6.3 Trillion Wellness Economy
The global wellness economy hit $6.3 trillion in 2023 (about 6% of global GDP). More than 60% of consumers rank healthy aging as "very important," and 70% of U.S. consumers increased longevity spending last year.
CHFS will dig into:
- How early movers are monetizing wellness extensions
- Building multi-pillar offerings beyond traditional fitness
- Separating longevity science from longevity hype (there's a lot of hype)
For spas and wellness centers, the longevity trend represents a massive opportunity to expand services and capture new revenue streams. Replify's AI can help you handle the increased inquiry volume that comes with launching new service lines.
Schedule Overview
Here's what to expect at CHFS 2026. Check What's On for the latest updates.
Pre-Day (Tuesday, February 17)
CHFS is kicking things off early with optional experiences:
- Pre-day workshops for deep dives on specific topics
- A hike (because fitness conference)
- Cocktail reception to start networking before the official start
Day 1-3 (Wednesday-Friday, February 18-20)
- Two stages running simultaneous sessions
- Keynotes from industry leaders
- Panels and case studies across all four themes
- Innovation Showcase - startups pitch to 650+ industry elite
- CHFS Awards - celebrating the best gyms, studios, and clubs
- CEO & Founder's Forum - exclusive networking for executives
- 1-2-1 Networking - curated meetings with the people you actually want to talk to
Download the full agenda to plan your schedule.
The Innovation Showcase
Five startups. Five minutes each. 650+ decision-makers watching.
The Innovation Showcase is CHFS's version of Shark Tank, minus the sharks but plus actual industry buyers. Finalists pitch on the main stage, face Q&A from active fitness investors, and compete for:
- A trophy (for your office shelf)
- 3 hours of mentoring from the Selection Committee
- A dedicated interview with CHFS
- A free VIP pass to CHFS 2027
- Exposure to the people who can actually write checks
If you're a startup in the fitness-tech space, applications close November 21. If you're an operator, this is where you'll spot the next tool that transforms your business, maybe even an AI solution that handles your leads while you sleep.
The CHFS Awards
Let's be honest, everyone loves an awards show. The CHFS Awards night celebrates operators who are actually innovating, not just talking about it. Categories include:
- Growth Champion
- Longevity Leader
- Connected Experience Architect
- Personalization Pioneer
- Community Catalyst
- Workplace Experience Innovator
Previous winners include SoulCycle (for redefining feel-good fitness), ROOK (for wearable health data APIs), and The Perfect Step (for paralysis recovery programming). This isn't participation-trophy territory.
Who's Speaking?
CHFS 2026 features approximately 56 speakers from companies including:
- HYROX - the competitive fitness racing phenomenon
- Xponential Fitness - the largest franchisor of boutique fitness brands
- Google - including their Health and Performance team
- Netflix - yes, that Netflix
- 24 Hour Fitness - legacy brand, modern challenges
- Cleveland Clinic - healthcare meets fitness
- Orangetheory Fitness - heart-rate based training pioneer
- CrossFit - the original functional fitness disruptor
Speakers include executives like Eloiza Tecson (CEO of LWI/Lindora, former Orangetheory Global Operations leader) and wellness leaders from Google's organizational well-being team. View the full speaker lineup for the complete list.
Who Attends CHFS?
CHFS attracts a curated audience of decision-makers. Check out The Collective - Operator Directory and the audience overview to see who you'll be networking with.
Typical attendees include:
- CEOs, COOs, and CMOs from gym chains and studio brands
- VPs of Product, Strategy, and Innovation from fitness-tech companies
- Investors and private equity professionals focused on wellness
- Healthcare executives exploring fitness partnerships
- Technology leaders building for the connected fitness ecosystem
This isn't a conference where you'll be pitching to front desk managers. These are the people who sign contracts and approve budgets, the same decision-makers who choose solutions like Replify for their organizations.
Partners & Sponsors
CHFS 2026 is supported by leading companies in fitness, wellness, and health-tech. Current partners include:
- Korr Medical
- Groe Solutions
- Butter Payments
- Truemed
- Sleep Cycle
- FiveOneFour
- Flex
- Herman Scheer
- NASM
- InBody
- Life Fitness
- True Fitness
Interested in becoming a partner? Download the 2026 Partnerships Brochure or learn how to become a partner.
Registration & Pricing
CHFS offers tiered pricing that rewards early commitment. Register here.
Operators (Gyms, Studios, Health Clubs)
If you run fitness facilities, you're the star of this show. Operator pricing is designed to be accessible because your insights make the conference valuable for everyone else.
Solution Providers (Software, Equipment, Services)
For companies selling into the fitness ecosystem. Higher pricing, but access to 450+ decision-makers who actually have budgets.
Lifestyle Brands
Consumer-facing brands with partnership opportunities in fitness, wellness, or healthcare.
Early Bird Savings: Up to $800 off if you register before deadlines.
View current pricing and register
Hotels & Logistics
Staying at the Fairmont
The obvious choice. You'll be steps from every session, and the networking opportunities that happen in elevators and lobbies are half the value of attending. Plus, that Forbes Five-Star spa.
Room rates are luxury-tier (this is the Fairmont), but the convenience factor is real. Ask about conference room blocks when you register. Check venue details for more information.
Alternative Options
Century City and the surrounding area offer plenty of options:
- Beverly Hills hotels (5-minute drive)
- West Hollywood (10-15 minutes)
- Santa Monica (20-30 minutes, but beach access)
Getting There
- LAX: About 30 minutes to Century City (without traffic, so... plan accordingly)
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are everywhere
- Parking: Available at the Fairmont, but not cheap (it's LA)
Tips for Attendees
Register early. Pricing increases as the event approaches, and the best networking sessions fill up. Register now.
Do your homework. Download the attendee list and identify who you want to meet. CHFS offers 1-2-1 networking, use it strategically.
Bring business cards. Yes, still. Digital contact exchange is great until someone's phone dies.
Dress smart casual. You're in a luxury hotel with executives. Leave the gym clothes at actual gyms.
Pace yourself on Day 1. The schedule is packed and the networking events have open bars. Marathon, not sprint.
Attend the pre-day events. The hike and cocktail reception are where relationships start before the formal programming begins.
Take notes on action items, not just insights. Everyone leaves conferences inspired. The winners leave with a to-do list.
Follow up within 48 hours. The connections you make are worthless if you don't follow up while people still remember you. (Pro tip: Replify can help you follow up with leads automatically so nothing falls through the cracks when you're back in the office.)
Read the testimonials. See what past attendees say about the experience.
Why Replify Will Be There
At Replify, we're obsessed with one question: what happens to the leads your gym misses?
The fitness industry generates millions of inquiries every day: phone calls, web forms, texts, chat messages. And according to industry data, the average gym misses 30-40% of inbound calls. Those aren't just missed calls. They're missed members, missed revenue, missed growth.
Our AI sales and receptionist platform handles every lead 24/7 across phone, text, email, and chat. We're not replacing your team. We're making sure no lead falls through the cracks while your team focuses on what humans do best: building relationships with members who are already in your facility.
At CHFS 2026, we'll be showcasing:
- Live demos of AI handling real fitness inquiries
- Case studies from gyms seeing 10X lead growth
- Our AI Growth Engine for outbound sales automation
- Strategies for multi-location operations
- Integration capabilities with leading gym management software
Whether you're running a single boutique studio, a spa and wellness center, or a multi-location fitness empire, we'd love to show you what's possible.
Stop by our booth, or better yet, book a demo before the event so we can have a real conversation instead of a booth pitch. Check out our pricing to see plans for every size operation, or browse our FAQ if you have questions before we meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is CHFS 2026?
The Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2026 takes place February 18-20, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California. Pre-day events including workshops, a hike, and cocktail reception are scheduled for February 17.
Who should attend CHFS?
CHFS is designed for senior executives in fitness, wellness, and health technology. This includes CEOs, COOs, CMOs, VPs of Product and Strategy, investors, and technology leaders. Check the audience overview and The Collective - Operator Directory for details on who typically attends.
How much does registration cost?
Pricing varies by attendee type (operator, solution provider, or lifestyle brand) and registration timing. Early bird discounts save up to $800. Visit the registration page for current pricing.
What topics are covered at CHFS 2026?
The agenda covers four core themes: Growth & Strategy, Health & Longevity, Data & Tech, and Community & Member Experience. Hot topics include GLP-1 medications, AI personalization, wearable data integration, and the longevity economy. Download the overview brochure for the complete session list.
Who are the speakers at CHFS 2026?
CHFS features approximately 56 speakers from companies including HYROX, Xponential, Google, Netflix, 24 Hour Fitness, Cleveland Clinic, Orangetheory, and CrossFit. View the full speaker lineup for bios and session details.
What is the Innovation Showcase?
The Innovation Showcase is a startup pitch competition where five finalists present to 650+ industry decision-makers. Winners receive mentoring, exposure, and a free pass to CHFS 2027. Check What's On for application details.
Are there networking opportunities?
Yes. CHFS offers multiple networking formats including the 1-2-1 Networking program, CEO & Founder's Forum, pre-day cocktail reception, and the CHFS Awards ceremony.
How do I become a sponsor or partner?
Download the 2026 Partnerships Brochure or visit the partners page to learn about sponsorship opportunities. You can also view current partners to see who's already involved.
Where can I find testimonials from past attendees?
CHFS testimonials are available from past attendees who've shared their experiences. It's a great way to understand what you'll get out of the event before you register.
Can I meet with Replify at CHFS 2026?
Absolutely! Replify will be at CHFS 2026 with live demos of our AI sales and receptionist platform. Stop by our booth to see how gyms and fitness studios are using AI to capture more leads and convert more members. We'll have demos running throughout the event, plus our team will be available to discuss your specific challenges, whether you're running a single location or 50+ facilities.
Want to skip the booth line? Book a demo before the event and we'll schedule dedicated time to discuss your needs. You can also check out our case studies to see results from operators already using Replify, explore solutions for spas and wellness centers, or browse our pricing and FAQ to come prepared with questions. See you in LA!
How do I contact the CHFS organizers?
For questions about registration, sponsorship, or the event, contact Kisaco Research directly.
The Bottom Line
The Connected Health & Fitness Summit isn't cheap, and it shouldn't be. This is where the strategic decisions that shape the industry get made. Where the partnerships that launch new products get formed. Where the operators who'll dominate the next decade go to sharpen their edge.
Is it worth it? If you're a senior leader at a fitness, wellness, or health-tech company, and you want to know what's actually coming (not what trade publications think is coming), yes.
If you just want to see what AI and GLP-1s and longevity trends mean for your specific business, yes.
If you want to network with executives who can actually move the needle on partnerships and deals, absolutely yes.
And if you want to do all that while staying at a hotel that Reagan used for state dinners, with a spa that'll make you forget you've been in conference sessions for 10 hours, well, that's just a bonus.
Register for CHFS 2026 and we'll see you at the Fairmont.
