The World Active Summit 2023, which recently took place in Cologne, provided a platform for Working Groups to present their frameworks and unveil their promising plans for the upcoming year. The summit also presented an opportunity to gather a panel of experts to discuss the global digitalisation of the fitness and physical activity sector.
The panel was moderated by Liz Terry and included Grace McNamara, CEO of EXI; Peter Croft, Europe Active Chairman T20 Fittech Advisory Group and Chief Strategy Officer of Perfect Gym Solutions; Brian O’Rourke, CEO of Vedere Ventures and President of the Fitness Industry Technology Council (FIT-C); and Jennifer Halsall-de Wit, VP Global Enterprise at Sport Alliance GmbH and Europe Active President’s Council Secretary Digital & Tech and VP.
The experts provided their assessment of how technology is transforming the industry and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead. One of the key takeaways from the discussion was that the fitness sector is starting to acknowledge that it is failing to support health and healthcare. Grace McNamara, CEO of EXI, noted that EXI – her organisations Digital Therapeutic Platform EXI is positioned to play a part in helping to bridge that gap.
Paul Peez FitTech Club; and Professor Paolo Caserotti, Head of the Center for Active and Healthy at the University of Southern Denmark.
Grace McNamara – EXI CEO, appeared on stage at multiple sessions during the congress, including chairing a vibrant panel discussion at the FIBO Future Talks 2023 under the HEALTH pillar of Europe Active’s Sectoral Manifesto.
This health session focused on strengthening the fitness industry to become a solution to public health challenges with academic research and expert insight. Speakers emphasized how to overcome social and economic barriers to fitness and physical activity so that exercise can become ‘The miracle pill’ for people’s wellbeing.
Overall, the World Active Summit 2023 provided valuable insights into the future of the fitness and physical activity sector. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important for stakeholders to embrace technology and work together to address the challenges ahead.
