“Driving membership growth through innovation in fitness” will be the theme for the third European Health & Fitness Forum (EHFF) – the annual prelude to the world’s largest health and fitness show, FIBO.

Around 400 key players and high-profile industry experts are expected at EHFF 2016, which will feature keynote speeches on the trends, innovation and economics that are shaping the fitness industry.

EuropeActive, which organises the one-day EHFF event with FIBO, has set a target of 80 million European health club members by 2025, and the conference on 6 April will examine the various business components which are vital to the fitness industry in achieving this goal.

Experts from the worlds of fitness, politics, healthcare and business will explain what is required to reach the 80 million mark. At the Forum, they will offer useful oversight and practical examples to show participants how changes and new ideas can be successfully implemented.

Building on his star turn at last year’s event, Deloitte partner Karsten Hollasch will present the latest market research conducted by EuropeActive and Deloitte, outlining key facts and figures for the European fitness market.

Meanwhile, Dr Carl C Rohde will be speaking on the topic of “Future Forecasting & Fitness Innovations". An internationally recognised trend watcher and cultural sociologist, Dr Rohde aims to make students and teachers more sensitive to trends and innovations.

The third keynote will be delivered by Professor Antonio Dávila, on the topic “Making Innovation Work: How to Manage It, Measure It, and Profit from It”. Dávila is professor of entrepreneurship and professor of accounting and control at the IESE Business School Barcelona and teaches innovation management, entrepreneurship, management accounting and control, as well as sports management, at universities worldwide.

EHFF 2016 will be held in Cologne, Germany, on 6 April, with FIBO running from 7-10 April at the Cologne Exhibition Centre.