Fitness brands, startups and investors are set to debate the next phase of growth for the boutique sector, as Sweat returns for a second year in March.

Hosted by not-for-profit health organisation ukactive, Sweat 2018 will explore what it takes for boutique operators to stand out in an increasingly crowded market and how established operators can begin to upscale and expand.

“As this market matures, we want to support the sector in its next phase of growth by giving burgeoning operators the tools to reach their full potential in a globalised and highly competitive market, while ensuring the boutique boom represents a permanent shift in the market,” said Steven Ward, chief executive of ukactive.

Speakers will include Welltodo founder Lauren Armes and Equinox’s former director of group fitness, Emma Barry, with panelists from F45, Boomcycle and new venture Run Junkie.

Barry, who worked with Equinox – the majority owner of Soul Cycle – will open the morning session with a keynote analysing the global trends shaping the boutique sector, from the effects of globalisation and increased competition to exploring how to emulate worldwide success stories.

The event will include a debate on “partnership-powered boutiques”, which will look at how studios can work with major consumer brands while staying true to their concept, and what brands look for in a boutique operator.

The conference will also explore the potential technology has for operators in driving footfall, with Myzone chief executive Dave Wright sharing his knowledge on harnessing data to build a better user experience.

And Move GB founder Alister Rollins will discuss how the next generation of platform-based operators can use data to transform their companies.

Sweat 2018 will take place at Studio Spaces in Wapping, London, on Thursday, 8 March.