Beyond Activ Americas delivered ideas, connections, and industry excellence this October in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 1,000 executives to the Hilton Anatole for an intensive gathering of industry leaders, investors, and operators. Dallas witnessed genuine connection, strategic conversations, and celebration of the people shaping how we approach health and movement.

Spanning October 1st through 3rd, the event combined pre-day networking with two full days of content, culminating in meaningful exchanges that wove through the hotel’s art-filled corridors. With over 100 speakers, 50 exhibitors, and dedicated one-on-one meeting tables, the structure encouraged depth, creating space for relationship development. 

Beyond Activ Americas

Beyond Activ Americas conducts a hub for leadership, investment, and business development across the Health, Active Lifestyle, and Outdoors (HALO) sector. The 2025 edition brought together owners, managers, and investors from across health, wellness, fitness, and sports brands for focused conversations about the future of the industry.

The Hilton Anatole provided an unexpected backdrop for these discussions. Each corner of the hotel and courtyard featured carefully curated art pieces, creating a museum-like atmosphere that elevated the entire experience. Walking between sessions meant encountering sculptures and paintings that sparked conversations—a fitting environment for an event designed to showcase what happens when business meets inspiration.

The structure balanced formal programming with organic networking. Two stages delivered content simultaneously, while 40 one-on-one sponsor meeting tables facilitated strategic conversations away from the crowd. The exhibition hall featured companies such as White Rabbit, Yanga Sports Water, PULSE PEMF, and Watson Gym Equipment, each offering solutions that address the current operational challenges facing facility owners and operators.

Pre-Events and Programming That Delivered

The pre-event kicked off with a facility tour at Cooper Aerobics Center, followed by an icebreaker reception at HIDE, which set an energetic tone for what was to come. The day continued with Studio IQ by Loyalsnap, which provided growth, retention, and revenue generation strategies to operators. Later in the night, Coach360 hosted an exclusive Owners and Operators party at Catbird, offering a night of meaningful connection and networking, and providing participants with multiple opportunities to connect before the main programming began.

The official first day launched with an opening fireside chat between Mark Mastrov of New Evolution Ventures and Mike Escobedo of ABC Fitness. Their conversation traced Mark’s path into the fitness industry, providing context for how strategic vision shapes successful ventures. The programming included addressing pressing challenges, with a panel that explored how the health, wellness, fitness, and tech sectors must collaborate to address healthcare gaps. Jeff Zwiefel, Executive Director at MOIRA Longevity and Performance at Life Time, joined for a special guest fireside chat that examined longevity programming within large-scale fitness operations.

The business-focused content continued with “Money Talks—Where are Active Investors and Financiers Placing Their Bets?” featuring Aarti Kapoor, Jack Nagle, and Peter Moore. Their discussion revealed where capital is flowing and what investors are watching as they evaluate opportunities across the HALO sector.

Day one concluded with the Beyond Activ Americas Awards of Excellence ceremony, recognizing six companies and executives for their achievements. Crunch Fitness took Franchise of the Year, while the TSG Acquisition of EoS Fitness earned Deal of the Year honors. OURA received the Technology Company of the Year award, and HYROX claimed the HALO Company of the Year award. Rich Drengberg, CEO of EoS Fitness, was named Executive of the Year. 

The evening concluded with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, founder and chairman of Cooper Aerobics, whose influence has spanned over 55 years since the publication of his first bestseller, Aerobics, in 1968. Dr. Cooper founded The Cooper Institute, a nonprofit research and education organization that opened in 1970, and established the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas—an eight-entity health and wellness operation.

Day Two opened with Mohammed Iqbal, Chairman of Sweatworks and CSO of ABC Fitness, in conversation with Joe De Sena, Founder and CEO of Spartan. Their fireside chat, titled “Unbreakable—The Spartan View on Grit, Growth, and Leadership,” examined what separates companies that endure from those that fold under pressure.

A keynote panel called “Franchise Frenzy—How Fast Growing Brands Can Scale Without Fizzling Out” brought together Corey Loehr from Hapana, Jorg Fockenberg from RSG Group, Kamille McCollum from BODYBAR Pilates, Paul Bowman from Wexer, and Ross Campbell from Beyond Activ. They shared practical insights on maintaining quality and culture during rapid expansion, which is a challenge familiar to anyone who has watched brands struggle under the weight of their own growth.

The closing keynote panel, “Fixing Your Financials—How to Crush Churn, Maximize Sales and Improve Your Bottom Line,” featured Cheryl Barnett from Chuze Fitness, Eddie Tock from REX, Michel Kolling (boutique studio owner), and Yael Dornbusch from Zumba Fitness. Their conversation addressed the financial realities facing operators today, from member retention to revenue optimization.

A final networking hour concluded the event, providing attendees with one last opportunity to exchange ideas, share contact information, and discuss plans for collaboration before heading home.

Final Thoughts

The value of gathering like Beyond Activ Americas shows up weeks and months after the event ends. Partnerships discussed in Dallas often result in signed agreements. Problems aired during panel discussions spark solutions developed through new connections. The fitness and wellness sectors move forward because people took time to show up, listen, and build relationships that withstand the inevitable challenges ahead.

Dr. Cooper’s Lifetime Achievement Award carried particular weight during this gathering. His work established foundational principles that continue guiding how we think about exercise and health. Celebrating his legacy while simultaneously addressing current industry challenges created a through-line from past to future—a reminder that lasting impact comes from consistent dedication to improving how people move, feel, and live. Dallas proved that meaningful progress happens when industry leaders commit to showing up, engaging deeply, and doing the hard work of building something better together.

About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.