Last August, over 100 fitness professionals gathered in Anaheim for Career Lab—trainers, studio owners, IFBB pros, college students, and personal brands all showed up to learn, connect, and grow. The energy was electric. Attendees left with new job leads, revenue strategies, business partnerships, and actionable plans to level up their careers. The feedback was clear in that people wanted more of what worked, new voices to learn from, and deeper opportunities to build real relationships.

Career Lab 2026 is answering to that feedback with a bigger, bolder, and even more connected event. On January 17th, we’re bringing the event to Santa Monica with a completely redesigned experience. Sponsored by Sudor and Linear Bar, this year’s lineup features fresh programming, new expert speakers, and expanded networking opportunities. We’re kicking things off differently too—instead of the opening workout that got everyone moving last year, we’re starting with a cacao ceremony led by Hannah and Kait (the Cacao Girls) to set intention for the day ahead.

What Happened After Last Year’s Career Lab

The real measure of Career Lab’s impact came in the months after Anaheim, when attendees started sharing their wins. Nikki Galladay, a trainer, IFBB Wellness Pro, and entrepreneur, summed up the experience: “Still buzzing from Career Lab LIVE — not from the energy in the room, but from how real and aligned everything felt. You pulled together something really special, and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it.”

Alli Felsenthal, a running coach, owner, and podcaster, felt the same charge: “What an amazing day. The energy in that room was electric, and it’s clear you created something special. I left feeling inspired and connected—to the speakers and the entire community you brought together.”

Those connections turned into tangible career shifts. Several attendees landed new opportunities after meeting studio owners during networking breaks. Others formed partnerships that opened up new revenue streams they hadn’t considered before. Brooke Vass, a fitness trainer, described the lasting effect: “Thank you so much for such a powerful and inspiring event. I’m still feeling the energy from Career Lab. I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of a space filled with such amazing leaders and mentors. It lit a fire in me and made me even more excited for what’s ahead.”

The professional development aspect hit home too. Shaina Partlow, a wellness coach, walked away with pages of notes: “Thank you so much for an amazing event. I left so inspired and excited to keep working and growing in the fitness industry. I took ten pages of notes, and I’ve already been going through and reviewing everything I wrote down. I had so many takeaways.”

And, it’s the perfect opportunity to gain continuing education credits that keep certifications current. Career Lab delivered the event, and attendees with NASM, ACE, AFAA, ISSA, and NCSF certifications walked away with CECs and transferable knowledge to up their careers. The combination of learning, networking, and practical application made the investment worthwhile on multiple levels.

What’s New This Year

Career Lab 2026 takes everything that worked in Anaheim and expands it. The day’s structure blends strategy, community, and movement so you don’t sit through lecture after lecture. You’ll learn, build, and stay active throughout the experience.

The event breaks down into three core components. Breakouts put you in small, focused groups where you can ask questions, share ideas, and get tailored guidance from experts who understand your specific challenges. Amazing keynotes and speakers will also join us to share their expertise and knowledge, including Luke Milton from Training Mate, and eight time Figure Olympian, Wendy Fortino. 

The Move & Mingle sessions keep the energy high. You’ll move, connect, and build relationships with other fitness professionals during group workouts designed for community and fun. These movement breaks create natural opportunities for conversation and collaboration that conference-style seating arrangements never could.

The cacao ceremony opening sets a different tone this year. Hannah and Kait will guide attendees through an intentional practice to ground everyone before diving into the day’s learning and networking. This way the day kicks off with clarity about what you want and why you’re showing up and allows you to connect with other participants.

Career Lab works for trainers, group instructors, studio owners, online coaches, wellness professionals, new and aspiring fitpros, anyone who needs CECs, and anyone craving clarity about their next career move. Whether you’re established and looking to scale or just starting and trying to figure out your path, the programming meets you where you are.

Final Thoughts

Career development happens in small moments like a conversation during a coffee break that leads to a job offer, a workshop insight that reframes your pricing strategy, a connection with someone who becomes a business partner. Career Lab creates the conditions for these moments to multiply. The Santa Monica event on January 17th brings together professionals who are serious about growth and willing to invest a day to make it happen.

The testimonials from Anaheim show real shifts in how people approached their careers after the event. Coaches who felt stuck found direction. Entrepreneurs who struggled alone found community. Professionals who wondered if they were on the right track found validation and new possibilities. That’s the value of showing up, being present, and opening yourself to what can happen when you’re surrounded by people who share your commitment to this industry. Join us in Santa Monica. Let’s see what happens next!

Ready to level up your career? Join us in Santa Monica on January 17th for Career Lab 2025. Get hands-on workshops, expert breakouts, and connections that can change your trajectory. Spaces are limited—secure your spot today and invest in your future.

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.