After the overwhelming success of Career Lab by Coach360 this past August—which brought together over 100 participants alongside industry leaders—the second edition is landing in Santa Monica on January 17th, 2026. This one-day event combines professional development with the California coastal vibe, offering fitness professionals a chance to start the year with clear direction and meaningful connections. Between panel discussions with industry leaders, networking sessions, and a group workout experience, Career Lab delivers practical tools for building a sustainable career in health and wellness.

Santa Monica provides the perfect backdrop for this career-focused gathering and sets an energized and grounded tone for a day dedicated to professional growth, complete with healthy eats from on-site food trucks and support from sponsors Linear Bar and Sudor Fit.

What to Expect

Career Lab creates space for fitness professionals to step back from their daily grind and focus on strategic career planning. The day kicks off with a grounding ceremony to set intention for the day, followed by a group workout, “Move, Meet, Mingle: Career Lab Icebreaker Experience” that doubles as a networking opportunity, which gets participants moving together before diving into the business side of health and wellness careers.

The panel lineup features confirmed speakers Maricris Lapaix, Jessica Mauer, and Luke Milton, with additional industry voices to be announced. These discussions cover real challenges fitness professionals face, ways to build and expand upon a business, and new ways to engage with the community. Some session topics include:  Fuel, Flow & Vitality: Redefining Nutrition, Hydration & Recovery as well as Monetizing Your Message: Business Models That Work.

Between sessions, participants connect with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a group fitness instructor looking to branch into private training, a studio owner exploring new revenue streams, or a newly certified coach mapping out your first year, Career Lab provides the information and the relationships that help you move forward. Power Pods: Peer Networking + Micro-Mentorship Breakouts is another opportunity to connect with fellow peers or potential mentors. 

You can sign up now for early bird pricing through December 15th, 2025!

Final Thoughts

Launching a new year often comes with big ambitions and unclear roadmaps. Career Lab comes at a perfect time to take stock, dream big, and execute on new ideas. With industry legends, peers, and new friends to make, Career Lab is for everyone who cares about growing and learning. 

The conversations you have on January 17th turn into collaborations, mentorships, and opportunities that shape the months ahead. Santa Monica’s energy amplifies that forward momentum, reminding you why you chose this industry in the first place.

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.