What: physical activity facilities forum 2025

Where: The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield

When: 25-26 Sept 2025

TAILORED to support professionals involved in developing physical activity facilities across the sport, leisure, recreation, and play sectors, this annual networking event marks the forum’s 10th anniversary. It brings together a diverse mix of stakeholders, including operators, local authorities, project managers, architects, contractors, and other senior industry figures, alongside manufacturers and service providers. The programme features seminars, one-to-one meetings, and a variety of networking opportunities, giving attendees the chance to connect with peers, share insights, and explore new business collaborations. The aim is clear: to inspire and equip buyers with practical insights, proven strategies, and actionable opportunities they can implement right away — from cutting-edge facility design to effective political engagement and real-world operational case studies. Our morning sessions will centre on Built for Health – The Facilities Powering the Movement, exploring how physical activity venues are not only adapting to change but actively leading the shift from traditional fitness to a broader vision of movement for health - encompassing physical, mental, and societal wellbeing.In the afternoon, Beyond Expectations: From Insight to Impact will focus on practical actions and innovative ideas to help organisations embed health and wellbeing strategies that benefit both employees and customers. Designed for senior decision-makers, this thought-leadership programme will inspire, educate, and motivate attendees to view investment in health and wellbeing as a powerful driver of enhanced experiences and measurable return on investment. Discussions will highlight how diverse physical environments — from community leisure centres to destination holiday parks — are becoming essential platforms for preventative health, customer engagement, and commercial resilience. Bringing together participants from the Physical Activity Facilities Forum and the Holiday & Leisure Park Development Forum, this cross-sector exchange will showcase evidence-based, scalable approaches to embedding health-first thinking throughout the customer journey.

Speakers and panellists will include:

• David Stalker – Sector Advisor and active NED on several boards will chair this year’s seminar sessions and share his extensive experience and expertise from across Europe

• Marianne Boyle – Director of Membership and Sector Development at ukactive, who will present the latest trends and data from ukactive’s Health & Fitness Market Report – particularly in relation to the NHS 10-year plan for health; Fit for the Future

• Sarah Watts – CEO at Alliance Leisure, who brings her expertise in public/private partnerships, and will highlight the changing expectations from local authorities and how facilities can evolve to meet them

• Keith Ashton – Director at SPACE & PLACE, who will focus on architectural design with an emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, and explore how subtle yet significant shifts in planning are impacting how we design for long-term community health

• Oliver Patrick – Physiologist and Lifestyle Medicine expert will share his knowledge, expertise and advice from over two decades of experience transforming how businesses and individuals approach wellbeing.The event is partnered by ukactive.

• Chloe Kinch - Director of Client Success at Proinsight Research Limited, Chloe will be apart of our second speaker session.

This thought leadership session aims to inspire, educate, and motivate senior decision-makers to recognise the value of investing in health and wellbeing—both for staff and customers—as a strategy to enhance experience and drive return on investment.

The session will explore how physical environments—from community leisure centres to destination holiday parks—are becoming vital platforms for preventative health, customer engagement, and commercial resilience.

With participation from both the Physical Activity Facilities Forum and the Holiday & Leisure Park Development Forum, delegates will engage in a cross-sector exchange of evidence-based, scalable ideas for embedding health-first thinking into the customer journey.

How It Works – Complimentary Buyer Experience

As a buyer delegate, you’ll enjoy a highly focused, personalised experience designed to maximise your time and connections. Your delegate place also includes access to sector-leading seminar sessions and ample networking opportunities, helping you build meaningful relationships with key industry figures. Before the event, you’ll choose the suppliers you’d like to meet, while suppliers can also request meetings with you — with your preferences always taking priority. This ensures every conversation is relevant and valuable.

How It Works – Supplier Experience

As a supplier delegate, you’ll benefit from a carefully curated meeting schedule, created in advance to connect you with decision-makers who are genuinely interested in your products and services. You’ll also receive a full-page profile in our event directory, alongside access to all attendee details, helping you make the most of every interaction. Unlike large exhibitions, we limit the number of companies per product category, ensuring maximum visibility and opportunities with your ideal clients. Our events are hosted in premium venues, with all accommodation and meals included. Beyond the formal meetings, you’ll connect with buyers and operators through relaxed networking moments — from coffee breaks and lunches to drinks receptions and our Gala Dinner

All packages include: 1–2 nights’ accommodation, meals, drinks receptions, and the Gala Dinner — combining business and hospitality in one exceptional experience.

For buyer information, please contact Georgie Smith at Georgie.Smith@stableevents.co.uk or call 0208 2881080.

For supplier enquiries, please contact Julian Walter at julian@stable-events.co.uk or call 0208 2881080.