LIW to rebrand as fitness-focused event for 2015
Organisers of Leisure Industry Week (LIW) have announced a rebrand that will see it become a health, wellbeing and fitness-focused event for 2015 onwards.
The announcement comes following a series of consultations – some of which are still ongoing – with further details of the show’s new format to be announced in the coming weeks. Having seen falling attendances in recent years, show organiser UBM events teamed up with ukactive to survey more than more than 40,000 industry professionals for their feedback on the show. This information, together with focus groups and consultations with key exhibitors and buyers, plus a suggestions hub at this year’s event, has been gathered to explore how the industry’s longest-running trade show can be developed to meet suppliers’ and operators’ changing needs.
The new focus reflects a slow shift over recent years that has seen some leisure sectors such as tourism and attractions become a less visible presence at the show, while active leisure has grown in prominence.
In addition to a new Group Exercise area – which joins the existing sectors of Play, Health & Fitness, Pool & Spa, Leisure Facilitates, plus Eat & Drink – LIW event director James Samuel told Leisure Opportunities that in future, each sector of the show will have a focus around providing health, wellbeing and activity.
“(From the research...) it became clear that LIW should be a health, wellbeing and fitness focused event in which each individual sector exhibiting has a key focus on these aspects, giving the show floor more focus, consistency and direction,” said Samuel.
“Taking the Play sector as an example, there will be more emphasis on how this sector and its exhibitors engage and increase physical activity, whether it be indoor, outdoor or children specific.”
Today’s announcement (15 October) was accompanied by ringing endorsements of LIW 2014 from a number of key exhibitors and buyers, including The Gym Group, TRX, Clubbercise, Matrix Fitness and ukactive.
Matrix head of marketing Gemma Bonnet said: “The big thing for us is that a trade show has to be a show and I think sometimes that gets forgotten. Members of our team and customers have flown from all over the world just to be at LIW because they want to see where the brand is and what we’re delivering.
“It’s important to be at an event like this because the leisure industry is so fast growing but also still very young. The biggest thing for fitness overall is it’s not just about equipment suppliers, there’s lots of people involved and they’re all here. It’s a perfect networking opportunity.”
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
