In Autumn 2012 the publisher of the largest circulation European fitness & wellness trade magazine, Jean-Pierre L. Schupp, is organising the

7. WORLD FITNESS & WELLNESS FORUM 2012

Sunday, November 4th, 2012 • Arriving Day and Gala-Dinner • Locarno • Switzerland

Monday, November 5th, 2012 • WFWF • Forum

(last updated on 03.12.2011)

 WFWF – what's that?

The World Fitness and Wellness Forum is the annual get-together of the most important personalities from the fitness and wellness industry. The meeting held initially in Ascona at Monte Verità, later on in other cities like Zurich (2009) or Bale (2010) takes the form of an open discussion forum and the agenda includes finding joint solutions for the on-going development and commercial success of a future-oriented industry on both a domestic and international level.

The most important factor here is that the delegates realise that only by bundling the energies of all participants in this market, by striving to reach joint objectives, developing a mission statement that is supported by all and the promotion of ethical and moral values, can our industry achieve the high standing and acceptance among politicians and the general public that it really deserves.

The WFWF brings the leaders of the industry together in Ascona with the overall objective of strategically positioning the billion-euro fitness and wellness market as a major economic power both in domestic markets and Europe-wide. The purpose is to unconditionally collate the huge knowledge base of the industry's experts and insiders, to exchange opinions, ideas and experiences, to deepen and expand our knowledge and understanding, thereby defining the standpoints within the broad spectrum of the market. A further purpose is to also learn from other industries, countries and scientists, to free ourselves from gridlocked positions, to think laterally and to develop new visions in order to answer the core questions:

Who are we?

What do we want?

Where do we want to go?

Only those players with a precise knowledge of the driving and restraining forces at play in an increasingly globalised market will be able to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of institutions in the fitness and wellness market. Only those who are able to adjust to the constantly changing conditions on a domestic and international level will be able to develop commercially viable concepts over the long term.

At the WFWF the opportunities and risks in the industry will be addressed, political demands formulated and posed, joint declarations adopted and plans of action decided upon. These actions will, through the consolidated position of the players, underscore the importance of the industry and improve competitiveness in a sustainable manner.

A further important issue on the WFWF agenda is to ensure that the industry faces up to pressing social, commercial and political questions in order to find out how it can make the world a better place. What can the fitness and wellness industry do to combat poverty and hunger? How can it contribute to improving the environment? How can it help in optimising people's quality of life? What contribution can it make to the integration of minorities and the solving of social conflicts?

The WFWF is therefore an international forum for the fitness, wellness and health promotion in general. It provides a platform, where things can grow, which finally contribute to the sustainable health of people. The WFWF participants are well aware that small-mindedness and making a foe of the competition will hinder the industry's development. Our future chances and opportunities lie in a fair and open exchange of thoughts, in networking the best ideas and visions and by presenting a consolidated, partner-like impression to the outside community.

At the next WFWF, workshops on defined subjects will be held alongside the open discussion forum. The results will be presented and discussed at a plenary session so that effective measures can be initiated through joint declarations and action plans which will drive the industry forwards.

The know how is already in our hands

Gym operators and associations from the fitness and wellness industry as well as government and finance industry representatives are welcome to participate at this coming WFWF. Some of the more well known organisations and associations have already confirmed their presence. The latest news will be available anytime at www.wfwf.tv or in the coming issues of FITNESS TRIBUNE.

If you are interested in taking part in the third WFWF in autumn 2008 as spectator or speaker you can now register without obligation.

 What if...?

What if the top figures of the fitness industry met with top figures from other sectors to discuss and debate the way we can and must deal with the big challenges facing us in the health sector over the coming years?

What if we as professional partners for fitness and health, could position ourselves in other business sectors in a way so that the number of people working out in our gyms would triple?

What if, by providing a suitable range of exercises, we succeeded in sustainably reducing the health costs that are demonstrably incurred as a result of lack of physical activity, and help to cut health insurance contributions to below 10% of wages?

What if a gym's services would be paid at a level such that we wouldn't have to succumb to the gruelling price war but would receive adequate remuneration for our work instead?

What if services requiring a high number of staff received favourable tax treatment rather than being choked to death by an unspeakably devastating fiscal policy as is currently the case?

What if fitness was made a compulsory school sport inspiring our children to regain top form rather than becoming ever fatter and inactive?

What if the European fitness scene agreed on joint, binding training standards?

What if the fitness industry created additional qualified, recognised and desirable jobs - alongside the Fitness Expert and the Sports and Fitness Administrator - to provide sound and secure jobs?

What if the fitness industry were to gain so much political clout that it could influence the health sector's decision-making to an extent where nothing could be decided without first listening the fitness industry?

What if there was an event to serve as an intersectoral platform for opinion leaders and influential businessmen, politicians and health sector representatives who could at last help provide answers to all these vital questions and lay the foundations for tangible, forward looking projects?

It's time for the WFWF!
www.wfwf.tv