For the past five years key industry players have been meeting in Barcelona

Ample choice, ambiance, atmosphere: For five years now, these three "A's" have been standing for the success of the European Fitness Summit which is organised jointly by Reed Exhibitions Deutschland GmbH as the FIBO organiser and "body LIFE", the European trade publication for fitness and health. From 26 to 28 September, top international decision-makers from the fitness and wellness sectors will again meet in the metropolis on the Mediterranean.

The two-day event is designed as a summit meeting of the European key accounts and offers about 20 suppliers and 60 purchasing specialists an unique opportunity for top-class business contacts and transactions. The event focuses on the high-grade and effective business talks which are the core factor for its success.

The advantages: Suppliers and purchasers are hand-picked, international top personalities in their respective fields and have been selected after careful screening. The five-star Pullmann Barcelona Skipper Hotel offers a unique ambiance in the impressive capital of Catalonia lying directly on the Mediterranean. The atmosphere that is created here by the alternation of concentrated discussions in the private meeting rooms and relaxed evening events is an ideal setting for successful business.

FIBO Director Olaf Tomscheit is particularly pleased to celebrate the event's fifth anniversary already this year: "The success proves we were right in assuming that the industry needs a high-class event of this type: business contacts at top international level in a relaxed atmosphere, and talks on strategy with experts." According to Max Barth, publishing manager and chief editor with Health and Beauty Business Media GmbH: "EFS is the European matchmaking platform of the fitness industry. ‘Business first' is the motto here."

In undisturbed one-to-one talks, suppliers and purchasers can make initial contact or already close concrete deals. Both can concentrate fully on their business partner, since the European Fitness Summit (EFS) team takes care of all the organisational details, such as scheduling the talks. As in previous years, purchasers are the first to choose the companies they would like to talk to. 25 minutes are scheduled for each meeting, all in all there more than 350 meetings will be held. This ensures that each purchaser only meets the suppliers that are of genuine interest to him. In advance, suppliers are given the opportunity to name purchasers they wish to talk to.

More international participation due to agency network

The agency network and the head of delegation principle that was introduced at EFS 2011 have been extended. EFS correspondents are touring Europe from Scandinavia via the UK to Spain to enlist purchasers from selected European countries and also attend to them on site in Barcelona.

Presentation: Opening up markets for the future

FIBO continues to work on tapping further target groups for the exhibitors from the fitness industry. Ralph Scholz, the Reed project manager for summits and congresses, therefore took an in-depth look at the target markets of retirement and nursing homes, swimming pools and rehab centres. In painstaking research, some 40 operators from the three segments were interviewed on their equipment needs and investment focus. The findings from these face-to-face interviews will be presented and explained at the EFS with the aim of opening up these future markets together with the fitness industry.

Studio tour with Jessica Exposito

She was the secret darling of all the participants of the EFS 2011: Spanish fitness star and FIBO ambassador Jessica Exposito. Because of the success of the previous two years, she will again give a guided tour of her favourite studios to about 30 EFS participants on Thursday afternoon. There are obvious reasons for her capabilities not only as a charming but also a competent city and studio guide: Barcelona is the home town of the native Catalan.

Business at night

Enjoying the view of Barcelona at sunset, a flying buffet right on the white beach of the impressive metropolis against as the soundtrack of the waves: The two evening events provide further networking platforms which should not be underestimated. This is the setting where ideas can be developed and strategies worked in a stress-free atmosphere, and additional contacts established and the day's topics discussed in greater depth. All this on no less than two evenings, with the dream setting of Barcelona as the backdrop: traditionally on the Pullman Barcelona Skipper roof terrace - this much can already be revealed here - and in a surprise location directly on the beach.

www.european-fitness-summit.com

Statements EFS 2011:

"Professional ambience, high-value conversations, perfect organisation and excellent customer care. Our participation at the EFS was a success! Tangible business was initiated; we are looking forward to next year's EFS as well as the up-coming FIBO! In addition, we felt greatly taking care of."
Christine Ivanusic and Franziska Rauth, Department Fitness Sales and Marketing, IST Studieninstitut

"Excellent organisation, high quality buyers: simply perfect!"
Juan A. Canovas, Sales Manager Pavigym

"Great international contacts with very high potential, a busy schedule and a first-class location - only a short distance from the hotel to both the airport and the city. Our schedule was fully booked all day. We have already prioritized this appointment again for the following year."
Thomas Wedekind, Sales Director Precor

"Our schedule was full all day. The customers did not only show interest, but arrived with tangible demand. After a year's break, we are very happy to have participated in Barcelona again! One meets new, interested customers from all over Europe every time."
Arie van Winkelhof, General Manager Gym80

"The EFS has yet again expanded its internationalization. Barcelona 2011 remains as a sign of high-class conversations and perfect organisation, completed with a wonderful ambience and exceptional evening programme. "
Eckbert Ganns, General Manager Life Fitness

"Special compliments to the great atmosphere during the evening events. In addition to the excellent negotiations of the day, many new contacts were made at these events. Moreover, the Pullman Skipper serves as a favourable location of the EFS."
Bernd Schu, Sales Director Power Plate Germany, Austria, Switzerland

"I already attended and know the event from the previous year. However, this year the offer and choice of suppliers was even more extensive. Simply impressive...!"
Josef Hoelzl, Figura Studios (Germany)

"As Delegation Chief of the Swiss market, the international exchange was of special interest to me. These inspiring conversations make the EFS so special. A great location and a big compliment to the organisers of FIBO and body LIFE."
Heinz Thuerig, Delegation Chief Switzerland

"The direct exchange between industry and suppliers, but also the Networking of club owners is simply priceless. Events like this provide the industry with new impulses."
Per Anders Dagborn, Gym and Sim, Stockholm (Sweden)

"The Fitness sector in Turkey is expanding rapidly. It is exciting that we had the opportunity to participate in the EFS 2011 with four club owners from Turkey. For us, it was particularly interesting to get in touch with businesses supporting us to provide even more professional service to our customers in the future."
Jesus Alvarez, Health and Fitness Club Essporto Almondhill (Istanbul)

"In the past ten weeks I opened three Anytime Clubs in the Netherlands. At the preceding EFS I was introduced to a number of our current suppliers. This year, I held conversations with new partners."
Petro Hameleers, Anytime Fitness Director BeNeLux

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Press contact:

Dr. Mike Seidensticker
Press Spokesman
+49 211 90191-128
mike.seidensticker@reedexpo.de

Nadine Lente
Press Officer
+49 211 90191-191
nadine.lente@reedexpo.de