As Elevate marks its tenth anniversary, this opening keynote brings together the leadership of the UK's three pivotal physical activity organisations to reflect on a transformative decade and chart the course ahead. The fitness and leisure sector has evolved from being perceived primarily as a discretionary lifestyle choice to recognition as a critical component of national health infrastructure. This session explores how the industry has matured, the challenges that have shaped it, and the emerging opportunities as physical activity becomes increasingly embedded in healthcare pathways and public health strategy.
Elevate - Quartz
Lucy Findlay-Beale is Event Director of Elevate and has been part of the event since its launch, playing a key role in its growth and evolution over the past decade.
Before moving into event leadership, Lucy worked within the fitness and leisure sector as an operator, giving her first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities facing facilities, teams and customers. This operational background, combined with years of working closely with suppliers, operators, governing bodies, educators and healthcare professionals, has given her a unique perspective on the industry's development.
Today, Lucy leads the strategic direction of Elevate, curating content, partnerships and industry engagement that bring together leaders from across the physical activity, fitness and sports therapy sectors. She is a passionate advocate for collaboration and innovation, believing that meaningful progress is achieved when organisations work together to improve health outcomes and create more active communities.
ukactive
David is a well-established leader within the global physical activity sector and has over 35 years of experience within the industry.
He has previously held the position of CEO at ukactive from 2008 to 2016 and has also served as the Chair of CIMSPA along with other senior executive positions across the sector, including CEO of Myzone, President of EuropeActive and non-executive Director of Alliance Leisure.
David is the Chair of the ukactive Board, where he works to drive and support the growth of the organisation's members through its Vision 2030 strategy.
CIMSPA
Starting her career as a lifeguard, Tara has worked across a range of organisations and roles, giving her an exceptional knowledge of the skills and workforce needs of the sector. Having gained hands on experience within local authority leisure, various management positions followed along with senior roles at DC Leisure Management and IQL-UK Ltd.
Tara has a passion for the sector which drives her to constantly aim for improvements across the industry. Tara is at the forefront of CIMSPA’s work, delivering initiatives that professionalise and recognise the workforce, and enhance the careers of those working in sport, leisure and active wellbeing.
Sport England
