Beyond Fitness: How canfitpro Global 2025 Sparked Growth for Our Industry

Gratitude is the first word that comes to mind as I reflect on canfitpro Global 2025. To our business members, presenters, sponsors, and delegates who joined us in Toronto or online, thank you. This year’s event was more than a gathering of fitness leaders; it was a catalyst to spark personal and professional growth while shining a bright spotlight on the Canadian fitness industry.

We made a significant investment in expanding the Business Summit, and it proved to be one of the most impactful elements of Global. Over the two days, we delivered keynote addresses, workshops, panel discussions and fire-side chats. Topics centered on business growth strategies, leadership, and coaching including a dedicated technology track featuring world-class innovators from around the globe.

Kicking Off with Inspiration

The Business Supplier’s Breakfast set the tone with a thought-provoking presentation from Ian Mullane, founder of Keepme AI and a globally recognized thought leader in fitness technology and artificial intelligence. Ian has been a driving force in helping fitness operators harness the power of AI to improve retention, personalization, and member engagement. During his afternoon session, Ian demonstrated his theories in a practical application that showed us that AI is already improving fitness businesses. Proving that we better get on the train or it’s going to leave without us. His insights challenged us to think differently about technology’s role in shaping the future of fitness.

At that same breakfast, we celebrated MATRIX as the recipient of the Steve Block Vendor of the Year Award. With more than a decade of contributions to canfitpro Global, Matrix continues to set the standard for innovation, service, and education in fitness. Hearing from Canadian President Greg Lawlor as we honored Matrix reminded us of the vital role vendor partners play in advancing our industry.

Keynotes That Moved Us

This year’s opening ceremonies keynote address was truly unforgettable delivered by Orlando Bowen. A former Canadian professional football player whose career was cut short by a wrongful conviction and violent assault, Orlando turned his adversity into a powerful mission by helping others find strength through resilience, leadership, and teamwork. On stage, he blended storytelling, physical activity, and cognitive exercises to deliver lessons that left every delegate inspired. Orlando’s message conveyed that setbacks can spark breakthroughs and was the talk of the conference.

Saturday’s General Session featured Mike Lipkin, whose keynote “The Potentiator: How to Create Breakthroughs with Others in the New Realities” empowered attendees to amplify their influence, unlock potential in themselves and others, and take bold, decisive action. His session perfectly embodied our theme of SOAR—helping us rise higher as leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.

Celebrating Excellence

canfitpro Global is also a platform to recognize excellence.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees:

• Lisa Mastracchio, Martin Rooney, and Robert Linkul – Delegates’ Choice Presenters of the Year
• Theresa Rindress – Fitness Professional of the Year (FIS)
• Milad Emadi – Fitness Professional of the Year (PTS)
• Jully Black – Sharon Mann Inspiration Award
• Chuck Lawson (posthumously) – Lifetime Achievement Award
• Volunteer of the Year – Bill Kirby
• PRO TRAINERS of the Year:
  • Participants’ Choice – Simon Paige
  • Business Impact – Jodie Boettger
  • Rookie of the Year – Rahmi Diomande
  • Social Media Superhero – Blenda Chan
  • Top Earner – Trevor Pickett / Offbeat Fitness

These outstanding professionals embody what is possible when passion meets purpose.

Keep the Momentum Going

For those who did attend, the learning doesn’t stop here. All registered delegates will receive access to select session recordings, including the keynotes with Orlando Bowen and Mike Lipkin along with several Business Summit sessions. I encourage you to revisit these insights, share them with your teams, and most importantly, apply them to your business.

We value you as a business member, so I invite your feedback. Your input shapes the future of canfitpro Global and ensures we continue to deliver the experiences, education and connections that fuel your success.

Together, we proved that the opportunity to SOAR further, faster, and stronger is within our reach.