Save the Date: FitExpo '27 Is Coming to Charlotte

Mark your calendar for Friday, February 19 through Sunday, February 21, 2027. FitExpo is back, and registration is already open.

The Southeast Collegiate Fitness Expo presented by IFTA brings together roughly 600 collegiate fitness leaders from more than 50 campuses for three days of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and the kind of connection that carries a whole semester. It's happening at the University Recreation Center at UNC Charlotte, and FitExpo '27 marks the 34th year of an event that started in 1994 as a one-day choreography exchange between three universities.

Why this one matters

What began as a small exchange between a handful of schools has grown into the East Coast's premier university fitness and wellness experience, but what hasn't changed is the reason it works: people who do this job, in a room together, teaching each other. You'll leave with practical ideas you can put to work on Monday, and with people who understand your day-to-day.

What to expect

Three days built to move: interactive workshops, live demonstrations, roundtable discussions, peer sharing and case studies, coaching and communication sessions, and networking built into the schedule rather than squeezed around it. Saturday's lunch hour features the Demo Team Showcase, where schools bring three-minute, high-energy performances to the main stage in front of the full room. Sunday closes with a Master Class and the Fitness Directors Brunch, presented by Fit Pro Programming, giving directors and coordinators a slower-paced space to reflect and connect before heading home.

Attendees can work toward continuing education credits (pending approval) from ACE, NASM, AFAA, and IFTA. Friday afternoon also brings optional pre-conference workshops and certifications, including the Career Boot Camp: four hands-on hours for students and anyone early in a fitness career, with a professional headshot and 0.4 CEUs included.

Want to present?

The best sessions come from people doing the work. If you've built something on your campus that moves the needle, a program, a system, a way of leading, we want to hear about it. The Call for Presentations opens August 19 and closes October 14, 2026. Every proposal needs a short video upload alongside it, whether or not you've presented before. Students: loop in your fitness coordinator or supervisor before you submit.

Who it is for

Student fitness staff first, and the professionals who develop them. Group fitness instructors, personal trainers, fitness floor staff, fitness assistants and specialists, graduate assistants, and emerging student leaders. Alongside them: fitness directors, assistant directors, coordinators, group fitness managers, and any professional staff overseeing fitness. Newer to this, or coming from another corner of the movement world? You belong here too.

Bringing a team?

It might be the best thing you do for your staff all year. There are two ways to register a group, and the difference is simply who fills in each student's details. Student registration packages let you lock in today's rate now and assign names later, so you're not chasing a dozen students for shirt sizes and meal preferences. Or, if your roster is already set, add everyone yourself in one sitting through regular registration.

Mark these dates

• Registration is open now, with Early Bird rates through October 30, 2026
• August 19: Call for Presentations opens
• October 14: Presentation proposal deadline
• October 30: Early Bird registration ends
• November: Demo Team applications open
• February 19-21, 2027: FitExpo '27 in Charlotte

Register now

Early Bird pricing runs through October 30: $75 for students, $100 for college and university staff, and $229 for community. Register at collegiatefitexpo.com

We can't wait to see you in Charlotte.