HOW GYMS REALLY GROW
October 23-24, 2025
Wollongong, Australia
PRE-REGISTER WITH YOUR EMAIL TODAY
Unlock our exclusive Super Early-Bird 60% Discount; You'll also be automatically entered into our prize draws for a chance to win our giveaways and upgrades:
- VIP event ticket Upgrades
- A private meet & greet with our title sponsors
- Professional photo package for you and your team
- Early access to our Coaches Congress gymnastic and olympic lifting workshops and workout registrations
- Front 5 row seat reservations for our key note speakers
- FREE Coaches Congress Tickets for Australia
- 2 x Dinner Party Tickets
- FREE Sponsored Gifts
*We have a maximum capacity of 400 Tickets available for this event. Make sure you Pre-register today to to get access to our Super Early Bird Ticket Launch. When tickets go on sale, be quick — first 300 buyers will receive a FREE pair of Velites Shoes!
Are you a gym owner or coach who…
- Started your fitness business dreaming of freedom and financial success, only to find yourself working longer hours for less money?
- Feels constantly stressed, overwhelmed, and teetering on the edge of burnout?
- Wants to earn a good living doing what you love, without sacrificing all your time and energy?
- Is juggling multiple roles - from sales and marketing to accounting and coaching - feeling like you're always one step behind?
If you’re nodding your head right now, you’re not alone.
And Coaches Congress 2025 is here to change everything for you.
Powered by:
Sponsored by:
Hosted by:
Coaches Congress and the Down Under Championship are partnering for CC’s inaugural event in Australia. This collab will combine the best of both events; exceptional education, competition, and community.
Down Under Championship, Australia’s premier CrossFit® licensed event, is an annual competition in Wollongong that attracts top athletes from around the world.
Supported by:
The Harsh Reality of Running a Gym That No One Talks About
Let’s be honest: when you first started out, you probably thought owning your own gym would be the ultimate dream.
More money, more freedom, more impact on people’s lives.
But the reality has been very different, hasn’t it?
- Instead of financial freedom, you’re working more hours than ever, often for less money - and you’ve possibly even taken a ‘job’ to keep things afloat
- Rather than having time to focus on what you love – coaching and helping people – you’re bogged down in admin, marketing, and putting out fires
- The stress of running a business is taking a toll on your health, relationships, and passion for fitness
The good news?
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Coaches Congress has officially been awarded CrossFit CEU status!
This means all attendees to any of our events can earn 11 CEUs, showing your dedication to professional growth.
What You'll Gain from
Coaches Congress 2025
Over two intensive, transformative days, you’ll learn directly from industry leaders who’ve been where you are and have built thriving, profitable businesses.
No theory. No fluff. Just proven, actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
Over the course of the weekend, you’ll discover:
1
Financial Mastery: Learn to understand your numbers, manage cash flow, and finally pay yourself what you deserve – so you can stop endlessly worrying about being able to pay the bills.
3
Marketing & Advertising Strategies: Discover the difference between marketing and advertising, and how to implement effective strategies for both – so you know that you’ve got new clients coming through the doors, every single month.
5
Human Resources & Team Building: Learn how to build a world-class team that cares about your business as much as you do – so that you know the business runs smoothly, even when you’re not there.
7
Improved Coaching skills – Discover how excellent coaching can be implemented – especially after exposing yourself to novelty which can lead to exceptional classes for your clients.
2
Member Retention Skills: Learn strategies to keep members engaged and loyal, without sacrificing your boundaries – and generate a steady flow of referrals, without having to constantly ask for them!
4
Time Management & Efficiency: Structure your day for maximum productivity, allowing time for breaks (so you can eat lunch!) and family – so that no matter how many classes you’ve got on, you never have to work all night to keep on top of things.
6
Mindset Shifts: Transform from an overworked owner to a strategic CEO, without losing your passion for coaching, to build a thriving business, increase your impact, and fall back in love with training.
8
Sales Process Optimisation: Move beyond ‘free trials’ and create a robust sales process that converts leads and increases client value – without pushy or sleazy sales tactics.
Imagine leaving work at a reasonable hour, knowing your gym is running smoothly and profitably.
Picture having the time and energy to enjoy life outside of work, all while making a real impact on your clients’ lives.
That’s the reality Coaches Congress can help you create.
Why Coaches Congress 2025 is Different (and Why You Can't Afford to Miss It)
Coaches Congress isn’t just another fitness industry event.
Here’s why it stands head and shoulders above the rest:
- Real-World Experience: Our team has over 40 years of collective experience in the ‘micro gym’ industry. We’ve faced the same challenges you’re facing now, and we know how to solve them.
- Strictly No-Theory Approach: Every speaker has built their own successful business in the trenches of the fitness industry. They’ll share only proven, actionable strategies, guaranteed.
- Tailored for Real Gym Owners and Coaches: We understand the unique challenges you face daily. Every session, workshop, and strategy is specifically designed to address the problems you’re dealing with right now.
- Interactive Learning Experience: Participate in hands-on workshops, real-time problem-solving sessions, and networking opportunities that ensure you can apply what you’ve learned to your unique situation.
- Ongoing Support: Gain access to an exclusive community of like-minded gym owners and coaches, providing ongoing support, accountability, and inspiration – that will last far beyond the event.
Full Agenda
At Coaches Congress, we have 2 full days of presentations taking place across 2 stages – in addition to a series of breakout sessions in the Gym Arena.
Simply click on the relevant buttons below to view the agenda for all zones.
DAY 1
FRIDAY
22nd November 2024
09:00-09:25
WELCOME MEETING
09:30 - 10:20
Tia Toomey - PRVN "Championship Effort: What it takes to become the best version of you."
10:20 - 10:50
BREAK
10:50 - 11:40
Dan Uyemura - PushPress "A Look Inside the World's Best Gyms."
11:50 - 12:40
Guest Speaker TBA
12:40 - 14:00
LUNCH
14:00 - 14:50
Anastasia Bennett - Two-Brain Business "Seamless Success: Onboarding New Clients for Exceptional Service and Support."
15:10 - 16:00
Shane Orr - PRVN "Creating Systems for Success: How to maximize potential."
16:00 - 19:00
Mingle in Vendor Village
Meet your colleagues, book meetings with the many vendors that will be onsite, or have a drink at the bar and relax, enjoying the atmosphere of our exciting event.
19:30 - 24:00
Dinner Party
Join our Friday night dinner party where you will meet new friends, and talk with old friends. Special food needs can be catered to.
Tickets are sold separately.
DAY 2
SATURDAY
23rd November 2024
08:30 - 09:20
Nick Habich - Shark Bite Fitness "Non Slimy Sales: Sell More - Help More."
09:30 - 10:20
Ed Morrison & Lily Free - CrossFit "Setting Expectations of Excellence in Coaching."
10:20 - 10:50
BREAK
10:50 - 11:40
Jenn Pishko - McCoy Medical "Business strategies for the affiliate on how to build a health home."
11:40 - 13:00
LUNCH
13:00 - 13:50
Nic Johnston - PRVN "Building a winning culture within your business."
13:50 - 14:40
Tia Toomey and Shane Orr - PRVN
Q & A Panel
14:40 - 15:00
EVENT WRAP UP
DAY 1
FRIDAY
22nd November 2024
10:20 - 11:00
BREAK
11:00 - 11:50
Laurie Drummond - Coaches Congress
"Team Motivation to Drive Performance “
12:00 - 12:50
Dwight Upshaw - PRVN "Optimise your affiliate programing and coaching."
12:40 - 14:10
LUNCH
14:10 - 15:00
Tom McCoy - McCoy Medical "Bridging the Gap: Why CrossFit should be the foundation of your member’s preventative healthcare strategy."
15:20 - 16:10
Jess Richards - Lift Workout
16:00 - 19:00
CrossFit affiliate meeting
DAY 2
SATURDAY
23rd November 2024
08:40 - 09:30
Anastasia Bennett - Two-Brain Business "Nutrition Program Success: Effective Launch and Client Attraction."
09:40 - 10:30
Dan Uyemura - PushPress "AI Revolution: Transforming Gym Operations for the Future."
10:20 - 11:00
BREAK
11:00 - 11:50
Guest Speaker
11:40 - 13:10
LUNCH
13:10 - 14:00
Kieran O´Dwyer - Two-Brain Business "Getting ideal clients through social media."
DAY 1
FRIDAY
22nd November 2024
10:20 - 11:00
BREAK
12:40 - 14:00
LUNCH
15:10 - 16:00
CrossFit Medical Society "What CFMS is, how we engage and interact with Physicians, HCPs, owners, coaches, and community members."
DAY 2
SATURDAY
23rd November 2024
10:20 - 11:00
BREAK
11:40 - 13:00
LUNCH
12:45-14:00
CrossFit Medical Society
"Round table discussion to connect and to understand some of the limitations in their communities, cities, countries as it pertains to practicing medicine and patient care."
DAY 1
FRIDAY
22nd November 2024
07.00-07.50
Train with PRVN
(must be pre-booked due to limited spaces)
10:20 - 11:00
BREAK
10:30 - 11:45
Aerobic capacity Workshop with Shane Orr (must be pre-booked due to limited spaces)
11:50-13:05
Gymnastics Workshop - Alethea Boon
12:40 - 14:00
LUNCH
13:15- 14:25
Weightlifting Workshop with Shane Orr & Tia Toomey
DAY 2
SATURDAY
23rd November 2024
06:00-06:45
Train with PRVN (must be pre-booked due to limited spaces)
07:00 - 07:50
Train with PRVN (must be pre-booked due to limited spaces)
08:30 - 09:20
Aerobic capacity Workshop with Shane Orr
09:30 - 10:45
Gymnastics Workshop - Alethea Boon
10:50 - 12:00
Weightlifting Workshop with Shane Orr & Tia Toomey
10:20 - 11:00
BREAK
11:40 - 13:00
LUNCH
The Team Behind Coaches Congress
Coaches Congress is brought to you by a team of experienced gym owners and business mentors who understand your challenges firsthand:
Henrik Almers, CEO: With 10+ startups under his belt, Henrik has grown Coaches Congress from a local event to an international phenomenon.
Heather Almers, COO: An entrepreneur since university, certified fitness coach, and micro-gym co-owner, Heather understands the juggling act of business, family, and personal well-being.
Per Mattsson: A senior Two Brain Business mentor who has helped over 100 gym owners grow their businesses successfully.
Your Path to Success Starts Here
Imagine returning to your gym after Coaches Congress, armed with:
- A clear, actionable plan to increase profitability without just working more hours
- Proven strategies to attract and retain your ideal clients who’ll stick with you for years - even if you’ve struggled in the past
- The latest ‘cutting-edge’ techniques to become an even better coach (without having to get any more qualifications)
- A robust network of supportive peers and mentors in the industry - who’ll help you reach the next level
- The confidence and knowledge to take your business to the next level - having a greater impact, helping more people, and earning a good living without working endless hours
You’ll leave Coaches Congress feeling inspired, motivated, and fully equipped to take your gym and coaching career to heights you’ve only dreamed of until now.
Our vendors
Who Should Attend
Coaches Congress
CrossFit Gym Owners and Coaches: Struggling with member retention, marketing, and financial management? Learn proven strategies to differentiate your brand, attract new members, and manage cash flow effectively.
‘Micro Gym’ owners and coaches: If you’re facing challenges like maintaining member retention, standing out in a crowded market, or managing the financial complexities of a small gym, this event is for you.
Studio Owners – F45, Orangetheory, and PT, Yoga and Pilates Studios: Learn how to create compelling class offerings, optimise scheduling and dive into best practices for financial management, legal compliance, and staff training.
Sports coaches: Learn strategies to; enhance your coaching skills, develop unique training programs, build strong team environments, balance admin duties with personal time, and better manage your facilities.
Physiotherapists: Learn to differ your services in a competitive market using proven methods to attract clients, while retaining current ones. Optimise your revenue streams by collaborating with CrossFit or other fitness partnerships.
Independent PTs: Struggling with building a steady client base, differentiating your services, or managing the business side of personal training? Discover how to market yourself, create tailored training programs, and maintain client engagement.
If you’re in the business of helping people improve their health and fitness, Coaches Congress is the event you’ve been looking for.
SECURE YOUR TICKET TODAY
Early Bird Discount Expires on 31st September
Our Iron-Clad Money Back Guarantee
Our promise is that this will be one the greatest business events you’ve ever attended or experienced, and if it isn’t, come and speak to one of us before the end of day 1 and we’ll give you your money back.
If you attend Coaches Congress and don’t believe it was a great investment of your time and money, we’ll give you your money back…
Guaranteed!
That’s how strongly we believe in the content you’ll discover at this event.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. No way! Whether you’re a coach, physiotherapist, personal trainer, or just a fitness enthusiast keen to boost your coaching and business skills, this event is for you.
A.
The event will be held at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Use this LINK for details on how to get there.
A. Yes, there is!
There are approximately 1,200 parking spaces within a short walking distance.
Nearby:
- WIN Stadium Car Park (opposite Sage Hotel) – Pay and display & special event parking rates apply.
- Stewart Street Car Parks (Multi-Story & East) – Special event parking rates apply.
- Salvation Army Car Park
- St Francis Xavier Cathedral (limited on-site parking)
- Woolworths Car Park, Burelli Street
City Centre:
- Market Street
- David Jones Car Park
- Wollongong Central
- Crown Central (North & South)
- Wollongong Station Car Park
Pay and Display machines operate in many on-street and off-street locations.
A. You bet! Book your accommodation through this link: https://www.nexthotels.com/sage/wollongong
Discount Code: duc25
A. Your ticket will be sent straight to your email. Just make sure your details are spot on when you enter them.
A. Absolutely! Your ticket covers lunch for both days of the event. So, come hungry and ready to learn!
A. The Thursday night dinner ticket is available for purchase alongside the event ticket. There will only be 150 spots, so don’t wait to book your place!
A.
If you cannot attend the event, you may transfer your ticket to someone else, provided that we are notified by email in advance: info@coachescongress.com
Should we not receive notification, the ticket will not be valid.
A. Yes, you can! Just send an email to info@coachescongress.com before the event starts. If we don’t get your notification, the ticket won’t be valid.
A. If the event is cancelled, we’ll refund your ticket in full.
A. The conference centre doesn’t have showers for visitors, but hotel guests can use the showers in their rooms.
A. The hotel does not have lockers, but guests wishing to store bags securely can have their items stored at the hotel reception.
A. No worries! Just email the team at info@coachescongress.com with your requirements at least 7 days before the event, and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
A. You’ll get an email from our team about four weeks before the event with all the details and instructions on how to book your workshops.
A. Early check in for the event will occur between 18:00 – 19:00 the night before the event start.
A. No, they won’t be recorded. So, make sure to bring notepads, pens, a computer, or whatever you need to capture all the insights!
A. If you and/ or your company are interested in having a vendor space at any of our events, please send an email to: info@coachescongress.com
A. If you and/ or your company are interested in holding a keynote speech or a workshop at any of our events, please send an email to: info@coachescongress.com
A. We officially kick off on Thursday morning with a welcome meeting at 9:00 am. The event wraps up on Friday afternoon at 3:00 pm.
A. Bring notepads and pens, a computer or tablet, and any other note-taking gear you prefer. Don’t forget to pack for your workouts! Although a drink provider will be onsite, it’s a good idea to bring a water bottle. For comfort, the venue is air-conditioned, so it’s cooler inside, but remember it’s Aussie summer, so you might want to dress for the sunshine outside.
A. There is free wifi on site in the hotel and venue area and this will be made available to you onsite.
A. Absolutely! The connections you’ll make with fellow business owners over the two days are priceless. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to refresh your skills and gain new insights from others in the industry.
A. Definitely! This event isn’t just for established business owners. If you’re a startup or new to the game, you’ll gain valuable tactics and strategies to set yourself up for success.
A. Absolutely not! Coaches Congress is all about building a gym business with integrity, without resorting to sleazy sales tactics. You’re here to learn and connect, not to be sold to.
What past Attendees are saying
“We are very excited to be coming back to Coaches Congress, as our first visit was such a positive one. The networking, the informative speeches, workshops and overall input was fantastic. We came home with not only great ideas and insights, but also actionable steps to help improve our business, our coaching and the experience for our athletes. We were so impressed with the organisation, the location and the sheer caliber of experts, that this time we’re bringing two more coaches with us. If you’re still wondering whether or not it’s worth the effort, stop wondering. It is!”
Robert Parent
CrossFit Passau
I was thinking about it and I’d say with pretty big certainty that if it hadn’t been for the Coaches Congress five years ago and every following year, we’d not be in business anymore. The changes we’ve made for the better after each year have been crucial in developing the business forward into something that looks like a real business, but still a business with our heart buried deep inside of it, so even with all the guidance, we haven’t really lost any of the soul we poured into it. Perhaps we’ve actually found it more with the help of Coaches Congress.”
Miska Toivonen
CrossFit Sörnäinen
“Just back to Ireland now and on behalf of myself and the team I’d like to say thank you to you and the team for being amazing hosts and putting on a fantastic event. As I said in the text yesterday morning, I was expecting good but it was great. I hope you’re all very proud. Have had great discussions with the team already about their key takeaways and we’re definitely looking forward to taking action in the gym. The atmosphere was unique. A room full of like minded people is hard to come by but I thought some of the Q&A sessions after the talks were fantastic. It speaks volumes about the event that I had to really think about anything to improve.”
Liam O´Toole
Wicklow Strength and Fitness
“Attending last year’s Coaches Congress in Stockholm was highly beneficial. I gained valuable insights from a diverse group of speakers, which helped me view certain aspects of my business in a new light. Additionally, spending the weekend networking and exchanging ideas with like-minded business owners from around the world was both inspiring and advantageous.”
Robin Sowden-Taylor
ION Strength & Conditioning
“Coaches Congress is totally unique. The entire CC team are ALL gym owners. We know first hand the struggles our industry faces. Our speakers are hand picked to ensure attendees leave with the knowledge and expertise to grow their business.”
Lisa Palmer
UK Partner Coaches Congress |Multi-Site Gym Owner | Business Mentor
“The last Coaches Congress I attended really opened my eyes to what is possible as a gym owner. The stories you hear are inspiring and a huge motivation to level up what you’re doing. Since then we’ve had our best ever months revenue and continue to grow.”
Rob Anderson
Athletic Evolution, Scotland
“It wasn’t just one specific thing that I liked; it was a combination of sensations. Being immersed for two days with people who experience the same emotions, challenges, and victories as we do was truly motivating.
Having the opportunity to listen to people like Ben Bergeron speak live, instead of just seeing them behind a screen on social media, was incredible. And seeing these people as “normal” individuals—approachable, kind, and easy to talk to, just like a neighbour—was something we absolutely loved.
Getting to meet different 2BB mentors that we usually see only in videos, in person, was amazing. Honestly, all the presentations we attended were useful, inspiring, and motivating, and we learned so much.
And the energy you leave with after a weekend like this? Priceless!”
Vicki Cuoco
CrossFit Muratum
“Two years ago, I was a tired gym owner at 33.
I had poured seven years of my life into building my gym, and while it was running, I wasn’t. I had no time for myself, no money to enjoy the fruits of my labor, and a nagging feeling that this couldn’t be what success looked like.
That’s when I discovered Coaches Congress.
For the first time, I met people who truly understood what I was going through—because they had walked the same path. They shared solutions, principles, and a mindset that I immediately knew I needed to embrace.
I started making changes. Step by step, I applied what I learned, and the results transformed more than just my gym—they transformed my life.
In November, I did something I couldn’t have imagined two years ago: I stepped away from my gym for two whole weeks to celebrate my wedding. Not only did the gym keep running, but I had the time and mental space to truly be present for one of the most important moments of my life.
And just a month later, tragedy struck.
I lost my grandmother this year. But because of the systems I’d put in place and the freedom I’d built for myself, I was able to step back again—this time, to spend her final weeks with her. I was there for her, and for me, in a way I wouldn’t have been before.
Without Coaches Congress, I would have been working the 24th and 31st of December, buried in the daily grind, missing something irreplaceable.
Coaches Congress didn’t just teach me how to run my gym better—it gave me the tools to live the life I wanted.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, let me tell you: there’s a way out. You can build a gym that serves your life, not the other way around.”
Georgy Casabalis
Mars CrossFit
“Attending the Coaches Congress in Stockholm was an absolute game-changer. I connected with incredible coaches from all over the world, expanding my network in ways I never expected. The speakers were truly inspiring, delivering insightful sessions packed with valuable information.
What stood out the most was how immediately applicable everything was—I left with actionable steps that I could implement right away. Beyond that, the event gave me a clear roadmap for the upcoming quarter, making my direction and priorities crystal clear. Highly recommend it to anyone serious about growth in the coaching/gym owner space!”
Jasper Van Oost
Primer
Don't let another year go by feeling stressed, overworked, & underpaid
Join us at Coaches Congress 2025 and take the first step towards building the gym business you’ve always dreamed of.
Your future self will thank you!
Come with your “TAKE ACTION” mindset, and let’s grow together.
Your journey to a thriving, profitable gym business starts here at Coaches Congress.
