XLeisure confirmed its role as a meeting point for every facet of the leisure sector, with solid figures, topical themes and high-quality networking: +23% exhibition space occupied, more than 150 companies present, 8,000 visitors and over 100 sessions including conferences, workshops and live shows. Next edition: 10-12 February 2027.
More than 150 companies and 8,000 visitors for a format redefining leisure time
A successful balance between pools and spas, outdoor design and leisure, fitness and wellbeing: XLeisure - The Sport & Recreation Factory transformed BolognaFiere into a genuine laboratory of ideas, relationships and opportunities. Three intense days confirmed the success of an original format capable of integrating exhibition space, congress sessions and experiential areas within a single value-creation platform developed by Editrice Il Campo in collaboration with BolognaFiere.
With ForumPiscine, ForumClub and Outex - Outdoor Experience, XLeisure brought together the entire business community of the pool, fitness, wellness, outdoor and hospitality sectors, offering both a concrete overview and a forward-looking perspective on the evolution of sport, wellbeing and leisure. Beyond products and technologies, the event highlighted strategic vision, regulatory updates, managerial innovation and new development models. A dynamic and cross-sector hub where complementary industries interact and inspire one another, generating connections, expertise and new growth opportunities across the entire leisure sector.
Relive the first day of ForumPiscine 2026 in pictures.
"XLeisure is much more than an event: it is a platform bringing together the growing interest in sustainable lifestyles focused on wellbeing, physical activity and time spent outdoors," explain Federico Andrea and Roberto Maestrami, organisers of the exhibition. "The event highlights both indoor environments - from fitness centres to swimming pools - and outdoor spaces dedicated to relaxation and personal wellbeing, which are increasingly sought after".
XLeisure attracts different but highly complementary sectors, encouraging synergies and connections between manufacturers, distributors, installers and designers developing innovative leisure solutions. From residential environments to public facilities, from hospitality structures to fitness centres, from wellness spaces to aquatic and sports facilities, XLeisure has established itself as a key reference event in Italy for those seeking innovation, quality and new opportunities. The highlights in pictures.
The XLeisure exhibition area, up 23% compared with 2025, included 15% international exhibitors, notably from Austria, China, France, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Spain, the United States, Turkey and Hungary. It welcomed a diverse audience of more than 8,000 professionals, buyers and enthusiasts from across Italy and abroad.
Paolo Ferrario and Rossana Prola (Professione Acqua)
A key cross-cutting theme of the 2026 edition was safety, which was at the centre of conferences, round tables and institutional sessions. From the debate initiated by Assopiscine to technical discussions on regulations, inspections and risk management, the exhibition strengthened dialogue between companies, professionals and institutions in response to new legislative challenges. A collective effort aimed at building an ever stronger and more up-to-date culture of prevention.
Energy was also a central topic, highlighted by the presentation of the second National Report on the Energy Consumption of Aquatic Facilities, produced by FIRE and CoNGePi. The report shed light on the challenges of energy efficiency, investment and carbon-neutrality prospects for a sector that plays a strategic role for sport and local communities.
Katerina Vasak (EuroSpaPoolNews) and Marigrazia Lioce (ForumPiscine organisational secretariat)
XLeisure 2026 broadened its perspective to the entire leisure ecosystem. In partnership with Parksmania, discussions extended to water parks and camping resorts, exploring new entertainment models for families and younger generations. The Beach Gallery, developed in collaboration with Mondo Balneare, showcased innovation and design for the seaside sector, including dog-friendly economic models. Dialogue with Federalberghi Terme Nazionale and Federalberghi Terme Abano Montegrotto provided an opportunity to explore management challenges and scientific approaches aimed at revitalising thermal spa pools.
Pool builders who successfully completed the Master Pool Building training programme were recognised.aster Pool Building sono stati premiati
A significant focus was also placed on agritourism: according to the survey presented with Agriturismo.it, the swimming pool is confirmed as a strategic asset for the competitiveness and identity of rural hospitality.
For the second consecutive year, Pool Builders Days brought together pool designers and builders for an intensive technical immersion designed to strengthen expertise and strategic vision. Round tables and specialised sessions, developed with Professione Acqua, UNPISI and other industry partners, provided practical tools, regulatory updates and technical insights. These sessions encouraged meaningful exchanges between professionals and contributed to strengthening technical culture across the entire industry.
Among the most popular areas were the experiential zones, which embodied the vision of the exhibition: the Save Water installation, dedicated to sustainable pools integrated into the landscape, and the Outdoor Leisure - Nessun uomo è un'isola space, presenting modular solutions for sport, play and relaxation within an inclusive and contemporary approach.
Ferruccio Alessandria (Assopiscine)
The Innovation Area, dedicated to the most forward-looking solutions, showcased ten proposals presented by exhibiting companies, illustrating the future of the sector through safety, sustainability and next-generation technologies. A concentration of research and innovation capable of anticipating new standards for pools and wellness.
Alongside this, the 30 projects competing for the Italian Pool Award celebrated excellence, design and construction expertise, transforming the exhibition space into a genuine gallery of Italian innovation.
ForumClub 2026 combined practical vision with a forward-looking energy, giving the floor to stakeholders from a rapidly evolving fitness industry. Entrepreneurs, managers and professionals exchanged ideas, tools and strategies to understand and steer a market undergoing profound transformation.
One of the key themes was artificial intelligence, no longer just a trend but a genuine operational lever: more targeted marketing, automated sales, optimised management and increasingly personalised services. Technology is becoming a strategic ally in making clubs more efficient, competitive and sustainable.
Joelle Pulinx (FPP)
Alongside digital transformation, the longevity trend is becoming increasingly important: fitness as a structured response to the needs of an ageing population eager to remain active, high-performing and healthy. Prevention, quality of life and the design of high value-added services are redefining the role of clubs in contemporary society. Discussions also addressed new economic models: independent clubs, premium and low-cost formats, consolidation operations and positioning strategies. A dynamic landscape requiring advanced management skills, entrepreneurial vision and strong differentiation.
Pilates, the integration of neuroscience, nutrition and performance, as well as training as a driver of team development, were also central topics. The ForumClub Congress confirmed its key role for Italian clubs by bringing together strategy and expertise.
Leading speakers - experts in applied technologies, visionary entrepreneurs and mental coaches - led sessions dedicated to business models, customer loyalty and collective performance, offering professionals valuable opportunities for updates, exchange and inspiration.
Hexagone Italia
ELMEC
Teclumen
David Coniglio (Filtrinov) and Barthélémy Naudin (Nodipool)
David Coniglio Filtrinov
BWT
Wybot
Speck
XLeisure 2026 thus confirms its status as a living laboratory of ideas and solutions, where innovation, science and management interact to shape the future. XLeisure will return from 10 to 12 February 2027.
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