In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his panel discussion from FIBO's Future Forum, "A Respectful Disagreement on AI & Its Hype Cycle." Moderated by Hans Muench, Bryan is joined by Pablo Viñaspre of FitnessKPI and Marcin Obel of Qodeca for an honest conversation about what's working in AI, what's falling short, and what fitness operators should actually be paying attention to. Listeners will gain practical insights, candid perspectives, and a discussion that moves beyond the buzzwords surrounding artificial intelligence.

If you're evaluating how AI fits into your business strategy, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Check out FITC's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18

One Powerful Quote:

45:10: "Most businesses don't have a strategy. They have a plan, and if you don't think of it in that context, you're never going to be able to benefit from the enablement of technology."

4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

4:41: Bryan and Marcin discuss the hype cycle surrounding the AI boom.

7:57: Pablo explains how AI can deliver genuine, measurable value for operators.

9:04: Marcin examines whether the challenge lies in the technology itself or in the expectations created by vendors and the media.

12:22: The panel discusses the evolution of language learning models and artificial general intelligence, including their potential as long-term investments and the question of credibility.

16:44: Pablo addresses plateaued product life cycles and how companies can continue building meaningful AI-driven growth strategies.

18:05: The panel agrees that the greatest barriers to AI adoption are people and organizational change management and not the technology itself.

24:29: The discussion explores where AI is genuinely improving fitness operations and member experiences and where it is being oversold or misapplied.

31:05: The panel debates whether mass personalization leads to better outcomes or simply higher engagement.

33:35: The conversation turns to accountability, governance, and risk management for operators and vendors implementing embedded AI technologies.

38:08: The panel discusses what minimum government standards for AI in the fitness industry could look like.

39:55: The speakers outline practical steps operators should be taking today to prepare their businesses for AI adoption.

45:50: The panel shares closing thoughts on the realities and the risks of overhyped AI.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://www.fibo.com/

https://fitness-kpi.com/

https://www.qodeca.com/

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.hans-muench.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-muench-653346a/

https://x.com/Lazarusmunich

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloviñaspre/

https://x.com/PabloVinaspre

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcinobel/

https://x.com/marcinobel

https://www.bryankorourke.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke sits down with Tracey Spain Estes, Senior Account Manager at LG Electronics. Tracey brings more than 20 years of experience in the health, wellness, and fitness industry, with a proven track record in strategic account leadership and sales performance. Her background includes leadership roles with Life Fitness and the YMCA, where she developed deep expertise in strategic development, sales operations, marketing strategy, and fitness training. With a strong focus on technology in the fitness industry, Tracey joins Bryan to explore the evolving role of screens in creating immersive fitness experiences and what this shift means for operators, members, and the future of connected fitness.

Checkout FITC's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18

One Powerful Quote:

18:14: "Digital technology if designed properly and placed appropriately supports, emphasizes, and encourages that experience with the human."

4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:23: Bryan invites Tracey to share her professional background.

5:13: Tracey discusses LG Electronics as a consumer brand with a growing B2B vertical focus.

6:29: Tracey highlights what has surprised her most about the fitness industry.

8:08: Tracey addresses common pain points related to in-club screen displays and physical environments.

10:38: Tracey expands on screen applications beyond personalization.

13:54: Tracey shares her perspective on the future of immersive, in-club experiences.

19:07: Tracey offers advice for club owners on enhancing the member experience.

21:59: Tracey reflects on key learnings from other industry sectors.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://www.lg.com/us/

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-spain-estes-b031b018/

https://x.com/TSpainEstes

https://www.bryankorourke.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke sits down with Florian Brauer, Senior Global Brand Manager for FIBO—the world's largest exhibition platform for health, fitness, and wellness. Florian oversees FIBO's global brand strategy, shaping its international identity and managing a growing portfolio of regional events, including FIBO Arabia. He also cultivates partnerships with industry organizations, federations, and thought leaders worldwide. As a central figure behind one of the industry's most influential gatherings, Florian plays a key role in bringing together leading commercial and educational programming each year in Cologne. Today, Florian joins Bryan to share insights into FIBO's evolution, its global expansion, and what to expect from their upcoming event.

FIT-C Innovation Outlook Panel:

Explore the session details here: https://www.fibo.com/germany/en-gb/show-programme/Programme-Details.4776.260915.en--what's-coming-what's-missing-what's-next-the-fit_c-innovation-outlook.html

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/newsletter

One Powerful Quote:

15:47: "I kindof have the feeling that there is a movement that's just starting."

4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:56: Bryan opens the conversation by exploring Florian's background and the growth of FIBO.

6:20: Florian discusses the significant evolution of FIBO's format and exhibition style.

8:07: Florian shares insights on FIBO's expansion into the Middle East and what that market represents for the industry.

12:02: Florian highlights FIBO's Future Forum and other upcoming events.

15:22: Florian leaves listeners with his key insights and advice.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://www.fibo.com/

https://www.europeactive.eu/

https://www.europeactive.eu/ehff

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-brauer-a43b96a3/

https://www.bryankorourke.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163