ISM 14th edition of
in MADRID
‘Skills and Workforce Development Towards EuropeActive’s 2025 Horizon’
2023 22nd -23rd of November
OUR SPONSORS:
Table of Contents
01.
CONTENTS
Introduction
02. Message from our leaders
03. About Madrid
04. Venue & Gala Dinner
05. Official Club Sponsors
06. Programme Day 1
07. Programme Day 2
08-10. Keynote Speaker Highlight
10-15. Speakers
INTRODUCTION
The International Standards Meeting (ISM) is EuropeActive’s main event for training providers, employers, practitioners and other key stakeholders in the fitness and physical activity educational Sector. It has become one of the most important education-focused events in Europe with the goal of ensuring high, comparable and standardised training of fitness professionals, resulting in happy and healthy people across Europe. This 14th edition of the ISM will be held in the emblematic Meliá Castilla Hotel, an oasis of serenity and refinement in the centre of Madrid. Over 7000 m2 conference spaces, it has 29 meeting rooms and an auditorium with a capacity of 511 people. Why Madrid? The Spanish capital has been proclaimed best global meetings destination in 2022 at the World Travel Awards. The safety of the city, the excellent transport connections and its diverse cultural and leisure offer, makes Madrid one of the best cities in the world for organising meetings and conferences. Madrid is a cosmopolitan city that combines the most modern infrastructures and the status of financial centre with an impressive cultural and artistic heritage, a legacy of centuries of exciting history. It has extensive and beautifully maintained parks and gardens, such as the Retiro Park, which offers locals and visitors the chance to relax and enjoy the nature. The ISM this year takes place in the European Year of Skills, a European Commission initiative targeted at addressing skills gaps and skills mismatches. As the ISM focuses on Standards and skills development within the fitness and physical activity Sector, the Year of Skills is central to the Commissions skills strategy to support skills-related activities and events across Europe. Skills have always been high on the EU agenda but are now more important than ever. ‘Europe is running out of skilled people’ (Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, 2023), with many industries including hospitality, care, health and our own fitness and physical activity Sector struggling to fill job vacancies. While there are still some issues with unemployment skills shortages are now the central issue and are becoming endemic in Europe. The Commission has invested massively in skills but change needs to happen close to the ground, through what Margaritis Schinas (European Commission Vice President for Promoting our European Way of Life) describes as ‘a de-Brusselised skills revolution for all of Europe’. It is, therefore, the role and responsibility of all sectors to find sector-specific solutions. The EuropeActive educational Standards and the International Standards Meeting will lie at the heart of fitness and physical activity Sector skills solutions. So, if you would like to be involved in shaping skills policy in the European fitness and physical activity Sector, please join us for this year’s 14th International Standards Meeting, in beautiful Madrid. In keeping with the European Year of Skills and, to promote the value and visibility of skills, this year’s prestigious event will focus on skills and workforce development and the Standards that will drive this development. Join us in Madrid and let’s Make Skills Count!
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MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERS "I am very excited to see the positive feedback and enthusiasm from the industry as we build-up to our 14th International Standards meeting to be held in Madrid in November. We invite training
providers,
employers,
practitioners
and
other
key
stakeholders in the fitness and physical activity educational Sectorto join us for this fantastic industry gathering. Let’s make sure we build the bridge between health and fitness by providing strong and up-to-date standards for our facilities and workforce. “
President, David Stalker
"
Empower your fitness journey at ISM Madrid 2023: Where Excellence Meets Innovation!
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ABOUT MADRID 1. Royal Palace (Palacio Real): Explore the grandeur of Spain's royal history by visiting this stunning palace. Don't forget to wander through the beautiful Sabatini Gardens nearby. 2. Prado Museum (Museo del Prado): Immerse yourself in art at one of Europe's premier art museums, home to an incredible collection of Spanish and European masterpieces.
3. Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro): Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a rowboat ride in this expansive park. It's a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. 4. Puerta del Sol: The symbolic center of Spain, this bustling square is a great place to start your Madrid adventure. It's also home to the iconic "Bear and the Strawberry Tree" statue.
5. Plaza Mayor: Experience the charm of Madrid's main square, known for its vibrant atmosphere, cafes, and beautiful architecture. 6. Gran Via: Shop 'til you drop on this famous shopping street, filled with boutiques, theaters, and restaurants.
7. Temple of Debod: A unique attraction, this ancient Egyptian temple was gifted to Spain and offers a mesmerizing view of the city at sunset. 8. Mercado de San Miguel: Satisfy your taste buds with a visit to this historic market, where you can sample a wide variety of Spanish cuisine and tapas.
9. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Included with your ticket!): Football fans won't want to miss a tour of Real Madrid's legendary stadium. 10. Churros and Chocolate: Indulge in this classic Spanish treat at a local café. It's the perfect way to recharge during your adventures.
Remember to take your time and savor the rich culture, art, and cuisine that Madrid has to offer. Enjoy your visit!
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VENUE The emblematic Hotel Meliá Castilla will host the 14th edition of the ISM. Over 7000 m2 conference spaces, it has 29 meeting rooms and an auditorium with a capacity of 511 people. Adress: C. del Poeta Joan Maragall, 43, 28020 Madrid
EFHS & ISM DINNER L´ALBUFERA RESTAURANT Restaurant L’Albufera Melia Castilla is the maximum exponent of the rich Levantine gastronomy and its famous rice dishes in Madrid. L’Albufera del Meliá Castilla has more than 35 years of experience. They endorse them as the maximum exponent of the rich Levantine gastronomy and its famous rice dishes in Madrid. In an elegant and contemporary atmosphere, we hope you enjoy their extraordinary market cuisine, full of history and flavor. Adress: C. del Poeta Joan Maragall, 43, 28020 Madrid
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OFFICIAL FITNESS CLUB SPONSORS GoFit, Fitness Park, and Basic Fit are generously offering complimentary club access to all EfHS & ISM participants. Dive into top-tier fitness experiences, courtesy of our esteemed sponsors!
GO fit Vallehermoso Adress: Avda. de Filipinas, 7, 28003, Madrid
FITNESS PARK Principe Pio Adress: Centro Comercial Príncipe Pio. Paseo de la Florida, 2. Madrid.
Basic- Fit : all clubs in Madrid Adress: see the link for all clubs
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PROGRAMME DAY 1
Wednesday, 22nd of November 2023
Room: El Escorial
9.00
Opening and welcomes from Spanish/Madrid authorities and Julian Berriman
9.30
Keynote Presentation Assoc. Prof. Melody Ding
10.30
Coffee Break
11.00
Get to know each other session – Exercising mental health awareness Dr. Ankita Malhotra
11.30
THINKactive Workforce Research Study Prof. Alfonso Jimenez
12.15
The Clinical Exercise Professional: A New Role for Europe Dr. Rita Santos Rocha and Nathan Reeves
13.00
Lunch
14.00
A strategic plan for the European fitness sector workforce Julian Berriman, Sarah Edmonds and Espen Arntzen
15.30
Coffee Break
16.00
Have Your Say, Reviewing the EuropeActive Core Occupational Roles Dr. Anna Szumilewicz and Julian Berriman
17.00
Closing Remarks
20.00
EfHS & ISM Dinner L´Albufera Restaurant
PROGRAMME DAY 2
Thursday, 23rd of November 2023
9.00
Group review - Conclusions from Day 1
9.30
Building Stronger Standards – the New Strength and Conditioning Standards Dr. Ian Jeffreys, Daniela Fond, Dr. Stephan Geisler and Dr. Simon Gavanda
10.30
Coffee Break
11.00
A Change of Approach – the Health/Lifestyle Coach Ari Langinkoski, Dr. Imran Rashid
12.00
The NEPPE Project – delivering training and assessment in a digital world Dr. Anna Szumilewicz
13.00
Closing Remarks
13.30
Lunch
For more in-depth information
KEYNOTE SPEAKER HIGHLIGHT Dr. Ankita Malhotra Get to know each other session – exercising mental health awareness Join us for a thought-provoking and engaging 30-minute session designed to break the ice and foster meaningful connections at this year's ISM. In this session, Dr. Ankita Malhotra will discuss the relevance of sound mental health in an industry often dominated by physical appearance. She will provide participants with some practical techniques to ease anxiety and stress in day- to-day life and underline the importance of spreading positive messages regarding mental health. Prof. Alfonso Jimenez: THINKactive Workforce Research Study Within our Sector, EuropeActive recognises the need for on-going skills analysis and in 2023 is planning a THiNKactive Workforce Analysis and Report. This report will explore structural and functional demand-supply challenges for the European industry regarding the workforce and, the implications for exercise professionals and key stakeholders (operators, training providers, policy makers, etc.). It is also planned that this will include a ‘job task analysis’ to identify current and needed skills. Additional elements will include salary/compensation and career progression. This session will reveal the proposed areas of analysis and canvas the audience for input and opinion. Dr. Rita Santos Rocha & Nathan Reeves: The Clinical Exercise Professional – A New Role for Europe Many European universities and all the other suppliers of higher education outside the continent offer bachelor and master programmes in the fields of exercise sciences, kinesiology, health and fitness, sport sciences, etc. The European health and fitness market provides amazing job opportunities for graduates and postgraduates coming from those educational backgrounds. In practice, there are not enough graduates working in the fitness industry. This session will present and open for discussion the newly developed Level 7 Clinical Exercise Professional Requirements Profile. This profile seeks to recognise Masters graduates with the knowledge and expertise to deliver meaningful outcomes in regards to the European Public Health Agenda.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER HIGHLIGHT Julian Berriman, Sarah Edmonds & Espen Arntzen: 2023-2030 - A Strategic Plan for the European Fitness Sector Workforce The existing programmes of accreditation of training companies delivering educational programmes based on EuropeActive’s standards, and EREPS providing professional recognition of competency for fitness trainers need updating in their purpose in a digital era. New ways of dealing with the significant challenges of meeting the increasing demand for qualified professionals are required to ensure that there are the right people with the right skills in the right roles. This will be essential in supporting the growth and entrepreneurship of the fitness sector in the coming years. In recognising that persistent change is with us, and as we undergo the twin digital and green transitions, there is a need to rethink how we prepare the workforce for the jobs of the future, and how we match talent to opportunity more efficiently and equitably. There are talented fitness trainers everywhere, and many more are needed in the future to deliver an increasing range of products and services being offered. In this session, they will describe and discuss with the group a refreshed strategic direction and set out the organisational requirements and resources to shift to a new model that removes current tensions in VET and the fitness sector. Dr. Anna Szumilewicz & Julian Berriman: Have Your Say, Reviewing the EuropeActive Core Occupational At last year’s ISM the CEN standards for operating and manging fitness clubs and the qualifications for fitness trainers and supervision (EN 17229) were discussed. They affect every fitness club in Europe and are being assessed through the independent inspection scheme called FITcert. The CEN standards for people are based on the EuropeActive core fitness occupations and potentially provide a framework in which all international Standards can be framed. This framework has recently been updated by a Technical Expert Group formed by the Professional Standards Committee. This update will be presented and discussed. Participants will then be divided into groups and the main occupational roles (Fitness Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Exercise for Health Specialist) will be discussed and areas for inclusion and update identified.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER HIGHLIGHT Dr. Ian Jeffreys, Daniela Fond, Dr. Stephan Geisler & Dr. Simon Gavanda: Building Stronger Standards – the New Strength and Conditioning Standards Historically, strength and conditioning evolved out of the sphere of elite sports performance, and for many years was the preserve of this arena. However, of late the potential impact that strength and conditioning could have in a much wider arena has been appreciated. As a result, its influence has spread into a much wider and diverse area, with strength and conditioning methodologies now being deployed by non-elite as well as elite performers and in an ever-increasing range of settings. As a result, the development of Standards that lay out the scope of practice for a strength and conditioning coach, along with an outline of core competencies required for effective practice, is an important step forward in developing standards of practice across Europe and, a clearly defined skill set that facilitates the delivery of strength and conditioning across multiple settings. Ari Langinkoski & Dr. Imran Rashid: A Change of Approach – the Health/Lifestyle Coach Health and wellness coaching (HWC), in its focus non-directive and empathetic behavioural change techniques (BCTs), appears to offer much to an industry which consistently identifies a lack of soft or communication skills in its workforce. As a role that is relevant and usable for both exercise and health care professionals it also has much potential in bridging the gap between the fitness and physical activity Sector and allied health professions. However, at this moment a lack of precision in the definition of HWC presents a significant barrier to the wholehearted adaptation of HWC in the fitness or healthcare context. EuropeActive has now worked with technical experts from across Europe to bring greater clarity to this role the results of which will be presented and discussed. Dr. Anna Szumilewicz: The NEPPE Project – Delivering Training and Assessment in a Digital World Digitization is beginning to dominate in various areas of activity, including educational services. However, how effective is entirely remote training and assessment of practical skills in planning and implementing exercise programs? How can we be sure that after completing online vocational courses, exercise professionals are ready for the needs of the labour market? Using the example of the international NEPPE project (The New Era of Pre- and Postnatal Exercise), we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of training conducted entirely online. The increase in professional competences of training participants and their opinions on the effectiveness of the training will be presented. We will also raise the issue of the potential opportunities of online tools to improve professional qualifications in the fitness sector and promote physical activity in countries with different socio-economic status.
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SPEAKER PROFILE'S Julian Berriman Julian Berriman MA, BSc(Hons)Ost is the Director of EuropeActive’s Professional Standards Committee with responsibility for overseeing the development and review of EuropeActive’s Sector Qualifications Framework. These educational standards have been developed in wide consultation with the European fitness industry and are the basis for the accreditation of training providers and individual instructors and trainers across Europe, as part of the European Register of Exercise Professionals. Mr Berriman has worked within the fitness sector for more than 20 years and has directed both an industry-leading training provider and awarding organisation. He has written, delivered and managed vocational qualifications at all levels.
Assoc. Prof. Melody Ding Associate Professor Melody Ding works in physical activity, behavioural epidemiology and chronic disease prevention research. She led the 2016 and 2021 Lancet Series on Physical Activity and Health and has been an enthusiastic advocate for equal access to an active lifestyle. Melody has published more than 200 journal articles and was the recipient of the 2018 NSW Young Tall Poppy of the Year, the 2019 Australian Museum Eureka Prize Emerging Leader in Science, and the 2021 Ministerial Award for Rising Star in Cardiovascular Disease Research. She was named in 2022 as Australia’s Top 20 scientists under 40. She is currently the co-editor in Chief for the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. Her work has informed policies, guidelines, and practices around the world and has received extensive media coverage around the world.
Dr. Ankita Malhotra A highly creative, dedicated and innovative education specialist with over 15 years of experience of the development of nationally and internationally recognised professional qualifications and continuing professional development courses. Dr. Ankita currently is the education and training Director for FSSA Council and is 'On a mission' to promote mental health at a grass roots level. Under her aegis, a school of mental health was launched in 2020 and since then she and her team have been working tirelessly to reduce the stigma around it, taking inspiration from her own life. She is also exploring neuroplasticity and neurolinguistic programming for the same cause.
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Prof. Alfonso Jimenez Professor Jimenez is Full Tenured Professor (Catedrático) of Exercise Science & Health (Área Educación Física y Deportiva) at URJC Centre for Sports Studies and Director of Research and Innovation at Ingesport-GO fit, heading the so-called GO fit LAB as PI. Alfonso is also an elected member of the Board of Directors of EuropeActive (Ethics and Strategy Committees) and Director of THiNK Active (EuropeActive new Research Center); member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the ukactive Research Institute (of which he was founding director); and Director of the Observatory of Fundación España Activa. He is serving as Visiting Professor at the Universities of Victoria (Melbourne, Australia), Sheffield Hallam (Sheffield, UK), Coventry (Coventry, UK) and Greenwich (London, UK).
Assoc. Prof. Rita Santos-Rocha Prof. Rita Santos-Rocha, began her career in the fitness industry in 1989, in Portugal. She started to work at the Sport Sciences School of Rio Maior (ESDRM) – Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, in 1998. In 2006, she obtained a PhD in Human Movement-Health & Fitness. Currently, she is an associate professor with habilitation in physical activity and health and a researcher with emphasis on Exercise in Pregnancy & Postpartum. Rita is the Vice-President of the Portuguese Association of the Exercise Physiologists (APFE). Member of the Professional Standards Committee (2010-2020), she was involved in several Technical Expert Groups of the EuropeActive’s Educational Standards for the Fitness Sector.
Nathan Reeves Nathan is a senior lecturer at School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University and is the program director for the Bachelor of Exercise Science suite of programs. He is the current Chair of the Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Standards Council, and Director and Company Secretary of the International Confederation of Sport and Exercise Science Practice. He was formerly the ESSA National Board Director from 2010-17, and President/Chair from 2014-17. Nathan is the ICSESP project lead for the first audit of international CEP standards and is heading the work to develop a core set of CEP standards.
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Sarah Edmonds Sarah Edmonds is well known in our industry within the UK, having for many years been at the forefront of driving up standards in the education and training of the workforce. Starting out herself as an instructor, PT, Gym Programme Manager, she moved intoqualifications and regulatory compliance, with stints as Director of Quality and Standards at both YMCA Awards and Active IQ. She was one of the original judges for the FLAME awards - now "Active Uprising" - and the (FIA, now ukactive) Code of Practice pilot programme across the UK, and has extensive experience mapping European training provision to EQF standards. Sarah has a Masters Degree in Educational Assessment (Institute of Education at UCL), and is a sought after consultant supporting clients with policy and process development for regulatory compliance, or the design and quality assurance of valid and fair assessments in vocational and technical industries.
Espen Arntzen Espen is the Founder and CEO of The Norwegian Academy of Personal Training as well as the newly established Wellness Health and Technology that also includes the brands The Academy and SAFE from Sweden. He is a Dr of Naprapathy from The Scandinavian College of Manual Medicine in Stockholm and has been involved in education since 1994 and started working as a Personal Trainer in 1991. He also holds a number of different international certifications in strength and conditioning as well as coaching and has worked with several national teams and individuals in different sports as a performance coach. His proudest accomplishments are his beloved wife and two children.
Dr. Anna Szumilewicz Associate professor at Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport (AWFiS) in Poland. Her research interests are bi-directional. She analyses the areas of knowledge, skills, and competencies of exercise professionals in relation to the European Qualification Framework. In the experimental studies she assesses the influence of various exercise programmes on health in special populations, including pregnant and postpartum. Since 2011 she has been cooperating with EuropeActive (EA), currently as the Deputy Director – Standards. In Poland, she has been closely cooperating with the Polish Sport Ministry in a position of Vice-President of the Council for Education and Training of Physical Culture Professionals. 13
Prof. Ian Jeffries Ian is an internationally renowned and award-winning coach, educator and author and regarded as a world authority in the development of speed & agility for team sports. An Emeritus Professor in strength and conditoning, Ian has worked with athletes, clubs and sports organisations in over 20 countries around the world. He is the author of 11 books, 29 book chapters, over 100 peer reviewed articles and is the editor of Professional Strength and Conditioning. He is a former Vice President of the NSCA and Vice Chair of the UKSCA and is a fellow of both organisations.
Daniela Fond As a semi-professional tennis player in Germany and the USA, Daniela gained extensive experience in competitive sports. After studying sports science she became one of the first PTs in Germany and a specialist in functional training. In 2012 she joined Perform Better Europe to develop the Perform Better Institute as Head of Education. Working with leading presenters and coaches in the industry and establishing high quality education (TRX, FMS, NASM, EXOS, MBSC, etc.) in the DACH region raised Daniela's demand for standards in education. Today as co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization NSCA GC Germany, Daniela is passionate about supporting S&C coaches and establishing international standards for strength and conditioning in Germany.
Dr. Stephan Geisler Dr. Stephan Geisler is a German sports scientist and professor of fitness and health at the IST University of applied science in Düsseldorf. There he developed, among others, the BA program "Fitness Science" and the MA program "Exercise Science and Sports Nutrition". He is also a lecturer at the German Sport University in Cologne, where he developed, among other things, the advanced training course "Athletic Trainer". He is author and reviewer of various international publications and is mainly dedicated to the professionalization of the fitness and athletics scene. His passion and research focus is on strength training and Olympic weightlifting. He is also known with recognition as the “fitnessprofessor” on social media. (derfitnessprofessor.com/youtube)
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Dr. Simon Gavanda Dr. Simon Gavanda researches and teaches at the IST University in Düsseldorf in the department of "Fitness and Health". At the German Sport University Cologne, he completed the Bachelor's program "Sport and Performance" and subsequently the Master's program "Exercise, Science and Coaching". He mainly conducts research in the field of applied training theory with a focus on "strength training". Simon Gavanda has also been working as an independent athletic trainer since 2014, with a focus on American football and cheerleading. He also has coaching experience as a defensive line coach with the Dutch national youth team (Dutch Junior Lions), the U15/U16 NRW selection (Green Machine) and in the European League of Football with the Cologne Centurions. As a competitive athlete, he is active in cheerleading after swimming and American Football (German Football League 2006-2017, Swiss National League A 2018-2019). Since 2022 he is head of CSCS education NSCA GC GERMAN.
Ari Langinkoski Ari Langinkoski, ACE-CHC, ACE-CPT, is a practicing health coach. He has had a significant role in developing coaching curriculums in leading Finnish training academies for the past 15 years. In addition, he’s the founder of NHA, one of the leading private Finnish continuing education providers for the healthcare and health and fitness sectors. Currently, he’s studying for a Ph.D. at the University of Eastern Finland School of Medicine on the Best Practices of Health Coaching.
Dr. Imran Rashid Dr. Imran Rashid, a specialist in general medicine, is a noted techentrepreneur and the former Chief of Innovation at Aleris, one of Scandinavia's premier private hospital chains. A prolific author, he has penned multiple bestsellers exploring the nexus between humanity and technology. Currently serving as the Director of Health Innovation at the global healthtech firm Lenus.io, Dr. Rashid stands out as a prominent thought leader in Denmark, paving the way for physical and mental wellbeing in the age of Machines and Algorithms.
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