Two of the industry’s leading authorities unite to deliver an unmatched in-person learning experience for exercise professionals
INDIANAPOLIS and SAN DIEGO — The American College of Sports Medicine® (ACSM) and the American Council on Exercise® (ACE) today announced a landmark partnership to present the 2027 ACSM & ACE Health & Fitness Summit in Chicago. Together, they are creating what promises to be one of the most impactful educational experiences in the industry.
Designed for exercise professionals, health coaches, fitness facility managers, business owners and exercise science students, the Summit will bring together the science and practice of health and fitness in one dynamic, collaborative environment. The 2027 event will take place March 6-8, at the Hilton Chicago, and will mark the highly anticipated return of the ACSM Health & Fitness Summit to an in-person format following a virtual-only experience in 2026.
By uniting two of the most respected and influential organizations in the industry, the Summit will offer attendees an unparalleled opportunity to learn from leading researchers, educators and practitioners via programming designed to facilitate immediate, real-world application.
“Advancing science and translating it into practice is at the heart of ACSM’s mission,” said Katie Feltman, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of ACSM. “By partnering with ACE, we are uniting our strengths to better serve fitness professionals and the communities they impact. Bringing the Summit back in person in 2027 will foster deeper learning, stronger connections and new opportunities for professional growth.”
“ACE’s mission to Get People Moving comes to life through education that empowers professionals to turn science into meaningful action in people’s everyday lives. We’re honored to bring that same spirit to this newly expanded Summit experience,” said Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, Chief Executive Officer of ACE. “When organizations come together around a shared purpose, we can create stronger pathways to health, expand opportunity, and positively impact the well-being of individuals and communities around the world.”
Evidence-Based Education Meets Real-World Application
The 2027 ACSM & ACE Health & Fitness Summit will bridge cutting-edge research with practical tools and strategies that exercise professionals can put to work immediately. Educational sessions will explore topics across program design, behavior change, performance, business development and the impact of exercise on overall health and wellness — all grounded in science and structured for immediate application.
Attendees can expect:
- Science-driven educational sessions led by top researchers and industry professionals
- Hands-on workshops to apply new skills and techniques
- High-energy workouts showcasing innovative programming
- Meaningful networking opportunities with peers and leaders
The 2027 Summit will also serve as a unique opportunity for undergraduate exercise science students and faculty to connect classroom learning with real-world application, career pathways, and mentorship.
Fitness professionals and students alike are encouraged to mark your calendars, watch for additional details, registration information and speaker announcements in the coming months.
For more information and updates, visit acsm.org/summit.
###
About the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with nearly 50,000 members and certified professionals in more than 100 countries. Together, ACSM is committed to the mission of educating and empowering professionals to advance the science and practice of health and human performance. ACSM advocates for legislation to help the government and health community make physical activity a priority.
About the American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Since 1985, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) has been the leading non-profit education and certification provider for health coaches and exercise professionals in the United States and around the world.
With more than 90,000 highly respected certified health coaches and exercise professionals, ACE Certified Professionals are on the ground daily helping people move, stay active and make lasting lifestyle behavior changes to build healthier communities.
Headquartered in San Diego, ACE collaborates with public health partners to educate people of all backgrounds about the importance of physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors; advocates for public policies to increase physical activity opportunities; and supports scientific research that investigates the efficacy of behavior-change interventions and the effectiveness of exercise practices and trends. Learn more at acefitness.org.
