After a completely sold-out run in 2026, The Pilates Journal Expo is heading back to Huntington Beach — and this time, organizers are betting the three-day gathering will feel less like a conference and more like a career reset for the Pilates community. Set for January 15–17, 2027, at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, the Expo promises hands-on workshops, frank business conversations, and a chance to rub elbows with the biggest names in the industry.
For studio owners wrestling with hiring and retention — or instructors wondering what their next move looks like — the weekend is designed to offer real answers. “A studio owner might come to rethink how they build their team. An instructor might leave with a fresh way to teach a familiar exercise or a clearer idea of where they want to go in their career. Bringing those conversations together is what makes the Expo valuable,” said CJ Zarb, founder and editor-in-chief of The Pilates Journal.
The education track alone reads like a who’s who of the Pilates world. Educators including Tracey Mallett, Maria Leone, Laura Hanlon, and Maria Bardet will lead sessions covering the art of teaching, classical and contemporary approaches, advanced Reformer work, and connections across the Mat, Reformer and Chair repertoire.
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But it’s not all about perfecting the pelvic curl. Friday’s dedicated Studio Owner Forum zeros in on the business side: attracting and retaining clients, improving studio profitability, and building a strong team. Across the weekend, the Merrithew® Leadership Stage will host discussions on where the Pilates market is headed, how hybrid studios operate, how retail can generate revenue, and when it makes sense to franchise — or stay boutique.
Attendees can also explore the Expo Hall, where brands like Balanced Body, Merrithew, Technogym, Club Pilates, WeGym, Naboso, Human Reformer, Bala, Mariana Tek, Momence and Stakt will showcase equipment, accessories and business tools. On Saturday, anyone curious about franchise ownership can meet operators including Club Pilates, BODYBAR Pilates and KX Pilates at Franchise Row.
Event details: January 15–17, 2027 at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, in Huntington Beach, California. Program and tickets are available at www.pilatesjournalexpo.com. For a look back at the last Expo in Miami, check out this recap.
Media contact: CJ Zarb, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Pilates Journal — editor@pilatesjournal.com | @the_pilates_journal | 805.600.5018.
The Expo will also head to Sydney, Australia, from February 19–21, 2027.
Why it matters: As the Pilates industry continues to grow — with boutique studios, franchises, and hybrid models competing for clients and talent — events like this Expo are becoming essential for professionals who want to stay sharp, both in the studio and in the boardroom. For instructors and owners alike, the chance to learn from peers and top educators in person is increasingly rare — and increasingly valuable.
