Why I’m Speaking at Two Global Conferences This Spring
FIBO 2026 – Cologne and Future Tense Conference – Zagreb
Dear all,
This spring I will be speaking at two important international conferences, and I’m genuinely excited about the conversations these events will bring.
As contrast therapy continues to grow rapidly across wellness, fitness, and hospitality, the need for science, standards, and trained professionals has never been greater. These two events bring together leaders who are shaping the future of these industries — and they represent an important opportunity to ensure that contrast therapy develops with rigor, safety, and scientific understanding.
FIBO 2026 – Cologne
I will be speaking at FIBO 2026, the world’s leading trade show for fitness, health, and wellness in Cologne.
FIBO gathers operators, gym owners, recovery brands, investors, and innovators from across the globe. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the adoption of cold plunges, saunas, and contrast therapy within gyms and performance facilities.
But with rapid adoption also comes an important question:
How do we ensure these practices are implemented safely and effectively?
My talk will focus on the science of contrast therapy and metabolic health, but also on something equally important: the need for evidence-based protocols and trained staff.
Contrast therapy should not be implemented as a trend or a “biohack.” When used correctly, it is a powerful tool that can support metabolism, recovery, nervous system regulation, and overall health.
This is exactly why I developed the Thermalist® — to provide clear scientific protocols and professional training of staff so that facilities can implement contrast therapy with confidence.
You can read more about the program clicking this link: FIBO.com
If you want to hear about the science of contrast therapy for metabolic and mental heatlh, you can book your ticket here:
Future Tense Conference – Zagreb
On April 22, 2026, I will also deliver a keynote at the Future Tense Conference in Zagreb.
Future Tense is one of Croatia’s leading B2B conferences focused on future trends, innovation, and new business models. The event brings together leaders across technology, science, business, and public institutions.
Previous editions have been held under the patronage of the Ministry of Science and Education of Croatia, the City of Zagreb, and several European embassies.
My keynote will explore how contrast therapy is evolving from a niche wellness practice into a structured health intervention — and why the next phase of the industry must be built on standards, research, and professional education.
You can read more about the program clicking this link: FUTURE TENSE.COM
Why standards matter
Today, contrast therapy is being installed in:
• hotels
• gyms
• spa facilities
• recovery studios
• dedicated contrast therapy spaces
But without clear protocols and staff training, these installations risk becoming random wellness features rather than intentional health practices.
In my talks I’ll present the science, what to think about when building business around contrast therapy and what they can do.
Through the Thermalist® Method, I work with facilities to ensure that contrast therapy is implemented with:
scientifically grounded protocols
staff education in safety and physiology
clear guest guidance
structured contrast sessions
confidence for both operators and participants
When done correctly, contrast therapy becomes more than a trend — it becomes a structured health practice that guests can trust and return to.
A growing global conversation
What excites me most about these events is the opportunity to bring science into the rooms where decisions are made. I want people to see the science, understand what we know and don’t know - essentially what parts of it we can use in practice.
Whether we are speaking about hotels, gyms, or dedicated contrast therapy studios, the same principle applies:
When wellness practices scale globally, standards become essential.
I’m looking forward to sharing the science behind contrast therapy — and to helping shape how this rapidly growing field develops in the years ahead.
If you are attending FIBO or Future Tense, I would love to meet you there.
Warm regards,
Dr. Susanna Søberg