Announcing Our Latest Line-up: Emmanuel Brunet, Hedwig Neels & Phil Burt Join the IBFI Conference 2026
- lee5323
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
We are thrilled to announce three exceptional new speakers for the upcoming IBFI Conference — Emmanuel Brunet, Hedwig Neels, and Phil Burt. Each brings a distinct blend of expertise, insight, and world-class experience to our community of bike fitters, frame builders, and cycling professionals. Read on to discover what they’ll be presenting — and why this is the conference you don’t want to miss.
Emmanuel Brunet
Emmanuel Brunet, Equipment & Technology Manager at UCI, brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of cycling performance, regulation, and rider safety. His talk, “Balancing Innovation and Safety”, addresses a timely and critical issue for the cycling world. In a landscape where aerodynamic innovation and high-performance gear are evolving rapidly, Emmanuel will explore how new equipment rules, rider positioning, and protective gear can—and should—be used to regulate performance while prioritising rider safety.
This session is particularly relevant to bike fitters and professionals: as the tools of the trade evolve, fitters must stay ahead of regulatory changes, safety protocols, and evolving standards. Expect thoughtful insight into how we can embrace technological advance without compromising rider welfare — a must for those who want to harmonise performance, compliance, and responsible fitting.
Dr Hedwig Neels
Dr Hedwig Neels addresses a subject often ignored — the often-overlooked issue of genitoperineal complaints in cyclists. Her talk, “Breaking the Saddle Soreness Taboo”, tackles problems like soreness, numbness, swelling, and skin damage. She will show how bike fit, clothing, and evidence-based treatments — not just the bike — can help prevent and manage these issues, improving comfort and performance at every level of cycling.
For many riders — from recreational to competitive — saddle-related discomfort is a critical barrier to enjoyment and performance. Dr Neels’ presentation elevates the conversation, reminding us that a “good fit” is more than geometry — it’s about comfort, health, and long-term rider wellbeing. For fitters who want to offer truly comprehensive, rider-centred services, her insights will be invaluable.
Phil Burt
Long-time advocate for precision fitting, frame design, and performance optimisation, Phil Burt brings decades of hands-on industry experience to his talk, “Stance Width: The Hidden Fit Parameter or… The Next Short Cranks?” In this lecture, he argues that stance width — how far apart a rider’s feet are — might be the next frontier in bike fitting. He will draw on real-world observations to explore how foot position influences comfort, power output, and injury risk.
For many fitters and frame builders, crank length and saddle position are familiar variables. Phil’s take challenges us to broaden our view: by considering stance width, we may unlock a new dimension of comfort and performance. This makes the session especially relevant to those working with custom frame geometry, serious athletes, or riders who’ve struggled to find a truly optimal fit.
Why You Should Get Your Ticket Now
Attending the IBFI Conference 2026 is more than just sitting in on presentations — it’s an investment in your professional growth, your network, and your ability to deliver better service to every rider who walks through your door.
CPD-ready & Industry Credibility: The conference provides up to 30 of the required 50 CPD credits within a two-year period — more than halfway to professional recertification in just one event. That makes it a top value for any fit studio, frame builder, or cycling professional committed to continuous learning and standards.
High-calibre education & knowledge sharing: With speakers like Emmanuel, Dr Neels, and Phil — covering regulatory standards, rider health, comfort, fit innovation, and performance — the conference delivers rare, multi-dimensional insight you don’t get in everyday workshops.
Networking with industry leaders: You’ll be side-by-side with other fitters, frame builders, physiotherapists, brand representatives, and service providers — people you’ll likely collaborate with in the future. Whether seeking mentorship, partnerships, or simply to exchange ideas, the networking potential is immense.
Hands-on exposure to the latest products & technologies: Many top bike-fitting, contact-point, and cycling brands will be exhibiting — giving you a first look at new tools, contact-point solutions, pressure-mapping systems, motion-capture gear, and more. This is a prime opportunity to trial the latest fit and retail tech — all in one place.
Boosted credibility for your business: Attending (or better, certifying) through IBFI helps differentiate your offerings — clients and retailers alike recognise the commitment to professional standards, science-based fitting, and ongoing education.
Join Us — Be Part of Something Bigger
The upcoming IBFI Conference 2026 is shaping up to be a milestone event. With Emmanuel Brunet, Dr Hedwig Neels, and Phil Burt on the docket, you’re not just attending — you’re participating in the latest thinking, research, and craftsmanship shaping the future of bike fitting and design.
Whether you’re a full-time bike fitter, a frame builder, a physiotherapist, a retailer, or someone passionate about the science and art of fit — this is your chance to upgrade your knowledge, broaden your network, and see what tomorrow’s bike-fit world will look like.
Secure your place today. We look forward to welcoming you and seeing how you’ll take what you learn and turn it into better fits, smarter builds, happier riders… and a stronger, more professional community.
See you at the conference.
Capacity is limited to 100 attendees — we recommend booking now to avoid disappointment.