There will be a record number of exhibitors and a strong international presence at ISPO Munich.
When it starts on February 5, it will have 2,732 exhibitors and a significant increase in the number of countries from abroad, making the fair more international than ever.
From the latest winter sports trends and suitable outdoor equipment to the latest fitness and sports fashion trends and technical textiles: The industry will showcase everything that will be in the stores in the upcoming season at ISPO Munich from February 5 to 8.
Klaus Dittrich, chairman/CEO of Messe München said: “The 16 halls at the Messe München trade-fair centre are booked to capacity. 89 percent of exhibitors are from abroad.”
Besides Germany, the countries with the largest numbers of exhibitors are China, Italy, Taiwan, Great Britain and the United States.
This year’s new exhibitors include Samsung, Casio and Triumph. The Outdoor sector has seen strong growth with 40 new exhibitors.
Among other things, they include international brands such as Scrubba, a former BRANDNEW finalist (2015) from Australia, and Sealand Gear from South Africa.
GROWTH POTENTIAL FOR THE INDUSTRY
To be successful in the market for the long term, it is important for companies to tap new growth potential.
The ISPO consumer report, a survey of 3,500 consumers in the D/A/CH region, shows where that potential can be found. ISPO compiled the report in conjunction with the Konzept & Markt market research institute.
Health and fitness sports disciplines such as yoga and pilates are more popular than ever, making them a huge future market. In addition, sports have a growing influence on fashion, so it also has a great deal of potential.
The market for wearable electronics also continues to be very promising. ISPO Munich will give exhibitors such as Samsung, Casio, Garmin and Polar a chance to present their latest developments in a special Mobile Health & Fitness area in Hall B5.
ISPO Munich is partnering with Bogner and the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits to examine the topic of virtual reality in the retail trade. Thanks to a virtual reality headset, visitors can stand on a 500-metre-high tower of ice in the middle of a winter wonderland with an eagle circling above them in the middle of a snowstorm. A small bridge guides the guest through a portal and a journey through time through the world of Bogner begins. Then the traveller makes a short ski run in the latest Bogner outfits.
The results of the ISPO consumer report and the ISPO sports evolution report will be presented at the ISPO Academy on Sunday, February 5 from 2pm–3.30pm and on Wednesday, February 8 from 11.15am–11.45am.
HERRMANN MAIER BEING HONORED WITH THE ISPO CUP
Ski legend Hermann Maier will be honored as the “Sports Personality of the Year” at the ISPO VIP Dinner on Tuesday. Maier is an exceptional athlete and the second most successful ski racer in World Cup history.
Other guests from the world of sports and politics are also expected. Among other things, windsurfer and kite surfer Robby Naish, ski legends Bode Miller and Maria Höfl-Riesch and ultra-runner Florian Neuschwander will be at the fair.
All events and a list of prominent guests are available at the ISPO Munich website.
FOCUS: WOMEN IN SPORTS
Targeting women and addressing them specifically makes it possible to tap new sales potential in the sports industry. ISPO will provide a stronger platform for the topic of women in sports. Whether as managers, influencers or as a target group for the sports industry, the status quo shows that there is a need for action. As part of the ISPO ACADEMY, panel discussions about women as a target group in the sports industry are planned.
Women visitors can take advantage of the Women’s Business Lounge in Hall B1. On Sunday through Tuesday at 11am and 3.30pm, it will also be the starting point of the ISPO Experts4Women Tour of select brands.
A guided tour of the fair for women, which is being organized in conjunction with Messe München’s “Women Connect” initiative, is also planned.
Another highlight in the program of events is a visit by five Olympic gold medallists from the FC Bayern Munich Women’s Football Team on Monday, February 6.