ISPO Munich trade show records increase in foreign exhibitors

According to the organisers, visitors at the ISPO Munich sports/outdoor apparel and equipment show were on par with the previous year, while the number of exhibitors increased by 57% to reach 2,400. The number of foreign brands and companies, coming from 54 countries, was also well up, rising by 64%, so that exhibitors from outside Germany accounted for 93% of the names on show. 

Among the new exhibitors, the show included 93 start-ups that used the event as a platform to increase their visibility, carve out a place for themselves within the sector, and increase their business connections. The show’s rich programme of conferences and workshops, on 10 different stages, featured innovation labs, masterclasses and roundtable debates, and it was as always graced by the presence of many renowned athletes and industry personalities.

Among those attending this edition were Colin Kaepernick, Thomas Tuchel, Yusra Mardini, Gordon Herbert, Nirmal Purja, Stéphane Ashpool, Reinhold Messner, Oliver Bierhoff and Michael Ballack, as well as German designer Philipp Plein, who presented his eponymous label’s Plein Sport line at a dedicated stand. 

Collaborating with the Highsnobiety and Zeitgeist websites also helped the show reach new lifestyle target groups, according to the organisers. “This year again, we have been able to show clearly that sport, in all its diversity, is much more than just physical activity, equipment and entertainment,” said Tobias Gröber, CEO of the Ispo Group. 

“Just as the sports industry is constantly evolving, we are always adding new formats such as master classes, innovation labs, conferences and innovative partnerships, like those with the German Sustainable Development Award, the Laureus Sports Awards, Yunus Sports Hub and Change Now, without losing sight of our sporting goods industry roots,” added Gröber. 

Stefan Rummel, managing director of the Messe München group, hailed the show’s positive results, given the tough economic context. “We are pleased to see that our trade show is perceived worldwide as a must-attend event for the sports sector. This was evident in the great interest shown by foreign exhibitors, and the enthusiasm of visitors and speakers from all over the world,” said Rummel.

Ispo Munich’s next edition will be held in a year’s time. In the meantime, on June 3-5, the organiser will be holding the OutDoor by Ispo event at the Munich Exhibition Centre, focusing on outdoor sports.