More than 80,000 visitors from 110 countries came to ISPO Munich that took place from 26-29 January. This year, the trade show experienced a strong increase of visitors from other nations, such as the USA and Russia.

Klaus Dittrich, Chairman of the Management of Messe München, commented: “The atmosphere at ISPO Munich 2014 was very good. All relevant statistics are extremely positive, and once again confirm our role as the international leading platform for the entire sports business.”

Opening new doors

With 2,565 exhibitors from 51 countries ISPO Munich celebrated a new exhibitor record. The net exhibit space was increased by yet another 1,500 square meters to 104,720 square meters in total. In addition to a number of new special exhibit areas, such as for Padel Tennis, the new Health & Fitness Hall received very positive feedback.

Klaus Dittrich commented: “The desire for fitness, balance, vitality and youth offers new revenue potential for the sports retail business. It was an important step to present the Health and Fitness trend in a designated exhibit hall at ISPO Munich, and thus create a new target group.  We opened the doors for a new health movement. Our customers’ feedback was extremely positive.”

Positive feedback

Visitors were also positive about the trade show overall, with nearly 75% of them rated ISPO Munich 2014 excellent to very good.

They were also asked about what they think about the future of the exhibition. Nearly half of polled visitors said they believe that  ISPO Munich will continue to gain importance.

The largest start-up competition also received positive feedback, as almost 84% rated ISPO Brandnew very good to good. The sports industry’s seal of quality, the ISPO Awards, generated a lot of attention from trade show visitors and the international press.

Exceptional support

“Foremost of all I would like to heap some praise on ISPO Munich. The support we at Patagonia received was exceptional,” said Stefan Wahlén, Managing Director, Patagonia Europe. “The trade show went more than well for us. What we noticed is that ISPO Munich is increasingly turning into a multi-segment exhibition. Every brand is there, resembling a multi-brand store.”

Martin Riebel, CEO, Deuter, also said that ISPO Munich is particularly important for the company as a platform to present its winter sports segment to German retail. “Though we came with our entire sales team to also service the international market. Many Koreans and other Asians visited our booth. We have had a long-time cooperative relationship with ISPO.”

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