ISPO Shanghai ended successfully with 8% more visitors. © ISPO

The enthusiasm for sport in China continues undiminished. This could be felt at ISPO Shanghai, which took place from 5-7 July at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). The trade fair attracted 15,579 trade visitors and key opinion leaders (KOL) who came to the show to learn about the latest trends and products of around 550 brands from the fields of running, outdoor, health and fitness and water sports.

The highlights of the supporting programme included the International Football Forum with a visit by Chinese football legend Fan Zhiyi and the keynote speech by Chinese mountaineer Xia Boyu.

Leading platform

“The atmosphere in the full halls was very good. The great interest underlines the importance of ISPO Shanghai as the leading platform for the international sports business in China,” commented Tobias Gröber, Executive Director Business Unit Consumer Goods at Messe München and Director ISPO Group.

In addition to previewing new trends, the fair offered the opportunity to expand the personal network in the Chinese market. Numerous exhibitors and visitors also used the matchmaking program to meet the most important Chinese e-commerce providers and retail chains. A total of 470 meetings were held.

Highlights

The visit of the Chinese football legend Fan Zhiyi to the International Football Forum caused a high number of visitors. The Bundesliga International with its clubs FC Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Schalke 04, Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfL Wolfsburg and Bayer 04 Leverkusen was another highlight. The visitors were also deeply impressed by the experience reports of the Chinese mountaineer Xia Boyu, who stood on Mount Everest at the age of 69, double amputated. “For the outdoor industry and numerous outdoor enthusiasts, he is a role model, an inspiration,” said Mr Gröber.

Lecture programme

All the rows in the comprehensive lecture and forum programme were fully occupied, organisers report. Experts provided information on market potential, retail in China and fashion trends. The latter could also be seen in the joint fashion show with Tmall. Brands, such as Aigle, Columbia, Kailas, Lafuma and The North Face, presented their latest collections, which could then be purchased in the Tmall shop. production processes and new developments in manufacturing.

The next ISPO Shanghai will take place at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) from 2-4 July 2020.

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