During the last four days, more than 85,000 visitors and 2,732 exhibitors from around the world turned Munich into a gathering for the international sports industry. The positive atmosphere in the industry was clearly noticeably in the full halls of the ISPO Munich trade show this week. Besides the latest products, there was also key impetus for industry and trade, organisers report.

“Even in the digital age, the analogue world is indispensable. That was clearly noticeable at ISPO Munich. This is where strategies are developed and partnerships formed in personal exchanges,” said Klaus Dittrich, Chairman & CEO of Messe München.

“We provide a platform for dealing with the challenges that will face the trade sector in the future. And not just during the four days of the fair. Thanks to digital services such as ISPO Open Innovation and ISPO.com, we do this 365 days a year.”

Strong increase in visitors from abroad

More than 85,000 trade visitors from 120 countries attended the fair in Munich. That is an increase of approximately 6% over the last year. This year's ISPO Munich was also more international than ever. The largest increases came from Italy, Russia, Great Britain, China and the US. According to Gelszus Market Research, making the trip to the fair was worthwhile, according to visitors, 97% of which gave the exhibition a rating of good to excellent.

A total of 2,732 exhibitors – also a record – presented their products and innovations at the fair. That is an increase of 3% compared to 2016. A trend that has been noticeable in recent years is also continuing, according to Messe München CEO Klaus Dittrich. “Electronics continues to make its way into the sporting goods sector more noticeably than ever,” he explained. Products that were on display included ski poles equipped with sensor technology, virtual-reality headsets for a more emotional shopping experience and a digital ski trainer in an inlay sole.

Focus on women

Women in sports, both as industry executives and as a target group, were an important central theme at this year's ISPO Munich. The focus here is not just on selecting the right colours, but on breaking away from conventional ways of thinking and doing a better job of taking women needs into account than in the past.

For instance, the Women’s Lounge was a meeting place that allowed a large number of female industry representatives to make new contacts. Special tours to the stands of manufacturers such as VAUDE and Garmin and a lecture program geared toward women attracted female visitors in large numbers. The FC Bayern Munich Women's Football Team also appeared impressed during their tour of the exhibition.

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